Alex Ruben
Windows 11 Build 27802 Review: New Taskbar Features, Battery Icons, and Fixes
The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build, 27802, introduces several noteworthy features and improvements, particularly aimed at enhancing user experience, especially for laptop users. This review delves into the new additions, fixes, and potential drawbacks of this update, ensuring users are well-informed about what to expect.
New Taskbar Battery Icons
One of the standout features in Build 27802 is the revamped taskbar battery icon system. This update introduces new battery icons that display different colors and states:
- Green: Indicates a fully charged battery.
- Orange: Signifies that the battery is in energy saver mode.
- Red: Alerts users that the battery needs to be plugged in.
Additionally, users now have the option to display the battery percentage directly on the taskbar’s system tray, providing quick access to battery information without navigating through settings. This improvement is particularly beneficial for those who rely on battery status for productivity on the go.
File Sharing from Taskbar Jump Lists
The update also enhances file sharing capabilities by allowing users to share files directly from the taskbar jump list. When users click on a recent file in the jump list of a pinned application, they will see a new option to “Share this item.” This feature opens the sharing interface, enabling users to easily send the file via email, phone, or other apps like Outlook and Phone Link. This addition simplifies the sharing process, making it faster and more intuitive.
Windows Spotlight Enhancements
Another noteworthy change is the enhancement to the Windows Spotlight feature. Users can now hover over or click on the learn icon associated with their desktop background to discover more information about the image. This feature enriches user interaction with their desktop environment, offering insights and context about the visuals they are engaging with.
Fixes and Improvements
Build 27802 also comes with several crucial fixes aimed at improving system stability and user experience:
- Resolved an error that prevented some insiders from installing previous builds correctly.
- Fixed issues with File Explorer, particularly with windows not rendering correctly after minimizing.
- Addressed inconsistencies related to the date and time display on multiple monitors.
- Fixed a bug where non-default mouse colors would revert unexpectedly in specific scenarios, such as when interacting with UAC dialogs.
- Corrected a crash issue that occurred on the login screen when accessing sign-in options.
- Resolved audio issues that affected a small percentage of users.
Moreover, the update aims to fix various bugs related to remote desktop connections and the SFC scan tool, which previously showed errors during execution. Such fixes enhance the overall reliability of the operating system, making it more robust for general users.
Known Issues
While Build 27802 introduces several enhancements, it is not without its known issues. Users may experience:
- Crashes in popular games like Roblox leading to a bug check.
- Printing problems from certain applications may trigger bug checks.
- Inconsistent color displays in the new battery icons when personalization settings are adjusted.
- Search functionality issues leading to blank windows due to background crashes.
These known issues highlight the ongoing challenges faced in the Canary Channel, where instability is more common as new features are tested.
Conclusion
Overall, Windows 11 Build 27802 presents exciting new features and meaningful fixes that enhance user productivity, particularly for laptop users. The introduction of new taskbar battery icons and improved file-sharing capabilities are commendable, though users should remain aware of the existing known issues. As Microsoft continues to refine this operating system, feedback from insiders will be crucial in shaping future updates.