Microsoft Unveils New Windows 11 Preview Builds for Insiders
Windows 11 Insiders have a lot to explore today as Microsoft releases three new preview builds spread across the Dev, Beta, and Canary Channels. Available for immediate download are build 26200.5742 (Dev) and build 26120.5742 (Beta), both featuring enhancements that integrate more Control Panel functionalities into the modernized Settings app. Additional improvements include traditional bug fixes and a revamped mobile device companion in the Start menu, available in the Dev Channel. Below, we delve into the specifics of these updates.
New Features in the Settings App
Both the Dev and Beta builds introduce more user-friendly options for language and date/time settings within the Settings app, minimizing the need to revert to the older Control Panel. The key enhancements are as follows:
- Multiple Clocks: Users can now add additional clocks by navigating to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time. This feature allows for a more organized display of time and date in the system tray as well as within the Notification Center.
- Time Server Settings: The option to change the time server is now accessible under Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time within “Additional settings.”
- Date and Time Formatting: Formatting options have transitioned from Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time. Users can now modify AM/PM symbols alongside other formatting elements.
- Regional Formats: Adjustments to the number and currency format can be made under the “Region” section found in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
- Unicode Support: The ability to enable Unicode UTF-8 for multilingual support has been simplified with a toggle in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
- Language and Region Copying: Users can now transfer current user language and region settings to the welcome screen and system accounts via new options in the Language settings.
- Keyboard Accessibility: The character repeat delay/rate settings have moved to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, while cursor blink rate settings can now be found under Settings > Accessibility > Text Cursor.
Visual and Functional Enhancements
Among the visual updates, Microsoft has redesigned the dialog for instances when a program fails to open, improving user experience. Additionally, for those testing Dev builds, the Start menu now features a mobile device companion that displays recent activities such as messages, calls, and updates, enhancing the overall functionality.
Fixes and Improvements
A series of fixes are rolling out to Insiders with the appropriate settings enabled. Notable corrections include:
- File Explorer:
- Resolved icon mirroring issues for Arabic and Hebrew languages.
- Corrected tooltip visibility in File Explorer.
- Fixed black flashes when duplicating tabs in maximized view.
- Enhanced text scaling support for desktop icons.
- Addressed Narrator announcement issues during file operations.
- Improved performance for cloud files and context menus.
- Start Menu:
- Fixed excessive blank icon categories in the “All” section.
- Corrected categorization issues with Visual Studio.
- Task Manager:
- Improved reliability issues, especially related to freezing.
- Enhanced accessibility features for contrast and focus adjustments.
- Input Methods:
- Fixed issues with Chinese typing after using CTRL + C.
- Addressed problems with touch keyboard IMEs.
- Settings:
- Fixed crashes when adding a security key.
- General Issues:
- Resolved crashes associated with dao360.dll and bugchecks on some Insiders.
Known Issues to Note
Users should be aware of a few known issues currently affecting certain builds:
- Update Rollback:
- Some Insiders may encounter a rollback with a 0x80070005 error during the update process. Microsoft is actively working on a solution for impacted users.
- Click to Do App:
- Recent updates may cause text and image actions to malfunction or crash. Fixes are planned for the next flight.
- Start Menu Layout:
- Users might temporarily see a scaled-down version of the Start menu. This configuration is slated for adjustment shortly.
- File Explorer Colors:
- In dark mode, color discrepancies for low space drives have been noted.
- Live Captions:
- Users may experience crashes with live captions during translation.
- Xbox Controller Issues:
- Some users face bugchecks when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Guidance for resolution is available through Device Manager.
For more detailed release notes, check out the official announcements found here: Dev Channel and Beta Channel.
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