The ever-evolving world of Windows 11 continues to dazzle and surprise as Microsoft rolls out a new development build for its eager Insiders in the Dev Channel. The latest offering, build 26120.2222 (KB5046746), brings a medley of enhancements, primarily focusing on jump lists, File Explorer improvements, and a plethora of bug fixes. Let’s peel back the layers of this release and see what it has to offer for Windows users.
One of the standout features introduced in this build is an upgrade to the jump lists. For those who are newer to the term, a jump list is the nifty pop-up menu that appears when you right-click the app icon in the taskbar or Start menu. With this update, Microsoft added a cool shortcut: if you hold down the Shift and CTRL keys while clicking an item in a jump list, it will now launch that item with administrative privileges.
Example: If you're a power user and right-click on the Windows Terminal, holding Shift and CTRL while clicking on PowerShell will open it as an admin. This little tweak could save users a few clicks here and there, which adds up over time, right?
Additionally, there are fixes addressing issues where the mouse cursor could disengage from a game window on systems with multiple monitors after interacting with the Game Bar. No more unexpected mouse romps during intense gaming sessions!
There’s also a solution to an issue that might cause Registry Editor to freeze when the Alt key is pressed after clicking the license information in the About section. A bug that was annoying at best has been given the boot!
There is also an ongoing fix for an issue where desktop backgrounds might display improperly on systems with multiple monitors, leading to unsightly black areas appearing. It’s a work-in-progress situation that users should be aware of.
What are your thoughts on this latest build? Does the new admin jump list feature pique your interest? Perhaps you've had your own run-ins with the Jump List woes or the Registry Editor freeze? Dive into the comments below on WindowsForum.com and share your experiences!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 Dev build 26120.2222 adds new jump list features, File Explorer fixes, and more
New Features: Jumping into Action
One of the standout features introduced in this build is an upgrade to the jump lists. For those who are newer to the term, a jump list is the nifty pop-up menu that appears when you right-click the app icon in the taskbar or Start menu. With this update, Microsoft added a cool shortcut: if you hold down the Shift and CTRL keys while clicking an item in a jump list, it will now launch that item with administrative privileges.Example: If you're a power user and right-click on the Windows Terminal, holding Shift and CTRL while clicking on PowerShell will open it as an admin. This little tweak could save users a few clicks here and there, which adds up over time, right?
File Explorer Fixes: Streamlining the Experience
File Explorer receives its fair share of tweaks this round as well. Users may have noticed that the See More (…) menu sometimes decided to throw a tantrum, opening in the wrong direction, making it potentially offscreen. Not the best user experience when you’re trying to be productive! Thankfully, this has been rectified in the latest build.Additionally, there are fixes addressing issues where the mouse cursor could disengage from a game window on systems with multiple monitors after interacting with the Game Bar. No more unexpected mouse romps during intense gaming sessions!
Windowing and Other Bug Fixes
The windowing experience has seen improvements too, with fixes that address the erratic movement of windows post-sleep when multiple monitors are in use. If your desktop has been resembling a game of musical chairs, this fix should bring it back under control.There’s also a solution to an issue that might cause Registry Editor to freeze when the Alt key is pressed after clicking the license information in the About section. A bug that was annoying at best has been given the boot!
Known Issues: Proceed with Caution
As with any new rollout, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This build does carry a couple of known issues, with the most notable being a problem affecting Narrator. If users attempt to launch Narrator with one of the natural voices (like Jenny), it may crash. Microsoft recommends switching to a different voice, such as Microsoft David, as a workaround. Remember, if you find yourself needing to make this switch, you may need assistance or a secondary screen reader during the process.There is also an ongoing fix for an issue where desktop backgrounds might display improperly on systems with multiple monitors, leading to unsightly black areas appearing. It’s a work-in-progress situation that users should be aware of.
Conclusion: A Moving Target
Build 26120.2222 showcases Microsoft's dedication to refining Windows 11 while actively responding to user feedback. With new features aimed at enhancing user productivity and fixes targeting previous annoyances, this update exemplifies the iterative nature of software development. Windows users in the Dev Channel may want to test out this build, but exercise caution with the known issues, particularly if you rely on accessibility features.What are your thoughts on this latest build? Does the new admin jump list feature pique your interest? Perhaps you've had your own run-ins with the Jump List woes or the Registry Editor freeze? Dive into the comments below on WindowsForum.com and share your experiences!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 Dev build 26120.2222 adds new jump list features, File Explorer fixes, and more
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