Windows 11 Build 26100.4484 KB5060829 Update: New Features & Improvements

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26100.4484 (KB5060829) as a preview update, introducing a suite of enhancements and fixes aimed at improving user experience, system performance, and administrative control. This update is currently available to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel.

Key Features and Improvements​

App Defaults Enhancements in the European Economic Area (EEA)​

In compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Microsoft has implemented changes to the default browser settings for users in the EEA:

• Expanded File and Link Associations: When setting a new default browser via Settings > Apps > Default apps, additional file and link types, such as .mht, .svg, and .xhtml, will now be associated with the chosen browser if it registers them.
• Automatic Pinning: The new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu by default. Users can opt out by unchecking the respective boxes during setup.
• PDF Handling: Browsers that support PDF files can now set themselves as the default PDF handler with a single click.

These changes aim to provide users with greater control and flexibility over their default applications.

Taskbar Enhancements​

The taskbar has received several updates to improve usability:

• Automatic Icon Resizing: When the taskbar becomes crowded, app icons will automatically shrink to ensure all running applications remain visible. Users can adjust this behavior in Taskbar settings with options to always use small icons, never use small icons, or shrink icons only when the taskbar is full.
• Improved Indicators: The indicator below open apps has been made more visible, aiding in better multitasking.
• Quick Settings Descriptions: Assistive tools like Narrator and Voice Access now have descriptive labels in Quick Settings, enhancing accessibility.

These enhancements aim to streamline the user interface and improve accessibility.

Windows Backup and Migration​

A new PC-to-PC migration feature has been introduced in the Windows Backup app:

• Seamless File Transfer: Users can transfer files and settings from an old PC to a new one during the initial setup process. This feature is currently in preview and will be fully functional in a future update.

This addition simplifies the transition between devices, ensuring a smoother setup experience.

Narrator's Screen Curtain Feature​

The Narrator tool now includes a "Screen Curtain" feature:

• Enhanced Privacy: When activated, this feature blacks out the screen while Narrator reads content aloud, allowing users to work with sensitive information in public or shared spaces without others viewing the screen.

This enhancement underscores Microsoft's commitment to accessibility and user privacy.

Voice Access Customization​

Voice Access has been updated to support:

• Custom Words: Users can add custom words to the Voice Access dictionary, improving the accuracy of voice commands and dictation, especially for specialized vocabulary.

This feature enhances the personalization and effectiveness of voice interactions.

Quality Improvements and Fixes​

The update also addresses several issues to enhance system stability and performance:

• Windows Search: Improved reliability and responsiveness, resolving issues where the search box would take over 10 seconds to load.
• Storage Optimization: Fixed an issue preventing the complete removal of unused language packs and Feature on Demand packages, leading to unnecessary storage use and longer Windows Update installation times.
• Copilot Key Functionality: Enhanced the reliability of the Copilot key and resolved an issue that prevented users from restarting Copilot after using the key.

These fixes contribute to a more stable and efficient operating system.

Critical Analysis​

The KB5060829 update introduces several noteworthy enhancements that reflect Microsoft's ongoing commitment to improving user experience and system functionality.
Strengths:

• User-Centric Features: The introduction of automatic icon resizing and improved indicators in the taskbar addresses common user concerns about space management and visibility, enhancing overall usability.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Features like the Screen Curtain in Narrator and descriptive labels in Quick Settings demonstrate a strong focus on accessibility, catering to users with diverse needs.
• Simplified Migration: The PC-to-PC migration feature in Windows Backup simplifies the process of setting up new devices, reducing the time and effort required for data transfer.

Potential Risks:

• Gradual Rollout Challenges: Some features are being introduced gradually and may not be immediately available to all users. This phased approach, while intended to ensure stability, might lead to inconsistencies in user experience and potential confusion.
• Regional Limitations: Certain enhancements, such as the changes to app defaults in the EEA, are region-specific. Users outside these areas may not benefit from these improvements, leading to a fragmented feature set.
• Feature Maturity: New features like the PC-to-PC migration are currently in preview and not fully functional. Users relying on these features may encounter limitations until they are fully developed and released.

In conclusion, the KB5060829 update brings valuable enhancements to Windows 11, focusing on usability, accessibility, and system performance. While the gradual rollout and regional limitations may pose challenges, the overall direction reflects a positive trajectory in Microsoft's development of the operating system.

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Source: Microsoft Support June 26, 2025—KB5060829 (OS Build 26100.4484) Preview - Microsoft Support