Microsoft has announced the release of KB5052094 (OS Builds 22621.4974 and 22631.4974) Preview for Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. The update features a phased rollout, enabling users to receive updates at varying intervals. Notable updates cover the capability to share files directly from a jump list on the taskbar, enhanced functionality for Windows Spotlight, and advancements in lock screen learning. The Narrator scan mode has been enhanced, introducing new features including the ability to skip past links, jump to the start of an item, and navigate directly to lists.
Subscribers of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass can now find a referral card for a PC Game Pass subscription on the Settings home page. Users of File Explorer now have the option to snooze or disable the "Start backup" reminder located in the address bar. The update additionally resolves concerns related to the start menu and mouse color within Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. The update presents enhanced Copilot+ PC experiences, featuring an improved Windows Search functionality for locating photos stored in the cloud.
Users have the ability to utilize their own terminology to search for images stored in the cloud, and precise matches for keywords found within the text of cloud files will be displayed in the search results. This feature is accessible with a personal OneDrive account when logged in with a Microsoft account and connected to the internet. Support for Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD and Intel will be available shortly. The enhanced Windows Search experiences are being progressively deployed to Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, although availability may vary by region.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078) to Windows Insiders in the beta channel. The update presents new functionalities, including a drag tray feature to enhance file sharing, a grid and category view for app organization, and resolutions for accessibility issues within File Explorer.
The update will be progressively deployed to Windows Insiders who are receiving updates for Windows 11, version 24H2, in the Dev and Beta Channels shortly. The updated grid and category views on the All page in the Start menu will feature enhanced support for text scaling in File Open/Save dialogs and Wizard dialogs. There are identified issues with the new grid and category views, including delays in app icons, flashing context menus upon right-clicking on applications, and the separation of Windows Tools-related apps into folders rather than consolidating them into a single application.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26100.3321 to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel on Windows 11 24H2. The update covers new features and enhancements, organized into two distinct sections: gradual rollout and normal rollout.
The gradual rollout features enhanced icons for battery status, taskbar sharing, Windows Spotlight, lock screen learning, and new functionalities for Narrator scan mode. The standard rollout encompasses resolutions for concerns related to the Start menu, scanners, audio, GDI+, and mouse color. Daylight saving time changes in Paraguay are implemented, Open Secure Shell fails to initiate, the Get Help application does not launch on Windows Server 2025, and there are remote desktop challenges related to display rendering and unresponsiveness.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3281 (KB5052086) to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. This release enables users to effortlessly resume their work on OneDrive files from their mobile device to their PC with just one click, facilitating a seamless transition between devices. This feature is available exclusively when signing into OneDrive using a Microsoft account. It supports Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, OneNote notebooks/pages, and PDFs. The feature is accessible for management and can be disabled through Settings > Apps > Resume.
Recall is now accessible in preview for Windows Insiders using Windows 11, version 24H2, within the Dev and Beta Channels on Copilot+ PCs. The upcoming update will enhance Recall, remove existing snapshots, and provide more accessible filtering options through the Recall system tray flyout. The introduction of the capability to share files directly from the jump lists on the taskbar is noteworthy. Furthermore, enhancements to Snap in Windows 11 are being implemented to facilitate contextual learning and discovery, featuring inline messaging that appears when inadvertently activated or when hovering over the Minimize or Maximize button. File Explorer now reinstates previously opened folder windows upon logon and automatically preserves restartable applications when signing back in.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4945 (KB5052084) to Windows Insiders in the beta channel. The update encompasses various enhancements and corrections aimed at refining the overall experience for Insiders. The Desktop Spotlight icon has been enhanced to facilitate better discoverability. The enhancements to File Explorer have resulted in improved performance and reliability. The issues related to the command bar, file selection, and the see more menu have been resolved. The input issues have been addressed, and the touch keyboard issues have been rectified. The issues related to the lock screen have been addressed, enabling password resets directly from the login screen.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 22631.4969 to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11 23H2. The update encompasses new features and enhancements, organized into two distinct sections: gradual rollout and normal rollout. The phased implementation encompasses enhancements such as taskbar sharing, Windows Spotlight, lock screen learning, and additional capabilities for Narrator scan mode. Subscribers of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass might notice a new referral card for a PC Game Pass subscription on the Settings home page. Users of File Explorer now have the option to snooze or disable the "Start backup" reminder located in the address bar.
The standard rollout encompasses features such as the ability to disable account-based content in File Explorer, support for daylight saving time (DST) adjustments in Paraguay, resolution of dwm.exe issues, updates to COSA profiles for specific mobile operators, and corrections to Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH) functionalities. The update also resolves issues related to the account manager flyout menu, start menu, and mouse color. The update additionally refreshes COSA profiles for specific mobile operators.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4880 (KB5052100) to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. The update addresses issues related to the Home page of Settings and File Explorer and introduces two new enterprise-specific device information and accessibility preferences cards. The update also introduces the Copilot menu for Paint, enabling users to utilize intelligent features for more efficient image generation and editing tasks. Cocreator is exclusively accessible on Copilot+ PCs, with features presented alongside concise descriptions for straightforward selection.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788 to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The preview introduces Windows MIDI Services, a complete rewrite of MIDI on Windows, focusing on a great musician experience and a strong foundation for future expansion and enhancement. MIDI is the standard used to synchronize synthesizers and drum machines in modern electronic music, and Windows MIDI Services is a new MIDI stack that handles both MIDI 2.0 and MIDI 1.0 implementations. It works on 64-bit operating systems on all supported processors, including Arm64.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. Lock screen widgets are now supported, and a new group policy named "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen" enables IT administrators to disable lock screen widgets while maintaining the functionality of widgets in other areas on the managed PCs. This policy is currently applicable solely within EEA regions, with plans for future expansion to additional regions. File Explorer now displays people icons for Windows Insiders who are signed in with a work or school account. When hovered over or clicked, a people icon reveals the Live Persona Card for that individual from Microsoft 365. Gradual rollouts are underway for fixes related to the Start menu, File Explorer, and USB cameras. Feedback may be submitted in the Feedback Hub under Desktop Environment > Lock screen.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3073 (KB5050090) to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. The update introduces improved Windows Search for Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to find photos saved in the cloud by describing their content in the search box at the top right corner of File Explorer. This feature will work when searching within File Explorer directly and from the Windows search box on the taskbar in a future flight.
The update also includes other changes and improvements available to Windows Insiders across all Windows 11 PCs, in addition to the exclusive features on Copilot+ PCs. These changes are documented below in two buckets: new features, improvements, and fixes that are being gradually rolled out for Insiders who have turned on the toggle to get the latest updates as they are available (via Settings > Windows Update) and new features, improvements, and fixes rolling out to everyone in the Dev Channel.
Microsoft has announced the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27783 to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. This update brings Shared Content to File Explorer Home, enabling users to efficiently access files that have been shared with them, including those from email and Teams chat. Users can also access a wider range of file types in their Recent, Favorites, and Shared sections on the homepage. Feedback may be submitted in the Feedback Hub located under Files Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer. The update encompasses resolutions for problems related to taskbar preview windows, input difficulties, window freezing, graphics crashes, remote desktop failures, and memory leaks in explorer.exe.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3000 to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. The build presents enhancements, featuring refined battery iconography, an updated Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard, and additional functionalities in Narrator scan mode. The icons represent the battery status of the PC, with green signifying charging and green denoting energy saving mode. The option to enable the display of battery percentage in Settings is emphasized within a red box.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4805 to Windows Insiders in the beta channel. The update brings improvements to Snap, such as inline messaging for unintentional app dragging and Snap Flyout when hovering over the Minimize or Maximize button.
The new Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard enables Xbox controller navigation and typing via button accelerators and vertically aligned keyboard keys. Narrator scan mode now includes additional features such as Jump to list item and Beginning and End of element, which make it easier to traverse long emails, news articles, and wiki pages. Furthermore, Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members will receive a new card for promoting a PC Game Pass subscription to a friend for free.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26100.3025 to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel on Windows 11 24H2. The update encompasses new features and enhancements, categorized into two sections: gradual rollout and normal rollout.
The gradual rollout encompasses enhancements to the taskbar, Windows Studio Effects, and Fonts. The enhancements to taskbar previews and animations are notable, and an icon is displayed in the system tray when utilizing an application that is compatible with Windows Studio Effects. The standard rollout encompasses resolutions for problems related to domains, mouse cursors, the Pinyin Input Method Editor (IME), snipping tool screenshots, Task Manager, Microsoft Excel 2016, and watchdog timeout errors.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4800 to Windows Insiders in the beta channel. The update introduces the ability for web developers to create dynamic and interactive widgets using existing web content. It temporarily disables the default opening of File Explorer in a new tab when launching it from outside of File Explorer.
The update also improves support for web search providers in Windows Search for the EEA, including clearer provider attribution in tabs. The update also introduces "top cards" under Settings > System > About, providing an easy way to view a PC's key specifications. The Settings homepage is being gradually rolled out for commercial customers on PCs managed by an IT administrator.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 22631.4825 to Windows Insiders in the release preview Ccannel on Windows 11 23H2. The update includes several features and improvements, including a new taskbar, improved Windows Studio Effects, work across devices, and a simplified Chinese font called Simsun-ExtG. Users can now access Microsoft OneDrive files from iOS or Android phones using the same Microsoft account.
Fonts have been updated with 9,753 ideographs that support Unicode Extensions G, H, and I. Shared items can now be viewed using a Microsoft account or a Microsoft Entra ID account. The "New Folder" command appears when right-clicking items in the left pane. Windows Share allows users to share directly to apps that support sharing in Windows. A new keyboard shortcut, CTRL + ALT + Minus sign, has been added to switch between zoom and 1X zoom. Snipping Tool screenshots may be distorted when using two or more monitors with different display scaling.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27774 to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update encompasses various enhancements and corrections aimed at refining the overall experience for Insiders utilizing this build on their PCs. The update introduces a confirmation dialog for formatting or deleting partitions, and Administrator protection can be activated through Windows Security settings in the Account Protection tab.
With Administrator protection enabled, the prompt requesting user authorization for elevating untrusted and unsigned applications now features enhanced color-coded regions. Additional improvements encompass adjustments to accent-colored window borders, enhancements to shadows surrounding windows, and refinements in window launching animations. There are identified issues, including the loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for Copilot+ PCs, SFC/scannow errors, as well as challenges with File Explorer and Remote Desktop.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27768 to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The new release introduces a range of enhancements and fixes aimed at optimizing the overall experience for Insiders utilizing this build on their PCs. The update introduces a New Folder option in the context menu accessible via right-clicking locations in the navigation pane, as well as the capability for standard (non-admin) users to change time zones.
Additional improvements encompass resolving concerns related to file Explorer, input functionality, graphics performance, and system bug checks. It is essential to note that transitioning to the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail will lead to the loss of the Windows Hello PIN and biometric sign-in options for the PC. The team is currently addressing issues related to accent-colored window borders, shadows surrounding windows, and the animations associated with window launching.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27766 to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update resolves issues that have led to an increase in rollbacks and frequent crashes of explorer.exe for certain Insiders in the Canary channel. This also resolves an issue that results in the loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometric data for new Copilot+ PCs. The update resolves an issue where accent-colored window borders were not displayed when enabled, shadows around windows were not visible when enabled, and window launching animations were shown even when the setting to disable animations was activated.
