Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8697, bringing a collection of quality-of-life improvements aimed at making everyday Windows interactions more reliable. While the update also introduces the first visible signs of Windows 11 version 26H2, the most noticeable changes focus on File Explorer, the Start menu, and the Taskbar.
The latest Experimental Channel build continues Microsoft’s efforts to refine core Windows experiences ahead of future feature releases.
File Explorer Gets Better Dark Mode Consistency
File Explorer receives one of the key improvements in Build 26300.8697.
Microsoft has updated the Copy dialog experience in Dark Mode, addressing visual inconsistencies and reliability issues that some Insiders encountered. The improvements cover both the launch experience and the expanded progress view shown during file transfers.
These refinements help create a more polished appearance throughout File Explorer and ensure the copy process feels smoother and more consistent across different themes.
For users who regularly move large files or work in Dark Mode, the update delivers a cleaner and more reliable file management experience.
Start Menu Now Updates Installed Apps More Reliably
The Start menu also receives an important reliability enhancement.
In previous builds, newly installed or removed applications did not always appear correctly in the Start menu immediately. Some users needed to sign out or restart Windows before changes were reflected.
With Build 26300.8697, Microsoft has improved the way the Start menu detects app installations and removals. Newly added apps should now appear more consistently, while uninstalled applications are removed from the Start menu without requiring additional steps.
The improvement helps ensure that the Start menu stays synchronized with the current state of installed applications, making it more dependable for everyday use.
Fix for Smaller Taskbar Layout
Microsoft has also addressed an issue affecting users who have enabled the newer smaller taskbar option.
Some Insiders reported that the system tray could become partially hidden, cut off, or pushed beyond the visible screen area when using the compact taskbar layout. This could make important icons and notifications difficult to access.
Build 26300.8697 fixes the issue, improving the overall usability of the smaller taskbar configuration and ensuring that system tray elements remain visible and properly aligned.
Windows 11 26H2 Begins Appearing for Insiders
Alongside these interface improvements, Microsoft has updated Windows version information for Experimental Channel users.
The operating system now identifies itself as Windows 11 version 26H2 under both the About page in Settings and the winver dialog, signaling continued development toward the next major Windows release.
A Refinement-Focused Update
Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8697 is less about introducing flashy new features and more about improving the experiences users interact with every day. By refining File Explorer’s Dark Mode interface, improving Start menu app detection, and fixing Taskbar layout issues, Microsoft continues to enhance the reliability and polish of Windows 11 as development of version 26H2 progresses.
For Windows Insiders, these updates provide a smoother and more dependable desktop experience while offering an early look at the next phase of Windows 11.
Stay tuned to WinCentral for all latest news about Windows 11 update related news and keep reading our full coverage here.
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