Microsoft is continuing to experiment with new Windows 11 features in Insider Experimental Preview Build 26340.9212, with this release bringing several changes beyond the redesigned File Explorer context menu.
The latest flight introduces easier access to Camera Roll Backup, completes another step in the removal of the legacy Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool, and adds support for Emoji 17.0.
As with other Windows Insider experiments, these features are being gradually rolled out, so not every tester will see them immediately.
Camera Roll Backup Gets New Settings Entry Points
One of the more useful additions in Build 26340.9212 is improved access to Camera Roll Backup.
Microsoft is adding new entry points on the Settings > Home and Settings > Accounts pages. These shortcuts are designed to make it easier for users to set up automatic photo and video backups from their mobile devices.
Once configured, photos and videos from a phone can be automatically backed up to OneDrive, providing a convenient way to keep mobile memories synchronized with Microsoft’s cloud storage.
The new Settings experience also shows the current backup status, helping users quickly determine whether their phone’s camera roll is already being backed up.
Why Camera Roll Backup Matters
Phone photos are among the most common files people want to protect, but setting up automatic backups can sometimes require searching through multiple apps or settings.
By placing Camera Roll Backup directly inside key Windows Settings pages, Microsoft is making the feature more visible and easier to discover.
For users already invested in the Windows and OneDrive ecosystem, this could make moving between a phone and Windows PC considerably more seamless.
WMIC Is Now Removed
Another important change in this build is the removal of Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line, or WMIC.
Microsoft has been gradually deprecating WMIC, and Build 26340.9212 takes another step toward completing that transition by removing it from this release.
WMIC has traditionally provided a command-line interface for interacting with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). It has been widely used by administrators, scripts and older utilities to retrieve system information and manage Windows components.
Its removal means users and developers relying on legacy WMIC commands will increasingly need to move toward modern alternatives, particularly PowerShell and WMI-based APIs.
Microsoft describes this as part of its ongoing deprecation and removal process for WMIC.
What WMIC Removal Means for Users
Most everyday Windows 11 users are unlikely to notice the change.
However, advanced users, IT administrators and older scripts that still depend on WMIC may need to be updated. Organizations with legacy automation should pay particular attention as Microsoft continues removing the older command-line tool from Windows builds.
Windows 11 Adds Emoji 17.0 Support
Build 26340.9212 also brings Emoji 17.0 support to Windows 11.
The update adds several new emoji, including:
- Distorted face
- Fight cloud
- Hairy creature
Windows users can access the emoji picker by pressing Windows key + Period (.).
Microsoft is also making smaller visual adjustments to some existing emoji to improve consistency across platforms.
The updated designs include changes to the:
- Saluting face
- Face with peeking eye
- Goose
- Lotus
- Kissing cat
These may seem like minor changes, but emoji support has become an increasingly important part of modern operating systems, particularly as users communicate across Windows, Android, iOS and other platforms.
Build 26340.9212 Is More Than a UI Update
While the redesigned File Explorer context menu remains one of the headline experiments in this Windows 11 Insider build, the additional changes show that Microsoft is working on several areas of the operating system at once.
Camera Roll Backup makes cloud photo protection easier to find, WMIC removal continues Microsoft’s modernization of Windows management tools, and Emoji 17.0 keeps Windows’ built-in communication features up to date.
Together, these changes make Build 26340.9212 an interesting experimental release for Windows Insiders.
Windows 11 Build 26340.9212: What’s New?
Here’s a quick look at the latest changes:
- Camera Roll Backup: New entry points in Settings > Home and Settings > Accounts make mobile photo and video backup easier to configure.
- OneDrive integration: Mobile camera roll content can be automatically backed up to OneDrive.
- WMIC removal: The legacy Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line tool has been removed from this release.
- Emoji 17.0: Windows 11 gains support for new emoji.
- Updated emoji designs: Several existing emoji receive visual refinements.
- File Explorer improvements: The build also includes the previously announced redesigned context menu and image preview fixes.
- Start menu changes: Microsoft’s personalized Start menu rollout is being adjusted for some Insiders.
What Happens Next?
Build 26340.9212 is still an experimental Windows Insider release, so these features should not be treated as final versions of Windows 11.
Microsoft can modify, expand, hide or remove experimental features based on Insider feedback and testing results. The Camera Roll Backup experience in particular could evolve as Microsoft works on its integration with OneDrive and Windows Settings.
For Windows Insiders, however, the build provides an early look at where Microsoft is taking the operating system — from a more customizable File Explorer to tighter cloud backup integration and continued removal of legacy components.
Bottom Line
Windows 11 Insider Build 26340.9212 is shaping up to be a feature-packed experimental release. The addition of Camera Roll Backup, the removal of WMIC, and support for Emoji 17.0 complement the broader File Explorer and Start menu changes already being tested.
For regular users, the new camera backup options could be the most practical addition, while developers and system administrators should take note of the continued removal of WMIC.
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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