Windows 11 Dev Build 26120.2200: New Features and Fixes Unveiled

In an ongoing effort to continuously enhance the Windows experience, Microsoft has released the latest Dev build, numbered 26120.2200 (KB5044376), aimed at Windows Insiders. This update brings exciting new features, including a revamped system tray indicator and dynamic lighting capabilities, as well as numerous fixes across the operating system. Let’s take a detailed look at what’s new and how it can benefit your Windows 11 experience!

New Features: What’s Cooking?​

Windows Studio Effects Indicator​

One of the standout features in this build is the introduction of the Windows Studio Effects indicator. This new tool integrates seamlessly with applications that utilize a camera enabled for Studio Effects, which are designed to enhance video and audio using AI technology. Here’s how it works:

• Visibility: Users will now see an icon in the system tray when using applications that support Studio Effects. Clicking on this icon will navigate you to the Quick Settings page for convenient access.
• Tooltip Indicator: Hovering over this icon will reveal which application is currently using the camera, adding a layer of transparency to your device’s usage.

Dynamic Lighting Changes​

Dynamic lighting has also received significant attention in this update. New features include:

• Enhanced Controls: When devices that support dynamic lighting aren't connected, users will see a placeholder message in the settings, and brightness controls will be appropriately disabled. This adds clarity and helps manage expectations as users navigate through their settings.
• Direction Options: The new settings include options for Forward, Backward, Outward, and Inward for the wave effects, enriching the user’s customization capabilities with visual displays.

Fixes Enhancing Stability and Usability​

This Dev build isn’t just about new features; it also focuses on refining the user experience with a long list of fixes. Some notable bug fixes include:

• Start Menu Issues: Fixed a glitch where the selection process in the Start menu could lead to unintended display errors.
• Taskbar Stability: Addressed crashes that affected the explorer.exe process when navigating through open applications on the taskbar.
• Settings App Crashes: Resolved an issue causing blank entries in the Privacy & Security menu, which previously led to crashes when accessed.

Additional Fixes​

• Mouse Pointer Control: The visibility of pointer location circles when pressing the CTRL key has been updated to be DPI-aware, preventing them from looking tiny on high-resolution monitors.
• Windows Disk Cleanup: Improvements have been made to the calculations displayed in the Disk Cleanup app, enhancing the accuracy of free space estimations.

Known Issues to Watch For​

Even though the build brings many improvements, users should be aware of existing bugs:

• Spacing in Start Menu: Users might notice unusual spacing between items in the Start menu.
• Dev Drive Accessibility: There are ongoing issues with Dev Drives that might affect access in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Microsoft is actively working on a solution.

Conclusion: What This Means for Users​

This build represents Microsoft's commitment to refining Windows 11. The new tray indicator and dynamic lighting features align with current trends in user-friendly and visually dynamic operating systems. With improvements to stability and several bug fixes, Windows Insiders can enjoy a more polished and enhanced computing experience.

Join the Conversation!​

Have you upgraded to this new build? What new features are you finding most useful? Share your thoughts and experiences with the Windows community!
As always, keep an eye on future updates, as Microsoft continues its mission to keep Windows dynamic and user-centric!
With this latest release, it’s safe to say that Windows 11 is not just maturing; it’s transforming into something truly remarkable for power users and casual users alike. Embrace the change, and don't forget to feedback your thoughts to Microsoft as they iterate on this incredible platform!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 Dev build 26120.2200 (KB5044376) is out with a new tray indicator and more