Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5124059 (Build 28020.2904) for Windows 11 version 26H1, intended for insiders on the Beta channel. This update marks an important milestone in the development of the Windows Insider Program. Insiders on the Experimental channel (26H1) will begin receiving builds from the new 28120 series, while the Beta channel (26H1) officially launches based on builds from the 28020 series. As a result, Windows 11 26H1 insiders now have the same choice between the Beta and Experimental development branches as on other channels, with all the associated differences. In addition, it is now possible to easily switch between the Experimental channel (26H1) and the Beta channel (26H1) through system settings, which is done via an in-place upgrade (IPU), without the need to perform a clean reinstall of Windows. It is worth reminding that Windows 11 26H1 is a targeted release intended for specific platforms coming out this year, including devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 series processors. In other cases, it is recommended to remain on the main version of Windows selected by default in advanced options.
- Switching between Beta and Experimental channels. Insiders on the Experimental channel (26H1) can easily switch to Beta (26H1) and vice versa by changing the channel selection under “Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program”. The transition is performed via an in-place upgrade (IPU), without a clean reinstall of Windows.
- Fix for pinch-to-zoom. Fixed an issue in recent builds where pinch-to-zoom on the touchpad stopped working in certain applications.
To install update KB5124059, go to “Settings > Windows Update” and click “Check for updates”. After the download is complete, a computer restart will be required for the changes to take effect.
It is also important to note that insiders can manually select Windows 11 version 26H1 in the advanced options of the “Windows Insider Program” section, however this release is intended primarily for new platforms, including devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon X2, so on other computers it is recommended to remain on the version selected by default.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase / Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switching between Beta and Experimental channels via in-place upgrade (IPU) | 🟢 Slight increase (no clean reinstall reduces system degradation over time) | 🟢 High (preserves installed apps, drivers, and user settings during channel switch) | 🟡 Neutral to slight increase (avoids fresh-install overhead and reconfiguration time) | ⚪ No direct impact |
| Fix for pinch-to-zoom on touchpad | ⚪ No direct performance impact | 🟢 Medium (restores expected input behavior in affected applications) | 🟡 Negligible (removes stutter or unresponsiveness caused by the bug) | ⚪ No direct impact |
Official announcement on the Microsoft website.
The last 10 Windows updates:
| Update | Build | Version | Windows | Channel | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5126657 | 19045.7807 | 22H2 (ESU) | Windows 10 | Stable | 2026-10-13 |
| KB5126653 | 22631.7652 | 23H2 | Windows 11 | Stable | 2026-10-13 |
| KB5127646 | 28000.3231 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Stable | 2026-10-13 |
| KB5127648 | 26300.9711 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Stable | 2026-10-13 |
| 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 |