Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Build 26220.9836
The new Windows 11 preview adds per-app privacy controls for camera, microphone, and location settings.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Computers
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Microsoft has deployed Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.9836 to the Beta Channel, introducing granular privacy management for desktop applications. The update, built on version 25H2, also implements targeted UI refinements and accessibility improvements.
Why it matters
This update empowers users with direct control over application-level privacy permissions for sensitive hardware, addressing long-standing requests for improved security transparency. The changes reflect an ongoing effort to simplify system management and sign-in clarity.
This release, identified as build 26220.9836, is built on the Windows 11 25H2 platform and includes an enablement package. It also expands Narrator's math reading capabilities to eight new languages.
The players
Microsoft
Microsoft is a multinational technology corporation that develops, manufactures, and licenses consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services.
The details
Users can now configure camera, microphone, and location access through the Settings menu for individual apps. Additionally, the update removes the other user icon from the security key PIN screen to streamline the sign-in experience.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.9836.
The Tech Race
This release follows the framework set by the Windows 11 25H2 update architecture. It continues the iterative development cycle established by the Windows 11 25H2 update architecture to maintain competitive feature parity.
Beta Channel users can now prevent individual apps from accessing their location or hardware sensors directly through the settings interface. The update also removes the extra icon on the PIN screen, simplifying the daily process of unlocking your computer.
The takeaway
Users should check their privacy settings after installing this build to verify that app permissions are aligned with their security preferences. Future updates are expected to restore the system animations that were temporarily removed in this release.
Further reading
For more information on the latest operating system developments, visit Computers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Notebookcheck.
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Do you trust that granular app-level privacy controls offer better protection for your personal data?
