Alex Ruben
Windows 11 Build 26120.3360: New Native Copilot App and Task Manager Enhancements
Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 Insider build, version 26120.3360, introduces significant new features and improvements across the platform, particularly in the areas of personalization, task management, and productivity tools. As this build rolls out to users in the Beta and Dev channels, let’s delve into the essential updates and their real-world impact.
Enhanced Personalization Options for the Lock Screen
The update brings a much-anticipated feature that allows users to customize widget visibility on the lock screen. Initially being rolled out in the European Economic Area, this feature is expected to expand to other regions shortly. Users can now personalize their lock screen with relevant information at a glance, offering a more tailored experience.
Task Manager Improvements
One of the standout features in this build is the addition of a new CPU utility option in the Task Manager. This new column enhances how CPU utilization is calculated and displayed, aligning with industry standards and providing a more accurate representation of CPU workload across all pages. Users can now select this option to view historical CPU usage metrics, facilitating better performance monitoring.
Moreover, Microsoft has improved the context menu within Task Manager, allowing users to easily share information directly to other applications, such as email or nearby share options. This streamlines workflows and enhances productivity for users who regularly collaborate or share data.
Snipping Tool Enhancements
The Snipping Tool has received an upgrade that introduces a video trimming feature. Users can now record their screen and subsequently edit these recordings by trimming videos and adjusting audio levels directly within the app. This is a notable enhancement for content creators and professionals who require quick edits without the need for third-party software.
Introduction of a Native Copilot App
Arguably the most exciting addition in this build is the introduction of a native Windows app for Microsoft Copilot. This AI-powered assistant is designed to enhance user productivity by providing contextual assistance across various applications. Users can set up Copilot to share diagnostic data and can customize its launch preferences. Although there are some initial bugs, such as scaling issues, the app represents a significant step forward in integrating AI tools within the Windows ecosystem. Users can ask Copilot questions and potentially execute tasks via voice commands in future updates, making it a versatile tool for enhancing user experience.
Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements
This build also addresses several critical bug fixes, including issues with File Explorer not loading correctly and problems related to remote desktop connectivity. Notably, users will benefit from fixes that prevent the settings app from crashing and resolve issues with app icons remaining highlighted erroneously. These fixes are crucial for maintaining a stable user experience as they address common pain points that many users encounter.
Known Issues
Despite the enhancements, there are known issues that users should be aware of. After adding the new CPU utility column, some users may notice that the system idle process shows as zero. Additionally, CPU graphs in the performance section still reflect the old calculations, which may lead to confusion among users relying on these metrics for performance assessments.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
This build of Windows 11 signifies a step forward in user personalization, productivity tools, and system performance. However, users are advised to be cautious as this may be one of the last builds in the current series before the transition to the next major version. Those interested in switching Insider channels should do so promptly to ensure they remain on the latest updates.