Microsoft releases new Windows 11 preview builds for Dev and Beta channels

Microsoft has recently rolled out new preview builds for Windows 11 to both the Dev and Beta channels, introducing a range of new features and improvements for Insiders. These updates are part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to refining the Windows experience through continuous feedback and testing.

The latest releases include enhancements to Task Manager, touchpad settings, and Administrator Protection, alongside broader system improvements. These builds are available to users enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, offering a glimpse into the future of Windows 11 and providing an avenue for users to contribute to its development.

Task Manager Enhancements for NPU and System Insight

The Task Manager has received significant updates aimed at providing deeper insights into system performance, particularly for PCs equipped with Neural Processing Units (NPUs). New optional columns such as “NPU,” “NPU Engine,” “NPU Dedicated Memory,” and “NPU Shared Memory” have been added to the Processes, Users, and Details pages. These additions offer users a more granular view of how AI-related workloads are utilizing NPU resources.

Furthermore, if a PC’s Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) includes integrated neural engines, these will now be visible on the Performance page. This provides a more comprehensive overview of the system’s AI activity. An additional “Isolation” column has also been introduced to the Processes and Details pages, allowing users to identify applications running within an AppContainer environment.

To access these new columns, users can right-click on any column header within Task Manager and select the desired new options. This empowers users with more detailed diagnostic information, especially beneficial for those working with AI-intensive applications or monitoring system resource allocation. The ability to see NPU usage directly in Task Manager is a key step towards understanding and optimizing the performance of modern AI-accelerated hardware.

Touchpad Customization and Usability Improvements

Users can now personalize their touchpad experience with a new setting that controls the size of the right-click zone. This option is available in Settings under “Bluetooth & Devices” and then “Touchpad.” Insiders can choose from “default,” “small,” “medium,” and “large” for the right-click area located in the bottom-right corner of the touchpad.

This feature is specifically designed for touchpads that have a pressable surface. For touchpads where manufacturers offer their own customization software, a “Custom” entry will appear in the dropdown menu, preserving those specific settings. This allows for a tailored user experience, catering to individual preferences for touchpad interaction.

This enhancement aims to improve the usability of touchpads, making right-click actions more intuitive and accessible based on user comfort. Feedback on this new touchpad setting can be shared through the Feedback Hub under “Input and Language > Touchpad.”

Administrator Protection Re-enabled and Accessible

Administrator Protection, a feature previously enabled by IT administrators, is now being rolled out with the ability for users to enable it directly within Windows Settings. This setting can be found under “Privacy & security,” then “Windows Security,” and finally “Account protection.” A restart of the device is required for the changes to take effect after enabling this feature.

This reintroduction of Administrator Protection enhances system security by providing an additional layer of control over administrative privileges. Its accessibility through the standard Settings app simplifies the process for users and IT professionals to manage security configurations. This move underscores Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to bolster the security posture of Windows 11.

The ability to toggle Administrator Protection on or off directly in settings offers greater flexibility and user control over system security. This proactive security measure is designed to help protect against unauthorized changes and potential system compromises. Users are encouraged to explore this setting and provide feedback to help further refine its implementation.

Windows Console Overhaul with Windows Terminal Features

Significant updates are being integrated into the Windows Console, drawing directly from the open-source Windows Terminal project. This brings a host of modern features to the traditional command-line interface, enhancing its capabilities for developers and power users. These updates are appearing in builds for the Canary Channel, with potential future integration into other channels.

Key improvements include support for rendering inline graphics, such as Sixel images, which allows command-line tools like WinGet to display visual elements directly within the console. The Find dialog now supports regular expressions for more powerful searching, and text rendering has been enhanced with support for bold fonts in the original rendering engine.

Performance has also seen a boost, with scrolling speeds up to ten times faster in certain scenarios. An optional Atlas/Direct3D rendering path is available, and clipboard reliability has been improved with the addition of OSC 52 copy support. Accessibility updates include rewritten legacy MSAA integration and parts of UI Automation support, benefiting users of assistive technologies.

Windows Insider Program Evolution and Channel Strategy

Microsoft continues to refine its Windows Insider Program, with recent builds targeting the Dev and Beta channels, alongside ongoing development in the Canary and Release Preview channels. The program’s structure is designed to offer different levels of previewing and feedback opportunities for various user groups.

The Canary channel is positioned for highly technical users who want to preview the earliest platform changes, often with limited documentation and potential instability. The Dev channel is for enthusiasts seeking to test new features as they are incubated, accepting some rough edges. The Beta channel offers a more stable environment for early adopters to preview pre-release features before they are widely deployed.

Microsoft is also emphasizing a simpler, more transparent Insider Program experience with clearer channel definitions and better visibility into how feedback shapes Windows. This streamlined approach aims to encourage broader participation and more effective feedback collection, ultimately leading to a more polished final product.

Future Modernization of Legacy Windows Components

Microsoft has acknowledged the need to modernize legacy components within Windows 11, addressing the often disjointed user experience caused by older UI elements coexisting with newer designs. This initiative aims to create a more unified and contemporary look and feel across the operating system.

Efforts are underway to build tooling that will enable the modernization of dialogs and other UI elements built on legacy frameworks. Recent preview builds have already showcased a modern version of the Windows Run dialog, built with WinUI 3, indicating a tangible commitment to this modernization effort.

While a specific timeline for these broader modernizations, including components like Control Panel and Device Manager, has not been detailed, it is reassuring to know that Microsoft is actively considering and working on these user-requested improvements. This long-term vision for Windows 11 includes a commitment to a more cohesive and modern user interface.