Windows 11 enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief as a new test build has emerged in the Release Preview channel, signaling that the much-anticipated revamped Start menu is on the horizon. This phase of testing is crucial, as it marks the final step before Microsoft rolls out updates to the broader user base. The excitement surrounding this update is palpable, as it promises to enhance the user experience significantly.
Interface Enhancements and Features
The latest build introduces several interface changes, including the option for users to eliminate the recommendations section from the Start menu, catering to those who prefer a more streamlined view. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing its Voice Access feature with a new capability dubbed ‘Fluid Dictation.’ This improvement aims to refine voice dictation accuracy by automatically omitting filler words and applying grammar and punctuation corrections, making the process smoother for users.
File Explorer is also receiving attention, with the introduction of a ‘recommended files’ section that highlights frequently accessed or recently downloaded files. However, this feature is currently unavailable in the European Economic Area, likely due to stringent EU data regulations.
Moreover, the taskbar is set to benefit from practical enhancements, including a color-changing battery icon that reflects the laptop’s charging status. Users will also have the option to display the battery percentage permanently, eliminating the need to hover over the icon for information.
For those utilizing Copilot+ PCs, Click to Do has rolled out new functionalities, such as the ability to select text in different languages for translation directly within the operating system, with results appearing in the Copilot app.
Windows Update Improvements
This preview release also addresses some critical issues related to Windows Update. Notably, when users opt to update and shut down their PCs with pending updates, the system will now comply with the request instead of rebooting—a long-standing bug that has frustrated many. Furthermore, a fix for an underlying issue that caused installation failures with error code 0x800f0983 has been implemented, which should lead to a smoother update experience for Windows 11 users.
As for when these updates will reach the general public, users on both Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 versions may find themselves in a bit of a waiting game. However, reports from various users suggest that some have already gained access to the revamped Start menu, either through the test build or by utilizing tools like ViVeTool to enable the functionality ahead of the official rollout.
In summary, the long wait for a refreshed Windows 11 experience appears to be nearing its end, with exciting new features and improvements just around the corner.
