KB5089499

Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5089499 (26300.8493) for Windows 11, version 25H2 for insiders on the Dev channel. The Experimental channel includes the latest preview builds of Windows 11 with new features.

• Movable Taskbar. After five years of absence, the ability to place the taskbar at the top, left, or right of the desktop has returned. In Windows 11 this was removed, and users used third-party programs. In build 26300.8493, Microsoft officially adds the option to choose the screen side in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behavior: bottom, top, left, right. In alternative positions, tooltips, windows, animations, and most appearance settings (small icons, never combine icons mode, and others) work correctly. However, touch gestures, the search box, and the Ask Copilot button are still being refined; auto-hide and touch mode are only supported in the bottom position.
• Reduced Taskbar. A compact mode with smaller icons and reduced height, useful on laptops and tablets. Enabled separately: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behavior > Show small icons on the taskbar, value Always. At the same time, both icons and taskbar height are reduced; the Start button, search box, and system tray scale consistently.
• Widgets Indicator Color. The indicator on the taskbar now matches the Windows accent color instead of being constantly red, reducing the sense of urgency and intrusiveness.
• Automatic De-emphasis of Widgets. Microsoft is testing disabling the indicator for users who hardly use widgets — it hides just as it does for new users by default.
• Windows Search Box Relevance. Work has begun to make files and apps appear before web suggestions if they better match the query. Additional relevance improvements are promised in future builds.
• Fluid Dictation. Automatic correction of grammar, punctuation, and removal of filler words in real time has become available to insiders in Spanish and French. Processing is done locally on small language models (SLMs) for speed and privacy. You can try it in Windows Voice Access and voice input via Win + H.
• Uniform Loading Indicators. The system interface is introducing solid ring (donut) indicators that replace old animations during system startup, account sign-in, reboot, shutdown, and update installation. Each state is accompanied by a caption: Restarting, Updating, Welcome, and others.
• Fixes in File Explorer, Run dialog, and system optimizations. Fixed a bug from the previous build where the Properties item would incorrectly trigger for the Recycle Bin and in other scenarios. In the updated Run dialog, history navigation with up/down arrow keys on first launch has been restored. Also added are the first set of login speed optimizations, improved reliability of switching between virtual desktops, the Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP), the dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth command, and preserving sleep mode after installing an update.

One documented issue remains in this build: the Reset this PC feature may hang. Microsoft recommends using the Cloud download (Cloud PBR) option instead of a local reinstall.

Installation via Windows Update: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.

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