Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885): Gamepad Keyboard Disabled

Published on November 5, 2024
Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213, also known as KB5045885, to participants in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program. This update brings a host of bug fixes and enhancements aimed at improving the overall user experience and system stability. Among the significant changes is the temporary disabling of the newly introduced Gamepad keyboard layout, a feature designed to enhance accessibility for users relying on gamepad inputs.

Temporary Disabling of the Gamepad Keyboard Layout​

The Gamepad keyboard layout, introduced by Microsoft a few weeks prior, was part of an initiative to make Windows 11 more accessible to users who prefer or require gamepad devices for navigation and input. This layout was integrated into the touch keyboard, providing an alternative input method that aligns with gaming peripherals. However, following its rollout, Microsoft identified several issues affecting its functionality and user experience, prompting the decision to disable it temporarily in the latest build.

Reasons for Disabling​

The primary reason for disabling the Gamepad keyboard layout revolves around unforeseen technical issues that compromised its performance and reliability. Users reported inconsistencies and bugs that hindered seamless interaction, which could detract from the overall accessibility goals the feature aimed to achieve. By halting its immediate deployment, Microsoft ensures that these issues are meticulously addressed before reintroducing the feature in future updates.

Future Plans​

Microsoft has assured users that the Gamepad keyboard layout will be reinstated in upcoming builds once the identified problems are resolved. This approach underscores Microsoft's commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable features that genuinely enhance user accessibility without introducing new challenges.

Comprehensive Bug Fixes and Enhancements in KB5045885​

Beyond the temporary suspension of the Gamepad keyboard, KB5045885 encompasses a wide range of bug fixes and performance improvements across various components of Windows 11. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key areas addressed in this update:

Start Menu Enhancements​

• Spacing Between Items: Addressed an issue where some Insiders experienced excessive spacing between items in the Start menu app list, ensuring a more compact and visually appealing interface.
• Pin/Unpin Functionality: Resolved a problem that made the ability to pin or unpin apps from the Start menu unexpectedly unavailable for certain users, restoring full control over app management.

File Explorer Improvements​

• Navigation Pane Padding: Fixed an issue where items in the navigation pane appeared overly spaced due to unexpected padding, enhancing the usability and aesthetic of File Explorer.
• Thumbnail Orientation for RAW Images: Corrected a bug where RAW images taken in portrait mode displayed thumbnails in landscape orientation, ensuring accurate visual representation of photos.

Taskbar Fixes​

• Close Button Malfunction: Repaired an issue where the 'X' button on the taskbar failed to close app windows for some Insiders, restoring expected functionality.
• Widget Text Overlap on Secondary Monitors: Fixed a problem affecting left-aligned taskbar users on secondary monitors, where widget text could overlap with the date and time display, improving readability and layout consistency.

Dev Drive and WSL Accessibility​

• Dev Drives within WSL: Addressed an underlying issue that prevented Dev Drives from being accessible within the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) after recent updates, facilitating smoother development workflows.

System Maintenance and Commands​

• DISM /StartComponentCleanup Issue: Fixed a bug that caused the DISM /StartComponentCleanup command to stall at 71% and display error code 6842, enhancing system maintenance processes.
• Get-WindowsCapability Command Stability: Resolved an issue where the Get-WindowsCapability command could enter an unstable state, occasionally requiring a system reboot to function correctly.
• JPG Rotation Information via APIs: Corrected the inability to query rotation information of JPG files through APIs, such as PowerShell, enabling more accurate image metadata handling.

General System Improvements​

• Game Launch Issues: Fixed an underlying problem that prevented some games from launching in the previous flight, ensuring a more stable gaming experience.
• Task Manager Display Counts: Addressed an issue in Task Manager where apps and processes were inaccurately shown as zero, providing accurate system monitoring data.
• Network Stability Enhancements:
  • DHCP Lease Acquisition: Resolved problems with DHCP lease acquisition caused by unexpected duplicate options, which previously led to failures in obtaining IP addresses and disrupted Wi-Fi functionality.
  • DirectAccess Connectivity: Fixed an issue where DirectAccess would remain stuck in a connecting state, restoring reliable remote connectivity features.

Ongoing Investigations​

Microsoft is actively investigating an intermittent issue where desktop backgrounds fail to display correctly across multiple monitors, resulting in substantial black areas on the screen. This problem affects users with multi-monitor setups and is being addressed to restore proper background rendering and multi-display functionality.

Access to Full Changelog​

For users interested in reviewing the complete list of changes, enhancements, and fixes included in KB5045885, Microsoft has provided a detailed changelog accessible through their official channels. This comprehensive document offers insights into all modifications, allowing users to understand the full scope of the update.

Impact on Windows 11 Users​

The release of KB5045885 demonstrates Microsoft's dedication to refining Windows 11 through continuous updates and improvements. While the temporary disablement of the Gamepad keyboard layout may affect users who have begun utilizing this feature, Microsoft's commitment to resolving the underlying issues ensures that the feature will return with enhanced stability and performance. The broad range of bug fixes and enhancements included in this build also signifies ongoing efforts to enhance user experience, system reliability, and overall functionality of Windows 11.

Community and Insider Feedback​

Windows Insiders play a crucial role in Microsoft's development cycle by providing invaluable feedback on new features and updates. The issues leading to the disablement of the Gamepad keyboard layout highlight the effectiveness of this feedback loop, allowing Microsoft to identify and address problems before broader public release. Users are encouraged to continue participating in the Windows Insider Program, offering their experiences and suggestions to help shape the future of Windows 11.

Conclusion​

Microsoft's release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) underscores the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing the Windows ecosystem through meticulous updates and responsive issue resolution. The temporary suspension of the Gamepad keyboard layout serves as a testament to Microsoft's dedication to delivering reliable and user-friendly features. As the company continues to refine Windows 11 based on insider feedback and internal testing, users can look forward to a more robust and accessible operating system in future updates.

Windows Update: KB5045885 Brings Temporary Disablement of Gamepad Keyboard as Part of Ongoing Enhancements​

By Flavius Floare, Tech Journalist
Microsoft has taken a proactive step in refining Windows 11's user experience with the latest Insider Preview Build 26120.2213, also recognized as KB5045885, available to members of the Dev Channel. This update not only addresses a variety of bug fixes but also includes significant changes to the accessibility features of the operating system.
The most notable alteration in this build is the temporary disabling of the Gamepad keyboard layout—a feature that was rolled out a few weeks ago to enhance accessibility for users who prefer or require gamepad inputs. While the Gamepad keyboard aimed to provide an innovative solution for input methods, it encountered unforeseen issues that necessitated its suspension. Microsoft's decision to disable this feature is a testament to their commitment to ensuring that all accessibility tools function seamlessly, maintaining the high standards expected by their user base.
Despite the temporary disablement of the Gamepad keyboard, KB5045885 introduces a comprehensive list of fixes and improvements across various facets of Windows 11:

• Start Menu: Resolved unexpected spacing issues between app items and restored the ability to pin/unpin apps for some users.
• File Explorer: Addressed excessive padding in the navigation pane and corrected thumbnail orientations for RAW images taken in portrait mode.
• Taskbar: Fixed functionalities related to the close button and prevented widget text from overlapping the date and time on secondary monitors.
• Dev Drive Accessibility: Ensured that Dev Drives are accessible within the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) after recent updates.
• System Maintenance: Rectified issues with DISM commands stalling and improved the stability of the Get-WindowsCapability command.
• Image Processing: Enabled accurate querying of rotation information for JPG files via APIs like PowerShell.
• General Stability: Resolved issues affecting game launches, Task Manager display counts, DHCP lease acquisitions, and DirectAccess connectivity.

Moreover, Microsoft is actively investigating a persistent issue where desktop backgrounds do not render correctly across multiple monitors, resulting in large black areas. This problem underscores the challenges of maintaining seamless multi-display support and the complexities involved in delivering a consistent user experience across diverse hardware configurations.
Windows Insiders who update to KB5045885 will benefit from these enhancements while also contributing to the ongoing improvement of Windows 11. The Insider Program continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the final release of Windows updates, allowing users to experience new features and provide feedback that drives refinements and optimizations.
For those eager to explore the full range of changes introduced in KB5045885, Microsoft has made the complete changelog available. This detailed document offers insights into all the modifications and is an essential resource for users keen on understanding the depth and breadth of this update.
In conclusion, while the temporary disablement of the Gamepad keyboard may pose a temporary inconvenience for some users, it reflects Microsoft's dedication to delivering robust and reliable accessibility features. The extensive list of bug fixes and improvements in KB5045885 further cements Windows 11's position as a continuously evolving platform committed to enhancing user experience and system performance.

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Source: Windows Report With KB5045885, Microsoft has decided to disable the recently-introduced Gamepad keyboard in Windows 11