📢 Windows 11 Build 22621.1926 brings Exciting New Features and Improvements in the Release Preview Channel

What's new and improved in Windows 11 Build 22621.1926?

Enhanced Support for Simplified Chinese Fonts and Microsoft Pinyin IME

One of the key highlights of this update is the improved support for simplified Chinese fonts and the Microsoft Pinyin Input Method Editor (IME). Users can now enter and display characters from conformance level 1 or 2 using additions to fonts like Microsoft Yahei, Simsun, and Dengxian.

Additionally, the update supports Unicode Extensions E and F in the Simsun Ext-B font, meeting the requirements for level 3.

Expanded Notification Badging for Microsoft Accounts

Windows 11 now expands the roll-out of notification badging for Microsoft accounts on the Start menu. This feature allows users to receive important account-related notifications, providing quick access to manage subscriptions, data backups, and additional security steps to prevent account lockouts.

Improved File Sharing with Microsoft Outlook Contacts

The latest update brings enhancements to the sharing of local files in File Explorer with Microsoft Outlook contacts. Users now have the option to quickly email files to themselves and benefit from improved loading of contacts from Outlook. It's important to note that this feature is not available for files stored in Microsoft OneDrive folders, as OneDrive has its own sharing functionality.

Enhancements to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Windows 11 Build 22621.1926 introduces significant additions and improvements to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Users can take advantage of the enhanced security features and functionalities provided by the updated version of this powerful security solution.

Enhanced Authentication across Microsoft Clouds

With this update, users can now authenticate across various Microsoft clouds, offering a seamless and secure experience across different services. Additionally, this feature satisfies Conditional Access checks when necessary, ensuring compliance and protection of sensitive data.

Live Captions for Multiple Languages

Windows 11 now supports live captions for a wide range of languages, including Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Danish, English (Ireland and other dialects), and Korean. Users can enable live captions using the convenient keyboard shortcut WIN + Ctrl + L or through the Quick Settings accessibility flyout menu. This feature aids in better understanding audio content.

Redesigned In-App Voice Access Command Help Page

The in-app voice access command help page receives a redesign, providing users with improved guidance and ease of use. Each command now includes a description and examples, and the search bar enables quick access to specific commands. The new categories offer further assistance, making it easier for users to navigate and utilize voice access commands effectively.

Additional Voice Access Command Support for English Dialects

Windows 11 now extends voice access command support to English dialects, including the United Kingdom, India, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. Users can customize their voice access language preferences and download the necessary speech models from the settings menu.

Numerous Other Enhancements and Fixes

The latest Windows 11 build also introduces several other improvements and bug fixes across various areas of the operating system. Here are some notable ones:

• VPN Status Icon: Users will now see a small shield icon in the system tray when connected to a recognized VPN profile, overlayed with the system's accent color.
• Seconds Display in Clock: Users can display seconds in the clock on the system tray by enabling the option in the Taskbar settings.
• Improved Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Code Copy: Windows 11 now provides a more reliable way to copy 2FA codes from notifications. Users can simply click the copy button on the notification to easily paste the code where needed.

• System and Windows Hello Improvements: The update addresses an issue where some devices experienced a delay in the appearance of the system date and time on the sign-in screen. It also resolves a problem that caused Windows Hello to fail on devices with specific camera configurations.
• Taskbar Behavior Fixes: The build fixes an issue where the taskbar could sometimes appear across multiple monitors after docking/undocking or disconnecting/connecting to an external display. It also addresses an issue where the taskbar might not auto-hide when in tablet mode.
• Search Box Fixes: The search box on the taskbar now reliably displays the search results when users press Enter after typing a search query. Additionally, the update resolves an issue where the search box could become invisible when the taskbar is positioned at the top of the screen.
• Windows Security App Fixes: The Windows Security app now consistently shows the appropriate colors and icons when using dark mode. It also addresses a problem where the app might unexpectedly close when navigating to the "Family options" page.

• Touch Keyboard Fixes: The build fixes an issue that could cause the touch keyboard to unexpectedly appear on devices with an attached physical keyboard.
• System Tray Fixes: The update addresses an issue where the system tray could become unresponsive and not display the expected flyout menus. It also resolves a problem where the system tray icons could become misaligned or overlap with each other.
• Settings App Fixes: The Settings app now consistently displays the correct status for Bluetooth devices in the Bluetooth & devices section. It also fixes an issue where the Windows Update page in Settings could show an incorrect last checked date.

These are just a few of the improvements and fixes included in Windows 11 Build 22621.1926. The update aims to enhance the overall stability, performance, and user experience of the operating system.

Summary

Windows 11 Build 22621.1926 introduces several important fixes and enhancements to various components of the operating system. Users can now enjoy improved authentication code copy functionality, better design and Windows Hello performance, and a more stable taskbar experience.

The search box on the taskbar has been fixed to reliably display search results, while the Windows Security app now exhibits correct colors and icons in dark mode. The touch keyboard no longer appears unexpectedly, and the system tray behaves correctly without becoming unresponsive.

The Settings app has also been refined, providing accurate Bluetooth device status and Windows Update information. These updates aim to enhance the overall stability and user experience of Windows 11, ensuring a smoother and more reliable computing environment for users.