Microsoft is currently focused on addressing a myriad of bugs in Windows 11, as evidenced by the latest preview build, which predominantly targets these glitches. The new 24H2 update has introduced a range of peculiar issues, prompting the tech giant to prioritize fixes in its recent efforts.
The latest preview build, numbered 27749 for the Canary channel, features only one non-bug fix: a new keyboard shortcut for the Narrator tool, allowing users to copy the last spoken text to the clipboard with a simple command. Additionally, the Narrator has been enhanced to automatically read emails in the new Outlook app, mirroring its functionality in the classic version.
Among the notable glitches being resolved is an issue with the Task Manager, which inaccurately reports zero running processes—an impossible scenario given the operating system’s reliance on numerous background tasks. This anomaly, along with others such as a delay and black screen when switching applications via Alt-Tab, will be addressed in the upcoming November Patch Tuesday update.
In preview build 27749, Microsoft has also tackled several interface-related glitches. For instance, the navigation pane in File Explorer has been adjusted to eliminate excessive spacing, while improvements have been made to the taskbar functionality. Users will now see a search box when the taskbar is set to auto-hide, provided the search setting is configured accordingly.
Moreover, a peculiar issue in the Privacy panel of the Settings app, which caused a crash when a blank entry was clicked, has been rectified. Another fix addresses a volume control problem that unexpectedly ramped up audio levels on certain devices after waking from sleep or during initial boot-up. The Narrator tool has also received enhancements, resolving a slowdown issue that occurred after prolonged use within a single application.
Analysis: The current prevalence of weird bugs
The recent spate of unusual bugs in Windows 11, particularly following the 24H2 update, has become increasingly evident. Users have reported a variety of oddities, including erratic spacing in File Explorer, inaccurate process counts in Task Manager, and unexpected audio surges. These glitches, which are typically rare, have seemingly proliferated since the introduction of the new update.
It is hypothesized that the transition to a new underlying platform, known as Germanium, may be contributing to these peculiar issues. While the current situation reflects a significant quality assurance challenge, Microsoft is actively engaged in a comprehensive bug-fixing initiative, as demonstrated by the extensive list of resolutions in the latest preview.
Despite the ongoing turbulence, the 24H2 update represents a substantial advancement for Windows 11, and thus far, no major showstopping bugs have emerged. However, the presence of these smaller, yet bothersome glitches highlights the necessity for Microsoft to refine its quality assurance and testing processes moving forward.
