Fixing Mica and More
Microsoft has rolled out its latest Windows 11 update, known as Build 26120.2130 (KB5044400), specifically for members of the Insider Program in the Dev Channel. This update is packed with critical bug fixes, feature enhancements, and notable changes that enhance user experience across the platform.The Mica Bug: An Unsightly Distraction
Among the key fixes in this update is the resolution of the notorious Mica bug. For those who may not know, Mica is a dynamic material design element that allows backgrounds to softly blend into the foreground of windows, creating a visually beautiful UI experience. Previously, many users reported issues where Mica would fail to render correctly, resulting in a jarring appearance that detracted from the overall aesthetic of Windows 11. With this fix, users should now experience a seamless and polished interface, effectively restoring the elegance that Mica brings.Key Features and Changes
The update brings several functionalities that enhance usability and overall performance. Some highlights include:- Start Menu Improvements
- The "All apps" button has been simplified to show just "All," streamlining the navigation process and making it more user-friendly.
- Gamepad Support Enhancements
- Microsoft is introducing a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, allowing Xbox controller users to navigate and input text more intuitively. This innovation not only makes typing easier for gamers but also aligns button functions—such as X for backspace and Y for spacebar—to make controller navigation a natural process.
- Narrator Enhancements
- A new shortcut, “Narrator key + control + X,” has been added to quickly copy the last spoken phrase to the clipboard. This poses an excellent utility for users needing to memorize or record spoken text quickly, creating a more tactile and accessible experience.
- Network Improvements
- Users can now read UTF-8 encoded SSIDs (including those with emojis) when utilizing the
netsh wlan show networkscommand. This enhancement reflects Microsoft's commitment to accommodating diverse user needs and modern communication styles.
- Users can now read UTF-8 encoded SSIDs (including those with emojis) when utilizing the
Bug Fixes Galore
As expected with any significant update, KB5044400 is focused on addressing a variety of bugs that have plagued users:- Fixed an issue where the login screen contents would fail to load upon waking from sleep.
- Resolved troubles causing clipboard history to not display copied items.
- Adjusted taskbar behavior so that cycling through multiple open windows is intuitive and responsive.
- Improved performance with the Narrator tool, tackling issues that slowed down its functionality after prolonged use.
Known Issues & Ongoing Investigations
As is common with updates, there are still a few known issues that Microsoft is closely monitoring. Reports have surfaced regarding explorer.exe crashing when hovering over apps in the taskbar, and tapping letters on the Start menu's app list may break the “All apps” list. Users experiencing these issues are advised to reboot or restart the explorer.exe process to restore functionality.Final Thoughts
The Build 26120.2130 update (KB5044400) signifies another step forward for Windows 11, especially for its Dev Channel users. With progressive improvements targeting user interface, game controller navigation, accessibility tools, and bug fixes, this update reflects Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to provide a smooth and engaging experience. As we await further releases and updates, be sure to keep an eye on these changes and consider the benefits they might bring to your usage of Windows 11.For more detailed information, Microsoft's official blog post about this update is available online. If you're an avid Windows 11 user, updates like these are a perfect reason to stay in the loop about future enhancements. What other features would you like to see in upcoming updates? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Neowin KB5044400: Microsoft fixes Windows 11 Mica bug, brings Start menu changes, in Dev channel