Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (KB5055653) to the Beta Channel for those on Windows 11, version 24H2. As a gentle reminder, the last update in the Beta Channel was Build 22635.5305, which was based on Windows 11, version 23H2. All Insiders in the Beta Channel will soon be upgraded to Windows 11, version 24H2. Until that transition occurs, Insiders currently on version 23H2 can opt to upgrade to version 24H2 with this latest build.
Changes in the Beta Channel builds and updates are organized into two categories: new features, improvements, and fixes that are gradually rolled out for Insiders who have activated the toggle for the latest updates (via Settings > Windows Update), and those that are rolling out to all users in the Beta Channel. For further details, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this post.
New features gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
Energy saver now available in Microsoft Intune
The introduction of energy saver management in Windows 11 via Microsoft Intune allows IT administrators to oversee energy settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and Mobile Device Management (MDM) configurations. This feature optimally balances battery usage, extending its life by managing power consumption efficiently. By limiting background activities and reducing screen brightness, devices can conserve energy while maintaining performance. This initiative not only reduces operational costs but also supports environmental sustainability.
IT administrators can activate this policy using either:
- Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 11
- Microsoft Intune Admin Center
The configuration path for the new policy can be found in the Local Group Policy Editor under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Energy Saver Settings, where you can “Enable Energy Saver to Always Be On.”
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Recall (Preview)]
- We are experimenting with various UI treatments in Recall, including different placements for snapshot actions and the timeline.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- The needy state pill for apps requiring attention on the taskbar has been widened for better visibility.
Admins can now permit users to unpin specific pinned apps, ensuring they remain unpinned during the next policy refresh cycle. This can be enabled using the new PinGeneration option.
[Graphics]
Enhancements for managing HDR capabilities are now available under Settings > System > Display > HDR:
- The wording for “Use HDR” has been revised for clarity regarding supported media types.
- For PCs equipped with HDR displays, an option has been added to allow HDR video streaming even when HDR is disabled in settings.
- On devices with Dolby Vision displays, users can now toggle Dolby Vision mode independently from HDR, allowing for a customizable viewing experience.
Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Taskbar]
- An underlying issue causing keyboard focus to default to widgets in the taskbar upon login has been resolved.
- Fixed an issue where the shortcut WIN + CTRL + was not functioning to cycle between open app windows.
[Audio]
- An issue preventing the startup sound from playing, despite being enabled, has been addressed.
[Graphics]
- Fixed an issue that led to unexpected scaling and window position changes after sleep/resume for certain devices.
[Windows Update]
- Resolved an issue where cumulative updates would fail with error 0x800f081f after a PC reset.
Known issues
[General]
- Upon joining the Beta Channel on Windows 11, version 24H2, users will be directed to the most current available update instead of Build 26120.3360.
- After a PC reset via Settings > System > Recovery, the build version may incorrectly display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120, though this will not hinder future updates.
- We are investigating reports of core Windows surfaces failing to load in safe mode after the previous flight.
[Xbox Controllers]
- Some Insiders are encountering a bugcheck when using their Xbox Controller via Bluetooth. To resolve this, open Device Manager, navigate to “View” and select “Devices by Driver.” Locate the driver named “oemXXX.inf (XboxGameControllerDriver.inf)” and uninstall it.
[Live Captions]
- [NEW] We are currently investigating an issue causing live captions to crash on this build.
[Recall (Preview)]
- [REMINDER] Users can remove Recall at any time via “Turn Windows features on or off,” which will delete entry points and binaries.
- [REMINDER] Ensure Microsoft 365 apps are updated to the latest version for seamless access to specific documents.
[Click to Do (Preview)]
- [REMINDER] The intelligent text actions are now moderated locally, enhancing safety and replacing the previous cloud endpoint.
- [REMINDER] If actions on image entities are missing, please ensure your Photos and Paint apps are updated from the Microsoft Store.
[Improved Windows Search]
- [REMINDER] For optimal Windows Search performance on Copilot+ PCs, it is advisable to keep your device plugged in during the initial search indexing.
[Start menu]
- Investigations are underway regarding reports that clicking the profile picture does not open the Account Manager for some Insiders.
[Task Manager]
- After the addition of the new CPU Utility column, the System Idle Process may consistently show as 0.
- The CPU graphs in the Performance page continue to utilize the previous CPU utility calculations.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
- Insiders in the Beta Channel on Windows 11, version 24H2 will receive updates through an enablement package (Build 26120.xxxx).
- Updates in the Beta Channel preview enhancements to servicing technology on Windows 11, version 24H2. For more information, visit this link.
- Many features in the Beta Channel are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding as feedback is monitored.
- For those wishing to be among the first to receive features gradually rolled out to you, activate the toggle for the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. Features will be rolled out over time to those with the toggle turned on, while those with it off will receive updates as they become ready.
- Features in these builds may not be released widely as we explore different concepts and gather feedback. Changes may occur, and some features may be removed or replaced before reaching a broader audience.
- Some features in active development may not be fully localized initially, with localization occurring over time as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues via the Feedback Hub.
- Note that some accessibility features may not function with features like Recall and Click to Do while in preview.
- As the Dev and Beta Channels represent parallel development paths, there may be instances where features appear 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
