Discover Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213: Features & Updates

Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 to Dev Channel​

Microsoft continues to advance its commitment to innovation and user-centric development with the latest release to its Windows Insider Program. The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) has been officially launched in the Dev Channel, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing enhancement of the Windows operating system. This update introduces a suite of new features, performance optimizations, security enhancements, and critical bug fixes aimed at refining the overall user experience and system stability.

Understanding the Windows Insider Program and Dev Channel​

The Windows Insider Program serves as a collaborative platform where users can engage directly with Microsoft's development process. By participating, Insiders gain early access to upcoming features, updates, and fixes, providing invaluable feedback that shapes the future of Windows. This symbiotic relationship ensures that the operating system evolves in alignment with user needs and industry advancements.

Within the Insider Program, Microsoft has structured multiple channels to cater to varying levels of stability and feature exposure:

Dev Channel​

Tailored for highly technical users and developers, the Dev Channel offers the earliest access to new features and updates. This channel is ideal for those who thrive on experimenting with cutting-edge technologies and are comfortable navigating the occasional instability that comes with highly experimental changes. Participants in the Dev Channel play a crucial role in identifying and reporting issues, thereby contributing to the refinement of features before they reach a broader audience.

Beta Channel​

Striking a balance between stability and early access, the Beta Channel provides Insiders with features that have undergone initial testing. This channel is suitable for users who seek a preview of upcoming enhancements without the potential instability associated with the Dev Channel. Features in the Beta Channel are generally more polished and reliable, making it a preferred choice for a wider range of users.

Release Preview Channel​

Offering updates closest to the official release, the Release Preview Channel is ideal for users who prefer a more stable experience while still gaining early insights into new features. This channel allows users to test final versions of updates before they are rolled out to the general public, ensuring a smoother transition and higher reliability.

The Dev Channel, being the most cutting-edge, is where Build 26120.2213 has been deployed, underscoring Microsoft's dedication to pushing the boundaries of Windows development and fostering a community-driven approach to innovation.

Key Features and Improvements in Build 26120.2213​

Build 26120.2213 introduces a comprehensive array of enhancements designed to optimize system performance, bolster security, and enrich the user interface. These updates focus on refining user interactions, ensuring system stability, and enhancing overall security measures.

1. Enhanced Performance Optimizations​

   A standout feature of this build is the extensive performance optimizations aimed at reducing system lag, accelerating boot times, and improving the overall responsiveness of Windows 11. These enhancements ensure that the operating system operates more smoothly, providing a seamless experience for both everyday tasks and resource-intensive applications. Users can expect faster application launches, more efficient memory management, and improved system resource allocation, all contributing to a more fluid and enjoyable computing experience.
   

2. Security Enhancements​

   In an era where cybersecurity threats are increasingly sophisticated, Microsoft continues to prioritize the security of its users. Build 26120.2213 integrates the latest security patches and updates designed to protect against emerging vulnerabilities. Key security enhancements include:
   
   • Advanced Malware Protection​
     Enhanced mechanisms for detecting and mitigating malware threats, ensuring that users' systems remain secure against a wide array of malicious software.
     
   • Improved Encryption Protocols​
     Upgraded encryption standards that safeguard user data both at rest and in transit, providing robust protection against unauthorized access.
     
   • Strengthened Authentication Processes​
     More robust authentication protocols that prevent unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of user accounts, thereby enhancing overall system security.

3. User Interface Refinements​

   Windows 11 is renowned for its sleek and modern interface, and Build 26120.2213 takes further strides in refining the user experience. Anticipated updates include:
   
   • Window Management Improvements​
     Enhanced window snapping and organization features that facilitate better multitasking and workspace management, allowing users to customize their desktop environment to suit their workflow.
     
   • Intuitive Navigation Controls​
     Streamlined navigation elements that make accessing applications and settings more intuitive, reducing the learning curve for new users and improving efficiency for seasoned users.
     
   • Aesthetic Upgrades​
     Subtle visual enhancements that improve both functionality and the overall aesthetic appeal of the operating system, including refined animations, updated icons, and improved theme integration.

4. Application Compatibility and Stability​

   Ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications is critical for maintaining user productivity and satisfaction. Build 26120.2213 addresses several compatibility issues, providing smoother integration with existing software and minimizing the likelihood of application conflicts. Enhanced stability measures contribute to a more reliable computing experience by reducing system crashes and errors. Users can expect fewer interruptions during critical tasks, leading to a more dependable and efficient workflow.
   

5. Introduction of New and Improved Features​

   While specific new features in Build 26120.2213 have not been exhaustively detailed, the Dev Channel is known for introducing experimental functionalities that may be refined or expanded in future updates. Users can anticipate innovative tools designed to streamline workflows, offer new customization options, and leverage emerging technologies within the Windows ecosystem. These features may include advanced productivity tools, enhanced customization settings, and integrations with new hardware and software platforms, providing users with cutting-edge capabilities that enhance their overall computing experience.

Detailed Breakdown of Changes and Fixes​

Beyond the high-level features, Build 26120.2213 includes numerous targeted fixes and improvements across various system components, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

Input Enhancements​

IME Toolbar in Full-Screen Mode: A significant change has been implemented to hide the IME (Input Method Editor) toolbar when applications are in full-screen mode. This benefits users who have the IME toolbar enabled and frequently type in Chinese or Japanese, providing a cleaner and more immersive full-screen experience without the clutter of the toolbar.

Gamepad Keyboard Layout Temporarily Disabled: To address recent issues, the new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard in Windows 11 has been temporarily disabled. This feature, introduced in Build 26120.2130, faced challenges that warranted its temporary removal. Microsoft plans to reintroduce this feature in a future update once the identified issues are resolved, ensuring a more stable and reliable user experience.

Start Menu Fixes​

Improved Reliability: An underlying issue that was impacting the reliability of the Start menu has been fixed. Users should now experience a more consistent and dependable Start menu without unexpected interruptions or crashes.

Spacing Issues Resolved: Unexpected spacing between items in the Start menu apps list for some users has been addressed. This fix ensures a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing layout, enhancing the overall usability of the Start menu.

Pin/Unpin Functionality Restored: The ability to pin and unpin apps to and from the Start menu, which was previously unavailable for some users, has been reinstated. This restoration allows users to customize their Start menu according to their preferences, improving accessibility and convenience.

File Explorer Fixes​

Navigation Pane Spacing: Issues causing excessive padding between items in the navigation pane have been resolved. This fix leads to a more streamlined and organized File Explorer interface, facilitating easier navigation and file management.

RAW Image Thumbnails: The display of RAW images taken in portrait mode, which were previously showing as landscape thumbnails, has been fixed. This enhancement ensures that image thumbnails accurately reflect their orientation, improving the visual browsing experience in File Explorer.

Taskbar Fixes​

Search Box Visibility: Users will now see a search box when the taskbar auto-hides and the search setting is set to “Search box” instead of an icon. This improvement enhances search functionality, making it more accessible and user-friendly.

Keyboard Shortcuts: Issues with WIN + <number> shortcuts not functioning correctly in some cases have been fixed. This restoration ensures that users can reliably use keyboard shortcuts for quick access to pinned applications, improving productivity.

Close Button Functionality: Problems where the X button to close app windows from the taskbar wasn’t working for some Insiders have been addressed. This fix ensures that users can effortlessly close applications directly from the taskbar, enhancing overall usability.

Widgets Text Overlap: Fixed text overlap issues with widgets on secondary monitors for users with a left-aligned taskbar. This fix improves readability and the visual layout of widgets, providing a more polished and functional desktop environment.

Dev Drive Fixes​

WSL Accessibility: Resolved issues that were preventing Dev Drives from being accessible within the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) after recent updates. This fix ensures seamless integration and functionality for developers utilizing WSL, enhancing their workflow and productivity.

Other Fixes​

Domain Joining: An underlying issue that could prevent devices from joining a domain has been fixed. This fix enhances network connectivity and management capabilities, particularly beneficial for enterprise environments.

DISM Cleanup: Resolved issues with DISM /StartComponentCleanup getting stuck at 71% and showing error 6842. This fix improves system maintenance processes, allowing for more efficient cleanup and optimization of system components.

Get-WindowsCapability Command: Fixed instances where the Get-WindowsCapability command would fail unexpectedly until the PC was rebooted. This enhancement ensures more reliable execution of system commands, contributing to overall system stability.

JPG Rotation Info: Addressed issues where rotation information about JPGs couldn’t be queried via APIs like PowerShell. This fix improves image metadata handling, allowing for more accurate and reliable image processing.

Fixes for Everyone in the Dev Channel​

Beyond targeted component fixes, Build 26120.2213 also includes broader fixes affecting all members of the Dev Channel.

Game Launch Issues: An underlying issue that was preventing some games from launching in the previous flight has been fixed. This fix ensures better gaming performance and compatibility, providing a smoother experience for gamers and developers alike.

App and Process Count: An issue causing Task Manager to show a count of 0 for apps and processes has been resolved. This fix enhances system monitoring accuracy, allowing users to better manage and oversee running applications and processes.

DHCP Lease Acquisition: Fixed issues with DHCP where unexpected duplicate options would fail lease acquisition, leading to Wi-Fi connectivity problems. This fix improves network reliability and ensures consistent internet access.

DirectAccess Connectivity: Addressed issues where DirectAccess wasn’t working and could get stuck in a connecting state. This enhancement strengthens network security and connectivity, particularly for enterprise users relying on secure remote access.

Gradual Rollout and Update Mechanism​

Microsoft employs a strategic approach to rolling out updates within the Dev Channel to mitigate potential disruptions and gather comprehensive user feedback. Changes and updates are categorized into two primary buckets:

1. New Features, Improvements, and Fixes for Opt-In Users​

   These updates are gradually introduced to Insiders who have enabled the option to receive the latest updates as they become available. Users can activate this setting by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and toggling the relevant option. This approach allows Microsoft to monitor the performance of new features in a controlled environment and make necessary adjustments based on real-world usage.
   

2. New Features, Improvements, and Fixes Rolling Out to All Dev Channel Members​

   Following the initial release to opted-in users, these updates are systematically rolled out to the broader Dev Channel audience. This staged deployment ensures that any widespread issues are identified and addressed promptly, maintaining system stability and user satisfaction.

This dual-tiered rollout strategy underscores Microsoft's commitment to quality assurance and user-centric development, enabling continuous improvement while minimizing potential disruptions.

How to Update to Build 26120.2213​

For Windows Insiders eager to access the latest features and improvements, updating to Build 26120.2213 is a straightforward process:

• Join the Windows Insider Program: If you haven't already, sign up for the Windows Insider Program through your Microsoft account.
  
• Select the Dev Channel: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program and choose the Dev Channel to receive the most cutting-edge updates.
  
• Check for Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click on Check for updates. The system will detect Build 26120.2213 and commence the download and installation process.
  
• Restart Your Device: Upon completion of the update download, restart your device to finalize the installation and apply the new changes.

It's advisable to back up important data before proceeding with the update to safeguard against any unforeseen issues during the installation process.

Reminders and Additional Information​

While Build 26120.2213 brings a slew of enhancements, it's important for users to remain informed about the nature of Insider Preview builds:

Stability Considerations​

Dev Channel builds are inherently more experimental and may exhibit instability or compatibility issues with certain applications. Users should be prepared for potential glitches and be proactive in reporting feedback to Microsoft.

Feedback Mechanism​

Active participation in the Insider Program includes providing feedback on new features and identifying any bugs or issues encountered. This collaborative effort is instrumental in shaping the future of Windows 11.

Stay Updated​

Regularly check the Windows Insider Blog and official channels for detailed information on specific changes, new features, and updates within each build. The Reminders section at the bottom of the official blog post offers valuable insights and guidance for Insiders.

Conclusion​

The release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) to the Dev Channel represents another milestone in Microsoft's ongoing efforts to refine and enhance the Windows operating system. By leveraging the collective expertise and feedback of the Windows Insider community, Microsoft continues to innovate and deliver a robust and user-friendly platform. Whether you're a developer seeking the latest tools or an enthusiast eager to explore new features, this update offers a glimpse into the future trajectory of Windows 11, promising a more secure, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing computing experience.

As the Dev Channel continues to receive these iterative updates, users can look forward to a steadily improving Windows environment, fortified by community-driven insights and cutting-edge advancements.

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Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (Dev Channel)