Alex Ruben
New Windows 11 Build 26120.3576 – Enhanced Voice Access, Custom Mouse Settings, and Start Menu Options
Introduction
The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3576 brings a host of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing user experience across the Dev and Beta channels. This update primarily focuses on accessibility enhancements, customization options in the settings app, and various fixes aimed at improving system stability and usability. Let’s delve into the details of these features and their implications for users.
Enhanced Voice Access Features
This build introduces significant improvements to the Voice Access feature. Users can now issue commands more flexibly without needing to adhere to specific phrases. This intuitive approach allows for a more natural interaction with the computer, making it easier for users to navigate and control their Windows environment through voice commands.
Additionally, Microsoft has expanded voice access capabilities by adding support for both simplified and traditional Chinese. This inclusion allows users who speak these languages to navigate, dictate, and interact with Windows more effectively, broadening accessibility for non-English speakers.
New Settings FAQ Section
The Settings app has been updated to include a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section under the “About” tab. This feature aims to assist users in determining their current Windows version, understanding memory capacity impacts, and assessing GPU requirements for modern applications.
For instance, users can now easily check if they are running the latest version of Windows 11 and learn how different RAM capacities can affect performance, which is particularly beneficial for new users transitioning from older operating systems.
Custom Mouse Pointer Settings
Another notable enhancement in this build is the addition of new mouse pointer customization options in the Settings app. Users can now access features that were previously only available in the old mouse properties dialogue, allowing for greater personalization of the mouse experience.
These options include enabling pointer trails, shadows, and customizing pointer images. Users can preview changes in real-time, making it easier to find settings that suit their preferences. This update reflects Microsoft’s commitment to improving user interface customization, enhancing overall usability for a diverse range of users.
Start Menu Customization Options
The Start Menu has received a facelift, allowing for more customization options. Users can now easily move pinned applications within the Start Menu, either to the left or right, or even create new app folders. This functionality enables a more organized and efficient workflow by allowing users to group related applications together.
However, some users have reported that creating new app folders can be buggy, potentially crashing the Start Menu and requiring a restart of Explorer. While the functionality is promising, these issues highlight the need for further refinement before full deployment.
File Explorer and Login Screen Fixes
This update also addresses several critical bugs. Notably, Microsoft has resolved an issue that caused the context menu in the File Explorer to open incorrectly on some resolutions. Furthermore, a fix for a crash that occurred when interacting with the login screen has been implemented, improving the overall login experience.
General and Known Issues
While this build brings many improvements, some known issues persist. Users may encounter problems joining the Dev or Beta channels, as well as errors related to Windows Update. Additionally, there are known bugs with File Explorer and the Taskbar, particularly regarding icon sizes when using tablet mode.
Microsoft is actively working on these issues, and users are encouraged to report any persistent problems to aid in the debugging process.