KB5101677

Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5101677 (Build 28020.2623) for Windows 11 version 26H1, available to insiders on the Beta channel. The build contains an updated preview build signing certificate that expires on August 11, 2026 — you must install this or a later build to continue receiving future Insider Preview updates. This build introduces a new unified update installation mechanism that reduces the number of reboots, as well as long-awaited taskbar settings and touchpad gesture improvements.

• Unified update installation mechanism. Driver, .NET, and firmware updates are now aligned with the monthly quality update, resulting in only one monthly reboot required.
• Update pause extension. Added the ability to extend the update pause as many times as needed.
• Touchpad gestures. New gesture functionality for precision touchpads has been added to the Settings app. Basic scroll and zoom speed control, as well as accelerated scrolling with speed ramping on repeated gestures, allow fast navigation through long documents. The features work in most applications. WinUI 3-based interfaces require new versions of WinAppSDK for full support.
• Alternative taskbar position. You can now change the taskbar position on the screen. In Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, choose the screen side: bottom, top, left, or right. Tooltips, flyouts, and animations originate from the taskbar, and most visual settings work in any position. Touch gesture support, the search box, and the Copilot button in alternative positions are still being refined. Auto-hide and touch-optimized taskbar are not yet supported. The smaller taskbar works only in top and bottom positions.
• Smaller taskbar. A reduced taskbar option has been added to save screen space. The mode provides a denser layout with smaller icons and reduced taskbar height. Core elements — Start, search, and the notification area — scale accordingly and maintain alignment. The size can be changed in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar size.

This build also fixes a number of issues. Resolved an error where automatic File History backup to network folders over SMB did not work because Windows incorrectly reported invalid credentials. In File Explorer, fixed an issue with files on a connected DFS drive that could be mistakenly treated as originating from the internet if the device was started without a network connection. This caused a warning in the preview pane and an unexpected Mark of the Web label on copied files.

Features and capabilities included in these builds may never make it to the final release — Microsoft is trying out different concepts and gathering feedback. Features may change, be removed, or replaced and may not ship beyond the Windows Insider program. Some features under active development may not be fully localized; localization will be completed as they are finalized.

To install the update, go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A reboot will be required to complete the installation.

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