Key Points
- Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8138 to the Beta Channel, introducing new features and fixes for testers.
- The update includes expanded Administrator Protection controls, customizable touchpad right-click zones, and Task Manager enhancements for AI and app isolation monitoring.
- Features roll out gradually, with Insiders able to receive updates sooner by enabling a toggle in Settings, but all changes depend on feedback and testing.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8138, update KB 5079491, to the Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program. This pre-release build delivers several changes, split between features available immediately to some testers and those rolling out to all Beta Channel participants over time. The distribution uses Controlled Feature Rollout technology, where a subset of Insiders who enable a toggle in Settings > Windows Update get new features first. Microsoft monitors their feedback before expanding availability to the wider group.
A major security addition is the broader rollout of Administrator Protection. After initially targeting IT administrators, this feature is now accessible to all Insiders. Users can enable it via Settings, navigating to Privacy & security, then Windows Security, and Account protection. Switching the toggle on requires a system restart to activate. Administrator Protection adds an extra verification step for administrative actions, helping to block unauthorized changes or malware from gaining elevated access.
For touchpad users, a new setting allows customization of the right-click zone size. Found in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad, options include default, small, medium, and large. This setting defines the bottom-right area where a single-finger press registers as a right-click. It appears only on touchpads with a pressable surface for this function. If a manufacturer’s software has already customized the zone, the dropdown will show a "Custom" entry to preserve that value. This change offers more personalization for laptop users.
Task Manager has been upgraded to provide deeper insights into system resources, particularly for AI hardware. On PCs with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), users can add optional columns to view usage details. These include NPU and NPU Engine columns on the Processes, Users, and Details pages. The Details page also adds NPU Dedicated Memory and NPU Shared Memory columns, showing how workloads consume NPU resources. If a GPU contains neural engines, they now appear on the Performance page, giving a complete view of AI-related activity. Additionally, a new optional Isolation column on the Processes and Details pages indicates which apps run in an AppContainer, a security sandbox. To enable these columns, users right-click a column header in Task Manager and check the desired options. These improvements help users and administrators monitor performance and security more effectively.
The build also addresses two specific issues. An accessibility fix resolves a problem that impacted Braille display functionality for Insiders in recent flights. Another correction fixes a bug where Windows displayed in English instead of the user’s preferred display language for some testers.
Microsoft reminds Insiders that features in preview builds are experimental and may change, be removed, or never reach general release. Localization for new features is ongoing and may be incomplete. The desktop watermark in the lower right corner is normal for pre-release Insider builds. Insiders are encouraged to report localization issues or other feedback via Feedback Hub. The Flight Hub page offers a complete overview of builds across Insider channels.
Looking ahead, the gradual rollout strategy allows Microsoft to refine updates based on real-world testing. Insiders who want early feature access should keep the toggle in Settings > Windows Update turned on. Others will receive features incrementally as they are ready. This approach aims to balance innovation with stability, ensuring Windows 11 evolves with user input and technological advancements.
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