Microsoft is currently testing Windows 11 26H1 via Insider Preview Build 28000, and it’s bringing over a bunch of features people have already seen in earlier Dev, Beta, and stable versions. But here’s the interesting part: even though this build includes some new stuff, it’s not structured like your typical major Windows feature update (according to PCWorld).
One of the changes people will probably notice right away is a more unified dark mode in File Explorer. Before, dark mode was kind of hit-or-miss; some parts of the interface would be dark while others stayed frustratingly bright.
Now, everything actually matches. All those little dialogue boxes that pop up when you’re copying files, moving them around, replacing existing ones, or dealing with errors and progress bars? They’re all properly themed in dark mode now, so the whole experience feels more polished and consistent.
Windows 11 26H1 Features
The Explorer start area also got some upgrades. When you hover over items now, you’ll see new options pop up; things like “Open File Location” or “Ask Copilot,” though what you see might depend on where you’re located.
Microsoft also redesigned how search works in the Settings app, so when you’re hunting for a specific setting, you’ll get better, more helpful suggestions instead of having to dig around endlessly.
Windows 11 26H1 also makes dragging and sharing files smoother, both within File Explorer and when moving files between apps. If you use your phone with your PC, there’s a refreshed Mobile Devices page in Settings that makes managing your connected smartphone easier and cleaner.
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Gamers will appreciate the enhanced Xbox Full-Screen Experience too; it’s designed to feel more like you’re playing on an actual console, giving you that immersive, living-room gaming vibe.
And here’s one more thing: Windows Studio Effects, which used to only work with built-in cameras, now supports external USB webcams.
You can turn it on through the Settings section, which is great news if you prefer using a separate webcam for better video quality during calls or streams.
Reason behind Windows 11 26H1 build
Now, while these updates are nice to have, they’re not really the main story here. The real reason Windows 11 26H1 exists is to get the operating system ready for a whole new wave of Windows-on-Arm devices.
These machines will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 and X2 Elite chipsets, and at least initially, this version of Windows will only be available on devices using those specific chips. Under the hood, it’s built on a new Windows platform that Microsoft is calling “Bromine” internally.
Windows 11 26H1 Release date
If you’re interested in getting one of these new PCs running Windows 11 26H1, you won’t have to wait too long; they’re expected to hit store shelves this spring, so we’re talking just a few months from now. But here’s the catch: if you’ve got a regular PC with an Intel or AMD processor, you’ll stay on Windows 11 25H2 for the time being.
Those traditional PCs probably won’t see their next big consumer update until fall 2026. In the meantime, Microsoft plans to keep developing new features and improvements specifically for the 25H2 version, so those machines aren’t being left behind; they’re just on a different timeline.
