Windows 11 Build 26100.4482 (KB5060829): New Features & Improvements for Insiders

Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Build 26100.4482 (KB5060829) to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, marking a significant step in the evolution of Windows 11 version 24H2. This update introduces a range of new features and improvements designed to enhance user experience, system performance, and administrative control.

Gradual Rollout Features​

Some features in this build are being introduced gradually and may not be immediately available to all users. These include:

• App Defaults Enhancements: In the European Economic Area (EEA), changes have been made to the default browser settings. When setting a new default browser via Settings > Apps > Default apps, additional file and link types will be associated with the chosen browser if it registers them. Additionally, the new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless the user opts out by unchecking the respective boxes. A separate one-click button is now available for browsers to change the default application for .pdf files, provided the browser registers for this file type.
• Start Menu Configuration for Administrators: Administrators now have the option to apply Start menu pins only once using the Configure Start Pins policy. This means users will receive the admin-specified Start menu pins on their first sign-in, but subsequent changes to the policy will not affect their Start menu layout.

Normal Rollout Features​

The following features and improvements are being rolled out to all users:

• Energy Saver Management: IT administrators can now manage Energy Saver settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and Mobile Device Management (MDM) configurations using Microsoft Intune. This feature aims to extend battery life by limiting background activity and dimming the screen, contributing to environmental sustainability. To configure this policy, navigate to the Local Group Policy under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Energy Saver Settings and enable "Energy Saver to Always Be On."
• Graphics Settings Enhancements: Users can now manage their PC’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) features under Settings > System > Display. Updates include a clearer label for "Use HDR" that better explains which media types are supported, the ability to stream HDR video even when HDR is turned off, and a new toggle for PCs with Dolby Vision to turn Dolby Vision on or off independently of HDR, providing more control over the viewing experience.
• Narrator Improvements: Enhancements have been made to the Narrator feature, including AI-powered image descriptions that provide detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs for blind and low-vision users. To activate Narrator, press Ctrl + Windows key + Enter or search for 'Narrator' in Windows search. Use Narrator key + Ctrl + D for image descriptions.
• Improved Windows Search: On Copilot+ PCs, users can now type a setting they’re looking for in the Windows search box on the taskbar without needing to remember the exact setting name. For example, typing "change my theme" or "about my PC" will yield relevant results. In the EEA, users can find cloud photos using improved Windows Search on the taskbar by describing the photos, such as 'European castles' or 'summer picnics,' in the search box. Photos from the cloud and the PC will appear in the search results. This feature is gradually rolling out to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered PCs coming soon.
• Search on Taskbar: Improved support for web search providers in Windows Search for the EEA has been implemented, including increased discoverability.
• Settings Enhancements: A new FAQs section under Settings > System > About has been added, covering topics like system setup, performance, and compatibility. The dialog to rename your printer under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners now matches the Windows 11 look and feel. Mouse settings are now more accessible under Settings > Accessibility > Mouse and Mouse pointer and touch, with updated icons and options for customizing the mouse indicator, pointer trails, and hover activation time.
• Taskbar Configuration for Administrators: Administrators can configure taskbar policies so users can unpin specific apps, ensuring they are not repinned during the next policy refresh. To enable this feature, use the new PinGeneration option.

Quality Improvements​

This update also includes several quality improvements:

• BitLocker: Addresses an issue where devices with BitLocker on removable drives could encounter a blue screen error after resuming from sleep or hybrid-booting.
• Boot Menu Screens: Fixes an issue where early boot screens, such as BitLocker PIN, BitLocker Recovery key, and boot menu screens, render slowly.
• Graphics Kernel: Resolves an issue where some game titles become unresponsive after upgrading to Windows 11, version 24H2.
• Memory Leak: Addresses an issue in the Input Service that causes increased memory usage, potentially impacting performance in multi-user, multi-lingual, and remote desktop usage.
• Multimedia: Fixes an issue where, if multi-app mode or basic camera mode is enabled in advanced camera settings, the Windows Hello Face Enrollment might not work and show a bad camera preview.
• Network: Resolves an issue where Windows Server 2025 always shows the network as "public" on new domain controllers. It now checks for a domain controller name before using loopback addresses to ensure proper Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) binding.

These updates reflect Microsoft's ongoing commitment to enhancing the Windows 11 experience by introducing new features, improving existing functionalities, and addressing known issues to ensure a more stable and user-friendly operating system.

---

Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 26100.4482 to the Release Preview Channel