Windows 11 Beta moves to 26H2 with rebuilt Search

Technology · First reported 6 Nov, 18:21 · Updated 19:10

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Microsoft released five Windows 11 Insider builds on November 6, 2026, including Beta build 26320.9876, which moves Beta Insiders from 25H2 to 26H2. The Beta release features a redesigned Windows Search, while another account highlights a Windows Hello change in the Experimental channel.

Build 26320.9876 moves Beta Insiders from Windows 11 version 25H2 to 26H2 through an enablement package; Microsoft says the version jump alone should not bring significant changes.
The Beta build introduces a gradually rolling out Windows Search redesign based on WinUI 3, with typo and synonym matching and inline actions. English is the only supported language for now.
The five released builds cover Beta, Experimental, Beta 26H1, Experimental 26H1, and Experimental Future Platforms channels.
Other changes described for the Beta build include File Explorer address-bar support for the tilde shortcut and expanded sign-in options on Entra hybrid-joined devices.
The Experimental-channel account describes Windows Hello allowing users to enter a PIN without waiting for face or fingerprint recognition, and says Future Platforms will receive interim weekly builds without new features or payload.