Enhanced Search and Proactive Memory Diagnostics in Windows 11 25H2 New Builds

Microsoft Introduces Exciting New Features in Latest Windows 11 Preview Builds

This week, Microsoft wraps up with the release of two new preview builds for Windows 11 aimed at Windows Insiders. The Dev channel receives build 26220.6982, while the Beta channel is updated to 26120.6982. These updates not only enhance performance but also introduce a variety of new features and enhancements geared toward improving user experience.

What’s New in the Latest Update

The latest updates include significant changes across various aspects of Windows 11. Here’s a breakdown of the major features introduced:

Enhanced Clipboard Functionality in Windows Search

The standout feature of this release is the new Copy & Search functionality. This allows users to execute searches directly from their clipboard with a simple click. Here’s how to use this feature:

Simply copy text from any document, webpage, or application.
A “paste gleam”will appear in your search box on the taskbar.
Click on the gleam to instantly populate the search field with your copied text.

Improvements to Voice Typing

For users on Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft has implemented a new feature within the Voice Typing settings: a customizable ‘Wait time before acting’. This feature allows users to set a delay prior to executing voice commands, catering to varying speech patterns for better recognition accuracy.

Proactive Memory Diagnostics

This update also introduces Proactive Memory Diagnostics. If a bugcheck occurs (resulting in an unexpected restart), users may receive a notification suggesting a quick memory scan upon signing in. This process is designed to enhance system reliability and will automatically conduct a Windows Memory Diagnostic scan during the next reboot, typically taking less than five minutes.

Currently, this feature includes all bugcheck codes while researching memory-related issues.
Note that this feature isn’t supported on Arm64 devices or systems using Administrator Protection without Secure Boot.

Enhancements to the Settings Application

The Device Cards within Settings have been refined for improved clarity and navigation.
Updates to the About section provide enhanced structure and easy access to relevant device details, including Storage settings.
Users can now scroll through search results directly in the flyout without navigating to a separate page.

New Click to Do Features

The Click to Do feature includes helpful hints for actions to enhance user productivity.
However, known issues remain when using multiple monitors, with hints appearing on every screen.

Start Menu and File Explorer Updates

The Start menu flyout now synchronizes in size with the Windows Search flyout to create a seamless experience.
File Explorer has introduced home on-hover actions for improved file management, extending availability to enterprise users.

Taskbar and Windows Studio Effects Improvements

The rollout of new animations on the taskbar is being resumed, thanks for your patience.
Windows Studio Effects now supports additional cameras on Snapdragon and AMD Copilot+ PCs, expanding accessibility beyond Intel devices.

Bugs and Known Issues

Alongside introducing new features, Microsoft has addressed various bug fixes. Here are some key resolutions:

General: Fixed issues with text actions in Click to Do.
Taskbar: Resolved problems with premature hiding of the taskbar and voice access functionalities.
File Explorer: Corrected animation issues with the search icon.
Widgets: Authentication problems with widgets have been addressed.

Known Issues Still Being Investigated

General: Some users are reporting unresponsive USB devices following the latest updates.
Taskbar & System Tray: Ongoing investigations for issues with the Start menu not opening for some users.
File Explorer: Users may experience graphical bugs related to the copy dialog in dark mode.

For further details, check out the official announcement here.

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