Introducing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2130 (Dev Channel)
The Windows team has just announced the release of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2130 (KB5044400) to the Dev Channel, offering a host of new features, improvements, and fixes aimed at enhancing the user experience for Windows Insiders.
Release and Channel
This build is specifically available to Insiders in the Dev Channel, continuing Microsoft's commitment to delivering cutting-edge developments and feedback-driven updates.
Changes and Improvements
The latest build introduces several changes designed to improve functionality and performance:
- Start Menu: The All apps label has been simplified to All on the Start menu, creating a cleaner and more intuitive user interface.
- Input: A noteworthy update to the `netsh wlan show networks` command now supports displaying Wi-Fi SSIDs with Unicode characters, including emojis. This enhancement is being rolled out gradually to users.
- Taskbar: A fix has been applied for an issue where pressing WIN + a number (e.g., WIN + 1) was not correctly cycling between multiple windows of the same app.
- Narrator: Performance issues where the Narrator would slow down after 15 minutes of continuous use have been addressed. Additional fixes have also been made to improve Narrator announcements and text scaling.
- Live Captions: An issue that caused live captions to crash in the previous build has now been resolved.
- Desktop Background: A fix is in place for an issue where mica did not work correctly when using a slideshow for the desktop background.
Fixes
Several critical fixes have been made in response to user feedback:
- General: The issue where login screen contents failed to load after the PC was woken from sleep has now been fixed.
- Clipboard History: An underlying issue that occasionally prevented clipboard history from displaying copied items has been addressed.
Known Issues
Despite the enhancements, there are a few known issues that Insiders should be aware of:
- Taskbar: There are reports of `explorer.exe` crashing for some Insiders when hovering over certain open apps in the taskbar. The team is actively investigating these issues.
- Start Menu: A potential issue where clicking or tapping on a letter in the Start menu’s All apps list may cause the list to break. Currently, rebooting or restarting `explorer.exe` can fix this issue.
Reminders for Windows Insiders
- Update Delivery: Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package (Build 26120.xxxx).
- Feature Rollout: The rollout of new features is carefully managed using Control Feature Rollout technology, initially starting with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding based on feedback.
- Toggle for Latest Updates: Insiders have the option to turn on a toggle in Settings > Windows Update to get the latest updates as soon as they are available, otherwise, new features will be rolled out gradually over time.
- Feature Development: It is important to note that features and experiences included in these builds may be experimental and subject to change or removal based on feedback.
Additional Notes
Insiders should be aware that features in the build may not be fully localized initially, with localization being finalized as the features mature. Users are encouraged to report any localization issues encountered via the Feedback Hub. Furthermore, the Dev and Beta Channels represent parallel development paths, so features sometimes appear in the Beta Channel first. For a complete list of builds and their respective channels, Insiders can refer to the Flight Hub.
This announcement reaffirms Microsoft’s dedication to refining Windows 11 through valuable Insider feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation for all users.
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