What's New in Windows 11 Insider Build 26120.1542: Taskbar Enhancements and More

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 .

 

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Microsoft has recently rolled out an exciting new build for Windows Insiders, specifically the 26120.1542 for the Dev Channel. This update, while it might not seem groundbreaking at first glance, introduces two significant enhancements aimed at refining the user experience on the taskbar—features that power users and productivity-oriented individuals will surely appreciate.

Streamlined Taskbar Navigation for Power Users​

The most noticeable change is the repositioning of the Widgets icon. Traditionally, this icon was tucked away in the corner of the taskbar, making it somewhat inconspicuous. With this update, the Widgets icon is moved to the left side of the system tray area, thereby allowing more space to display richer content previews directly on the taskbar. This updated positioning is a strategic design choice by Microsoft to enhance visibility and accessibility of the Widgets feature. When users hover over the newly aligned icon, the complete Widgets board will slide out from the right side of the screen, contrasting with previous versions where it appeared from the left. This visual adjustment not only aligns with user expectations for quicker information access but also aligns with a broader trend in UI design, which favors functionality and ease of use.

Enhanced Keyboard Shortcuts for App Navigation​

The standout feature in this Insider build revolves around new keyboard shortcuts designed for swift navigation among taskbar apps. Users can press the Win + T shortcut to focus on the taskbar. From there, by tapping the initial of the desired application, users can jump directly to any open or pinned app beginning with that letter. In cases where multiple applications share the same starting letter, users can cycle through them by repeatedly pressing the same key. This shortcut offers a different functionality for users with an uncombined taskbar (the setting where taskbar buttons are not merged). In such cases, it allows navigation between window titles rather than app names. This level of efficiency ensures that users can seamlessly switch between their most-used programs without needing to continuously navigate with a mouse. Additionally, this build introduces functionality for the Home and End keys when used in taskbar navigation. Pressing the Home key will focus on the first item on the taskbar, and the End key will instantly shift the focus to the last item. Such shortcuts may appear small, but they can significantly reduce the time spent navigating, especially for power users or those with multiple applications open at once.

Implications for Windows Users​

These updates may seem like incremental improvements; however, they reflect Microsoft's ongoing efforts to refine the Windows experience. For users who depend on multiple applications and rapid navigation, these enhancements can streamline workflows considerably. The repositioning of the Widgets icon and refined keyboard shortcuts enhance usability, especially for users who multitask frequently. Improving taskbar functionality is a part of a larger trend within Windows 11 to create a more cohesive and user-friendly interface. As Microsoft continues to test and develop features, it's essential to highlight that the company remains cautious, issuing a reminder that these enhancements might undergo further changes or, in some cases, may not be finalized for public release.

A Brief Historical Context​

The taskbar has evolved significantly since the initial launch of Windows 95. What began as a simple application launcher has morphed into a complex user interface element allowing quick access to programs, notifications, and system functions. Each Windows iteration brought incremental changes designed to enhance user engagement and efficiency. Microsoft's journey with the taskbar has seen the introduction of features such as pinned apps, grouped icons, and interactive widgets. The focus has increasingly shifted towards a more productive user experience, mirroring the evolving nature of work and the increasing complexity of tasks performed by modern users.

Microsoft’s Ongoing Commitment​

Microsoft's commitment to improving Windows 11 is evident through this latest Insider Build as it grapples with user feedback and real-world application scenarios. As noted in the update, the company continues to experiment with features in its Insider Program, providing users with a first look at innovations that might eventually shape the final product. Tech enthusiasts and power users, in particular, will appreciate the continuous enhancements to the taskbar—a feature employed daily. The adoption of these features will ultimately rest on user feedback, emphasizing the collaborative nature of software development where users directly influence the evolution of their tools.

Conclusion​

To encapsulate, Microsoft’s recent update for Windows 11 Insiders places a renewed focus on optimizing taskbar functionality with more intuitive navigation and enhanced visibility features. These changes underscore Microsoft's commitment to providing users with a superior operating experience. As they continue to test and roll out these features, insights from Windows users will play a crucial role in determining the future direction of Windows 11. For more in-depth information, check out the original article on TechSpot: Windows 11 Insider build adds a slick taskbar shortcut for speedy app juggling.