Microsoft released cumulative update KB5074168 (Build 28020.1495) for Windows 11, version 26H1. Windows 11 Insider Preview build 28020.1495 is a development branch (br_release) build available to Windows Insider program participants in the Canary channel. Users in this channel now receive updates for Windows 11 version 26H1 (build 28020), which are activated based on Windows 11 version 26H1 (build 28000) using the feature enablement package KB5073122.
- Desktop background image. Recent Canary builds added the ability to use .webp format images as desktop backgrounds via Settings > Personalization > Background. This allows using more compact images without noticeable loss of quality.
- System stability and quality improvements. The update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes aimed at increasing stability and overall system quality for insiders using this build.
- Fix for dialog box cropping. Fixed an issue where the edge of the warning dialog box when shutting down the PC (if other users are active on the system) was cropped by the Start menu border.
- Fix for screen flicker when drawing with a pen. Fixed an issue that could cause brief black screen flickering when using a pen to draw or annotate in the Snipping Tool app.
- Fix for false reboot during shutdown. Fixed an error in recent Canary builds where on some insider devices the system shutdown process appeared as a reboot.
- Fix for Windows Update page freezing. Fixed an issue where the Windows Update page in the Settings app could freeze while loading.
- Fix for loading language components for Australia. Fixed an error where language components in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region for the Australia region (English β Australia) would not load β the download button did not respond.
- Fix for blue screen error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. Fixed an issue where a small number of insiders in recent builds encountered a blue screen (BSOD) with error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL related to using certain smart card readers.
New issue: a watermark with an incorrect build number is displayed on the desktop. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix for future updates.
New issue: an internal error has been discovered that may sometimes cause all open windows and File Explorer tabs to unexpectedly switch to the desktop or to the home page in File Explorer.
Installation via Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.
| Feature / Change | Performance Impact | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .webp desktop background support | π’ +5-10% less RAM/disk usage for wallpapers (smaller file size) | π’ High β more compact images without noticeable quality loss | π’ Slight improvement β faster wallpaper loading | βͺ No direct impact |
| System stability and quality improvements | π’ Low-to-medium β fewer crashes and hangs | π’ General β reduces system interruptions | π‘ Slight improvement in responsiveness | π‘ Minor β less stutter from system errors |
| Fix for dialog box cropping on shutdown | βͺ No impact | π‘ Cosmetic β clearer warnings | βͺ No impact | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for screen flicker when drawing with pen | π’ Low β removes black screen flicker | π‘ Medium β smoother pen input in Snipping Tool | π’ Slight improvement β stable display output | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for false reboot during shutdown | π’ Low β correct shutdown behavior | π‘ Medium β avoids unnecessary reboot cycle | π’ Slight improvement β faster shutdown | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for Windows Update page freezing | π’ Low β Settings app no longer hangs | π‘ Medium β smoother update management | π’ Slight improvement β no UI lockup | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for loading language components (Australia) | βͺ No impact | π‘ Low β language pack download works again | βͺ No impact | βͺ No impact |
| Fix for BSOD IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (smart card readers) | π’ High β eliminates critical crash | π’ High β prevents system failure | π’ Medium β avoids full system restart | π‘ Low β prevents crash during background use |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop background image (.webp) | Settings > Personalization > Background | Open Settings > Personalization > Background. Choose Picture as the background type, then browse and select a .webp image file. The selected .webp image will be applied as the desktop background. |
| System stability and quality improvements | Windows Update > Update history | Install the latest build via Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. No additional configuration is required; the improvements are applied automatically after the update is installed. |
| Dialog box cropping fix | Start menu / Shutdown dialog | No manual change is required. After installing the update, the warning dialog when shutting down with other active users will no longer be cropped by the Start menu border. |
| Screen flicker when drawing with a pen | Snipping Tool | No manual change is required. After updating, using a pen to draw or annotate in Snipping Tool should no longer cause brief black screen flickering. |
| False reboot during shutdown | Start menu > Power > Shut down | No manual change is required. After installing the update, the shutdown process will correctly show as a shutdown instead of appearing as a reboot. |
| Windows Update page freezing | Settings > Windows Update | No manual change is required. The Windows Update page should now load without freezing after the update is installed. |
| Language components for Australia | Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region | Open Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. Select English (Australia) and click the download button to load language components. The button now responds normally after the update. |
| Blue screen error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL | Smart card reader usage | No manual change is required. After installing the update, using certain smart card readers should no longer cause a blue screen with error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. |
Official announcement on the Microsoft website.
The last 10 Windows updates:
| Update | Build | Version | Windows | Channel | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5121157 | 28020.2818 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-31 |
| KB5121158 | 28120.2824 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-31 |
| KB5121794 | 26300.9278 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Preview | 2026-08-27 |
| KB5121132 | 28120.2760 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124040 | 26220.9223 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124042 | 26340.9233 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5121106 | 28020.2731 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5121109 | 28120.2738 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124036 | 26220.9202 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124038 | 26340.9212 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |