Windows 11 version 26H1 Preview update brings built-in Sysmon and taskbar speed test
This Windows 11 version 26H1 Preview update lands with some actual useful changes instead of just another round of minor tweaks. Users will find a network speed test right in the taskbar and native Sysmon support for better security monitoring without third-party tools. It also fixes several annoying sleep and printing hiccups that have plagued recent builds.
Native Sysmon features
The biggest news for power users and IT pros is the arrival of built-in System Monitor functionality directly in the OS build. This means administrators no longer need to rely on third-party Sysinternals tools just to capture system events for threat detection or filter specific activities via custom configuration files. Windows writes these captured events to the standard Event Log so security tools can process them without extra overhead. It is important to note that this feature remains off by default until explicitly enabled through Settings or a command line tool. Those who already have the Sysinternals version installed should uninstall it first to avoid conflicts before enabling the native option via the Optional features menu or DISM commands.
Troubleshooting connectivity issues used to require opening a separate app or navigating deep into settings menus but this update changes that behavior immediately. A built-in network speed test is now available directly from the taskbar Quick Settings panel or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. The tool measures Ethernet, Wi-Fi and cellular connections within your default browser so you can verify performance without leaving Windows. This change helps check network performance quickly when a connection drops unexpectedly during work hours.
Taskbar and general reliability improvements
Several small annoyances have been addressed to make daily usage less frustrating for the average user. When the taskbar is set to uncombined mode it no longer moves every open window together into the overflow area if space runs out. Only windows that do not fit will move which prevents the overflow menu from appearing with large unused gaps on the screen. Printing service performance has also been improved so high-volume printing runs more smoothly without slowing down the spooler. File Explorer now includes an Extract all option on the command bar when browsing non-ZIP archive folders and you can open a new instance reliably by holding Shift while clicking the icon.
WebP images can finally be set as desktop backgrounds from Settings or by right-clicking the file in File Explorer without needing extra software to convert them first. Camera users with supported hardware will see pan and tilt controls appear under the Bluetooth & devices section in Settings for basic configuration. Search group headers on the taskbar now display result counts so you can quickly see when more items are available within a category.
March 26, 2026—KB5079489 (OS Build 28000.1764) Preview - Microsoft Support
March 26, 2026—KB5079489 (OS Build 28000.1764) Preview - Microsoft Support
