Here is a summary of the key changes and highlights in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4250 (Beta Channel), released for Windows 11, version 24H2:
1. Updated Start Menu:
For further details including screenshots and configuration instructions, visit the official announcement post.
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4250 (Beta Channel)
Major New Features
1. Updated Start Menu:- Scrollable Start Menu with a top-level "All" option for easier app access.
- Two new viewing modes for installed apps: "Category" (apps grouped by category based on use) and "Grid" (alphabetical, uses more horizontal space).
- The size of the Start menu now adapts to device screen size, displaying more apps and files on larger screens.
- Start menu sections dynamically resize or collapse depending on how many apps or recommendations are present.
- Toggles in Settings allow you to control what shows in the recommended section.
- New cross-device integration with Phone Link: Expand/collapse mobile device content right from Start (for Android and iOS; coming to EEA later in 2025).
- When enabled, blacks out your display so only Narrator’s audio feedback is available—helpful for privacy and focus in public/shared spaces.
- Toggle with
Caps + Ctrl + Cwhile Narrator is on.
Additional Improvements
Lock Screen:- Rollout of more widget options on lock screen and widget personalization (previously paused in the last build) resumes.
- Consolidated and redesigned search settings in Settings > Privacy & security > Search, making it easier to manage all search-related options in one place.
- New guided prompts that introduce and explain features in modal windows, providing an improved onboarding experience.
- Enhanced navigation and improved focus for child keys, menus, suggestions, etc.
- New Gamepad keyboard design for faster PIN entry on the lock screen, with support for controller shortcuts.
Fixes
- Fixed issues with input not working, the Chinese IME, clipboard history, emoji panel, and more.
- Various bug fixes in Recall (Preview), Taskbar, File Explorer, Windowing (e.g., ALT-Tab freezing).
- Graphics fixes including for certain displays showing discoloration/green.
- Several improvements in Settings and system stability.
Known Issues
- After a PC reset, the build version may report incorrectly (not blocking future updates).
- Some users may see error 0x80070005 during update—fix is in progress for the next build.
- Start Menu: touch navigation unreliable (e.g. swipe up not supported), limited drag-and-drop, duplicates in folders may occur.
- Xbox Controller via Bluetooth may cause bugchecks; workaround provided in Device Manager.
- Click to Do: delays for intelligent text actions on some Copilot+ PCs.
- Widgets pinning isn’t supported in the new widgets board yet.
Additional Notes
- New features are being rolled out gradually; some may require enabling the “get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle in Windows Update.
- Features may be tested and not all will necessarily ship in the final release.
For further details including screenshots and configuration instructions, visit the official announcement post.
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4250 (Beta Channel)
