Windows 11 KB5052090 Update: Enhanced Performance and Customization Features

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update for Dev and Beta channel Insiders—Build 26120.3360 under KB5052090—is making waves with a suite of performance enhancements, customization features, and a raft of bug fixes. Today, we dive deep into what this update brings, how it improves your Windows experience, and what to expect as the company continues to iterate on its flagship operating system.

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A Refreshing Boost for Windows Insiders​

For those keeping a close eye on the Windows Insider Program, GB5052090 isn’t just another update—it's a carefully calibrated upgrade addressing both long-standing issues and introducing fresh capabilities. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new:

• Enhanced CPU Monitoring: Task Manager now boasts improved CPU utilization metrics that align with industry standards.
• Lock Screen Customization: Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA) can now add, remove, and rearrange lock screen widgets, paving the way for a more personalized interface.
• Easier File Sharing: A new context-menu option lets users share files directly through apps that support sharing.
• Snipping Tool Trim Update: Recordings can now be finely trimmed for quick edits, boosting productivity and user convenience.
• Multiple Bug Fixes: A host of stability improvements across File Explorer, Taskbar, Remote Desktop, and Settings ensure a smoother computing experience.

These changes signal Microsoft’s commitment to both performance and usability—a trend that has been echoing through recent update threads on the forum, including discussions on similar fixes in KB5052089 and insider builds that focused on visual upgrades.

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Deep Dive: What’s New in KB5052090?​

Improved CPU Monitoring in Task Manager​

One of the standout features of KB5052090 is the overhaul of CPU monitoring within Task Manager.

• Standardized Metrics Across All Pages:
  Task Manager now calculates CPU utilization using standard metrics. This change ensures consistency between the Processes, Performance, and Users pages, aligning them with industry benchmarks. No more discrepancies that left many Insiders scratching their heads!
• Introduction of the “CPU Utility” Column:
  For users who prefer the legacy metrics, there is an optional column—hidden by default—named CPU Utility. Accessible via the Details tab, this column provides the old CPU values for backward compatibility. This dual approach helps long-time users transition smoothly without losing track of familiar data.

This update not only makes CPU monitoring more reliable but also significantly improves the user experience for power users and IT professionals who rely on detailed performance insights. It draws a clear line in the sand between legacy methods and modern, accurate analytics.

Lock Screen Widgets: Customization Meets Functionality​

Gone are the days of a static lock screen. In KB5052090’s latest release, Microsoft is rolling out enhanced lock screen widget functionality:

• Region-Specific Rollout Initially:
  The feature is currently available for Insiders in the EEA. Users can now choose which widgets appear on their lock screen, including options such as Weather, Watchlist, Sports, and Traffic. Select widgets that support small sizing and enjoy a more tailored lock screen experience.
• Future Group Policy Enhancements:
  For IT administrators, a new group policy—named “Disable Widgets On Lock Screen”—allows for centralized management, meaning businesses can disable these widgets without affecting desktop widget availability. This control is essential for maintaining a secure and consistent environment in enterprise settings.
• How to Customize:
  Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen to add, remove, or rearrange your widgets. The customization options are intuitive, ensuring even non-tech-savvy users can make their lock screens truly personal.

Think of this as a mini makeover for your device’s welcome screen—a subtle yet impactful way to bring more personality and functionality right from the moment you power on your PC.

Direct File Sharing Through File Explorer​

Microsoft isn’t stopping at aesthetic improvements and performance tweaks. KB5052090 introduces a practical feature that enhances productivity:

• Seamless Integration With Sharing Apps:
  By right-clicking on local files in File Explorer (or on the desktop), you now have the option to share content directly with apps that support this functionality. This streamlined approach removes the extra steps typically involved in file sharing, making collaboration and content dissemination more effortless.

This update reflects Microsoft’s continuous effort to integrate Windows more deeply into the broader ecosystem of apps and services, fostering a more connected user experience.

Snipping Tool Update: Trim Your Recordings with Ease​

For heavy users of the Snipping Tool, the new trim feature is like a breath of fresh air:

• Trim Capability for Screen Recordings:
  The updated Snipping Tool (version 11.2501.7.0) now allows you to adjust the start and end times of your recordings. With intuitive grabbers to select precise time points, you can remove unnecessary segments in seconds.
• User-Friendly Editing Experience:
  After recording your screen, simply click the Trim button and adjust as needed. Whether you're creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or saving important workflow snippets, this feature simplifies post-recording edits.

This addition not only boosts functionality but also emphasizes Microsoft’s understanding of modern workflows where quick and efficient editing directly within the native tool can save precious time.

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Bug Fixes and Stabilization: Smoothing the Corners​

No update is complete without addressing pesky bugs. KB5052090 brings a host of fixes designed to enhance stability and performance on the Dev and Beta channels:

• File Explorer Home Issues:
  An annoyance where File Explorer Home might show random floating text like “Name” has been resolved.
• Taskbar Glitches:
  The issue of underlines under app icons getting stuck—even after closing applications—has been fixed, ensuring a cleaner taskbar appearance.
• Remote Desktop Stability:
  For those who rely on Remote Desktop, intermittent freezes and disconnect issues during login have now been addressed.
• Settings and Crash Fixes:
  An underlying crash affecting Settings—along with RuntimeBroker.exe errors—has been squashed, leading to a more reliable launch experience.
• Boot Menu Duplication:
  The update also tackles the problem of duplicate Windows entries in the boot menu when an upgrade fails and rolls back.

By ironing out these issues, Microsoft is providing a more consistent and refined usability experience. The changes also underscore the importance of continuous testing and feedback from the Windows Insider community—a topic discussed in past forum threads that detailed similar improvements in previous builds.

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Known Issues: What’s on the Horizon?​

While KB5052090 introduces many welcome changes, some known issues persist:

• Build Version Display Error:
  After resetting the PC via Settings > System > Recovery, some users might notice that the build version reads as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. Rest assured, this is purely a display error and future updates should resolve it.
• Recall Feature Inconsistencies:
  Some Insiders have reported that the Recall setting—responsible for automatic snapshot saving—can’t be toggled. Microsoft acknowledges the issue and has promised improvements in upcoming updates.
• File Explorer Slow Closing:
  A lingering problem causing File Explorer to be notably slow when closing has been identified and is already in the works for a future fix.
• Task Manager Graphs' Calculation Lag:
  Although the new CPU metrics are accurately reflected in the Details page, the CPU graphs on the Performance page continue to use older calculations. Users should note this inconsistency as Microsoft continues to fine-tune the system.

These known issues are common in insider builds and provide Microsoft an opportunity to gather critical feedback before rolling the changes out to the broader user base.

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Expert Analysis: A Glimpse into Microsoft’s Iterative Strategy​

From an expert standpoint, KB5052090 is another strong example of Microsoft’s iterative strategy to refine Windows 11 incrementally. Here are several key observations:

• Alignment With Industry Standards:
  By standardizing CPU metrics across Task Manager pages, Microsoft is ensuring better compatibility with industry-standard tools. This not only improves internal consistency but also eases the integration of third-party performance monitoring solutions.
• Customization at its Core:
  The enhancement of lock screen widgets represents a broader trend towards user personalization. Similar initiatives in previous builds—such as those discussed in threads about KB5052089—reinforce Microsoft’s focus on user-centric design.
• Efficiency in Everyday Tasks:
  Whether it’s the new file sharing option in File Explorer or the streamlined trim function within the Snipping Tool, these improvements illustrate Microsoft’s commitment to reducing the number of clicks and streamlining the user experience.
• Community Feedback as a Driver:
  The range of bug fixes and known issues hints at robust community feedback. The Windows Insider Program has always been a valuable resource for Microsoft, and this update is a testament to the effective collaboration between users and developers. Insider threads on the forum have repeatedly praised this level of engagement, underscoring the mutual benefits of transparency and responsiveness.

Rhetorically speaking, one might ask: How many times can an operating system refine its performance before it feels “just right”? With KB5052090, it might seem like Windows 11 is inching closer and closer to that ideal balance of functionality and user-centric innovation.

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The Bigger Picture: Windows 11’s Evolution​

This update also fits into a broader narrative regarding the evolution of Windows 11. Recent builds—including the widely discussed Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27802 with dramatic visual upgrades and the KB5052089 update that tackled start menu and OneDrive bugs—show a pattern of continuous, nuanced improvements.

• Incremental yet Impactful:
  Each update might seem small on its own, but collectively, they form an ecosystem that’s both adaptive and progressive. KB5052090—focusing on performance metrics and user customization—exemplifies how even minor tweaks can significantly enhance day-to-day usability.
• A Window into Future Trends:
  With features like advanced CPU monitoring, enhanced lock screen widgets, and integrated file sharing, Microsoft is setting the stage for a more dynamic and user-responsive operating system. These updates suggest that the future of Windows lies in blending performance analytics with personal customization—an approach that could redefine how users interact with their devices.
• Guidance for IT Professionals and Power Users:
  For enterprise environments and tech enthusiasts, the introduction of group policies to control widget behavior and standardized performance metrics reflects an understanding of the diverse needs encountered in real-world usage. This balance between consumer-friendly features and professional-grade settings is key to Windows 11’s ongoing success.

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Moving Forward: Best Practices for Windows Insiders​

If you’re an Insider eager to try out KB5052090, here are a few tips to maximize your update experience:

• Backup Before Installing:
  Always ensure that your data is backed up. Insider builds can sometimes introduce unexpected issues, so backup tools remain your best friend.
• Explore New Settings:
  Navigate to Settings > Personalization and Settings > System to explore the new lock screen widget options and CPU monitoring tools. Experiment with the new group policy settings if you manage a fleet of devices.
• Report Feedback Promptly:
  Leverage the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) to share your experiences, especially if you encounter known issues like build version display errors or recall inconsistencies. Your feedback directly impacts future improvements.
• Discuss in the Forums:
  Engage with other Windows enthusiasts in forum threads dedicated to KB5052090, as well as those on previous updates such as KB5052089. Internal discussions on these topics often yield valuable insights and workarounds shared by fellow Insiders.
• Monitor for Future Updates:
  Some issues, like the temporary slow closing of File Explorer and outdated CPU graph calculations, are known and slated for future fixes. Keeping an eye on update release notes will help you stay informed on when these problems are resolved.

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Conclusion​

The KB5052090 update is a clear statement from Microsoft: Windows 11 will continue to evolve based on real-world feedback and performance needs. With enhancements ranging from more precise CPU monitoring to refined lock screen customization and improved file sharing capabilities, this update reinforces the idea that even incremental changes can lead to substantial improvements in overall usability.
As Windows Insiders get their hands on these new features, it’s encouraging to see that the dialogue between everyday users, IT professionals, and developers remains robust and productive. Whether you’re a long-time Insider or a newcomer eager to explore the latest in Windows 11 innovation, KB5052090 offers a glimpse of an operating system that’s more responsive, more intuitive, and more finely tuned to your needs.
Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft continues to refine and perfect the Windows 11 experience. In the meantime, dive in, experiment, and join the conversation on our forum—your input is what drives these continual improvements.

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Summary:
Windows 11 KB5052090 introduces enhanced CPU monitoring with standardized metrics and an optional legacy column, revamped lock screen widget customization (initially for the EEA), direct file sharing in File Explorer, and a modern trim feature in the updated Snipping Tool. Coupled with vital bug fixes and a few known issues, this update exemplifies Microsoft’s iterative approach to innovation and user experience.
Keywords: Windows 11 update, KB5052090, CPU monitoring, lock screen widgets, Dev channel, Beta channel, Insider build, Task Manager improvements, Snipping Tool trim feature.

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Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-24h2-kb5052090-devbeta-brings-better-cpu-monitoring-and-more/