Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360 (KB5052090) to both the Dev and Beta Channels. This update is particularly noteworthy as it also introduces the same enhancements based on Windows 11, version 24H2 to those in the Beta Channel. Initially, these updates will be optional, allowing Beta Channel users to upgrade at their convenience. However, we anticipate making these updates recommended later this year, which will facilitate an automatic upgrade to 24H2-based updates for Beta Channel participants.
For those currently in the Dev Channel, a window is available to transition to the Beta Channel if desired. This opportunity will remain open only while we continue to release the same 24H2-based updates across both channels. Once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers, this option will close. It’s important to note that switching from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel may temporarily result in the loss of certain features.
IMPORTANT: The window for switching channels is closing soon, so we encourage you to consider your preferred channel during this period.
New features gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*
Choose what Lock screen widgets appear
We are excited to announce the rollout of support for lock screen widgets, previously known as “Weather and more,” to Windows Insiders located in the European Economic Area (EEA). Users can now add, remove, and rearrange widgets such as Weather, Watchlist, Sports, and Traffic on their lock screens. To customize these widgets, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. This feature is initially available to Insiders in the EEA, with plans for expansion to other regions in the future. For those outside the EEA, the “Weather and more” experience will continue to be available.
In conjunction with this rollout, we are introducing a new group policy titled “Disable Widgets On Lock Screen.” This policy enables IT administrators to disable lock screen widgets while keeping widgets functional elsewhere on managed PCs. To modify this policy, access the Local Group Policy Editor app and navigate to Computer Configurations > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets. Currently, this policy is supported only in EEA regions, but we aim to broaden its availability soon.
FEEDBACK: We welcome your insights via the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Lock screen.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*
- We are implementing a change in how Task Manager calculates CPU utilization across the Processes, Performance, and Users pages. Task Manager will now employ standard metrics for consistent CPU workload display, aligning with industry standards and third-party tools. For backward compatibility, a new optional column titled CPU Utility will be available (hidden by default) on the Details tab, showcasing the previous CPU value used on the Processes page.
[Windows Share]
- We are enhancing the sharing capabilities by allowing users to share directly to apps that support sharing in Windows when right-clicking on local files in File Explorer or on the desktop.
Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*
[File Explorer]
- Resolved an issue where File Explorer Home might fail to load correctly, displaying random floating text labeled “Name.”
[Taskbar]
- Addressed an issue where underlines under app icons in the taskbar could become stuck, remaining visible even after the app was closed.
[Remote Desktop]
- Fixed an issue that caused some users to experience freezes upon logging into Remote Desktop or frequent disconnections.
[Settings]
- Resolved a crash issue that resulted in Settings displaying an error message upon launch (“The instruction at 0x00007FFEDEBDC003 referenced memory at 0x0000000000000010. The memory could not be read.”) Users affected may have also encountered a similar error with RuntimeBroker.exe.
[Other]
- Fixed an issue where upgrading to a higher build number could lead to a duplicate Windows entry in the boot menu after a rollback.
- Addressed a problem for Insiders using the ability to resume OneDrive files, which could result in a persistent spinning icon appearing with the mouse.
Known issues
[General]
- After performing a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may inaccurately display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. Rest assured, this will not hinder your ability to receive future Dev Channel updates that will rectify this issue.
[Recall]
- [REMINDER] Ensure that your Microsoft 365 apps are updated to the latest version to seamlessly return to specific documents.
The following known issues will be addressed in future updates:
- Some Insiders may encounter difficulties with Recall, where automatic snapshot saving fails, and the setting cannot be activated in Settings. We are actively working on a resolution.
- Recall can be toggled on or off from “Turn Windows features on or off.” We are currently caching the Recall binaries on disk while we conduct testing. A future update will completely remove these binaries.
[Click to Do]
- [REMINDER] If actions on image entities are no longer visible, please ensure you have the latest updates for the Photos and Paint app from the Microsoft Store.
- [REMINDER] The intelligent text actions utilize Microsoft’s secure cloud to enhance text results, ensuring that prompts and responses are safe and appropriate. This data is automatically deleted, and local moderation for safety will be implemented in the future, replacing the current cloud endpoint.
The following known issues will be resolved in upcoming updates:
- Occasionally, additional context may be provided when utilizing more intelligent text actions powered by Phi Silica.
[Improved Windows Search]
- [REMINDER] For optimal performance of Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, it is advisable to connect your Copilot+ PC during the initial search indexing. You can verify your search indexing status under Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
[File Explorer]
- We are addressing an issue that causes File Explorer to close slowly for some Insiders when using the X button, which may also affect other title bar buttons.
[Task Manager]
- [NEW] Following the addition of the new CPU Utility column, you may observe that the System Idle Process consistently displays as 0.
- [NEW] The CPU graphs on the Performance page are still utilizing the previous CPU utility calculations.
Snipping Tool Update (version 11.2501.7.0)
An update for the Snipping Tool is being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview Channels, in addition to the Canary and Dev Channels. This update introduces a trim feature that allows users to adjust the start and end times of their screen recordings, enabling the removal of unnecessary video snippets.
To utilize this feature, record a new screen recording with the Snipping Tool. Open the recording in the app and select the new Trim button at the top of the window. Use the grabbers to set new timepoints for the start and end of your recording, and then press the Apply or Cancel button to save or discard your changes. You can re-enter the trim feature to adjust any previously trimmed portions.
FEEDBACK: Your feedback is invaluable; please share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Snipping Tool.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel
- Windows Insiders in both the Dev and Beta Channels on Windows 11, version 24H2 will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 through an enablement package (Build 26120.xxxx).
- Updates delivered to the Dev Channel are formatted to preview enhancements to servicing technology on Windows 11, version 24H2. For further details, visit this link.
- Many features in the Dev Channel are rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding based on feedback.
- For those in the Dev Channel eager to receive features gradually rolled out to you, enable the toggle to access the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update*. Over time, we will increase feature rollouts for those with the toggle activated. If you keep this toggle off, new features will be rolled out to your PC over time once they are ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may not be released, as we explore various concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced without ever being released beyond Windows Insiders. Some may appear in future Windows releases when they’re ready.
- 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.
- Be aware that some accessibility features may not function with features like Recall and Click to Do while in preview with Windows Insiders.
- As the Dev and Beta Channels represent parallel development paths, there may be instances where features and experiences debut in the Beta Channel first.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please refer to Flight Hub.
Thank you,
Amanda & Brandon
