Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2200 (Dev Channel)

Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2200 (KB5044376) to the Dev Channel. This update brings a variety of new features, improvements, and fixes, all meticulously documented for your convenience. Insiders who have opted to receive the latest updates can do so through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*

[Windows Studio Effects]

  • The Windows Studio Effects feature enhances your camera and audio experience through AI technology, specifically on devices equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Users can now access Studio Effects directly from Quick Settings in the system tray. A new icon will appear when using applications that support Studio Effects, allowing for easy access to the settings page. Hovering over this icon will reveal a tooltip indicating which application is currently utilizing the camera.
New Studio Effects icon shown in system tray when using any application with a Studio Effects-enabled camera.

[Dynamic Lighting]

  • In the absence of compatible devices, the Dynamic Lighting settings page will now display a placeholder message, with Brightness and Effects controls disabled. Additionally, new directional options have been added to the Wave and Gradient effects, enhancing the customization capabilities for users.

Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*

[Start menu]

  • Addressed an issue where clicking on a letter in the All apps list could disrupt the menu functionality.

[Taskbar]

  • Resolved a problem causing explorer.exe to crash for some Insiders when hovering over specific open applications in the taskbar.

[Settings]

  • Fixed a bug that resulted in a blank entry in the Privacy & Security section, which would crash the Settings app upon clicking.

[Input]

  • The mouse option “Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key” has been updated to ensure that the displayed circles are DPI-aware, providing a better experience on high DPI monitors.

Fixes for everyone in the Dev Channel

[Other]

  • [Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file (DriverSiPolicy.p7b)] This update expands the list of drivers identified as vulnerable to Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.
  • [HTML Applications (HTA)] HTA optional components are now supported in ARM64 Windows PE.
  • [Live kernel debug files (dumps)] Resolved an issue where live kernel debug files were being created unnecessarily.
  • [User interface (UI)] Fixed visibility issues in the UI when running certain applications.
  • [Winlogon] Addressed a stop error that occurred during system shutdown.
  • [sfc /scannow command] Fixed recurring errors encountered when executing this command.
  • [Windows Disk Cleanup app] This update improves the accuracy of free space estimates within the app.

Known issues

[Start menu]

  • [NEW] Users may notice unexpected spacing between items in the Start menu apps list.

[Dev Drive]

  • [NEW] A fix is underway for an issue that may prevent Dev Drives from being accessible within WSL.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel

  • Insiders in the Dev Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 through an enablement package (Build 26120.xxxx).
  • Updates in the Dev Channel provide a preview of enhancements to servicing technology in Windows 11, version 24H2. For further details, visit this link.
  • Features in the Dev Channel are gradually rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology, starting with a select group of Insiders and expanding based on feedback.
  • Insiders wishing to be among the first to receive features can enable the toggle for the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. If the toggle is off, new features will be rolled out over time as they become ready.
  • Not all features in development will be released; some may change, be removed, or replaced based on user feedback. However, some may appear in future Windows releases when finalized.
  • Localization for features in active development may not be complete and will be addressed as features are finalized. Users are encouraged to report any localization issues via the Feedback Hub.
  • Due to parallel development paths, some features may debut in the Beta Channel before appearing in the Dev Channel.
  • For a comprehensive view of which build is in which Insider channel, check out Flight Hub.

Thanks,
Amanda & Brandon

Winsage
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2200 (Dev Channel)