Microsoft releases new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds for Beta and Experimental channels, introducing certificate renewals, a redesigned context menu, and support for Emoji 17.0, while addressing key bugs and compatibility issues.
Microsoft has released new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds for the Beta and Experimental channels, while also warning Insiders about two separate issues: renewed flight certificates and a Feature Flags settings bug in the Experimental channel. The company said the refreshed certificates replace ones that expired on 11 August 2026 and are needed to keep devices on supported builds and eligible for future preview updates. Microsoft also cautioned that machines not moved to a newer build with a current certificate could run into compatibility problems with software such as anti-cheat applications.
In the Experimental channel, Microsoft is investigating a defect that leaves the Feature Flags settings page blank. The company said it expects to fix the problem in the next Experimental build. This week’s release also brings a redesigned context menu in File Explorer, which Microsoft says is intended to cut clutter, make common actions easier to reach and provide a more flexible settings page for tailoring the menu. The updated interface is being rolled out gradually to Insiders as part of ongoing refinement.
Microsoft is also adding support for Emoji 17.0 in the Experimental channel, including new symbols such as distorted face, fight cloud and hairy creature. The company said users can open the emoji panel with the Windows key and period shortcut. It has also made minor visual changes to several existing emoji, including saluting face, face with peeking eye, goose, lotus and kissing cat, to improve consistency across platforms.
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