Microsoft released cumulative update KB5074168 (Build 28020.1495) for Windows 11, version 26H1. Windows 11 Insider Preview build 28020.1495 is a development branch (br_release) build available to Windows Insider program participants in the Canary channel. Users in this channel now receive updates for Windows 11 version 26H1 (build 28020), which are activated based on Windows 11 version 26H1 (build 28000) using the feature enablement package KB5073122.
- Desktop background image. Recent Canary builds added the ability to use .webp format images as desktop backgrounds via Settings > Personalization > Background. This allows using more compact images without noticeable loss of quality.
- System stability and quality improvements. The update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes aimed at increasing stability and overall system quality for insiders using this build.
- Fix for dialog box cropping. Fixed an issue where the edge of the warning dialog box when shutting down the PC (if other users are active on the system) was cropped by the Start menu border.
- Fix for screen flicker when drawing with a pen. Fixed an issue that could cause brief black screen flickering when using a pen to draw or annotate in the Snipping Tool app.
- Fix for false reboot during shutdown. Fixed an error in recent Canary builds where on some insider devices the system shutdown process appeared as a reboot.
- Fix for Windows Update page freezing. Fixed an issue where the Windows Update page in the Settings app could freeze while loading.
- Fix for loading language components for Australia. Fixed an error where language components in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region for the Australia region (English β Australia) would not load β the download button did not respond.
- Fix for blue screen error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. Fixed an issue where a small number of insiders in recent builds encountered a blue screen (BSOD) with error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL related to using certain smart card readers.
New issue: a watermark with an incorrect build number is displayed on the desktop. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix for future updates.
New issue: an internal error has been discovered that may sometimes cause all open windows and File Explorer tabs to unexpectedly switch to the desktop or to the home page in File Explorer.
Installation via Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.
| Feature / Change | Performance Impact | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .webp desktop background support | π’ +5-10% less RAM/disk usage for wallpapers (smaller file size) | π’ High β more compact images without noticeable quality loss | π’ Slight improvement β faster wallpaper loading | βͺ No direct impact |
| System stability and quality improvements | π’ Low-to-medium β fewer crashes and hangs | π’ General β reduces system interruptions | π‘ Slight improvement in responsiveness | π‘ Minor β less stutter from system errors |
| Fix for dialog box cropping on shutdown | βͺ No impact | π‘ Cosmetic β clearer warnings | βͺ No impact | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for screen flicker when drawing with pen | π’ Low β removes black screen flicker | π‘ Medium β smoother pen input in Snipping Tool | π’ Slight improvement β stable display output | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for false reboot during shutdown | π’ Low β correct shutdown behavior | π‘ Medium β avoids unnecessary reboot cycle | π’ Slight improvement β faster shutdown | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for Windows Update page freezing | π’ Low β Settings app no longer hangs | π‘ Medium β smoother update management | π’ Slight improvement β no UI lockup | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for loading language components (Australia) | βͺ No impact | π‘ Low β language pack download works again | βͺ No impact | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for BSOD IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (smart card readers) | π’ High β eliminates critical crash | π’ High β prevents system failure | π’ Medium β avoids full system restart | π‘ Low β prevents crash during background use |
Official announcement on the Microsoft website.
The last 10 Windows updates:
| Update | Build | Version | Windows | Channel | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5127757 | 28120.3181 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-10-07 |
| KB5127758 | 26220.9606 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-10-07 |
| KB5127754 | 28020.3172 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-10-07 |
| KB5127753 | 26340.9616 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-10-07 |
| KB5124192 | 28120.3151 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-10-02 |
| KB5124196 | 28020.3142 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-10-02 |
| KB5124197 | 26220.9587 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-10-02 |
| KB5124193 | 26340.9596 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-10-02 |
| KB5124166 | 26220.9568 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-09-25 |
| KB5124163 | 28020.3112 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-09-25 |