Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.9606 to the Beta Channel on October 7, 2026. This update gives users a chance to test upcoming stability fixes before they reach the general public. The release targets the version 25H2 codebase, which means it serves as a stepping stone for future major updates. People who rely on legacy audio codecs should pay attention to the changes in this build.
Microsoft updates Windows 11 Beta with new lock screen defaults and stability fixes
The build introduces a shift in the lock screen experience by making the Weather widget the default. Microsoft reduced the amount of recommended content shown on the lock screen to create a calmer interface. Users can customize which widgets appear by navigating to Settings, then Personalization, and finally the Lock screen option. This adjustment enables users to customize the lock screen by removing widgets they consider unnecessary.
Technical improvements in this release focus on resolving application crashes linked to the msmpeg2ac3dec.dll file. The fix targets issues where certain apps and games would close unexpectedly due to this specific dynamic link library. Microsoft has not confirmed whether this fix addresses the broader known issue with AC-3 audio decoding in legacy applications. The symptoms suggest a connection, but the company has not officially stated they are the same problem.
This update builds on the foundation of Windows 11, version 25H2, and carries the build number 26220.9606. It is available globally to users enrolled in the Beta Channel. The update includes both stability fixes for application crashes and minor interface adjustments to the lock screen. These updates focus on refining the user interface and resolving specific technical issues without changing the underlying system architecture.
Source: NotebookCheck
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