Hello Windows Insiders, today we are pleased to announce the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (KB 5077243) to the Dev Channel. This update introduces a variety of new features and improvements, which are categorized into two main buckets: new features and enhancements, including notable fixes. These updates are gradually being rolled out to Insiders who have opted in to receive the latest updates through Settings > Windows Update.
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Enhanced security and performance for batch files]
In this release, we are empowering administrators and Application Control for Business policy authors with enhanced controls over batch file processing. A new secure mode can now be enabled, ensuring batch files remain unchanged during execution. This is achieved by adding a value to the registry key HKEYLOCALMACHINESoftwareMicrosoftCommand Processor named LockBatchFilesInUse (DWORD, value 0 or 1). Policy authors can also utilize the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse application manifest control to activate this mode.
This enhancement not only boosts performance but also strengthens security during batch file processing. With code integrity enabled, signature validation will now occur just once, rather than for each statement executed within the batch file.
Feedback: We encourage you to share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Developer Platform > Command Line.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Shared audio (preview) gets more control]
- The shared audio feature, first introduced last fall, allows two users to share audio between their Bluetooth LE Audio devices. With this update, Windows now offers individual volume sliders for each listener, enabling them to adjust their audio levels independently. Users can still control the overall volume for both listeners through the main volume controls available in Quick Settings or via on-device and keyboard controls.
- A new taskbar indicator will remind users that audio is being shared, and clicking on this indicator provides quick access to sharing settings for volume adjustments or to stop sharing altogether.
- The LE Audio accessory ecosystem continues to expand, with new support for devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, Sony WF‑1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset.
- Feedback: Share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Audio quality, glitches, choppiness, and stuttering.
[Narrator]
- Narrator users can now utilize a new command, Narrator key + , to read the contents of the status bar in applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. For instance, in Microsoft Word, this command allows users to hear the count of pages or words in a document, while in Excel, users can select data cells and hear the sum or average of the selected data without shifting focus.
[Taskbar]
- We have temporarily paused the rollout of improved animations for the taskbar when set to autohide, as well as enhancements to the reliability of loading taskbar components in safe mode. We appreciate the feedback from our Insiders!
[Storage]
- We have improved the reliability of removing Windows Update files and windows.old files via Settings > System > Storage.
[Input]
- We have also enhanced the reliability of typing when using the ADLaM keyboard.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel
- Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26300.7939).
- Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding as we monitor feedback.
- The desktop watermark displayed in the lower right corner is standard for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
- For those eager to receive features gradually rolled out to you, remember to turn ON the toggle for the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, we will increase feature rollouts for those with the toggle activated.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may not always be released, as we explore different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced before they are finalized for release beyond Windows Insiders.
- Some features currently in development may not be fully localized, with localization improvements occurring over time as features are finalized. If you encounter localization issues, please report them through the Feedback Hub.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please visit Flight Hub.
Thank you,
Windows Insider Program Team
