Windows 11 Taskbar Update and New Features in Latest Builds

Windows 11 Taskbar Update and New Features in Latest Builds

Microsoft Introduces New Windows 11 Preview Builds

Microsoft has unveiled two fresh preview builds for Windows 11, catering to Dev and Beta channel users. The specific updates include build 26200.5722 (available in the Dev Channel) and build 26120.5722 (in the Beta Channel), both of which share a comprehensive changelog detailing the latest changes and enhancements.

Enhanced Settings with Natural Language Support

Among the notable updates is the integration of a new agent within the Settings app, designed specifically for Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs. This innovative feature allows users to navigate and refine Windows settings using natural language queries. For individuals unsure of the exact terminology for a needed feature, they can simply describe their issue, and the Settings app will assist in troubleshooting it.

Windows 11's Settings app with the search agent

Streamlined User Experience Updates

Additional updates include a revamped Second Chance Out of Box Experience (SCOOBE) screen, which is now designed as a single-page interface featuring toggle options for various settings. Furthermore, the Click to Do feature introduces a new tutorial for first-time users. The left pane of the search results in the Windows Search box has also been enhanced, offering a grid view for related images that correspond to user queries.

The updated SCOOBE screen

Taskbar Feature Enhancements

In response to user requests, a long-awaited enhancement permits users with multiple monitors to access the notification center and calendar flyout from any display. Furthermore, the revised logic for CPU utilization calculations in Task Manager is now available for testing, promising improved performance insights for users.

Fixed Issues in the Latest Builds

The following issues have been addressed in these updates:

  • Taskbar:
    • Resolved an issue where the Task View icon was invisible after being toggled off and then on again.
    • Fixed a race condition preventing the display of the Widgets icon, despite it being enabled in Settings.
  • Login and Lock Screen:
    • Corrected readability issues on lock screen widgets, specifically where widget text appeared white on a light background.
    • Addressed taskbar loading delays after waking the PC from sleep.
  • File Explorer:
    • Fixed the Properties dialog for files incorrectly displaying as blocked even after being unblocked.
  • Start Menu:
    • Resolved touch navigation issues affecting the new Start menu’s responsiveness.
  • Input Method:
    • Addressed functionality problems with the Microsoft Changjie Input method and several phonetic keyboards.
  • Administrator Protection:
    • Fixed a critical issue preventing the Xbox app from launching when administrator protection was enabled.
  • Settings:
    • Resolved a misleading BitLocker link appearing in Storage settings when not applicable.
  • General Issues:
    • Fixed multiple unexpected error pop-ups in Group Policy Editor and addressed installation stalls on ARM64 PCs.

Ongoing Issues to be Aware Of

There are several known issues as the updates roll out:

  • General:
    • Some Windows Insiders may encounter rollbacks during installation with error code 0x80070005. A temporary solution is available through the system recovery menu.
  • Live Captions:
    • Live captions might crash on Copilot+ PCs during live translations.
  • Xbox Controller:
    • Reports indicate that connecting an Xbox Controller via Bluetooth may lead to system crashes. Uninstalling the specific driver through Device Manager can resolve this issue.
  • Click to Do (Preview):
    • Long wait times may occur when using intelligent text actions following new builds on Copilot+ systems.

Learn More

For detailed announcements related to these updates, you can visit the official Microsoft blog post for Dev Channel and Beta Channel.

Source & Images

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