Introduction

Microsoft continues to refine and enhance Windows 11 with the release of Build 26100.3613 to the Release Preview Channel. This update introduces significant changes aimed at improving user experience, system performance, and accessibility. Key highlights include a revamped Task Manager, enhancements to Copilot+ features, and expanded widget functionalities.

Revamped Task Manager

One of the most notable updates in this build is the overhaul of the Task Manager's CPU utilization metrics. Previously, discrepancies existed in how CPU workload was represented across different pages within the Task Manager, leading to potential confusion. With Build 26100.3613, Microsoft has standardized CPU usage calculations across the Processes, Performance, and Users pages, aligning them with industry standards and third-party tools. This change ensures consistency and accuracy in performance monitoring.

For users accustomed to the previous metrics, an optional column labeled "CPU Utility" has been added to the Details tab. This column, hidden by default, displays the legacy CPU values, providing backward compatibility for those who prefer the earlier format.

Copilot+ Enhancements

The update brings substantial improvements to Copilot+ PCs, focusing on accessibility and user interaction:

  • Live Captions and Real-Time Translation: On AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, live captions now support real-time translation of over 44 languages into English. This feature enhances communication during video calls, recordings, and streamed content. For Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, real-time translation to Simplified Chinese is introduced, supporting languages such as Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, German, Greek, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, and Swedish.
  • Natural Language Commanding in Voice Access: Users can now issue commands using natural language, including filler words and synonyms, rather than relying on rigid, predefined commands. This feature is initially available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, making voice interactions more intuitive and user-friendly.
  • Chinese Language Support for Voice Access: Voice access now supports navigation, dictation, and interaction using voice commands in Simplified Chinese (zh-cn) and Traditional Chinese (zh-tw), broadening accessibility for Chinese-speaking users.

Widget Enhancements

Widgets receive notable updates in this build:

  • Developer-Friendly Widgets: Web developers can now utilize existing web content to build dynamic and interactive widgets for the Windows 11 widget surface. This change opens new avenues for personalized and engaging user experiences.
  • Lock Screen Widgets in the European Economic Area (EEA): Users in the EEA can now add, remove, and rearrange lock screen widgets such as Weather, Watchlist, Sports, Traffic, and more. Any widget supporting the small sizing option can be added, allowing for a customized lock screen experience. To customize lock screen widgets, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

Additional Improvements

  • Gamepad Keyboard Layout: A new Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard enables users to navigate and type using an Xbox controller. This includes button accelerators (e.g., X button for backspace, Y button for spacebar) and vertically aligned keys for better controller navigation patterns.
  • Emoji Panel Accessibility: A new system tray icon on the taskbar improves the discoverability of the emoji and more panel, providing quick access to emojis and other symbols.
  • Settings Enhancements: The Settings homepage now includes "top cards" under Settings > System > About, offering an at-a-glance view of key PC specifications such as processor, RAM, storage, and GPU. This feature aids users in quickly understanding their device's capabilities.

Bug Fixes and Deprecations

This build addresses several issues and deprecates certain features:

  • Bug Fixes:
    • Improved ctfmon.exe reliability, addressing system restarts that could impact typing.
    • Resolved issues where ctfmon.exe may restart when copying data from certain apps.
    • Fixed an issue where the "see more" menu in the File Explorer command bar opened in the wrong direction in some cases.
    • Addressed a problem where Remote Desktop would only use TCP, not UDP.
    • Corrected screen orientation changes upon waking from sleep on 2-in-1 devices.
  • Deprecations:
    • Suggested actions that appear when copying a phone number or future date in Windows 11 are now deprecated and being removed.
    • The Location History feature, previously used by Cortana to access 24 hours of device history when location was enabled, is being removed. Consequently, location data will no longer be saved locally, and related settings are being removed from Settings > Privacy & security > Location.

Conclusion

Windows 11 Build 26100.3613 introduces a suite of enhancements aimed at improving system performance, user interaction, and accessibility. The standardized CPU metrics in Task Manager provide consistent and accurate performance monitoring, while Copilot+ enhancements and widget improvements offer a more personalized and intuitive user experience. These updates reflect Microsoft's ongoing commitment to refining Windows 11 based on user feedback and evolving technological standards.

For a comprehensive list of changes and improvements, refer to the official Windows Insider Blog post.

Note: As with all preview builds, features and improvements are subject to change based on user feedback and further testing.