Microsoft has unveiled a new preview of Windows 11, specifically the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885), now available in the Dev Channel. This latest build introduces several noteworthy changes, including a temporary suspension of the Gamepad keyboard feature, which may make a comeback in future updates. Additionally, users can expect improvements to the Start menu, addressing issues related to app spacing and overall reliability.
Changes and Improvements
For those who have opted into receiving the latest updates, the following enhancements are being gradually rolled out:
[Input]
- The IME toolbar will now be hidden when applications are in full-screen mode for users typing in Chinese or Japanese.
- The new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard has been temporarily disabled to resolve existing issues, with plans for its return in a future flight.
Fixes in the Dev Channel
A series of fixes are also being implemented for Windows Insiders who have enabled immediate updates:
[Start menu]
- Enhanced reliability of the Start menu.
- Corrected unexpected spacing between items in the Start menu apps list.
- Resolved issues preventing some users from pinning or unpinning apps in the Start menu.
[File Explorer]
- Addressed excessive padding in the navigation pane for some users.
- Fixed an issue causing RAW images taken in portrait mode to display incorrectly in landscape mode thumbnails.
[Taskbar]
- A search box will now appear if the taskbar is set to auto-hide and the search setting is configured to display a search box.
- Resolved issues with the WIN + shortcut not functioning in certain scenarios.
- Fixed a problem where the X button for closing app windows from the taskbar was unresponsive for some users.
- Corrected overlapping text in the taskbar widgets on secondary monitors for users with a left-aligned taskbar.
[Dev Drive]
- Fixed accessibility issues with Dev Drives within WSL following recent flights.
[Other]
- Addressed an issue that could prevent domain joining.
- Resolved a problem with DISM /StartComponentCleanup getting stuck at 71% and displaying error 6842.
- Fixed an issue causing the Get-WindowsCapability command to fail until a reboot.
- Corrected an issue where rotation information for JPGs could not be queried via APIs.
General Fixes for All Dev Channel Users
In addition to the specific fixes mentioned, there are general improvements applicable to all users in the Dev Channel:
[General]
- Resolved an issue preventing some games from launching in the previous flight.
[Task Manager]
- Fixed a display issue showing a count of zero for apps and processes in Task Manager.
[Network]
- Addressed DHCP issues that could lead to Wi-Fi connectivity problems due to unexpected duplicate options.
- Resolved issues with DirectAccess remaining stuck in a connecting state.
Known Issues
As with any development process, there are known issues to be aware of:
[Desktop]
- Newly identified: A problem where the desktop background may not display correctly across multiple monitors, resulting in large black areas.
Reminders for Windows Insiders
For those participating in the Dev Channel, here are a few reminders regarding updates:
- Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2.
- Updates are delivered in a format that previews enhancements to servicing technology.
- Features are rolled out gradually, starting with a subset of Insiders and expanding based on feedback.
- Insiders wishing to receive features as soon as they are available can enable the toggle in Settings > Windows Update.
- Not all features in development will be released; some may change or be removed based on testing and feedback.
- Localization for features may not be complete initially and will be addressed over time.
- Features may appear first in the Beta Channel due to parallel development paths.
- For a comprehensive overview of build statuses, users can refer to Flight Hub.
For further details, the official blog post is available on Microsoft’s website.
