Key Points
– Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 to the Beta Channel, introducing new features and improvements for testers.
– A major update enables enhanced security and performance for batch files, while shared audio now includes individual volume controls for each listener.
– Microsoft also rolled out a freeform rotate feature in Paint, plus accessibility and reliability upgrades for Narrator, Taskbar, and Storage functions.
Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934, known as KB5077242, to Windows Insiders using the Beta Channel. The release focuses on delivering new tools alongside important refinements already being deployed to Insider users who are opted into receiving the latest updates.
One of the major additions aimed at IT administrators and business users is enhanced security and performance for batch files. The new ability to lock batch files when they are in use ensures that scripts cannot change during execution. This is activated by adding a registry key or using the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse application manifest control. In addition to adding a security layer, this change removes the need for repeated signature validation during batch file execution, which should boost processing speed.
On the multimedia side, Windows now allows shared audio participants to control their own volume individually using separate sliders. This preview, which enables two users to listen to the same audio over Bluetooth LE through compatible devices such as headphones or hearing aids, also adds a taskbar icon as a reminder that sharing is active and gives quick access to audio settings. Microsoft expanded its list of supported LE Audio accessories, adding Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro, Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds, and Xbox Wireless Headset to the lineup.
Microsoft also enhanced accessibility by introducing a new Narrator command (Narrator key + \) that lets visually impaired users read status bar contents in apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, without changing focus. Narrator can now read the number of words, pages, sums, and averages directly from these parts of the interface.
Windows now includes improved reliability features across several components. For example, painting reliability has been improved when using the ADLaM keyboard, and storage cleanup has become more dependable when removing Windows Update or Windows.old files. Microsoft temporarily paused rollout of enhanced taskbar animations when the taskbar is set to autohide, but has upgraded loading reliability for taskbar components in safe mode.
In the meantime, the classic Paint application has gained a highly requested freeform rotate option, available for shapes, text, and active selections. With this feature, users can grab a rotation handle and turn objects freely or input specific angles through the rotate menu.
All these changes are part of a wider structure where new features are first made available to a subset of testers via Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Over time, gradual rollouts mean features will be fully available to everyone in the Beta Channel, with the option to opt in for immediate access. Because these features remain in development, Microsoft notes that they may never appear in the final release, could be altered or removed, and may not yet be fully localized.
Windows Insider Program members should remember that a desktop watermark is normal for pre-release builds and are encouraged to submit feedback through the Feedback Hub.
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