Alex Ruben
Windows 11 Build 27813: New Settings Features, Enhanced Snipping Tool, and Notepad Updates
The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build 27813 introduces several noteworthy changes and improvements, particularly aimed at enhancing user experience and streamlining system features. This update, primarily targeting users in the Canary Channel, includes updates to the Settings app, the Snipping Tool, and Notepad, alongside some minor fixes and known issues. Below, we explore these changes in detail.
Enhanced Settings App for Feature Management
One of the significant updates in this build is the modification within the Settings app, specifically in the optional features section. Users can now seamlessly switch between already added features and those available for addition by clicking on the ‘View Features’ option. This enhancement simplifies the user interface, making it easier to manage installed and available features, which is a thoughtful addition for those who frequently customize their Windows environment.
Removal of Location History Feature
In a move towards improved privacy, Microsoft is removing the Location History feature, previously utilized by Cortana to access a 24-hour history of device location data. With this removal, users can rest assured that their location data will no longer be stored locally. Settings related to this feature will also be purged from the Privacy and Security menu, further minimizing unnecessary data retention.
Snipping Tool: New Drawing Capabilities
The Snipping Tool has received significant enhancements in this update, particularly with new drawing functionalities. Users can now draw shapes and arrows directly on their screenshots, with the app automatically generating these shapes as they hold the mouse click. This feature is particularly useful for users who frequently annotate screenshots for presentations or tutorials. Additionally, the Snipping Tool has introduced a protocol launch for developers, allowing customization of capture features, thus enhancing its versatility for professional use.
Notepad: Improved Usability and Summarization Feature
Notepad has also been updated with new functionalities that improve its usability. A new ‘Recent’ option allows users to view and manage their recent files more efficiently. Furthermore, a summarization feature has been introduced, enabling quick content summaries within Notepad. However, access to this feature requires a subscription, which may limit its usability for casual users. Despite this, the improvements reflect Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing productivity tools within the operating system.
System Fixes and Known Issues
This build also addresses a couple of notable fixes, particularly an audio-related issue with the WDM audio system driver that was causing app crashes. Another fix resolves a problem where the color profile list for selected monitors was not displaying correctly. However, users should be aware of some known issues, particularly related to the Copilot feature which may affect both PCs and normal users. These issues are not new, indicating ongoing challenges in stabilizing these features.