Microsoft finally fixes File Explorer flashes in new Windows 11 builds

Microsoft has released a fresh pair of new Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channels. Unfortunately, not much is included with today's builds 26300.7965 (Dev) and 26220.7961 (Beta), but there are some very useful changes. Microsoft made some tweaks to the drag tray to reduce accidental invocation, enabled voice typing for renaming files in File Explorer, improved reliability when working with files from the internet, and, most importantly, fixed the annoying flashbangs when opening new File Explorer tabs or windows.

Here is the changelog with improvements that are rolling out gradually:

[Sharing]

• Based on feedback, we’re making some refinements to the drag tray, using a smaller peek view to reduce accidental invocation and make it easier to dismiss when interacting near the top of the screen.

[File Explorer]

• You can now use voice typing (Windows key plus H) when renaming files in File Explorer.
• Removed white flash when launching new File Explorer windows or tabs when File Explorer was set to open to This PC. Also removed white flashes when resizing elements of File Explorer.
• Improved reliability of unblocking files downloaded from the internet in order to preview them in File Explorer.

You can find the announcement blog post here (Dev build) and here (Beta build). If you are in the Canary Channel, you can check out details for the latest build here.

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Posted Saturday 7 March 2026 at 5:18 am AEST (my time).

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