Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 update with new features and improvements
Microsoft has launched a new update for Windows 11, with build number 26020, on the Canary Channel of its Insider program. This release, compiled on December 14, 2023, introduces a host of new features and improvements, primarily focused on accessibility and energy conservation.
Main Features and Updates
Notable updates include expanded language support for voice access, multi-screen support for voice features, and the unveiling of custom voice commands. Users now have the ability to pause and resume print jobs, a much-anticipated feature. A new power saver icon will now be visible in the system tray on battery-less desktops, making it easier to understand power consumption. The Windows Sharing window has been revamped to display apps linked to the user’s account and now extends support to sharing via WhatsApp. The much-vaunted Nearby Share feature has also been amplified, allowing users to rename their PC for effortless identification.
Narrator voice and deprecated features
Microsoft also provided a preview of natural Narrator voices for ten new locales. Users can now listen to these voices before downloading them, ensuring a better user experience. However, this update also sees the deprecation of WordPad and Steps Recorder. WordPad will no longer be available for installation after a fresh installation of the operating system, and Steps Recorder should be removed later. Microsoft recommends using alternative options such as the Snipping Tool, Xbox Game Bar, or Microsoft Clipchamp.
Fixes and persistent issues
This update also fixes various known issues while highlighting some ongoing issues, including game compatibility issues and difficulties with the Settings app for a handful of users. Microsoft has chronicled the full changelog on its official blog.
Microsoft has always been at the forefront of innovation and refinement, and this update is a testament to its relentless pursuit of technological excellence. As users around the world look forward to a seamless Windows experience, Microsoft continues to improve, evolve, and exceed expectations.