As part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft has released several preview builds of Windows 11 in early July 2026, some of which introduce new features and others are improvements to the existing experience only.
In the first two weeks of July, the company began public testing of the Cloud recovery feature, unveiled a new design update for the account manager available through the start menu, and made other improvements for version 26H2.
In addition, Microsoft continues to expand previously announced features to additional Insider channels, including the ability to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro Education for K-12 environments. The company also introduced Taskbar position and size options, as well as Windows Update improvements designed to reduce the number of restarts required each month.
In the test track, we saw builds 26300.8772 and 28120.2387, and builds 28020.2380 and 26220.8764 released in the Beta channel.
In this article, I will highlight the latest and most notable changes available through the Windows Insider Program.
A major upgrade from the Windows Insider program in July 2026
In this article, I’ll highlight the latest and most notable changes available through the Windows Insider Program since my last build.
Cloud rebuilds a new feature
Starting with build 26300.8772, Windows 11 introduces a new recovery feature known as “Clouds again,” designed to make it easier to reinstall the operating system when the computer cannot start, or you want to install a new one.
If this feature sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the same as the cloud download option in Reset this PC. However, Cloud rebuild introduces a new workflow that downloads Windows 11 installation files and drivers and performs a clean install without requiring a bootable USB drive, a custom recovery image, or access to a desktop environment.
Cloud recovery can be accessed from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by going to the “Troubleshoot” page and running “Clouds again” option.
Before you can use the feature, the computer must be running Windows 11 on compatible hardware, and the device must be connected to the Internet using a wireless or wired connection.
Once you have confirmed the Windows 11 version, system, and language, click “Enter,” and the program will wipe the hard drive and reinstall the operating system and drivers.
Account control flyout redesign
In the Start menu, Microsoft is also updating the Account Control flyout with build 26300.8772. The new design offers a modern style that highlights your account information and image.
It also highlights your Microsoft 365 subscription, cloud storage, and access to your benefits.
Make a backup and restore the default settings
On commercial computers, starting with preview build 26300.8772, Windows 11 enables the backup and restore feature policy automatically for devices enrolled in a Microsoft Entra ID or Entra hybrid environment.
The idea is to start the device with backup protection to make the recovery smooth. For example, if the device is reset or replaced, users can quickly return to their personal desktop without additional steps.
Of course, network administrators can always control this transaction, and Microsoft notes that existing policies will always apply, and manually configured settings will always take precedence over default behavior.
Taskbar area settings
The company is also bringing back the ability to change the location of the Taskbar with the release of build 28120.2387 in the test channel.
This change allows users to position the Taskbar at the top of the screen, as well as at the left or right edges, rather than being limited to the bottom.
The setting appears open Settings > Personalization > Job barless than “Taskbar Behavior” part. The setting is called “Work bar area.”
The company notes that flyouts, tools, and animations will follow the orientation of the Taskbar regardless of position.
Also, many existing features will continue to work, including the option to split and display app labels.
In addition, the company reviews the “Show small taskbar button” an option to make the Taskbar smaller instead of just buttons. (As we have seen in other tracks, the company is expected to create a separate option to make the Taskbar smaller.)
Windows Update with a few restarts
As part of Windows 11 build 26220.8764, the company introduced a new integrated Windows Update experience that combines monthly quality updates with driver, NET, and firmware updates.
By combining these updates into a single installation cycle whenever possible, Microsoft aims to reduce the number of reboots users experience each month, with a long-term goal of requiring a reboot once a month.
Windows 11 Education Pro for free K-12 development
Microsoft is changing the installation requirements to allow devices running Windows 11 Home to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro Education at no additional cost for K-12 education.
This change aims to give schools more flexibility when acquiring new devices. However, the company says this is only one option. After upgrading, the only way to go back to the Home edition is to perform a clean installation of the operating system.
Improvements to Windows Search
Outside of its regular download schedule, Microsoft has recently started rolling out a number of improvements to the Windows Search experience on devices registered in the test channel.
First, the company is removing the home screen and focusing on the search experience. As part of this release, the Windows Search home screen only includes your most recent searches, getting rid of visual clutter, including those annoying ads.
In addition, when you do a search and the web result is highly relevant, the information will now prioritize the answer over products and promotions.
Microsoft is also introducing design tweaks to better indicate where each effect comes from. For example, you will get better spacing between objects and interface changes when selecting an effect, including previewing icons.
Second, you’ll now have more control over search results with options to disable web searches and Microsoft Store apps from appearing in Windows Search information.
However, by default, the search will work as usual. It is up to you to customize your search experience from Settings > Privacy and Security > Search.
Third, search information now optimizes local content and rankings, meaning that local results are given more priority for apps, settings, and files, instead of web and Microsoft Store results appearing first if there are better results.
As part of the optimization, you’ll notice that search settings now appear at the top of the results.
Fourth, Microsoft is focusing on improving search accuracy through two specific changes. For example, Windows Search has been updated to better handle typos, missing or extra characters, and partial words.
In addition, this feature will now display results for local files using a two-character file search, and more accurately cloud and linked files if they are a good match.
Windows Central’s Take
I think these Insider builds show Microsoft is focusing on what Windows 11 has needed for a while, improving the experience instead of just adding more features. Cloud refactoring can make recovery much less stressful, while Windows Search changes address major operating system frustrations by prioritizing useful local results over web content.
The reappearance of the Taskbar layout is also a welcome change. It shows that Microsoft is still paying attention to the feedback and is bringing back the flexibility that many users have missed since Windows 11 was launched.
What are your thoughts on the latest Windows 11 internal changes? Let me know in the comments.
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