Key Points
- Microsoft released new Windows 11 Insider builds to Beta and Experimental channels on 7 October 2026
- New Windows Search adds inline actions for quick settings toggles and runs on WinUI 3
- New Battery Status widget shows PC and peripheral battery levels in one place
What is changing
Windows Insiders on the Experimental channel can now test a redesigned Windows Search built on WinUI 3. The search box is faster, cleaner, and lets you toggle dark mode, Bluetooth, brightness, mute, and window layouts directly from results. Microsoft also improved typo and synonym matching, with more tuning planned.
A new Battery Status widget appears in the Widgets board under Add widgets. It shows battery levels for your PC and connected peripherals like mice and keyboards in a single view, so you do not need to open multiple settings pages to check power status.
Why it matters
This matters most to Windows Insiders who want early access to interface changes before general release. The Search inline actions could save time for anyone who frequently adjusts basic settings, while the Battery widget helps laptop users track multiple devices at a glance.
The impact is limited to Insiders on Experimental builds 26340.9616 and 28120.3181 for now. Features may change or roll out slowly. Beta channel notes were not detailed in the announcement, so most users will wait longer for these changes.
Have you tried the new Search actions or Battery widget? Share what works or feels clunky in the comments.