KB5101683

Microsoft has released the cumulative update KB5101683 (Build 26220.9022) for Windows 11 version 25H2, intended for insiders on the Beta channel. The main technical feature of the build is an update to the pre-release build signing certificate, which expires on August 11, 2026. Devices must be updated to this or a later version to continue receiving future Insider Preview builds. The developers have also brought back the ability to change the taskbar position and added a new compact mode to save screen space. Additionally, the update fixes a number of bugs, including an issue with installation rollback and incorrect network backup operation.

• Certificate update for Windows Insider Program participants. The build contains an updated pre-release build signing certificate. Such certificates are periodically updated so that program participants' devices remain on supported builds and continue to receive future Insider Preview updates. The current certificate is valid until August 11, 2026 — update your device to this or a later build with the updated certificate before that date.
• Alternative taskbar position. You can now change the taskbar position on the screen. In Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, you can choose the screen side: bottom, top, left, or right. In new positions, tooltips, flyout panels, and animations still originate from the taskbar, and most layout settings — such as disabling icon grouping — work in any position. Support for touch gestures, the search box, and the "Ask Copilot" feature in alternative positions is 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. For those who need to free up screen space — especially on compact devices — a smaller taskbar option has been added. The standard taskbar remains the same, while the new mode provides a denser layout with smaller icons and reduced taskbar height, freeing up space for applications. Core elements — Start, search, and the notification area — scale accordingly and maintain alignment. The size is changed in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar size. When set to Small, both the icons and the taskbar height decrease.
• Gamepad navigation in Quick Settings. You can now navigate the Bluetooth page in Quick Settings using a gamepad.

Known issues: auto-hide and touch-optimized taskbar are not yet supported in alternative positions. Support for touch gestures, the search box, and the "Ask Copilot" feature in these positions is still being refined.

The build also resolves an issue that caused an installation rollback with error code 0xc1900101 for some insiders on the Beta channel. Fixed a bug with automatic "File History" backup to network folders over the SMB protocol, where Windows incorrectly reported invalid credentials. Resolved a problem in File Explorer where files on a connected DFS drive could be incorrectly considered as originating from the Internet, leading to the message "The file you are trying to view could harm your computer" and an incorrect Mark of the Web label on copied files.

To install the update, go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.

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