Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (KB5074157) to the Dev Channel, bringing a set of useful UI improvements, feature tweaks, and important fixes to testers worldwide. This build is the same as the recent Beta Channel release from January 16th, now rolling out for Dev Insiders as well.

📌 Dev Channel Gets the Latest Build (Same as Beta)

Although Dev and Beta channels typically receive different builds, Microsoft chose to publish the same 26220.7653 preview build in both channels this week, giving developers and early testers broader reach while the Dev Channel prepares for future updates.

Insiders currently in the Dev Channel can still switch to the Beta Channel if they prefer a slightly more stable experience — but this window will close soon as Microsoft advances to higher-numbered builds.

🎨 Key Improvements and Feature Updates

🧑‍💼 Modernized Account Dialogs

Windows 11’s Account Settings menus are getting a visual upgrade with updated dialog designs using the modern WinUI framework, which now supports both Light and Dark modes for a smoother, more consistent experience.

🧠 Click to Do Improvements

The Copilot prompt suggestions in the Click to Do feature now load instantly, making Copilot interactions quicker and more responsive on compatible PCs. Note that this tweak isn’t available yet in the European Economic Area (EEA) or China.

🖼️ Desktop Background Enhancements

You can now set .webp images as your desktop wallpaper directly through Settings > Personalization > Desktop Background — a long-awaited ability for users who prefer the modern, smaller-file-size WebP format.

🔧 Important Fixes in Build 26220.7653

This build includes fixes for several system areas:

  • Taskbar and System Tray: Fixes for unexpected autohide behavior and interaction issues.

  • Start Menu: Memory leak resolution and layout fixes for Arabic and Hebrew languages.

  • Bluetooth: Battery level display issues on supported devices corrected.

  • Xbox Full Screen Experience: Improved stability for certain apps and games.

  • Login & Lock Screens: Corrections to display issues with password icons.

  • Settings App: Fixes for crashes when interacting with audio devices and keyboard delays.

  • Other Core Areas: Explorer.exe, .appinstaller behaviors, and high-scale text clipping issues resolved.

⚠️ Known Issues to Be Aware Of

Even though this build brings important improvements, a few issues remain under investigation:

  • Some apps may still behave oddly in Xbox Full Screen Experience mode.

  • System tray icons might not display properly in certain configurations.

  • Some display and graphics glitches affecting secondary monitors have been reported.

  • A Click to Do Copilot prompt issue exists when the Copilot app isn’t running.

🧠 Insider Notes

This update is based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and includes features using Controlled Feature Rollout — meaning Microsoft is enabling experiences progressively to monitor performance and user feedback.

If you’d like to be among the first to try new features as they arrive, you can enable the “latest updates” toggle under Settings > Windows Update. However, features in Insider builds may change over time or never reach a final public release.

📝 Final Thoughts

Build 26220.7653 continues Microsoft’s pattern of refining Windows 11 through incremental previews, blending visual updates with stability improvements and community feedback. Whether you’re a developer, power user, or enthusiast Insider, this build offers a solid mix of polish and problem resolutions to test ahead of future Windows releases.

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