Windows 11 version 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2 have received new builds in the Release Preview channel. KB5041865 (Build 26100.1586) is now available for version 24H2, and 22621.4108 and 22631.4108 are released with KB5041587 for 22H2 and 23H2, respectively. Here are the key changes.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Windows 11 Build 22635.4076 (Beta) comes with several fixes
A new release is now available to Insiders running Windows 11 on the Beta channel. KB5041873 raises the OS version to Build 22635.4076, and brings with it a number of fixes. Some of them are only available to those who have enabled the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option in Settings > Windows Update. Here are the details.
Windows 11 Build 26120.1542 (Dev) places Widgets on the right side of the taskbar
Microsoft has release Windows 11 Build 26120.1542 to Insiders in the Dev channel. It introduces a new location for the widget button on the taskbar. For users who keep the start button on the left, Widgets will now have a bigger button on the right, next to the system tray.
Windows 11 now allows running HDR streams even when HDR is disabled for the screen
The latest Canary release of Windows 11, Build 27686, brings with it a change for the HDR feature. You can now enable HDR for video streams while keep it disabled for the screen. Even if the HDR feature is disabled in the operating system settings, you will be to broadcast HDR content.
Keep uBlock Origin working in Chrome by extending ManifestV2 support
Here's a bit of good news: You can keep ManifestV2 enabled till 2025 in Chrome and Edge and keep working uBlock Origin and other extensions. Chrome developers has provided an option to keep ManifestV2 along its third incarnation. This will allow you to run all your favorite page modifiers, ad filters, and similar extensions for an extra year.
PowerToys Workspaces can launch and then arrange apps into specific layout
The PowerToys app suite is getting a new tool called Workspaces. It will allow users to customize the layout of applications on the screen and save layouts as shortcuts to launch them later with one click.
Windows 11 now supports FAT32 volumes up to 2 TB
Microsoft has removed the legacy limit of the 32GB size for FAT32 partitions in the latest Windows 11 Canary release. Now you can create partitions of 2TB natively. Earlier, you could do the same but with help of third-party tools. Starting in Build 27686, the inbox console "format" command supports the large volume size for FAT32.
Microsoft Pulled Out Defective KB5034441 and KB5034440 Updates
Microsoft has stopped distribution of its January security updates KB5034441 (Windows 10 21H2/22H2), KB5034440 (Windows 11 21H2) and KB5034439 (Windows Server 2022). These are proven to be defective, often ending up installation with an error with the code 0x80070643 — ERROR_INSTALL_FAILURE. Due to the insufficient size of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) partition, the updates were unable to update some of the WinRE files.
Windows 11 Build 27686 (Canary) comes with a new Windows Sandbox version
Microsoft is releasing Windows 11 Build 27686 to Insiders in the Canary channel. For a reason, Microsoft has raised the build number from previously released build 26257. Feature wise, it includes a new Windows Sandbox Client (Preview), the ability to detach a mounted VHD in Settings, and improved battery life!
Xbox Game Bar gets compact mode in Windows 11
Microsoft has added a new compact mode for the Xbox Game Bar . The new layout is specially designed for smaller screens and portable devices. The update is gradually coming to Xbox Insiders enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview.
