Microsoft released a slew of Windows Insider Builds last night, continuing a trend of non-Friday releases. The tech giant says that it is “working on getting all flights back on track.” But in the meantime, we have several updates and improvements to look at.
Latest Windows Insider Builds
In total, five different updates were sent to Windows Insiders.
The biggest changes will roll out to Beta Channel Insiders in the form of Build 26220.8925. That update brings touchpad improvements, an upgraded Start menu, and welcome tweaks to File Explorer.
The update also improves accessibility and includes a refreshed Windows 11 Account Control Flyout.
Build 26220.8925: Changes and improvements
Touchpad
- We’re adding new gesturing-related functionality to precision touchpads in Settings. These features should be widely available across applications. WinUI3-based UI requires new WinAppSDK versions for complete functionality, and we’re in the process of bringing the necessary changes to versions 1.8 and 2.0.
- Scroll and zoom speed: control the baseline speed for these gestures.
- Accelerated scrolling: repeatedly scrolling increases speed, allowing quick traversal of long documents.
- This update brings a number of improvements for the Start menu as first outlined in the Making Taskbar and Start more personal Insider blog.
- Renamed Recommended to Recent in Start and the Settings page.
- Added section-level toggles to independently show or hide Pinned, Recent, and All.
- Added the option to choose between a small and large Start menu, in addition to the Automatic (default) option that is already available.
- Added the option to hide your name and profile picture in Start.
- Redesigned the Start menu settings page.
File Explorer
- File sizes in the Details view now display appropriate units (KB, MB, and GB) instead of KB-only, making them easier to understand at a glance.
- Middle-click to open a folder in a new tab is now supported in the address bar and Home page for a more consistent and efficient tabbed navigation experience across File Explorer.
- Improved screen reader announcements when resolving file conflicts during move and copy operations.
Narrator
- Braille displays now connect instantly with Narrator.
- We’re making refreshable braille displays easier to use in Windows. Narrator now supports displays that use the HID standard. If your display supports HID, connect it with USB and start reading with no additional setup required.
- For Bluetooth, pair your HID braille display in Settings > Bluetooth & devices like any other accessory, and then use it wirelessly.
- Compatible HID displays include Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40.
- HID braille displays now work during the initial Windows setup experience (OOBE) over USB, which means users who are deaf-blind can set up their PC independently from the first screen.
- You can customize braille input and output options in Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille.
Account Control
- The Windows 11 Account Control flyout has a refreshed, modern design and a clear subscription badge to make account status instantly visible. This helps users identify their plan, discover benefits, and explore upgrades.
Windows Update
- Fixed an issue that could result in recent Insider flights failing to install with error 0xc0000409.
Input
- Improved persistence of mouse cursor size.
I’m most excited about the touchpad improvements. The updates will give you greater control over scroll and zoom speed and make it easier to scroll through long documents.
Unlike some Windows 11 features, the touchpad updates should be available across a wide range of applications. Rather than having to wait for developers to make major rewrites or adopt a feature, you’ll have the improvements at your fingertips quickly.
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