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Windows Insiders are now invited to explore a suite of new features, including an enhanced Windows Search and an upgraded Phone Link. These updates are part of Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, which is currently accessible through the Experimental Preview Channel.
The revamped Windows Search introduces a customizable experience, allowing users to toggle integration with their personal Microsoft accounts or work/school accounts. Additionally, users can choose whether to include OneDrive in their search results or exclude cloud storage altogether. A notable feature is the automatic expansion of indexing based on user activity, which can also be enabled or disabled at will.
Phone Link keeps getting better
While the enhancements to Phone Link are more pronounced, the extent of their impact remains to be seen. Feedback from users suggests that while Phone Link is a promising feature, its daily usage may be limited. Nonetheless, Microsoft’s ongoing improvements indicate a solid user base that values the service.
In this latest Insider build, Phone Link now allows users to view more activity at a glance. By hovering over a recent message or notification in the Start menu’s recent section, users can preview content without needing to pick up their phones. This feature is being rolled out gradually, so not all users may see it immediately, even with the latest build.
Microsoft has ambitious plans for Phone Link, including a dedicated Messages app that will support SMS conversations. Reports from Senior Editor Zac Bowden suggest that these features are currently being explored and prototyped internally, with the possibility of changes before release.
Eventually, Phone Link may integrate more seamlessly with the Windows shell, moving away from its current standalone application format. Microsoft is also experimenting with direct integration between Windows 11 and smartphones, suggesting that there could be multiple avenues for connecting devices in the future.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.9032
Search
- Windows Search can now automatically expand its indexing scope based on user activity, utilizing signals such as recent files and frequently accessed locations. This ensures relevant files are easily discoverable without manual indexing adjustments.
- To manage this feature, navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Search.
Phone Link
- The phone companion experience in Start now offers enhanced visibility into mobile activity.
- Get more from your latest activities: Hovering over a recent message or notification in the Recent section allows for direct content previews, eliminating the need to check your phone.
- These updates facilitate easier access to messages and notifications, helping users maintain focus.
- This feature is gradually rolling out to Insiders on the Experimental channel, requiring a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. Access it via Phone Link > Settings > Start menu personalization.
Settings
- Search functionality in the Settings app has been improved, enabling quicker navigation to relevant settings with enhanced result ranking.
Adaptive hibernate policy
- Updates to the adaptive hibernate policy enhance instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and improve battery preservation, adjusting hibernation behavior based on battery levels.
Start menu
- An issue causing the Start menu to crash when dragging apps has been resolved.
Taskbar
- A recent issue where hovering over app window previews in an overflow state dismissed them has been fixed.
File Explorer
- File Explorer Home now retains the state of sections, allowing users to continue where they left off.
- Improvements have been made to the reliability of File Explorer when dragging files to disconnected network drives.
- This update also addresses issues related to files on DFS mapped drives being misidentified as internet-originated.
Windows Spotlight
- Underlying changes have been implemented to enhance the reliability of Windows Spotlight on the lock screen.
Storage
- This update resolves an issue affecting File History automatic backups to network shares, which previously displayed false “invalid credentials” errors.
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