Recently, Microsoft has addressed an unusual bug that had crept into the Windows 11 testing channels, reminiscent of the bygone era of Windows Vista. This peculiar glitch, which replaced the familiar Windows 11 startup sound with that of Windows Vista, had users scratching their heads in confusion. The issue first emerged in the Beta and Dev channels, was temporarily resolved, only to resurface in the Canary branch, leaving Microsoft scrambling for a fix.
With the release of a new patch for the Canary branch, Microsoft has successfully laid to rest the specter of Windows Vista’s startup sound. This update not only rectifies the audio anomaly but also tackles several other irritating bugs, such as the mysterious occurrence of black desktop backgrounds and the frustrating crashes of the Settings application.
What’s New in the Canary Branch
In a recent post on the Windows Insider Blog, Microsoft outlined the enhancements included in the latest Canary build. Among the fixes, the company highlighted:
- The restoration of the correct Windows 11 boot sound, eliminating the unexpected intrusion of the Vista sound.
- Improvements to the desktop experience, addressing issues that led to unexpected black backgrounds.
- Stability enhancements for the Settings application, particularly regarding the Power & Battery section, which had been prone to crashes.
These adjustments are part of a broader effort to refine the user experience for Insiders testing the latest builds. The update also introduces a more intuitive search box placement in the Settings menu, now positioned at the top center for easier access.
Fixes and Improvements
Here’s a closer look at some of the key changes and fixes included in the latest update:
[General]
- A set of general improvements aimed at enhancing the overall experience for Insiders.
[Settings]
- The search functionality in Settings has been repositioned for a more consistent user experience.
[Desktop Background]
- Work has been done to address issues causing the desktop background to unexpectedly turn black.
[Audio]
- Resolved an audio issue that occurred after casting to a TV.
[Other Fixes]
- Addressed a bug that caused repeated system crashes for some users after upgrading.
- Fixed display issues in the Group Policy Editor for certain languages.
Known Issues
Despite these improvements, some known issues remain, including:
- For users transitioning to the Canary Channel from other channels, there may be complications with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics.
- Visual glitches, such as the progress wheel displaying incorrectly during upgrades.
As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, Insiders are reminded that the Canary Channel represents early-stage developments and may not align with any specific release timeline. Feedback from users plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Windows, ensuring that the operating system evolves to meet user needs effectively.
