Microsoft is rolling out new Windows 11 Insider builds across its Beta, Experimental, and Release Preview channels, timed with a fresh lineup of RTX Spark devices. One Experimental feature changes how Windows Hello works in the dark, but the setting is easy to miss.
White Windows 11 logo and text on a solid blue background.
Microsoft is releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds across its Beta, Experimental, and Release Preview channels, and the release coincides with the launch of a new range of Windows 11 devices powered by the NVIDIA RTX Spark chip. Microsoft says it “never been a better time” to join the Windows Insider Program, and it expects a new group of Insiders and devices to join and help shape Windows.
The builds cover several Windows versions. On the Beta channel, Windows 11 Insiders get Build 26220.9739. The Experimental channel gets Build 26340.9750. Insiders on specific versions have their own builds: Beta (26H1) receives Build 28020.3262, and Experimental (26H1) receives Build 28120.3272. There is no Experimental (Future Platforms) build today. For Release Preview, Windows 11 version 25H2/26H2 receives Build 26200.9807/Build 26300.9807, and version 26H1 receives Build 28000.3351.
Channel / version
Build
Beta
Build 26220.9739
Experimental
Build 26340.9750
Beta (26H1)
Build 28020.3262
Experimental (26H1)
Build 28120.3272
Release Preview, Windows 11 version 25H2/26H2
Build 26200.9807/Build 26300.9807
Release Preview, version 26H1
Build 28000.3351
The release notes highlight two features. The first is a refreshed Gaming Task View in Xbox mode, available on the Beta and Experimental channels. It adds a navigation bar that gives quick access to Exit to Desktop and Power Options, which Microsoft says makes key system actions easier to reach while gaming.
The second is on the Experimental channel. Windows Hello facial recognition can temporarily brighten the screen so you can sign in in a dark or dimly lit room. To turn it on, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello) and enable Automatically adjust screen brightness during face recognition.
Key Features at a Glance
Xbox mode Gaming Task View: Refreshed navigation bar with Exit to Desktop and Power Options – puts key system actions within easy reach during play.
Windows Hello brightness boost: Screen temporarily brightens during face recognition – helps you sign in in dark or dimly lit rooms.
Brightness setting: Found under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello) – lets you opt in to the automatic adjustment.
Beta build 26220.9739: Available to the Beta channel – gives early access to the new Gaming changes.
Experimental build 26340.9750: Carries both the Gaming update and the Windows Hello brightness feature.
Release Preview builds: Build 26200.9807/26300.9807 for 25H2/26H2 and Build 28000.3351 for 26H1 – for users who want the version-specific release.
Availability
The new builds are released today to the Beta, Experimental, and Release Preview channels. Release notes for each build are linked from Microsoft's Windows Insider release notes pages. The article does not list pricing. The NVIDIA RTX Spark laptops are described as the new range of Windows 11 devices, and the article links to Microsoft's RTX Spark laptops page for details.
