Windows 11 New Features and Changes

Overview

Microsoft has released new features and enhancements in Windows 11 Build 26200.5641 and Build 26120.4250 for both the Dev and VA channels.

Key Features

Start Menu

• Redesigned Start Menu:

  • Combines the 'All', 'Pinned', and 'Recommended' sections into a single, scrollable menu.
  • Adapts dynamically to screen size for optimized visibility.
  • Apps can be grouped by categories or arranged alphabetically using a grid view.
  • Auto-grouping requires at least three apps in the same category; others are grouped as "other".

• Display Variability:

  • Large displays: Up to 8 rows of apps, 4 columns for categories, and 6 recommendations.
  • Smaller devices: Up to 6 columns of apps, 3 columns for categories, and 3 recommendations.

• Expandable Sections: Ability to expand pinned and recommended sections for easier app and file access.

• Settings Tab Update: Options to turn off recently added apps, recommended files, and other suggestions.

Lock Screen

• Widgets Configuration:
  • New "Your Widgets" section for customizing lock screen widgets.
  • Available to all insiders in all markets.

Settings Updates

• Privacy and Security:

  • Combined 'Searching Windows' and 'Search Permissions' into a unified 'Search' page.
  • Updated designs to remove Windows 10 style inconsistency.

• Region Settings:

  • New 'Device Setup Region' setting to display region selected during device setup.

• Keyboard and Navigation:

  • Enhanced keyboard for PIN entry, supporting controller-based navigation.
  • Updated gamepad layout for improved interaction.

• Enhanced User Experience:

  • Redesigned navigator interface for discovering new features.

Additional Features

• Screen Curtain Feature:
  • For privacy, blacks out the screen while the Windows narrator is active.
  • Toggle using the Caps Control + C shortcut.

Fixes and Improvements

• Addresses issues in taskbar, file explorer, Windows terminal, and other areas.
• Known issues to be aware of before updating are documented.

Additional Resources

• Instructions are provided for manually enabling some features if they are not available post-update.

Conclusion

The updates bring significant changes to the look and functionality of Windows 11, especially in the Start Menu and settings. Users can check known issues and instructions for additional updates not automatically included.

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