Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3000. Microsoft has recently rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3000 (KB5050103) to the Dev Channel, bringing several exciting features, improvements, and fixes. This update enhances the battery iconography, introduces a new gamepad keyboard layout, and includes several important fixes for File Explorer, performance, and more. Let’s dive into the key highlights of this release, what’s new for Insiders, and how to make the most out of these updates.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3000: Key Features and Fixes You Need to Know
What’s New in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3000?
1. Improved Battery Iconography
One of the most notable updates is the revamped battery icon system in Windows 11. The new design uses different colors for better communication of battery status:
- Green: Your PC is charging.
- Yellow: Energy saver mode is on.
- Red: Critical battery – plug in immediately.
Additionally, a much-requested feature has been added: the ability to display the battery percentage next to the icon in the system tray. To enable this, simply head to Settings > Power & battery and toggle on the Battery Percentage setting.
2. Gamepad Keyboard Layout for Touch Keyboard
Microsoft is reintroducing the Gamepad keyboard layout after a brief pause due to previous issues. This layout enables you to use an Xbox controller to navigate and type. It includes button accelerators such as:
- X button: Backspace.
- Y button: Spacebar.
This feature is designed to improve the gaming and navigation experience on Windows, especially for Xbox users.
3. Narrator Enhancements
Windows 11’s Narrator tool has received a useful update with new shortcuts for scan mode:
- Jump to list item (I)
- Beginning and end of element (Comma and Period keys)
These shortcuts make navigating large emails, articles, and other documents faster and more efficient, improving accessibility for all users.
4. Windows Search and Taskbar Updates
The Dev Channel update brings improved support for web search providers in the Windows Search feature. Additionally, the Search Box on the taskbar now supports clearer provider attribution, improving the user experience for those searching the web from the taskbar.
5. Deprecating Suggested Actions
Windows 11 will phase out the Suggested Actions feature, which used to appear when you copied a phone number or future date. This change is part of an ongoing refinement of the system to focus on essential features and improve performance.
Key Fixes in Build 26120.3000
File Explorer Improvements
Several issues with File Explorer have been addressed in this release:
- Fixed an issue where the address bar would not allow navigation by path.
- Resolved an issue with full-screen mode where the address bar would overlap content.
- Enhanced cloud file context menu performance for right-click actions.
These changes aim to make File Explorer more responsive and intuitive, particularly when dealing with cloud-based files.
General Performance and System Stability
An underlying issue causing significant performance degradation due to background crashes has been fixed. This was affecting a small number of Insiders in the previous build, and the new release addresses this problem for smoother operation.
Scanning and 2-in-1 PC Issues
Several bugs related to scanning devices and 2-in-1 PCs changing screen orientation unexpectedly have also been fixed in this build. These fixes should improve the overall reliability of the system, particularly for users of specialized hardware.
Known Issues in This Build
While the update brings several improvements, there are still a few known issues that users should be aware of:
- After performing a PC reset, the build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100. This issue will be resolved in future updates.
- Windows Recovery (WinRE) may encounter a 0xc0e90001 error on Arm64 devices, though this will be fixed in the next flight.
- Voice Access may not function properly in this build, and this issue will be addressed in future releases.
Additionally, there are some known problems with File Explorer, Windows Search, and Live Captions, all of which will be fixed in upcoming updates.
How to Join the Windows Insider Program
If you’re interested in testing new features like those found in Build 26120.3000, you can join the Windows Insider Program. Here’s how:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program.
- Select your Insider level (Dev Channel, Beta Channel, or Release Preview Channel).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enroll.
Once enrolled, you’ll receive early access to builds like the one discussed here and can provide feedback on the features and performance.
Also Read – Snap Two Windows Side by Side in Windows
Conclusion
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3000 brings several important updates for users in the Dev Channel, from improved battery iconography to the reintroduction of the Gamepad keyboard layout for Xbox controllers. Along with bug fixes and enhancements to system performance, this release continues to refine Windows 11, making it more accessible and user-friendly.
If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, make sure to check out this new build and provide feedback to help shape the future of Windows 11. Keep an eye out for upcoming updates that will address known issues and continue to improve the experience for all users.
