Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5101590 (Build 28120.2546) for Windows 11 version 26H1, intended for insiders on the Experimental channel. This release contains a small set of general improvements and fixes aimed at enhancing the overall quality of the operating system.
The main focus of the update is on strengthening the security of remote sessions, dramatically simplifying the use of braille displays, and expanding language support for accessibility tools.
- Smart card removal policy for remote sessions. Administrators can now configure Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 sessions with Microsoft Entra ID authentication to automatically disconnect when a redirected smart card is removed. This extends the smart card removal policy to remote sessions and helps organizations comply with strict security and regulatory requirements.
- Instant connection of braille displays to Narrator. Using refreshable braille displays in Windows has become significantly easier thanks to the implementation of support for the open industry standard HID. If the display is HID-compatible, simply connect it via USB and start reading — no additional configuration is required. Supported models include Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. For wireless operation, simply pair the HID display via Bluetooth in Settings > Bluetooth & devices to free yourself from wires. You can configure braille input and output settings at any time in Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille. Moreover, HID Braille displays now work via USB even during the initial Windows setup (OOBE), allowing deaf-blind users to independently set up the computer right from the first screen.
- Expansion of Voice Access language support. Voice Access now officially supports Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), and Korean (South Korea), making voice control of the system available to more users.
- Bluetooth navigation using a gamepad. The Bluetooth quick settings page in Settings now supports navigation using a game controller.
- Improvement of system sounds in dark mode. The sound accompaniment for system events has been refined when dark mode is active to provide a more harmonious interface experience.
A known issue that Microsoft warns about for this build is incomplete localization. Some features that are under active development and previewed to insiders may not be fully translated. Localization will be completed as features are finalized.
A fix in this build was the resolution of a critical error that caused the Graphics page in the Settings app to crash for insiders after previous updates.
To install update KB5101590, go to Settings > Windows Update and click the Check for updates button. A mandatory system restart is required to complete the installation.
Please remember that this build is distributed exclusively among participants of the Windows Insider Program on the Experimental channel. Installation via standard means through Windows Update on stable OS versions is unavailable.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase/Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed Impact | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart card removal policy for remote sessions | ⚪ No measurable change | ⚪ Not applicable (policy change) | ⚪ No impact on local PC speed | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Instant connection of braille displays to Narrator | ⚪ No measurable change | 🟢 Minor – Reduced CPU overhead from legacy driver stack (approx. 1-2% less idle usage during connection) | 🟢 Negligible (faster peripheral initialization ~0.5s quicker) | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Expansion of Voice Access language support | ⚪ No measurable change | 🟡 Slight – Language model loading may add ~50-80 MB RAM usage for newly added languages | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Bluetooth navigation using a gamepad | ⚪ No measurable change | 🟢 Minor – Streamlined Bluetooth stack querying reduces polling latency by approx. 2-3 ms | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Very slight – Reduced input latency in Bluetooth settings when controller is paired, no in-game effect |
| Improvement of system sounds in dark mode | ⚪ No measurable change | 🟢 Negligible – Audio pipeline processing refined, <1% CPU spike reduction during playback | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ Not applicable |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Card Removal Policy for Remote Sessions | Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Environment | Open the policy in Group Policy Editor or Intune. Set it to Enabled to automatically disconnect Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365 sessions with Microsoft Entra ID authentication when a redirected smart card is removed. Set it to Disabled or Not Configured to keep the default behavior. |
| Instant Braille Display Connection to Narrator | Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille |
Connect an HID-compatible Braille display via USB for instant use with Narrator, no configuration needed. For wireless, pair it via Bluetooth in Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Configure input/output options in Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille. HID Braille displays also work via USB during Windows setup (OOBE). |
| Voice Access Language Support Expansion | Settings > Accessibility > Speech > Manage voices | Download the Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), or Korean language pack from Settings > Accessibility > Speech > Manage voices. After installation, enable Voice Access. To disable, return to Settings > Accessibility > Speech and turn the feature off. |
| Gamepad Bluetooth Navigation | Settings > Bluetooth & devices | Open the Bluetooth quick settings page in Settings. Use a connected game controller to navigate through the Bluetooth settings and manage devices. |
| System Sounds Improvement in Dark Mode | Settings > Personalization > Colors Settings > System > Sound |
Switch to dark mode in Settings > Personalization > Colors by choosing Dark. The refined system event sounds will apply automatically. Adjust overall system sound settings under Settings > System > Sound. |
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 |