New Features in Windows 11 Build 27754: Updated Windows Hello and Taskbar Enhancements

Microsoft Unveils Windows 11 Update for Canary Insiders: Build 27754

Microsoft has officially released a new update for Windows 11, specifically aimed at Canary insiders. The latest version, Build 27754, introduces a variety of enhancements, including an upgraded Windows Hello experience, improved features for the taskbar, and other significant updates. Below is a detailed overview of what’s included in this update.

Key Features of the Update

Enhanced Windows Hello Experience

As part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to user security and experience, the company is modernizing Windows Hello. This overhaul follows the introduction of enhanced passkey features in September 2023, ensuring a more intuitive and visually cohesive authentication process that aligns with modern Windows design principles.

Visual Updates: The redesigned Windows Hello interface enhances communication clarity, offering users quick access on the sign-in screen and throughout various authentication processes including the Microsoft Store.

Improved User Interaction: The updated user experience facilitates easier transitions between authentication methods, enabling users to switch between passkeys and other devices with greater ease. This change is also reflective of the new administrator protection features being integrated into Windows 11 (version 24H2 and beyond). For further details about administrator protection, refer to this blog post.

Taskbar and System Tray Enhancements

Admin Launch from Jump Lists: Users can now launch applications in administrator mode by holding down Shift and CTRL along with clicking items from the Start menu or taskbar. For instance, holding these keys while selecting PowerShell will open it with admin privileges.

Updated Taskbar Previews: The visual previews for applications on the taskbar have been refreshed, featuring improved animations based on user feedback, making the overall interface more responsive.
Simplified System Tray: The system tray has been streamlined to prominently display the date and time with an option to show the notifications bell icon based on the Do Not Disturb status. It is possible to revert to the traditional display format via the Settings menu.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

General Fixes

Resolved an issue relating to the Digital Markets Act policy application in EEA regions.
Fixed a potential problem causing a duplicate Windows entry in the boot menu following a failed update rollback.

File Explorer Enhancements

Addressed an issue where RAW images captured in portrait mode would incorrectly display as landscape thumbnails.
The search functionality in File Explorer has been refined for better usability.

Taskbar Fixes

Fixed text overlap issues on secondary monitors for users with a left-aligned taskbar.

Input Related Fixes

Resolved an issue that caused game window interactions to malfunction when using Game Bar on multi-monitor systems.

Known Issues

Important Note for Copilot+ PCs: New users transitioning to the Canary Channel may encounter issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics, triggering error 0xd0000225. Users can reconfigure their PIN using the “Set up my PIN” option.
Investigating reports of system rollbacks during the installation of recent Canary builds.
New reports of accent-colored window borders failing to display as intended.
Animations still appearing when the animation setting is disabled.

For a complete list of enhancements, fixes, and to stay updated, you can access the full changelog on the official Windows Insider blog.

Source & Images

New Features in Windows 11 Build 27754: Updated Windows Hello and Taskbar Enhancements