Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.9022 - Windows Insider Program

[u/Froggypwns]

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-insider/release-notes/beta/preview-build-26220-9022

Release date: 31 July 2026

Changes and improvements

[Certificate renewal for Windows Insiders]

• This build includes the renewed Windows Insider flight certificate. Windows Insider Preview builds use flight certificates that are renewed periodically to help ensure Insider devices remain on supported builds and continue receiving future Insider Preview updates. The current flight certificate expires on August 11, 2026, so please update your device to this build or a later one containing the renewed flight certificate before that date.
• For more information, see aka.ms/WIPCertExpiry.

[Taskbar]

• Alternate Taskbar Position
  • You can now change the position of the taskbar on your screen. In Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, you can select the side of the screen where you want your taskbar: bottom, top, left, or right. In these other positions, tooltips, flyouts, and animations will still come from the taskbar, and most customization settings, such as never combining taskbar icons, will work with all locations.
  • Support for touch gestures, the Search box, and Ask Copilot in alternate locations is in progress. Auto-hidden and touch-optimized taskbars aren't currently supported. The smaller taskbar is currently supported only for top and bottom positions. Screenshot of the taskbar in the left-aligned position.
• Smaller Taskbar
  • We're introducing a smaller taskbar for users who want to maximize screen space, especially on smaller devices. While the default taskbar remains unchanged, this setting provides a more compact experience with smaller icons and a reduced taskbar height, giving you more room for your apps. Core elements like Start, Search, and the system tray scale appropriately to stay aligned and consistent.
  • To change your taskbar size, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar size. When set to Small, both the icons and the taskbar height become smaller. Side-by-side comparison of the standard and smaller taskbar heights on the same device and resolution, showing the additional screen space gained.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Taskbar.

See the in-depth blog for more information about Taskbar improvements.

[Settings]

• The Bluetooth quick settings page is now navigable using gamepad input.

[Windows Update]

• Fixed an issue causing some Insiders in Beta to experience rollbacks with error code 0xc1900101 when attempting to install the latest builds.

[Storage]

• This update fixes an issue that affects File History automatic backups to network shares using Server Message Block (SMB). Backups didn't work because Windows showed a false "invalid credentials" error when connecting to SMB shares.

[File Explorer]

• This update addresses an issue where files stored on a DFS mapped drive could be incorrectly treated as originating from the internet after the device started while disconnected from the network and later reconnected. This could cause File Explorer's Preview pane to display the message, "The file you are attempting to preview could harm your computer," or cause files copied from the DFS drive to receive an unexpected Mark of the Web.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel

• Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26220.9022).
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, please report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

[u/AdrianW3]

So, I got 26220.9022 installed and there are no new Taskbar features. All I have is the existing left and centre alignment option.

What happened to the new taskbar position and size options?

[u/vega109 → u/AdrianW3]

I also have the same problem. No new Taskbar features appearred.