Windows 11 Build 26220 Brings Xbox Experience to All PCs
Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 to both Dev and Beta Channels on November 21, 2025, introducing significant new features for PC users. The update marks a milestone as both channels now receive identical builds based on Windows 11 version 25H2, allowing Dev Channel users a limited window to switch to the Beta Channel before the programs diverge again.
The headline feature brings the Xbox full screen experience to a wider range of Windows 11 devices including desktops, laptops, and tablets. Previously available only on handheld gaming devices, this console-style interface enables controller-first navigation with a clean, distraction-free gaming environment. Users can access the feature through Task View, Game Bar settings, or by pressing Win plus F11 to toggle the experience on and off. The feature initially rolls out to Windows Insiders who are also registered Xbox Insiders, with plans to expand availability to all Insiders later.
Point-in-time restore represents another major addition to the Windows recovery toolkit. This flexible recovery system allows users to roll back their devices to a previous state, restoring apps, settings, and user files to minimize downtime during troubleshooting. The feature appears in the Troubleshoot menu for Windows Recovery Environment and aims to help users recover quickly from system disruptions whether dealing with widespread outages or individual issues.
The update introduces Fluid Dictation for voice typing users on devices with neural processing units. This enhancement automatically corrects grammar, punctuation, and filler words as users speak, powered by on-device small language models to ensure fast and private processing. Users can activate voice typing by pressing Windows key plus H, with Fluid Dictation enabled by default.
File Explorer receives multiple improvements aimed at streamlining the user experience. The context menu has been reorganized to reduce clutter by moving less frequently used actions like Compress to ZIP file, Copy as Path, and Set as Desktop Background into a new Manage file flyout. Cloud provider options and the Send to My Phone feature have also been relocated for better organization. Additionally, Microsoft is testing preloading File Explorer in the background to improve launch performance, with an option to disable this feature in Folder Options if needed.
The Microsoft Store now supports uninstalling Store-managed apps directly from the library page, addressing user feedback. This functionality is available to Windows Insiders across all channels running Microsoft Store version 22510.1401.x.x and higher. Android phone users with devices from vivo, Honor, Huawei, Oppo, and Samsung can now seamlessly resume browsing activity and Microsoft 365 Copilot files from their phones to their PCs.
The build includes numerous fixes addressing taskbar hangs, battery icon display issues, internet connectivity problems after standby, and crashes in Settings when navigating to privacy options. Task Manager now properly displays Die or CAMM memory form factors instead of showing a blank field. A graphics card detection issue affecting certain games has been resolved, and ARM64 PC users should no longer experience crashes with Visual Studio or .NET Framework applications after installing the latest framework update.
Microsoft warns that some known issues remain, including problems with the Start menu not opening on click for some users, missing scrollbars in File Explorer’s dark mode copy dialog, and Bluetooth device battery levels not displaying correctly. The company continues to use Controlled Feature Rollout technology, meaning features gradually reach users over time based on feedback monitoring.
