The News, Explained
On October 23, 2026, Microsoft announced new Windows 11 Insider preview builds. Insider is a program for testing features before general release; a build identifies a particular version. These Quick Settings changes are rolling out gradually in the Experimental channel, build 26340.9767. Quick Settings is the connection and device-control panel opened from the taskbar. Source Source
The new Mobile devices entry shows available battery information and controls for a connected phone. Initial support differs between Android and iPhone, and capabilities also depend on the phone platform and device configuration. Source
| Phone | Initial experience described | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Android | Enable Do Not Disturb, change ringer mode, play a sound on a nearby phone | A supported phone must be connected to the PC |
| iPhone | A more limited, status-focused experience | Available functions depend on connection and device configuration |
Playing a sound helps locate a phone nearby. Microsoft describes Android as offering the most complete initial set of controls. Source Source
Internet speed testing also moves into Quick Settings. A test can start from the Speed test entry, the Wi-Fi or cellular panel, or the taskbar network icon’s right-click menu. Progress and results appear in the panel. The earlier Insider feature opened a browser; this change keeps testing and results inside Windows. Source
Results show download speed, upload speed and ping: receiving data, sending data and response delay. The test uses the active internet connection, so the connection in use supplies the context for reading those values. Source
Rollout is part of the feature’s conditions. Microsoft starts with a subset of participants and expands availability using feedback, even within the same channel. Preview features may change, be removed or never ship beyond Insider. No general-release date is specified for these changes. Source
OYOPICK’s Take
Both changes could make brief checks easier while someone continues working on a PC. Sounding a nearby phone and reading current connection-test results in one panel could simplify the route to useful information.
That benefit depends on showing clearly what the connected device can do. The initial iPhone experience focuses on status, while Android capabilities vary by configuration. We hope the interface makes available controls and current status easy to distinguish. If preview feedback helps refine those differences, using devices with different support levels together could become easier to understand.