Microsoft released cumulative update KB5089497 (Build 28020.2134) for Windows 11, version 26H1 for insiders on the Canary channel. Windows 11 Insider Preview build 28020.2134 is a build that belongs to the br_release development branch and is available to participants of the Windows Insider program on the Experimental channel (26H1). Users of this channel will now receive updates for Windows 11, version 26H1 (Build 28020), which is activated based on Windows 11, version 26H1 (Build 28000) using the feature enablement package KB5073122 (Feature Enablement).
- Ability to skip installing updates right at the initial setup stage (OOBE). Added capabilities that enhance security and expand user control over the Windows update process: you can now skip installing updates directly during the initial system setup.
- Extension of update pause. You can extend the update pause as many times as needed, providing more flexibility in managing the installation process.
- Shutdown and Restart actions with applying updates. The Shutdown and Restart actions with applying updates are always available in the power menu, simplifying installation without extra steps.
- More information about available updates. Added the ability to see more information about available updates to make an informed decision about installation.
- Improved reliability of SSDP notifications. Improved reliability of Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) notifications – this reduces the chance of the service hanging.
Known issues: the PC reset process when using the Reset this PC feature may hang. To complete the reset, select Cloud download (Cloud PBR) instead of local reinstallation.
These builds may be unstable and released with limited documentation. Builds released to the Experimental channel (26H1) represent the latest platform changes at early stages of development and are not tied to any specific Windows release. Features and capabilities included in these builds may never make it to the final version, as Microsoft tries various concepts and collects feedback. Features may change, be removed, or be replaced, and some of them may never become available outside the Windows Insider program. However, when these features are ready, they may appear in future Windows releases.
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 Increase or Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ability to skip updates during OOBE | 🟢 Minor Increase (avoids background update load during setup) | 🟢 High (reduces initial resource consumption) | 🟢 Faster initial desktop reach | ⚪ No direct impact |
| Unlimited extension of update pause | 🟢 User-controlled Increase (prevents unscheduled resource usage) | 🟢 High (allows avoiding updates during critical tasks) | 🟢 Maintains peak speed on demand | 🟢 Potentially beneficial (pauses disruptive background downloads during gaming) |
| Shutdown/Restart with updates always visible | 🟡 Neutral (streamlines process, no performance delta) | 🟡 Medium (simplifies update application timing) | 🟡 Neutral | ⚪ No direct impact |
| More info about available updates | 🟡 Neutral (informational change) | 🟡 Low (informed decisions prevent unwanted reboots) | 🟡 Neutral | ⚪ No direct impact |
| Improved SSDP notification reliability | 🟢 Minor Increase (prevents service hangs consuming CPU) | 🟢 Medium (network discovery stability) | 🟢 Slight responsiveness improvement | 🟢 Potentially beneficial (reduces network service lag spikes) |
| Known issue: PC reset may hang | 🔴 Potential Decrease (stuck process consumes resources) | 🔴 Negative (workaround: Cloud download needed) | 🔴 Severe slowdown during failed reset | 🔴 Negative if reset attempted before gaming |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Skip updates during OOBE | Initial system setup screen (OOBE) | During the initial Windows setup, when prompted to check for and install updates, select the new option to skip installing updates and continue with the setup process directly. |
| Extend update pause | Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates | Open Settings > Windows Update and click Pause updates. After the initial pause period, you can extend the pause again as many times as needed by returning to the same section and selecting the extend option. |
| Shutdown and Restart with updates | Start menu > Power button | Click the Start menu, then click the Power button. The Shutdown and restart actions that apply updates are now always visible as separate options, allowing you to install updates and shut down or restart directly without extra steps. |
| More information about available updates | Settings > Windows Update | Go to Settings > Windows Update. When updates are listed, click on the information or details link associated with a specific update to see more context and make an informed decision before installing. |
Official announcement on the Microsoft website.
The last 10 Windows updates:
| Update | Build | Version | Windows | Channel | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5121132 | 28120.2760 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124040 | 26220.9223 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124042 | 26340.9233 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5121106 | 28020.2731 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5121109 | 28120.2738 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124036 | 26220.9202 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124038 | 26340.9212 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5120996 | 28000.2796 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Preview | 2026-08-14 |
| KB5120998 | 26200.9267 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Preview | 2026-08-14 |
| KB5120240 | 22631.7517 | 23H2 | Windows 11 | Stable | 2026-08-11 |