Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744: Key Enhancements & Known Issues

Hello, Windows enthusiasts! On November 6, 2024, Microsoft has rolled out the latest update for Windows 11 – the Insider Preview Build 27744, now available in the Canary Channel. As excitement brews among insiders, this build brings noteworthy enhancements, alongside a few known issues you should be aware of. Let’s dive into the specifics!

Key Highlights of Build 27744​

1. Build 27744 Release: Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 is officially here, and with it comes a treasure trove of new features aimed at improving your experience. However, Microsoft has decided to hold off on releasing SDKs for the 27xxx series builds for the time being – a small disappointment for developers eager to explore the new ecosystem.
2. Enhanced Prism Support: One of the headline features revolves around Prism, Microsoft’s emulator for Windows on Arm. With this build, users will see a significant update allowing for greater compatibility with 64-bit x86 (x64) applications. This update not only opens the door for numerous applications previously restricted due to CPU requirements but also expands the support for essential CPU instruction set architecture extensions such as AVX and AVX2. If you’ve been itching to run apps like Adobe Premiere Pro 25 on Arm architecture, you’re in for a treat!
   • Prism Functionality:
     • Previously blocked x64 apps are now supported.
     • Enhanced emulation opens compatibility for applications that expect modern CPU features.

What's New in the Interface?​

Start Menu Update​

• The Start Menu has seen a minor verbiage tweak; “All apps” is now just “All.” It’s a small change, but one that resonates with the team’s ongoing streamlining efforts.

Input Enhancements​

• A shiny new Gamepad keyboard layout for Xbox controllers has been introduced in the on-screen keyboard settings. This layout supports button accelerators, allowing you to navigate and type with familiarity while aligning controller buttons vertically for intuitive access.

Task Manager Refresh​

• Task Manager receives a facelift, incorporating dark mode support for the Disconnect and Logoff dialogs, along with text scaling. Also, listed disks in the Performance section now clearly indicate their type – a detail that many users will undoubtedly appreciate.

Settings Modifications​

• The anticipated detach virtual hard disk (VHD/VHDx) option is back in the Settings menu under System > Storage > Disks & Volumes after a brief hiatus, making disk management a tad easier!

Fixed Issues​

The team has rolled out fixes to improve overall stability in this build:

• Black screen problems impacting older NVIDIA GPU users (like those using GTX 970s) have been resolved, ensuring a smoother experience.
• The Emoji Panel and Clipboard History have had their kinks fixed, which means no more mystery on what you just copied!
• Performance enhancements for Windows Sandbox have been made for a more seamless experience.

Known Issues to Consider​

As with every change, there are some bumps along the road:

• Windows Hello PIN and Biometric Logins: Users of new Copilot+ PCs may experience a glitch where their PIN and biometric logins aren’t recognized (showing error 0xd0000225). The workaround? Simply click on "Set up my PIN" to recreate it.
• Desktop Background: Some users have reported desktop wallpaper issues when using multiple monitors, so keep an eye out if you’re in multi-monitor setups.

Conclusion​

The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 is a step forward in making Windows more versatile, particularly for users who rely on emulated applications. Enhancements like improved Prism support and an updated gamepad experience are exciting, while the fixes should enhance stability. However, be mindful of the known issues as you explore this latest build.
Stay savvy, Insiders! We want to hear your feedback—how is your experience so far with this build? Share your thoughts as we collectively push Windows 11 to new frontiers!

---

Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 (Canary Channel)