Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2222: Features, Fixes, and Known Issues

Greetings, fellow Windows enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping a close eye on the latest developments from the Windows Insider Program, you’ll be excited to hear about the newly released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2222 (KB5046746), which just hit the Dev Channel. Let’s dive into what this latest build brings forth—not just the shiny new features, but also crucial fixes and important reminders that could make your Insider experience smoother.

New Features to Explore​

The primary focus of the builds rolling out to the Dev Channel includes new features aimed at enhancing usability. Here are a couple of exciting additions that are bound to make an impact on your daily workflow:

• Admin Jump List Activation: Now you can launch items as an administrator straight from the Start menu or taskbar. By simply holding Shift + CTRL while clicking on a jump list item, you'll have elevated privileges. For instance, clicking on PowerShell from Windows Terminal this way will open it with admin rights, making it easier to run those elevated operations without extra steps.

Improvements That Fix Your Everyday Frustrations​

Alongside the fresh features, there are key fixes on board, which insiders will surely appreciate:

• File Explorer Fixes: If you’ve been experiencing the "See More" menu opening in awkward directions (often out of sight!), this glitch has been resolved. Expect a more intuitive menu display that keeps your workspace neat.
• Mouse Functionality in Games: Gamers on multi-monitor setups have faced issues where the mouse unlocks from a game window after using the Game Bar. Good news—this has been fixed! You can now enjoy seamless gameplay without interruptions.
• Window Arrangement Post-Sleep: Sleep-induced window chaos on setups with multiple monitors has been addressed. You should now find that your windows stay put after waking up, allowing for consistent productivity.
• Registry Editor Stability: An annoying issue causing the Registry Editor to freeze upon accessing certain information has also been fixed, which should provide a more stable user experience.

Known Issues to Keep in Mind​

However, no rollout is without its blemishes. Here are some important known issues that have cropped up in this build:

• Narrator Crashes: If you’re using Narrator with natural voices like Jenny, be advised that crashes might occur upon launch. If you're affected, it's recommended to pause updates in the Windows Update settings. If you need to adjust settings during a crash, switching to a different voice using Accessibility controls will be necessary—best to have a secondary screen reader handy.
• Desktop Background Problems: Those utilizing multiple monitors may notice that sometimes the desktop background doesn’t render correctly, leading to black areas under certain conditions.

What Does This Build Mean for You?​

This release reflects Microsoft's ongoing commitment to refining the Windows experience, particularly through the Windows Insider Program. It offers a glimpse into the evolving features of Windows 11, version 24H2, highlighting Microsoft's agile development strategy, where they incorporate user feedback into feature rollouts.
The Dev Channel is a testing ground for new enhancements, which means not every feature will make it to the mainstream release—some ideas might be scrapped altogether based on insider feedback. Consequently, it’s a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to shape the future of Windows by providing quality input.

Final Thoughts and Reminders​

As a Windows Insider, keep in mind that updates from the Dev Channel come as a gradual rollout. If you want to be among the first to receive these updates, toggle the feature option in Settings > Windows Update. Just remember, not all experiments lead to formal releases; sometimes, there are roadblocks that lead the team in different directions.
So gear up, dive into the new features and fixes, and let Microsoft know what you think! As Windows 11 continues to grow and evolve, your feedback plays a pivotal role in its transformation.
Stay curious, stay engaged, and happy exploring!

---

Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2222 (Dev Channel)