For those participating in the Windows Insider Program’s Dev and Beta channels, a significant update for Windows 11 version 24H2 is now available for installation. The cumulative update KB5060824 is rolling out for Insiders in the Dev channel, elevating systems to Windows 11 version 24H2 build 26200.5641. Meanwhile, users on the Beta channel will receive cumulative update KB5060820, which upgrades their systems to build 26120.4250.
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This latest update introduces several key features that enhance user experience:
- New Start Menu: The Start menu undergoes a substantial redesign, featuring in-place scrolling for all content, eliminating the need for secondary pages. Users can now choose from two new views—Category and Grid—alongside the existing List view. The menu also adapts responsively, allowing for dynamic resizing of “Pinned” and “Recommended” sections, and offers improved customization options.
- Phone Companion: The Phone companion pane, which integrates with the Phone Link feature, has been optimized to work seamlessly with the new Start menu. An expand/collapse button located in the upper right corner allows users to toggle the Phone companion easily.
- Lock Screen Widget Customization: Users can now customize their Lock screen by selecting which widgets to display and the order in which they appear. Additional widgets can be added, provided they support a small sizing option.
- Screen Curtain in Narrator: This innovative feature blackens the display while in use, enhancing privacy for users working in public or shared spaces. Microsoft highlights its utility for reading and handling sensitive information discreetly. Additionally, Narrator has received a modernized onboarding experience for newcomers.
- Windows Search Improvements: All settings related to Windows Search have been consolidated into a single location within the Settings app, specifically under Privacy & security > Search.
- Windows Touch Keyboard Enhancements: The Gamepad layout has been refined to improve controller navigation and focus handling for child keys. This update also introduces flyout menus, word suggestions, language switching, and a new PIN sign-in option for the Windows 11 Lock screen, tailored for gaming controllers.
