Windows 11 Beta Build 26220.9606 brings cleaner lock screen widgets and crash fixes
Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.9606 to the Beta Channel, giving testers a more streamlined lock screen experience and addressing a recent crash problem affecting some apps and games.
The new build, released on October 7, 2026, is based on Windows 11 version 25H2 and arrives through an enablement package. While it is not a major feature-packed update, it includes changes that could make everyday Windows use feel cleaner, quieter, and more reliable.
Weather now takes priority on the Windows 11 lock screen
One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 Build 26220.9606 is the updated lock screen widget layout. Microsoft is making Weather the main widget shown by default, reducing the amount of recommended widget content that appears when users wake or unlock their PC.
The goal is to create a calmer and more focused lock screen. Instead of filling the space with multiple suggestions or extra information, Windows 11 will now place the weather forecast front and center, making it easier to see useful information at a glance.
This change fits into Microsoft’s broader effort to improve the quality and simplicity of Windows 11. The lock screen is something users see every day, so even small adjustments can make the operating system feel less cluttered.
More control over lock screen widgets
Alongside the updated default layout, Microsoft is also giving users more control over the widgets that appear on the lock screen.
Windows 11 users can customize their lock screen widget preferences by going to:
Settings > Personalization > Lock screen
From there, users can choose the widgets that matter most to them. This should make the lock screen more personal and practical, especially for people who only want quick access to specific information such as weather updates.
As always with Windows Insider builds, Microsoft notes that features being tested in the Beta Channel are not guaranteed to appear in a final public release. Some features may change, be delayed, or be removed before reaching all Windows 11 users.
Fix for app and game crashes linked to msmpeg2ac3dec.dll
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.9606 also includes an important fix for a crash issue involving the msmpeg2ac3dec.dll file.
According to Microsoft, the bug was causing some apps and games to crash unexpectedly. The company has not provided a detailed explanation of what triggered the problem, nor has it listed specific affected software.
However, Microsoft has separately acknowledged a known issue affecting some Windows 11 systems after the September 22, 2026 update, KB5124010, and later updates. In that case, some applications that require AC-3, also known as Dolby Digital audio decoding, may close unexpectedly.
The issue affects Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2. Microsoft says the problem is more likely to affect older applications that depend on Windows built-in audio decoding. Many newer apps include their own audio decoders, which means they are less likely to run into the crash.
Although the symptoms appear similar to the issue fixed in the latest Beta build, Microsoft has not officially confirmed that both problems are the same. The company says it is working on a broader resolution for a future Windows update.
When will the fix reach regular Windows 11 users?
For now, Windows 11 Build 26220.9606 is available only to Insiders in the Beta Channel. Microsoft has not confirmed when the crash fix or lock screen widget changes will roll out to the general public.
That means users experiencing app or game crashes on stable Windows 11 releases may need to wait for a future cumulative update. Insider builds often give an early look at fixes and features before they arrive in public versions, but release timing can vary.
What this Windows 11 Beta update means for users
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.9606 is a smaller update, but it brings meaningful improvements. The cleaner lock screen design should make Windows feel less busy, while the crash fix could be important for users affected by recent app and game instability.
The key changes include:
Weather becoming the primary lock screen widget
Reduced recommended widget content on the lock screen
More user control over lock screen widgets
A fix for crashes related to msmpeg2ac3dec.dll
Ongoing work to resolve AC-3 audio decoding issues in some apps
For Windows Insiders, this build is worth installing if you want to test the latest lock screen improvements and benefit from the new stability fix. For everyone else, it offers a preview of changes that may eventually arrive in a future Windows 11 update.
