Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (KB5077242) to the Beta Channel. This update brings a variety of new features and improvements, meticulously documented for your convenience. Insiders who have opted in to receive the latest updates can access these enhancements through Settings > Windows Update.
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Enhanced security and performance for batch files]
In this release, we are empowering administrators and Application Control for Business policy authors with enhanced controls for batch file processing. A new secure mode can be enabled through the registry key HKEYLOCALMACHINESoftwareMicrosoftCommand Processor by adding the value LockBatchFilesWhenInUse (DWORD, value 0 or 1). This feature ensures that batch files remain unchanged during execution, significantly improving performance and security when code integrity is enabled. Signature validation will now only need to occur once, rather than for each statement executed within the batch file.
Feedback: We invite you to share your insights in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Developer Platform > Command Line.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Shared audio (preview) gets more control]
- Initially introduced last fall, the shared audio feature allows two users to share audio through compatible Bluetooth LE Audio devices. This update introduces individual volume sliders for each listener, enabling personal volume adjustments without impacting the other. Users can still control the overall volume through Quick Settings or keyboard controls.
- A new taskbar indicator will now appear while sharing audio, providing a quick reminder of the ongoing session. Clicking this indicator offers a shortcut to access sharing settings for volume adjustments or to stop sharing altogether.
- The ecosystem for LE Audio accessories continues to expand, with new support for devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, Sony WF‑1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset.
- Feedback: Share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Audio quality, glitches, choppiness, and stuttering.
[Narrator]
- Narrator users can now utilize a new command, Narrator key + , to read the contents of the status bar in applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. For instance, in Word, this command allows users to hear the count of pages or words in a document, while in Excel, it provides the sum or average of selected data cells without requiring a change in focus.
[Taskbar]
- We have temporarily paused the rollout of improved animations for the taskbar when set to autohide, alongside enhancements to the reliability of loading taskbar components in safe mode. We appreciate the feedback from our Insiders!
[Storage]
- We have improved the reliability of removing Windows Update files and windows.old files through Settings > System > Storage.
[Input]
- Typing reliability has been enhanced when using the ADLaM keyboard.
Paint App update rolling out
- With the latest Paint version 11.2601.391.0, we are thrilled to introduce the highly anticipated freeform rotate feature. This allows users to rotate shapes, text, and selections to any desired angle. Simply select an object in Paint and use the rotate handle to adjust freely. For precise adjustments, the Custom rotate option in the Rotate menu allows for specific angle entry, enhancing your creative workflow.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
- Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26220.7934).
- Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, beginning with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding as we monitor feedback.
- [New] The desktop watermark displayed in the lower right corner of the desktop is standard for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
- Insiders eager to receive features gradually rolled out to you can turn ON the toggle for the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, we will increase the rollout of features to all users with the toggle activated. If the toggle remains off, new features will be introduced to your PC as they become ready.
- Features and experiences in these builds may not be released beyond Windows Insiders as we explore various concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced as development progresses.
- Some features currently in development may not be fully localized; localization will occur as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues via the Feedback Hub.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please visit Flight Hub.
Thank you,
Windows Insider Program Team
