Windows 11 Insider Build 28020.1362: Big Updates to Gaming, AI, File Explorer & Recovery

Microsoft is pushing Windows 11 deeper into its next evolutionary phase with Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 (KB5073095), now rolling out to the Canary Channel. This update is one of the most expansive Insider builds in recent months, delivering meaningful upgrades across handheld gaming, AI-powered features on Copilot+ PCs, File Explorer reliability, system recovery, and everyday usability fixes.

While some features are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs or specific hardware configurations, many improvements target long-standing friction points that affect all Windows users. From console-style gaming interfaces to smarter Settings controls and a more consistent dark mode, this build offers a clear look at Microsoft’s direction for Windows 11.

Xbox Full Screen Experience Expands to More Windows Handhelds

Microsoft continues to blur the line between PC and console gaming. With this build, the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) is now available on additional Windows 11 handheld gaming devices, expanding beyond the ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X.

FSE replaces the traditional Windows desktop with a controller-first, console-like interface powered by the Xbox app. The environment is optimized for thumbsticks, buttons, and small displays, making navigation far more intuitive on handheld hardware.

Why Full Screen Experience Matters

• Reduces background processes competing for CPU and memory
• Simplifies navigation on small screens
• Helps stabilize performance on thermally limited devices
• Makes Windows handhelds feel closer to a dedicated console

How to Enable Xbox Full Screen Experience

1. Open Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience
2. Set the Xbox app as your home app
3. (Optional) Enable auto-launch at startup for a console-style boot
4. Enter or exit FSE via Task View or Xbox Game Bar

Note: Availability depends on OEM firmware and drivers. Some devices may require manufacturer updates.

Copilot+ PCs Get Smarter With Click to Do and AI-Driven Settings

On Copilot+ PCs, Windows 11 takes a major step toward contextual, action-based computing.

Click to Do Gets a Cleaner, Faster Context Menu

The redesigned Click to Do menu prioritizes frequently used actions like Copy, Save, Share, and Open, making them easier to identify and use. When Windows detects large images or tables, the menu can appear automatically, reducing friction between viewing content and acting on it.

AI Agent Enhances the Settings App

The new Settings agent transforms how system options are managed:

• Recently changed settings appear with inline adjustment controls
• Settings search now allows direct in-place changes
• If an option can’t be modified, Windows explains why and guides you

This shift moves Settings away from static menus toward a more conversational and task-oriented experience.

Windows Studio Effects Now Support External Cameras

Windows Studio Effects are no longer limited to built-in webcams. On supported Copilot+ PCs, you can now apply AI-powered camera effects to:

• USB webcams
• Rear cameras on 2-in-1 devices

This is a big win for creators and remote workers who rely on higher-quality external cameras.

Enable Studio Effects on an External Camera

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras
2. Select the connected camera
3. Open Advanced camera options
4. Enable Use Windows Studio Effects
5. Adjust effects via Settings or taskbar quick controls

Keep an eye on battery usage—some effects can increase power consumption.

Drag Tray Improves File Sharing and Organization

The Drag Tray feature becomes more capable in this build:

• Supports sharing multiple files at once
• Suggests relevant target apps like messaging or creative tools
• Allows dragging files directly into folders

If Drag Tray doesn’t fit your workflow, it’s now easier to disable.

Settings > System > Nearby sharing > Toggle Drag Tray

File Explorer Gets Dark Mode Consistency and Critical Fixes

Dark mode in File Explorer has long felt incomplete. Build 28020.1362 addresses this by extending proper dark styling to:

• Copy, move, and delete dialogs
• Progress indicators and charts
• File conflict and confirmation prompts
• Error dialogs related to file actions

Additional File Explorer Improvements

• Improved search placeholder text on Copilot+ PCs
• Hover actions like Open file location and Ask Copilot
• Fixed thumbnail generation for certain video files
• Resolved freezes after context menu use
• Fixed extraction failures for large archives over ~1.5GB
• Eliminated random white toolbars

Copilot-related Explorer features remain unavailable in the EEA.

New Mobile Devices Page Centralizes Phone Integration

A new Mobile Devices page under Settings > Bluetooth & devices consolidates phone-related features into a single hub.

From this page, you can:

• View linked mobile devices
• Add new phones
• Manage phone-as-camera features
• Access phone files directly in File Explorer

This unified approach makes cross-device workflows clearer and easier to manage.

Desktop Spotlight Adds Right-Click Shortcuts

If you use Windows Spotlight as your desktop background, you now get faster control directly from the desktop context menu:

• Learn more about this background
• Next desktop background

Spotlight feels more interactive instead of passively rotating images.

Keyboard, Input, and Pen Enhancements

Modernized Keyboard Settings

Legacy options continue moving out of Control Panel:

• Character repeat rate: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard
• Cursor blink rate: Settings > Accessibility > Text cursor

Improved Keyboard Backlighting

Supported HID keyboards now handle backlighting more intelligently, improving visibility while conserving power.

Arabic Keyboard Layout Improvements

• Arabic 101 now supports AltGr on the right Alt key
• Includes the Saudi Riyal (﷼) symbol via AltGr + S
• Arabic 102 and 102 AZERTY receive similar updates

Existing shortcuts remain unchanged.

Pen Haptics Expand Across the UI

Digital pens with haptic support now provide tactile feedback when:

• Hovering over window controls
• Snapping or resizing windows

This makes pen interaction feel more precise and natural.

Branding Updates: Game Pass and OneDrive

Microsoft refreshes:

• Game Pass references to reflect updated naming and benefits
• OneDrive icons across Settings and account pages

These changes are visual only but align Windows with current branding.

Quick Machine Recovery and Virtual Workspaces Controls

Smarter Quick Machine Recovery (QMR)

When enabled, QMR now performs a one-time scan and, if automatic fixes fail, guides users toward the most effective recovery options instead of leaving them stuck.

Virtual Workspaces Toggle

A new option under Settings > System > Advanced allows you to enable or disable:

• Hyper-V
• Windows Sandbox

This centralizes virtualization controls for power users.

System-Wide Fixes Improve Stability and Reliability

This build includes dozens of fixes across core Windows components:

Settings and Taskbar

• Fixed freezes in Network & Internet
• Resolved overlapping UI elements
• Improved taskbar auto-hide reliability
• Restored proper voice access behavior

Start Menu and Search

• Windows Search panel now matches the new Start menu size

Networking and Graphics

• Fewer wake-from-sleep connectivity failures
• Reduced display stutter on high-resolution monitors
• Fixed brightness slider issues on all-in-one PCs
• Corrected false “unsupported GPU” warnings in games

Lock Screen, Narrator, and Updates

• Faster taskbar loading after unlock
• Fixed lock screen slideshow memory leak
• Narrator reads Word documents without random pauses
• “Update and shutdown” now shuts down correctly

Task Manager and App Dialogs

• Task Manager no longer runs invisibly in the background
• Open/Save dialogs no longer freeze apps

Paint App Introduces a Collapsible Toolbar

The updated Paint app (v11.2511.281.0) adds an immersive mode with a collapsible toolbar—perfect for smaller screens.

How to Use the Collapsible Toolbar

1. Open Paint and click the chevron icon
2. Select Automatically hide toolbar
3. Show tools temporarily when needed
4. Restore classic mode with Always show toolbar

This gives artists more canvas space without sacrificing tools.

What Canary Channel Testers Should Know

The Canary Channel remains experimental:

• Features may change, break, or disappear
• Rollouts are often server-side and hardware-gated
• Copilot+ features depend heavily on NPUs and OEM drivers
• Leaving Canary requires a clean Windows installation

Backups and recovery plans are essential before installing these builds on a primary device.

Conclusion:

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 delivers a dense and revealing snapshot of Microsoft’s long-term strategy. Handheld gaming moves closer to console territory, AI features integrate more deeply into everyday workflows, File Explorer finally gets long-overdue polish, and system reliability continues to improve through hundreds of small but meaningful fixes.

For Insiders willing to accept the risks of the Canary Channel, this build offers a compelling preview of a more coherent, responsive, and intelligent Windows experience—one that continues to evolve beyond the traditional desktop.