- Microsoft rolls out an updated version of File Explorer with a new duplicate tab option.
- The build 26257 also introduces visual changes for the Lock and Sign-in screen.
- Also, this update from the Canary Channel ports new mouse features from the Control Panel to the Settings app.
Microsoft began the rollout of Windows 11 build 26257 in the Canary Channel, and despite this being a small update, it includes some interesting new features and changes.
According to the official notes published on July 24, 2024, Windows 11 build 26257 introduces an updated version of File Explorer that allows you to duplicate a tab when you right-click it, similar to how web browsers work.
As part of the “For Developers” page, this release also updates the behavior of the “End Task” option in the Taskbar to suppress the “Not Responding” message when terminating a non-responsive application.
In addition, when using the legacy “System Information,” the application will now respect the text size configuration after changing the setting from the “Text Size” settings page.
On networking, when using the netsh wlan show networks command, the output should display the SSIDs (the wireless network name) using UTF-8 encoded, which means that the command can now display Unicode characters, such as emojis.
Other changes Microsoft didn’t mention
Alongside the official improvements, the preview build 26257 also includes some changes that Microsoft isn’t talking about. For example, in the “Lock screen,” you will now notice a visual queue with the authentication method configured on the device. In the case that you’re using a PIN, the screen will show the PIN icon and the “Enter your PIN” message above the time and date.
Also, in the “Sign in screen,” if you are using a PIN, the screen will show new visual to help you sign in to your account.
These new visuals also appear in the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) after a clean install of Windows 11 and when changing the PIN from the “Sign-in options” page.
Microsoft is porting more legacy settings in the Settings app, specifically on the “Mouse” page. After installing Windows 11 build 26257, you will find the “Enhance pointer precision” option under the setting to change the mouse pointer speed.
Furthermore, under the “Scrolling” section, you can now change the scrolling direction. For example, down motion to scroll down or down motion to scroll up.
Although these are not new settings, you could previously only configure them through the legacy Control Panel. Now, they’re integrated into the Settings app.
Fixes and known issues
Microsoft is also noting some minor fixes for File Explorer and Settings, and the company mentions known issues for Windows Sandbox and input.
Install build
To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your device in the Canary Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.