KB5064093: Major Update Enhances Windows 11 Phone Connection Features in New Build
Microsoft Unveils New Windows 11 Builds with Enhanced Phone Integration
Today, Microsoft rolled out the latest builds for its Windows 11 Insider programs, specifically targeting the Beta and Dev channels. The new builds, numbered 26200.5761 for the Dev channel and 26120.5761 for Beta, include several exciting features aimed at improving user experience. Most notably, the integration between Windows 11 PCs and Android phones has received a major upgrade, enhancing how users can interact with their devices.
Seamless App Resumption Between Devices
One of the standout features in this release is the testing of a new capability that allows users to seamlessly continue using favorite apps from their Android phones on a Windows 11 PC. This update represents a significant enhancement to the feature, which has been progressively refined. Microsoft’s blog post details:
To start with, you will be able to resume or continue listening to your favorite Spotify tracks and episodes right from where you left off on the Spotify app on your Android phone.
First, start listening to one of your favorite songs or episodes in the Spotify app on your Android phone. On your PC (running the latest Insider Preview builds in the Dev or Beta Channels), a ‘Resume alert’ will appear on your taskbar. When you click on that alert, Spotify’s desktop app will open and the same track will now continue playing on your PC.
A cross-device resume taskbar alert indicating that you can continue using the Spotify app from your phone, now on your PC.
If the Spotify app is not installed on your PC, clicking the alert will initiate a one-click installation from the Microsoft Store, automatically downloading and opening the app for you. You will then be prompted to sign into your Spotify account.
A cross-device resume taskbar alert indicating that you can download and install the Spotify app to resume on your PC.
Please note that you will need to use the same Spotify account on both your Android phone and your PC.
Getting Started with the New Feature
To take advantage of this feature, here’s how you can get set up:
Enable Phone Access on Your PC:
Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.
Toggle “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” to On.
Click the “Manage devices” button and follow the prompts to connect your Android phone.
Configure the Link to Windows App:
On your Android phone, open the Link to Windows app.
Allow the app to run in the background to ensure the Resume feature functions reliably.
Test the Feature:
Open Spotify on your phone and play a track or episode.
A Resume alert should appear on your PC’s taskbar.
After configuring the settings, simply open Spotify on your phone, play a track, and await the resume alert on your PC.
As this feature is rolled out gradually, exercise patience if you do not see it immediately after setup. You will receive a notification once it becomes available for your device.
Additional Enhancements in the Latest Builds
In addition to the new phone integration features, there are several other improvements, including:
A redesigned battery icon that provides a quick glance at your PC’s battery status, now visible on the lock screen.
New keyboard shortcuts designed to optimize typing efficiency.
Improvements to gaming performance using the game bar.
Updates to the Automatic Super Resolution functionality specifically for Copilot+ PCs.
Features Rolling Out to the Beta Channel
The following features are being gradually implemented for Beta Channel users:
Click to Do (Preview): Hold two fingers on your touch screen to launch Click to Do quickly, making it easier to select and perform relevant actions.
Agent in Settings: Direct navigation links now lead to specific settings pages directly from the agent search results.
Automatic Super Resolution: Enhanced controls for setting up Auto SR easily from toast notifications.
New Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows will now support new keyboard shortcuts allowing users to insert En dash (–) with WIN + Minus (-) and Em dash (—) with WIN + Shift + Minus (-).
Known Issues and Ongoing Fixes
Microsoft is addressing some known issues in the latest build:
Users in the EEA may experience problems with Recall functionality after the latest flight updates. To resolve it, reset Recall in Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots > Advanced settings.
A few users report the Shared section in File Explorer Home showing up even when empty.
Certain Insiders may face issues with Xbox Controllers that lead to bug checks during Bluetooth use.
Exciting Snipping Tool Update!
The Beta build also introduces an update for the Snipping Tool, now featuring a window mode for screen recording. Microsoft shares:
“We are rolling out an update for Snipping Tool (version 11.2507.14.0 and higher) to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview Channels. In this update, we’re introducing window mode screen recording in Snipping Tool—an easy way to capture activity within a specific app window. To get started, toggle over to the Record option in the capture toolbar and select window mode from the dropdown menu.
New option to set recording region by selecting a specific app window in the Snipping Tool toolbar.
When you select window mode, Snipping Tool automatically sizes the recording region to fit the selected app window, ensuring quick and precise setup. Once recording starts, however, the region will remain fixed, meaning if the app moves, the recording won’t follow. This feature allows for a focused way to record activities without the need for cropping or adjustments afterward.”
Screen recording setup of the Paint app window with UI denoting that screen recording is set to the position of that specific app window.
To explore more about the recent updates, visit the official blog posts for the Dev and Beta channels.
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