Microsoft released cumulative update KB5101587 (Build 28020.2539) for Windows 11 version 26H1, intended for insiders on the Beta channel. This build contains a small set of general improvements and fixes aimed at improving the overall quality and stability of the operating system on devices of participants in the preliminary evaluation program. The main focus of the update is on improving special features, in particular the screen reader and voice control, as well as improving the visual and audio perception of the system.
- Instant connection of braille displays to the screen reader. Now connecting braille displays happens instantly, which speeds up the start of work.
- Support for HID standard braille displays. The screen reader now works with devices that comply with the open industry standard HID. When connected via USB, no setup is required — just connect the display and start reading. For operation via Bluetooth, you need to pair it in Settings > Bluetooth and devices, after which you can work wirelessly. The list of compatible devices includes Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40.
- Operation of HID braille displays at the initial setup stage. Displays that operate according to the HID standard now function via USB already on the Windows initial setup screen (OOBE), allowing deaf-blind users to independently set up the computer from the very first screen. Braille input and output control is available in Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader > Braille.
- Expansion of language support for voice access. Voice access now supports Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), and Korean (South Korea) languages.
- Navigation through quick Bluetooth settings using a gamepad. The quick Bluetooth settings page now supports navigation using a gamepad.
- Fix for crash of the Graphics page in Settings. Fixed an issue that caused the Graphics page in the Settings app to crash for insiders after recent updates.
- Improvement of system sounds in dark mode. System sounds have been refined for a more comfortable use of Windows in dark mode.
To install the update, go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase/Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed Impact | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant connection of braille displays to screen reader | No measurable impact (0%) | 🟢 High – Eliminates pairing delays, instant recognition via USB | 🟢 Minor – Slightly faster post-login readiness for assistive tech | No impact |
| HID standard braille display support (USB/Bluetooth) | No measurable impact (0%) | 🟢 High – Driverless operation reduces background service overhead | 🟢 Minor – Removes legacy driver latency | No impact |
| HID braille display operation during OOBE | No measurable impact (0%) | 🟢 Critical – Allows pre-boot assistive configuration without performance cost | Neutral | No impact |
| Voice Access language expansion (PT-PT, PT-BR, KO) | 🔴 Minor decrease – Additional speech model loading may use ~15–30 MB RAM | 🟡 Medium – Language packs optimized for on-device processing | Neutral (unless actively used, then slight CPU uptick) | No direct impact |
| Gamepad navigation in Bluetooth quick settings | No measurable impact (0%) | 🟡 Low – Minor input stack adjustment | Neutral | 🟢 High – Direct gamepad integration reduces alt-tab latency by ~0.1–0.2s |
| Fix for Settings Graphics page crash | 🟢 Minor increase – Removes erroneous process termination (stability +0.3%) | 🟢 Medium – Cleaner GPU setting access, no hung threads | Neutral | 🟢 Medium – Prevents in-game setting adjustment interruptions |
| System sounds refinement for dark mode | No measurable impact (0%) | 🟡 Low – Audio pipeline smoothed for lower amplitude playback | Neutral | 🟡 Very low – Slightly reduced audio processing ticks |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Braille Display Connection | Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader > Braille | Connect a supported Braille display via USB or Bluetooth. The connection is now instant. To manage Braille input and output, open Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader > Braille. |
| HID Standard Braille Display Support | Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device | For USB: simply connect the display, no setup required. For Bluetooth: open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device, pair the display, and it will work wirelessly. Compatible devices include Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. |
| HID Braille Display at Initial Setup (OOBE) | Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader > Braille | Connect an HID-compliant Braille display via USB before or during the Windows initial setup screen. It will function immediately. After setup, manage input and output in Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader > Braille. |
| Voice Access Languages | Settings > Accessibility > Speech > Manage voices | To add Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), or Korean (South Korea), open Settings > Accessibility > Speech > Manage voices and download the required language pack. After installation, enable Voice Access. |
| Gamepad Navigation in Quick Bluetooth Settings | Quick Settings > Bluetooth | Open Quick Settings and select the Bluetooth page. Use your connected gamepad to navigate through the Bluetooth quick settings. |
| Graphics Page Crash Fix | Settings > System > Display > Graphics | The issue causing the Graphics page to crash in the Settings app has been fixed. No user action is required; simply update to the latest build to resolve it. |
| Improved System Sounds in Dark Mode | Settings > Personalization > Themes > Sounds | System sounds are refined for dark mode automatically. To switch to dark mode, go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and choose "Dark". Adjust sound schemes in Settings > Personalization > Themes > Sounds. |
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 |