Microsoft has rolled out a new update for Windows 11 Insider build 26120.1542, specifically targeting the Dev Channel. This latest version introduces significant modifications to the taskbar, primarily enhancing the Widgets functionality along with various navigation improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Let's dive deeper into what this update means for users and how these changes will impact the overall Windows experience.
Key Features of the Update
One of the main highlights of this update is the redesigned Widgets entry-point. The Widgets icon now occupies a position on the left side of the system tray, allowing for more efficient use of space on the taskbar. By moving the Widgets board to the right side, Microsoft has enhanced the accessibility and visibility of Widgets, which were previously housed to the left. This shift is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to streamline user experience and declutter the taskbar, making it more responsive to user needs.Enhanced Navigation
The update also brings notable changes in how users navigate through the taskbar. Users can now press WIN + T to focus on the taskbar and simply press the first letter of an application’s name to navigate to it. If there are multiple apps starting with the same letter, repeated key presses will cycle through the various options. The handling of the Home and End keys has also been improved, allowing users to jump directly to the first or last item on the taskbar seamlessly.Bug Fixes and Known Issues
With any new update, bug fixes are a priority. This release addresses several bugs that have been a source of frustration for users:- Keyboard Text Suggestions: Issues concerning text suggestions for hardware keyboards have been resolved.
- Emoji Panel: Problems with the emoji panel that would close unexpectedly have been fixed.
- Registry Editor Bugs: A notable bug in the Registry Editor, which caused incorrect HEX values to be saved when pasted into DWORD or QWORD text boxes, has been corrected. However, not all issues have been resolved. Some known problems persist, including occasional crashes in Task Manager when switching between pages. New Insiders may notice a designation of “repair version” next to the latest Dev Channel build, indicating that they have been upgraded to the most recent version.
Incremental Updates and Future Changes
This new build introduces changes that will be incrementally rolled out across the Dev Channel, which can be toggled via Settings > Windows Update. The features included in this update are tied to Windows 11, version 24H2, and are categorized under an enablement package (Build 26120.xxxx). Additionally, the update resolves an outstanding issue within Group Policy Preferences Item Level Targeting (ILT) and local user groups, particularly affecting Enterprise environments such as ESAE (Enhanced Security Administrative Environment), HF (Hotfix), or PAM (Privileged Access Management) deployments. It’s noteworthy that the registry key related to NetJoinLegacyAccountReuse has been removed, aligning it with changes documented in previous updates referred to as KB5020276.Security Improvements
Beyond user interface updates and improvements, this build also focuses on enhancing security. Improvements have been made to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist, strengthening defenses against potential BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver) attacks, a concern for many enterprises. Moreover, enhancements to DNS servers aim to mitigate issues related to CVE-2024-37968, potentially resolving any SERVFAIL errors or timeouts linked to outdated domain configurations.Challenges and Feedback
As with any update, the rolling out of new features is not without its challenges. Some scripts utilizing PowerShell and VBScript may face limitations when attempting to use Windows Update Agent (WUA) APIs. Additionally, firmware updates might not complete successfully when BitLocker is enabled, prompting users to be mindful of their security settings. Users are encouraged to provide feedback as these features undergo tests and iterations. Microsoft often relies on community input to shape and refine updates before they are finalized in public releases.Conclusion
In summary, the release of Windows 11 Insider build 26120.1542 showcases Microsoft’s commitment to ongoing improvement of the Windows operating system. The updates to the taskbar, enhancements to the Widgets feature, and comprehensive bug fixes are all steps towards creating a more user-friendly and secure environment. As Windows users embark on this latest Insider experience, their insights and experiences will play a crucial role in shaping future builds. It's an exciting time for Windows enthusiasts, particularly for those participating in the Insider Program, as these updates herald the ongoing evolution of Windows 11. For more details about this update, you can read the full article on WinBuzzer .