Microsoft has rolled out a significant update for Windows 11 in the Beta Channel, bringing several new features and improvements to the operating system. This update, known as build 26120.3653 (KB5053658), is part of the ongoing development for Windows 11 version 24H2. Let’s dive into the key changes and additions this update brings to the table.
Quick Machine Recovery: A New Approach to System Resilience
The standout feature of this update is Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), a new tool designed to minimize downtime caused by boot failures. QMR works by leveraging the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and Windows Update to automatically detect and fix boot issues.
When a critical boot failure occurs, QMR springs into action:
Step 1: The system automatically boots into the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 2: It connects to the internet and sends diagnostic information to Microsoft.
Step 3: The device receives targeted fixes from Microsoft servers.
Step 4: These fixes are applied, potentially resolving the boot issue without user intervention.
This feature is enabled by default on Windows 11 Home editions. For Windows 11 Pro, network administrators have the option to test and customize QMR to suit their organization’s needs.
Accessibility Improvements: Speech Recap for Windows Narrator
The update brings a notable enhancement to Windows Narrator with the introduction of the Speech Recap feature. This tool allows users to keep track of spoken words from Windows Narrator for quick reference.
To access Speech Recap:
Step 1: Press the Narrator key + Alt + X keyboard shortcut.
Step 2: The feature displays the last 500 strings produced by Narrator.
It’s important to note that the saved text is deleted each time Windows Narrator restarts. For users who want to copy the strings directly to the clipboard without opening the full interface, the Narrator key + Control + X shortcut is available.
A New Face for System Errors: Redesigned Green Screen of Death
Microsoft has revamped the Green Screen of Death (GSOD), which is the Beta Channel equivalent of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in stable Windows builds. The new design aligns more closely with the overall aesthetic of Windows 11 while still providing crucial technical information for troubleshooting.
Copilot Integration and AI Enhancements
The update reintroduces the Windows key + C shortcut to launch the Copilot chatbot. Users can customize this shortcut in the Settings app under the “Customize Copilot key on keyboard” option.
Additionally, the Copilot app now supports a press-to-talk functionality using the Alt + Spacebar shortcut. This feature allows users to interact with Copilot using voice commands, streamlining the AI assistant experience.
Improved File Sharing and Image Editing
The Windows Share interface now includes a preview of the content being shared. For images, an “Edit” button has been added, allowing users to crop, rotate, apply filters, and compress images before sharing. This feature supports local images in common formats such as .jpg, .png, .tif, and .bmp.
Security Changes: Removal of BYPASSNRO Script
In a move to bolster security and improve user experience, Microsoft has removed the “bypassnro.cmd” script. This change effectively eliminates the ability to use the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command to bypass internet requirements during Windows installation or to set up the OS with a local account instead of a Microsoft account.
However, it’s worth noting that a workaround still exists. Users can run the following command from the Command Prompt during the Out-of-box Experience to achieve a similar result:
reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE /v BypassNRO /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f shutdown /r /t 0
Additional Fixes and Improvements
The update also addresses several issues across various Windows components:
- Taskbar icon scaling problems in tablet mode have been resolved.
- Multiple File Explorer issues, including search indexer hangs and crashes during file operations, have been fixed.
- Windows Update now correctly displays installed updates in the update history.
- Settings app crashes and text loading issues in certain sections have been addressed.
This Beta update for Windows 11 brings a mix of new features, security improvements, and bug fixes. While Quick Machine Recovery stands out as a potentially game-changing addition for system stability, the accessibility enhancements and UI tweaks demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to refining the Windows 11 experience. As always with beta software, users should be aware that some features may change before the final release.