Microsoft's Windows 11 continues to evolve, with the release of Build 27858 introducing several enhancements and addressing known issues. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the new features, fixes, and ongoing challenges associated with this build.

New Features and Enhancements

1. Task Manager Improvements

The Task Manager has been updated to provide a more consistent and accurate representation of CPU utilization. It now uses standard metrics across all pages, aligning with industry standards and third-party tools. An optional "CPU Utility" column is available for users who prefer the previous CPU value used on the Processes page. (blogs.windows.com)

2. Gaming Stability Enhancements

Build 27858 addresses a critical issue that caused certain games, such as Roblox, to crash upon launch. This fix aims to improve the gaming experience by ensuring smoother performance and reducing unexpected crashes. (blogs.windows.com)

3. File Explorer Performance

The update enhances the performance of extracting zipped files in File Explorer, particularly when unzipping a large number of small files. This improvement aims to streamline file management tasks and reduce wait times for users. (blogs.windows.com)

4. Windows Security Enhancements

For devices equipped with Pluton TPM chips, the Windows Security app now displays additional details, including the manufacturer and manufacturer version, under Device Security > Security Processor Details. This enhancement provides users with more transparency regarding their system's security hardware. (blogs.windows.com)

Bug Fixes and Resolutions

1. Search Functionality

An issue that caused the search window to appear blank for some users when searching from the taskbar has been resolved. This fix restores the expected functionality and reliability of the search feature. (blogs.windows.com)

2. Printing Reliability

The update addresses a problem where printing from certain applications led to system crashes. This fix aims to enhance the stability and reliability of the printing process across various apps. (blogs.windows.com)

3. Graphics and Display

Several graphics-related issues have been fixed, including a problem that caused Settings to crash when adding a color profile and an issue where color profiles failed to load correctly after waking the PC from sleep. These fixes improve the overall visual experience and stability of display settings. (blogs.windows.com)

Known Issues and Challenges

1. Copilot+ PC Users

Users transitioning to the Canary Channel on new Copilot+ PCs from other channels may encounter issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometric sign-ins, receiving error code 0xd0000225. Recreating the PIN via the "Set up my PIN" option is recommended. (blogs.windows.com)

2. d3d9.dll Crashes

A known issue persists where a d3d9.dll crash causes multiple applications to fail to launch, affecting some users since Build 27802. Microsoft is actively investigating this problem to provide a resolution in future updates. (blogs.windows.com)

Conclusion

Windows 11 Build 27858 introduces several enhancements aimed at improving system performance, gaming stability, and user experience. While it addresses multiple issues, some challenges remain, particularly for Copilot+ PC users and those affected by the d3d9.dll crash. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub to assist Microsoft in refining future updates.

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