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Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26236 was announced for the Canary Channel on June 12, 2024. Its main user-facing change was a gradual rollout of a Start menu account manager, alongside two fixes. It was an experimental Insider preview—not a stable Windows 11 release—and the announcement does not establish that every Canary user received the new features immediately.
What changed in Build 26236?
Microsoft described the release as a small set of general improvements and fixes. The most visible change was the new account manager in Start; the other listed changes addressed the taskbar and Edge audio settings.
Start menu account manager
Microsoft began gradually rolling out an account-manager view in Start. For people signed in with a Microsoft account, it shows account benefits and provides convenient access to account settings. Availability was not immediate for every Insider: Microsoft said many Canary features use Control Feature Rollout, starting with a subset of users and expanding based on feedback.
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Taskbar and Edge fixes
- Taskbar: Fixed an issue that prevented the taskbar from appearing for a small number of Insiders in the preceding couple of flights.
- Edge volume: Fixed a problem in which Edge’s preferred volume level did not persist after restarting the app. The setting is under Settings > System > Sound > Volume Mixer.
What was still listed as a known issue?
In its June 12 release notes, Microsoft said it was investigating two issues. These describe the status reported on that page, not whether either problem was resolved later.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- Some Canary and Dev Insiders stuck on older builds: Some devices remained on builds 26040 or 23620. Microsoft suggested that affected users seeking the latest build that day could download the latest ISO, perform a clean install, and opt back into flighting. A clean install is a significant troubleshooting step; it is not an in-place update.
- Task Manager dark-mode colors: Colors in the Performance section could appear incorrectly when Task Manager was in dark mode.
Was there also a Microsoft Store update?
Yes, but Microsoft described it separately from the core Build 26236 changes. Eligible Canary, Dev, and Beta Insiders running Microsoft Store version 22405.xxxx.x or higher could check out using Microsoft Wallet. The update also allowed users to redeem Microsoft Rewards points for a gift card and apply it at checkout. This Store feature had its own version requirement and should not be read as a feature automatically included for all users by installing Build 26236.
What does the Canary label mean for users?
Canary builds are experimental previews. Microsoft warns that their features can change, be removed, or never ship to the general public, and that Canary builds should not be treated as matched to a specific Windows release. The “24H2” wording sometimes attached to this build does not make it a stable 24H2 release.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Leaving the Canary Channel requires a clean Windows 11 installation, so it is not a low-friction way to try a preview and then switch back. The June 12 announcement page was updated June 18 to say rollout had been temporarily paused; that dated note does not establish the current rollout status.
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Microsoft’s release notes
Microsoft’s Windows Insider Blog announcement for Build 26236 contains the original feature, fix, known-issue, and rollout details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
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