Attention Windows 11 enthusiasts and Dev Channel insiders! Microsoft just dropped yet another compelling preview in the shape of Build 26120.3000, and it’s stuffed to the brim with updates—not to mention a long-awaited redesign for that humble yet indispensable taskbar battery indicator. This build is now rolling out to Insider members, so let’s break it down: features, fixes, improvements, and even some muddy waters caused by ongoing known issues.
If you’ve been eagerly waiting for innovative tweaks in Windows 11, this update may offer just the right fodder. Grab your coffee (or tea, if that’s your speed), and let’s dive in!
But don’t stop there: Check under Settings > System > Power & Battery for even finer controls, such as adjusting when energy-saving mode kicks in.
Bonus: These spiffy battery icons will eventually light up your lock screen, but Microsoft’s keeping that feature for future builds.
Accessibility is taking a front seat—Narrator’s updates are another notch in Microsoft's belt when it comes to inclusivity. As for search and region tweaks, it’s clear that Microsoft remains laser-focused on adhering to GDPR and addressing features tailored to geographical needs.
But, if known bugs like a finicky File Explorer or ARM64 quirks give you pause, patience might save you some headaches until a more refined version lands.
Ready or not, Build 26120.3000 is here to test the waters—let us know what you think about it in the comments below! Have you spotted something we didn’t? What’s on your Windows wishlist for the next big build?
Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-build-261203000-is-out-with-the-new-battery-indicator-and-more/
If you’ve been eagerly waiting for innovative tweaks in Windows 11, this update may offer just the right fodder. Grab your coffee (or tea, if that’s your speed), and let’s dive in!
What's New? Fresh Features to Keep an Eye On
1. Battery Indicator Overhaul: A Shot of Vibrancy & Utility
The spotlight feature in Build 26120.3000 is undoubtedly the revamped battery icons for the system tray. No more squinting to decode your battery’s cryptic status. Say hello to color-coded battery icons that scream silent messages:- Green Icon: Charged and/or charging—things are peachy.
- Yellow Icon: Below 20%, automatically in power-saving mode—batten down the hatches.
- Red Icon: Critically low—you’re running on fumes, buddy.
But don’t stop there: Check under Settings > System > Power & Battery for even finer controls, such as adjusting when energy-saving mode kicks in.
Bonus: These spiffy battery icons will eventually light up your lock screen, but Microsoft’s keeping that feature for future builds.
2. Gamepad Keyboard for Xbox Controllers
Been tinkering with your Xbox controller on PC? Microsoft is rolling out a gamepad keyboard layout once again (it took a short hiatus in previous builds). The updated layout enables seamless typing with your controller:- Button accelerators like X for backspace or Y for spacebar.
- Keyboard keys are vertically aligned for intuitive navigation.
3. Narrator Powers Up
The accessibility-focused Narrator Scan Mode is gaining better navigational features for swift mobility through long emails, articles, or web pages:- Shortcut ‘I’: Jump to specific list items.
- Comma (,) and Period (.): Leap to the start or end of sizable documents with ease.
4. Search Engine Tweaks in EEA
Microsoft’s fine-tuning Windows Search for Europe, with better emphasis on web-search providers and proper attribution. Definitely a win for transparency and regional compliance.Fixes: Where Band-Aids Have Been Applied
Bug fixes are often the unsung heroes of any update, and Microsoft has addressed some gripes in this build:- File Explorer Tweaks:
- Address bar searched paths no longer randomly fail.
- Thumbnails for cloud files now load consistently when searching.
- Performance Boosts:
- Fixed background crashes in previous builds that were causing slowdowns.
- Context menus are snappier when interacting with cloud files.
- Hardware Compatibility:
- Resolved scanner detection issues affecting certain apps.
- Corrected unexpected screen orientation flips on 2-in-1 convertible devices waking from sleep.
Known Issues: The Devil in the Details
Despite its shiny updates, Build 26120.3000 isn’t without its gremlins. Here’s where things might get dicey:- Windows Recovery on ARM64 Devices: A breach manifests as the dreaded 0xc0e90001 error, slated for a patch in the next release. Meanwhile, recovery options remain accessible under Settings > System > Recovery.
- File Explorer Slowdowns: Some Insiders report that minimizing/restoring File Explorer can cause graphical glitches. Closing it with the X button? That might turn sluggish too.
- Live Caption and Language Crashes: Switching languages with captions activated? Cue the crash. Workaround: Turn off audio or mic before toggling language.
- Battery Settings Displaying Incorrectly Post-Reset: Worry not, this quirky behavior is temporary and shouldn’t block future updates.
Why It Matters: The Bigger Picture for Windows Lovers
It’s not just an update; it’s Microsoft essentially fine-tuning its operating system to better fit how we work, play, and live in 2025. From a productivity standpoint, tighter integrations with Xbox controllers and more adaptive battery management hint at Microsoft's commitment to the hybrid (and gaming-friendly) future.Accessibility is taking a front seat—Narrator’s updates are another notch in Microsoft's belt when it comes to inclusivity. As for search and region tweaks, it’s clear that Microsoft remains laser-focused on adhering to GDPR and addressing features tailored to geographical needs.
How to Get Build 26120.3000
If you're enrolled in the Dev Channel:- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Hit Check for Updates.
- Strap in, click Download and Install, and reboot when done!
Final Thoughts: Why You Should (or Shouldn't) Update!
The TL;DR verdict: If you’re an early adopter who geeks out over squeezing every ounce of potential out of your Windows experience, Build 26120.3000 is worth the ride! That new battery percentage toggle alone could sell this update. For gamers or accessibility-conscious users, the improved gamepad keyboard and Narrator options sweeten the deal, too.But, if known bugs like a finicky File Explorer or ARM64 quirks give you pause, patience might save you some headaches until a more refined version lands.
Ready or not, Build 26120.3000 is here to test the waters—let us know what you think about it in the comments below! Have you spotted something we didn’t? What’s on your Windows wishlist for the next big build?
Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-build-261203000-is-out-with-the-new-battery-indicator-and-more/
