Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Build 26100.4482 (KB5060829) to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, marking a significant update in the Windows 11, version 24H2 (Build 26100) series. This build introduces a range of new features and improvements, some of which are being rolled out gradually to users.
Gradual Rollout Features
The following enhancements are being introduced progressively and may not be immediately available to all users:
- App Defaults: In the European Economic Area (EEA), changes have been made to the default browser settings via the 'Set default' button in Settings > Apps > Default apps. These changes include:
- Additional file and link types will be set for the new default browser if it registers them.
- The new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless the user opts out by clearing the checkboxes.
- A separate one-click button is now available for browsers to change the default application for .pdf files, provided the browser registers for the .pdf file type.
- Start Menu: For administrators, the 'Configure Start Pins' policy now includes an option to apply Start menu pins only once. This means users will receive the admin-specified Start menu pins on their first login, but subsequent changes by the user will not be overridden by the policy.
The following features and improvements are being rolled out to all users:
- Energy Saver: 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 helps extend battery life by limiting background activity, dimming the screen, and contributing to environmental sustainability. To configure the 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: Users can now manage their PC’s 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.
- On PCs with Dolby Vision, a new toggle allows users to turn Dolby Vision on or off independently of HDR, providing more control over the viewing experience.
- Narrator: Enhancements have been made to digital accessibility with AI-powered image descriptions in Narrator on Copilot+ PCs. This feature provides 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: As part of improving 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. Additionally, 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'. Photos from the cloud and the Copilot+ 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: Several updates have been made to the Settings app:
- A new FAQs section under Settings > System > About provides answers to commonly asked questions about the PC and Windows 11, covering topics like system setup, performance, and compatibility.
- The dialog to rename printers 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, eliminating the need to open Control Panel. Updated icons for Mouse pointer speed and Enhance mouse pointer precision are included, along with options for customizing the mouse indicator, pointer trails, and hover activation time.
- Taskbar: 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. Additionally, issues have been fixed where keyboard focus could get stuck on the taskbar frame when using Tab and Shift + Tab, and where keyboard focus might unexpectedly be set to widgets in the taskbar on login.
- Voice Access: Voice access now includes an in-product experience that highlights new features and improvements. Users can access voice access under Accessibility in Quick Settings at the lower-right corner of the screen near the clock. To open Quick Settings, select the network, volume, or battery icon. An issue where voice access might freeze with the error 'working on it' when dictating has also been fixed.
- Voice Typing: Users now have control over the profanity filter. When turned on, it masks profanity with asterisks; when turned off, words appear as spoken. To change the setting, open voice typing (Win + H), select the settings icon, and toggle the Filter profanity switch.
- Windows Share: Enhancements to the Windows Share feature include:
- The ability to make last-minute edits such as cropping, rotating, and adding filters to images shared through the Windows Share window.
- When dragging a local file from File Explorer or the desktop, a tray appears at the top of the screen. Users can drop the file into a suggested app or select 'More' to open the Windows share window.
- The option to add apps that support sharing directly to the right-click menu for local files in File Explorer or on the desktop.
- Audio: An issue where the startup sound might not play on boot, despite being enabled, has been fixed.
- Bluetooth: Settings no longer crash when loading information about Bluetooth devices.
- Display: Unexpected scaling and window position changes that might occur after sleep/resume for some devices have been addressed.
- Print: Non-admin users can now uninstall printers that they’ve added.
- Windows Hello: An issue where the camera might unexpectedly fail after waking the PC from sleep, blocking login using Windows Hello facial recognition, has been resolved.
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 26100.4482 to the Release Preview Channel
