Microsoft has recently released new builds for Windows 11, introducing significant enhancements, notably the integration of 1Password's passkey functionality and the official designation of version 25H2. These updates aim to bolster security measures and refine user experience.
1Password Passkey Integration
A standout feature in the latest builds is the seamless integration of 1Password's passkey system. This collaboration between Microsoft and 1Password allows users to manage and utilize passkeys directly within the Windows 11 environment. To leverage this feature, users must install the 1Password Beta for Windows 11. Once set up, Windows Security will access passkeys stored in 1Password and can save new passkeys there as well. This integration simplifies the authentication process, offering a more secure and user-friendly method for managing credentials.
Windows 11 Version 25H2
The release of build 26200.5670 marks the first officially confirmed Windows 11 version 25H2 build. This annual feature update is now clearly indicated in Settings > System > About and in the 'winver' dialog. Users can expect a suite of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing system performance and usability.
Additional Changes and Fixes
The latest builds also introduce several other changes and fixes:
- Voice Access: Support for Japanese has been temporarily disabled to address existing bugs.
- Settings: In the European Economic Area (EEA), changes have been made to default browser settings via Settings > Apps > Default apps. The new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless users opt out by clearing the respective checkboxes.
- File Explorer: Issues causing File Explorer Home to crash, potentially leading to crashes on launch, have been resolved. Additionally, a problem where thumbnails for pinned favorites in Home would disappear has been fixed.
- Start Menu: Duplicate entries appearing when interacting with folders on the Start menu have been addressed. The folder expand animation has also been corrected.
- Input: A high-impact 'ctfmon.exe' crash affecting typing capabilities has been fixed.
- Other Fixes: A memory leak associated with the lock screen slideshow, which could impact performance over time, has been resolved. Improvements have been made to how system dialogs react to increased text scaling.
The following issues have been addressed:
- General: The Windows Vista boot sound playing instead of the Windows 11 boot sound has been corrected.
- File Explorer: View changes not persisting after the last Dev Channel flight, including desktop icons, have been fixed.
Users should be aware of the following known issues:
- General: Some Windows Insiders may experience a rollback when trying to install this update, encountering a 0x80070005 error in Windows Update. A fix is in progress. Using Settings > System > Recovery > “Fix issues using Windows Update” may resolve the issue.
- Start Menu: Touch navigation in the new Start menu may not work reliably, and drag-and-drop capabilities are limited from “All” to “Pinned.”
- Xbox Controllers: Some Insiders are experiencing bug checks when using their Xbox Controller via Bluetooth. Uninstalling the 'oemXXX.inf (XboxGameControllerDriver.inf)' driver in Device Manager may resolve the issue.
- Click to Do (Preview): Users on AMD or Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs may experience long wait times on the first attempt to perform intelligent text actions after a new build or model update.
- File Explorer: Narrator scan mode may not work properly in the action result canvas window for the Summarize AI action for Microsoft 365 files when reading bulleted lists. Using 'Caps + Right' key to navigate is a suggested workaround.
- Widgets: Support for pinning in the new widgets board experience is incomplete; pinning reverts users back to the previous experience.
Source: Neowin Windows 11 gets 1Password passkey integration, version 25H2, and more with the latest builds