In early August, the Windows Insider Program experienced a lull, with no new Windows 11 builds released in the main testing channels for over 15 days. However, on August 17, Microsoft invigorated the program by unveiling five new preview builds across various channels, introducing an array of features and enhancements.
Among the most notable updates is the introduction of a fully customizable context menu. This redesign aims to streamline user interactions, making the menu simpler and faster. The new context menu reduces clutter while ensuring that frequently used actions remain easily accessible. Users will now find an “App extensions” submenu that consolidates additional options from installed applications. A new “Customize menu” option allows users to tailor the context menu to their preferences directly from the Settings under Personalization.
Within the “File actions” section, users can select which options they wish to see in the main context menu, such as “Send to,” “Print,” “Create shortcut,” “Copy as path,” and “Rotate image.” This update also enables users to arrange primary actions like cut and paste vertically, enhancing usability compared to the previous horizontal layout.
Personalization improvements
In build 26340.9212, Microsoft has also refined the desktop background experience. The Settings page for Personalization now offers improved reliability, with higher resolution previews and better display on portrait monitors. Additionally, desktop slideshow transitions have become more dependable, even for newly created accounts. Users can now change wallpapers more efficiently, utilize Device-Independent Bitmap (DIB) image files as backgrounds, and maintain slideshow wallpapers across multiple desktops.
Camera Roll backup
Another enhancement in build 26340.9212 is the introduction of new entry points in Settings that facilitate the setup of Camera Roll backup. This feature automatically backs up photos and videos from mobile devices to OneDrive, providing users with peace of mind regarding their media storage.
Magnifier interface update
The Magnifier tool has received a visual refresh, aligning its toolbar icons with the overall aesthetic of Windows 11. While the functionality remains unchanged, the updated layout offers a cleaner look, enhancing the user experience.
Windows Recovery Environment changes
The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) has been upgraded to automatically reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles saved in the operating system. This enhancement allows recovery workflows, such as Quick Machine Recovery or cloud rebuilds, to connect to the internet without requiring manual reconfiguration of Wi-Fi credentials, streamlining the recovery process.
Windows 11 features removed
In this latest update, Microsoft has decided to phase out the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool and the Drag Tray feature. While WMIC is being removed, the underlying Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) remains accessible through PowerShell and other supported utilities. The decision to remove these features reflects Microsoft’s commitment to modernizing the operating system and encouraging users to adopt newer management tools.
File Explorer improvements
In build 26220.9202 for version 25H2 (Beta), File Explorer has received usability enhancements, including a faster launch for the “Home” page and improved responsiveness. The “Recommended” section now supports touch scrolling, making file browsing more intuitive. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed an issue that previously caused previews to display an unexpected thick band across the middle.
Windows Security app changes
Lastly, minor visual adjustments have been made to the Windows Security app, aligning it more closely with the overall Windows 11 design language. On managed devices with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint enabled, protection information will now be prominently displayed at the top of the “Virus & threat protection” page.
Despite the initial quiet period, the recent updates from Microsoft signal a positive direction for the Windows Insider Program. By providing users with greater control and addressing long-standing usability concerns, Microsoft continues to evolve Windows 11 into a more flexible and user-friendly operating system.
