As March draws to a close, Microsoft has taken the opportunity to enhance Windows 11 with a series of quality updates throughout the first quarter of 2026. These updates, which do not include Out-of-band patches, introduce a variety of new features aimed at improving user experience and functionality. Among the highlights are the ability to resume Android apps directly on Windows 11, a complete overhaul of Windows MIDI Services, and the introduction of a new network speed test.
Changes Microsoft shipped in the first quarter of 2026 for Windows 11
Here are some of the most noteworthy improvements and features that have been rolled out for Windows 11 users:
Cross-device resume
In a significant expansion of its Cross-Device Resume feature, Microsoft now allows users to resume applications from their Android phones directly on their Windows 11 computers via the Taskbar. This seamless integration enables users to continue Spotify playback, work on Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents, or pick up where they left off in their browsing sessions. To activate this feature, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and toggle the “Resume” switch. It’s essential to ensure that your Android device is connected through the Link to Windows app and the Phone Link app, with the “Resume” feature enabled in the mobile device settings.
Windows MIDI Services
Windows 11 has also made strides in the realm of music production with enhanced MIDI support. The updates include comprehensive support for MIDI 0 (in-box) and 2.0, featuring full WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 support, built-in translation, shared MIDI ports across applications, custom port names, loopback capabilities, and app-to-app MIDI communication.
Windows Hello external sensors
Previously limited to built-in biometric sensors, the Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) feature now supports external fingerprint readers. Users can configure these devices through the Sign-in options settings page, enabling the “Enhanced sign-in security” option to bolster their login security.
Device Info in Home
The Settings app has introduced a new “Device info” card on the Home page, showcasing key hardware specifications such as processor, memory, graphics, and storage. This feature also provides a direct link to the “About” page, where users can delve deeper into their system’s hardware details.
Quick Machine Recovery
While Quick Machine Recovery is not a new feature, its availability has been expanded to Windows 11 Pro, where it is now enabled by default. This feature enhances system recovery options, ensuring users can swiftly restore their machines, except on devices managed by organizations.
Speed network test
A new network speed test feature has been added to Windows 11, accessible via the Taskbar. Users can initiate the test by right-clicking the network icon in the System Tray or through the Wi-Fi or Cellular pages in the Quick Settings interface. This tool opens a Bing page to run diagnostics on connectivity and performance issues, providing valuable insights into network health.
Camera new support
Enhancements to camera settings now allow users to manage pan and tilt controls directly from the “Cameras” settings page, offering greater flexibility for video calls and recordings.
Sysmon native support
Sysmon (System Monitor) has transitioned from a manually installed tool to a native feature within Windows 11. This advanced monitoring tool provides network administrators with enhanced logging capabilities, detailing not just process initiation but also the actions taken by those processes. Users can install Sysmon directly from the Windows Features page in Settings > System > Optional features > More Windows features.
WebP image support for wallpapers
For those who enjoy customizing their desktop backgrounds, Windows 11 now supports WebP (.webp) images as wallpapers. Users can set these images through the “Set as background” option in the Taskbar or via the “Background” settings page, adding a modern touch to their desktop aesthetics.
More resources
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