Microsoft has released new preview updates for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 11 25H2, offering users a glimpse of new features that will eventually be available in future updates.
The new build numbers are 26100.8942 (for 24H2) and 26200.8942 (for 25H2). The significant new features include redesigns to File Explorer, Windows Search, Voice Access, touchpads, and Windows Hello.
File Explorer has been redesigned to make it more practical to use. One quality-of-life improvement is file sizes in the details view now automatically converting to MB or GB instead of always showing as thousands or millions of KBs. Additionally, users can now open folders directly in a new tab using the middle mouse button. The "Recommended" section also features an improved file preview display.
Voice Access and voice control have also received enhancements, including a new feature called Voice Isolation, which filters out background noise from the environment, and the ability to optionally identify and suppress other voices.
Windows Search has been improved, taking into account file names consisting of just two letters, as well as finding the correct app even if the name isn’t spelled out in full or if the query contains spelling mistakes.
Users with precision touchpads can also look forward to new settings that allow them to customize scroll and zoom speeds.
The Windows 11 Start menu has been modified to make it easier to use with a keyboard, with the account section now displaying the current subscription status for Microsoft services.
Users can also set a custom battery level at which the PC will switch to power-saving mode, and the update simplifies the use of widgets on the lock screen, with only the weather widget displayed by default for new users.
Those who want to try the update can find a full list of all changes in the official release notes, but note that this is a preview update, available only to Windows Insiders for now. It will later be released to everyone as an optional update.
