Windows 11 Preview Builds Bring Major Taskbar Upgrades, AI-Powered Settings, and More – Here’s What’s New

Microsoft Unveils Significant Enhancements in Latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds

Microsoft has rolled out two new Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders, delivering a suite of powerful features and long-requested improvements. Available in the Dev Channel (build 26200.5722, KB5062669) and Beta Channel (build 26120.5722, KB5062669), both versions share a unified changelog, ensuring a consistent user experience across early-access tiers.

AI-Powered Settings Agent Takes Center Stage

Arguably the standout feature in these updates is the debut of a new AI agent within Windows Settings, tailored specifically for Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel and AMD architectures. Users can now interact with their device’s settings through natural language, even if they’re unsure about precise feature names. Simply describe the issue or desired adjustment in plain English, and the Settings app intelligently identifies and applies the appropriate configuration—an innovation that promises to make Windows 11’s deep customization more accessible than ever.

This enhancement leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning, further cementing Windows 11’s growing ecosystem of smart features. The integration is expected to drive productivity and lower the learning curve for both casual users and IT professionals managing complex environments.

Enhanced Taskbar Functionality for Multi-Monitor Setups

Long-time Windows users have clamored for improved multi-monitor support, particularly regarding the taskbar. Microsoft delivers with this update: you can now access the notification center and calendar flyout from any connected display, a feature that streamlines workflow and boosts efficiency in workstation and productivity-oriented setups. This long-awaited functionality underscores Windows 11’s commitment to delivering a seamless experience for power users with dual or triple monitor arrangements.

Additionally, the updates reintroduce refined logic for CPU utilization calculations in Task Manager. Advanced users and IT professionals can now test and provide feedback on how system resources are represented, ensuring more accurate diagnostics and performance monitoring.

Out-of-Box Experience and Search Get Smarter

The Second Chance Out of Box Experience (SCOOBE) is now more user-friendly, featuring a redesigned, single-page interface complete with toggles for various preferences. This streamlined onboarding aims to simplify device setup for first-time users.

The Windows Search box has also received an upgrade. Search results now display related images in a concise grid view within the left pane, delivering a richer, more visual experience. This is particularly beneficial for users seeking multimedia content, enhancing Windows 11’s credentials as a robust platform for both work and creativity.

The Click to Do app, designed to boost productivity, introduces a tutorial for first-time launches, making onboarding more intuitive for new users.

Resolved Issues: Smoother, More Reliable Performance

Quality improvements and bug fixes continue to be a cornerstone of the Windows Insider Program. Here’s a rundown of key issues addressed in the latest builds:

• Taskbar: Resolved an issue that occasionally made the Task View icon invisible after toggling it off and on, and fixed a widgets icon display glitch.
• Login and Lock: Improved lock screen widgets’ readability and sped up taskbar and login screen rendering post-sleep.
• File Explorer: Fixed problems with unblocking file properties, ensuring status is accurately reflected.
• Start Menu: Enhanced touch navigation reliability, including support for swipe gestures.
• Input: Corrected issues with the Microsoft Changjie input method and phonetic keyboards, restoring functionality for multiple languages.
• Administrator Protection: Addressed an underlying bug preventing the Xbox app and potentially other applications from launching.
• Settings: Eliminated irrelevant BitLocker links for unsupported drives, preventing misleading errors.
• General Stability: Multiple fixes for installer hangs on ARM64 devices, improved detection of Thunderbolt-connected external GPUs, and prevention of sporadic bluescreen errors (DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL).

Comprehensive bug fixes like these demonstrate Microsoft’s ongoing focus on stability, security, and a frictionless experience for users across mainstream and niche workflows.

Known Issues: What to Watch Out For

While these builds bring substantial advancements, a few known bugs remain on the radar:

• Update Rollbacks: Some Insiders may face update rollback errors (0x80070005). Microsoft suggests using System > Recovery > “Fix issues using Windows update” as a workaround.
• Live Captions: Attempting live translation on Copilot+ PCs may cause the Live Captions feature to crash.
• Xbox Controller Connectivity: A bug may cause PCs to crash when using an Xbox Controller via Bluetooth. Users can resolve this by manually uninstalling the relevant driver in Device Manager.
• Click to Do (Preview): First use of intelligent text actions on Intel or AMD Copilot+ PCs may experience delays after updating to a new build or model.

Microsoft encourages users to report ongoing issues via the Feedback Hub to help further shape the development of Windows 11.

Feature Comparison and Market Impact

Compared to previous iterations, these preview builds mark a significant step forward—especially for power users, creative professionals, and enterprise environments reliant on advanced customization and productivity tools. The AI-powered settings agent, improved taskbar experience, and smarter onboarding distinguish Windows 11 as a future-ready operating system. Such updates underscore Microsoft’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for a more flexible, human-centered user interface.

Windows 11 continues to position itself as the premier OS for both traditional desktop users and forward-thinking early adopters who demand seamless integration, intelligent automation, and unparalleled support for diverse devices and workflows.

Real-World Use Cases

These enhancements hold significant promise for various user segments:

• Business Professionals: Multi-monitor taskbar access and advanced search support faster multitasking and reduce context-switching.
• Developers & IT Teams: More accurate Task Manager readings and streamlined setup allow for easier troubleshooting and deployment.
• Power Users & Creatives: AI-powered settings reduce friction when optimizing system performance or trying new features.
• Average Consumers: An easier out-of-box experience and clearer tutorials make Windows 11 more welcoming for less technical users.

Looking Forward

As Microsoft continues to iterate and evolve Windows 11 through the Insider Program, users can expect a steady pipeline of innovations—particularly as AI becomes more deeply embedded in everyday computing tasks. The focus on accessibility, productivity, and multi-device workflows places Windows 11 at the forefront of operating system advancement.

Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft refines its next-generation desktop experience, setting new standards in usability and intelligent technology integration.