Windows 11 is set to enhance user experience with two noteworthy updates to its taskbar. The first change introduces a fresh animation that activates when users hover over open applications. This new effect draws inspiration from the familiar animations found in Windows 10, providing a sense of continuity while also modernizing the interface.
As reported by Phantom on X, this update is part of build 26120.4733, which includes a hidden modification aimed at refining the appearance of taskbar icon thumbnails. Users operating on Windows 11 24H2 will soon notice that hovering over any open app icon triggers a “fly up” animation, showcasing a thumbnail that reflects the actual size of the app window. For those who prefer to work with smaller windows, the thumbnail will dynamically adjust to fit, enhancing the overall visual experience.
Moreover, the update will introduce a size-adjusting animation that activates when users hover between thumbnails of varying dimensions. While the current stable build already recognizes smaller app windows, this added animation elevates the functionality, offering a subtle yet impactful quality-of-life improvement.
In an attempt to explore this new feature, Windows Latest successfully enabled the thumbnail preview animation after upgrading to the latest Beta build. However, it’s worth noting that testing in a virtual machine without GPU passthrough resulted in a somewhat clunky preview animation.
Connect Multiple Audio Devices
In addition to the visual enhancements, Windows 11 is addressing another user demand with the introduction of a “shared audio” feature. This new option, accessible through Quick Settings, allows users to connect and play music through multiple audio devices simultaneously, a capability that has been notably absent in previous versions.
As highlighted by Phantom on X, the shared audio feature enables users to select two or more devices for audio playback. Once paired, users can enjoy a seamless audio experience across multiple outputs, whether they are using Bluetooth or wired connections. The feature is compatible with Bluetooth devices that support version 4.0 or higher, ensuring that most modern devices can be easily connected without issue.
These enhancements, while minor, represent significant strides in improving user interaction with Windows 11. Currently being tested in preview builds, Microsoft is expected to make an official announcement regarding these updates in the coming weeks, promising to refine the user experience further.
