Microsoft is now in the process of rolling out the Windows 11 build 26120.3000 as the update KB5050103 in the Dev Channel with various visual improvements, including a new infographic for the battery icon and officially announcing the new Battery Percentage setting.
In addition, this release restores the Gamepad keyboard layout, ships new features for the Windows Narrator, improves the Windows Search interface for users in the European Union, and deprecates the “Suggested actions” feature.
Furthermore, this release fixes various problems with File Explorer, including issues with navigation with the address bar, right-click context menu, thumbnails, and search. Microsoft is also fixing a system issue that was causing significant performance degradation and problems with scanners.
This preview is part of the Windows 11 24H2 development, but it’s unclear when these improvements will be available for everyone, including for those computers running version 23H2.
Windows 11 build 26120.3000 (Dev)
These are the most interesting changes rolling out for Windows 11 devices enrolled in the Beta Channel.
Battery Percentage and new icons
Starting on build 26120.3000, Windows 11 is officially introducing the new setting to show the battery percentage in the Taskbar, which is a feature independent of the battery icon.
It’s important to note that this feature has already been integrated into the operating system since the last preview (build 26120.2992).
This release also ships with new iconography for the battery icon to better inform you about the battery status. For example:
- Green: Indicates the computer is currently charging and the battery is in good condition.
- Yellow: Signifies that the device is running on battery power and has entered “energy saving mode.” This mode automatically activates when the battery level drops to 20% or lower to conserve power.
- Red: Warns of a critically low battery. It’s crucial to plug in the PC immediately to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Gamepad keyboard layout
Although the Gamepad keyboard layout isn’t new, Microsoft had it disabled to fix some issues, but now, the feature is back with this release.
Windows Narrator
The Windows Narrator also introduces new features for the scan mode, including:
- Jump to list item (I’): This shortcut lets you quickly navigate to specific list items within a document or webpage.
- Beginning and end of the element (Comma (,) and Period(.)): These shortcuts help you quickly jump to the beginning or end of large elements like tables, lists, or landmarks (headings, landmarks).
Windows Search
In addition, for users in the European Union, Microsoft is improving support for web search providers with clear attribution in tabs.
Other changes
As part of this release, the update KB5050105 includes some known issues regarding Recovery, Recall, Click to Do, live captions and real-time translation, File Explorer, Windows Search, and Voice Access.
Installation process
To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your device in the Dev Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.
Source link