As part of the ongoing story, microsoft recently dropped fresh preview updates for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 11 25H2, and they include a number of fresh functions that general users will eventually receive with future updates.
In a fresh development, significant fresh functions include changes to File Explorer, Windows Search, Voice Access, touchpads, and Windows Hello. The build numbers are 26100.8942 (for 24H2) and 26200.8942 (for 25H2).
The report highlights that one quality-of-life improvement is file sizes in the details view automatically being converted to MB or GB instead of always showing as thousands or millions of KBs. You can also open folders directly in a fresh tab using the middle mouse button. In the “Recommended” section, the file preview display has also been improved. File Explorer is being redesigned to make it a little more practical to use.
As part of the ongoing story, voice Isolation is designed to filter out background noise from the environment, but other voices can also be (optionally) identified and suppressed. When it comes to Voice Access and voice control, Microsoft is enhancing the input options with a number of fresh functions.
The report highlights that it now takes into account file names consisting of just two letters. Furthermore, the search will find the correct app even if the name isn’t spelled out in full or if the query contains spelling mistakes. In addition, Microsoft is working on improving Windows Search.
As part of the ongoing story, windows users who use a precision touchpad can also look forward to fresh settings that allow them to customize scroll and zoom speeds.
Industry observers note that the account section now also displays the current subscription status for Microsoft services. Microsoft is also making a few changes to the Windows 11 Start menu to make it easier to use with a keyboard.
The report highlights that the patch also simplifies the use of widgets on the lock screen. For fresh users, only the weather widget is now displayed on the lock screen by default. Users can also once again set a custom battery level at which the PC will switch to power-saving mode.
Industry observers note that some of the fresh functions are being rolled out gradually, while others will be available immediately once you install the preview patch. You can find a full list of all changes in the official drop notes.
In a fresh development, it will later be dropped to everyone as an optional patch. If you want to try it now, you’ll need to join the (free) Windows Insider Program. Learn more about the pros and cons of becoming a Windows Insider. Note that this is a preview patch, meaning it’s only available to Windows Insiders as of this writing.
Industry observers note that to learn more, see our comparison of Windows 11 Home and Pro. If you want to upgrade, snag it for cheap in the PCWorld Applications Store: now just $59 instead of $99. By the way: If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you’re missing out on the many benefits of Windows 11 Pro.
In a fresh development, this article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
The report highlights that after studying communication science, she went straight into a job at PCMagazin and Connect Living. Since then, she has been writing about everything to do with PCs and technology topics, and has been a permanent editor at our German sister site PC-WELT since May 2024. Laura is an enthusiastic gamer as well as a movie and TV fan.