How To Explore the New Windows 11 Build 26120.4161 Features and Fixes

Introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot Features

The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161 brings some goodies, especially if you’re on a Copilot Plus PC. One of the standout features is the integration of Microsoft 365 text actions, kinda like having your most-used Office tools baked right into Windows. It’s supposed to make managing tasks and collaborating smoother, leveraging AI to boost productivity. Not sure why it works, but on some setups, the AI prompts show up pretty seamlessly when you need them — others, not so much. Might need a reboot or some fiddling with settings.

Enhanced Lock Screen Customization

This update also makes locking your screen a bit more personal. You can now pick which widgets show up directly on your lock screen, like weather, traffic info, sports scores, stuff that matters to you. Basically, it’s all about quick info without unlocking, which is handy. To do this, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen. You’ll see new toggle options for the widgets. Expect the usual aesthetic upgrade, but sometimes, the widgets don’t load instantly or get stuck—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.

Widgets Board Enhancements

The Widgets panel got a big redesign, with multiple dashboards and a new navigation bar. You can switch between the default widget view and “My Feed” or other dashboards. It’s nice in theory but keep in mind, this is rolling out gradually, so not everyone will see the same thing right away. To access, right-click the taskbar and ensure Widgets is enabled, then click the icon. Sometimes it feels like it takes an extra second to load or switch dashboards, which can be kinda frustrating.

Open With Dialog Improvements

If you’re used to right-clicking a file and picking Open With, you may notice a new touch: recommendations from the Microsoft Store pop up. So, if you open a document and see suggested apps here, it’s meant to help find alternative software without hunting through menus. That can be helpful if your usual app isn’t working or you forgot where you installed something. But honestly, it can also feel cluttered, especially if you’re just trying to open a file quickly. To tweak this, check under Settings > Apps > Default Apps or clear recommendations if they get in the way.

New PC Migration Experience

Now, Windows is trying to make migrating to a new PC easier. There’s a new flow inside the Windows Backup app that lets you transfer files and settings during setup. Basically, you connect your old machine, and Windows handles the rest. In practice, it’s still a bit rough; some users report it only works properly on fresh installs or after several reboots. To try it, search for Windows Backup or look for the new setup wizard during initial PC setup, but don’t get your hopes up — it’s still a work in progress. Fingers crossed, this gets polished soon.

Updates to Activation Settings Interface

Microsoft made some tweaks to how activation info appears in the Settings app — less cluttered, more in line with Windows 11’s clean look. You’ll find new dialogs for entering or troubleshooting your product key under Settings > System > Activation. The interface now guides you a bit more, but if you’re dealing with licensing issues, be prepared for some testing: re-enter the key, run the troubleshooter, or check your digital license. Sometimes, the activation status can be a little slow to update after changes or updates.

Fixes and Improvements

This build fixes some nagging issues folks had. The Start menu now opens more reliably on some machines where previously it was buggy. The Task Manager CPU column shows more accurate data, which is good for monitoring. Also, Narrator bugs are addressed — specifically, the image descriptions and reading features work more consistently now. Still, every update seems to have its quirks, so don’t expect this to be perfect yet.

Known Issues and User Considerations

Some gotchas remain. If virtualization-based security (VBS) is enabled, certain apps like VMware might refuse to launch unless you install the Windows hypervisor platform component (Optional Features > Windows Hypervisor Platform). Also, some users swear that taskbar icons are smaller than before, even if you’ve set scaling options, which makes it kind of inconsistent. Not super surprising given that Microsoft keeps tweaking stuff — expect some weirdness for now.

Conclusion

All in all, this build packs some nice features and good fixes, but it’s still a bit of a mixed bag. If you’re eager to test the latest and greatest, it’s worth trying on a spare machine or a virtual, just to see what’s new and what still needs work. Keep an eye on your device’s performance and compatibility, especially with VBS and hardware acceleration. Microsoft seems committed to improving the user experience, but patience is still key with Insider builds.