New Features in Windows 11 Builds 27729, 26120.2130, and 22635.4371 for Testers

• New preview builds for Windows 11 are now being released across the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels.
• These updates enhance the existing feature set, including the ability to modify the functionality of the Copilot key.
• Additional features include a redesigned Gamepad keyboard layout and the introduction of a Resume capability.

Microsoft has begun to distribute preview versions of Windows 11 through three primary channels within the Windows Insider Program, which include builds 27729, 26120.2130, and 22635.4371 across the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels, respectively. Though these previews might not be groundbreaking, they bring multiple new features, enhancements, and bug fixes.

Windows 11 Build 27729 (Canary)

The most recent release notes indicate that Windows 11 build 27729 is available in the Canary Channel, featuring an option to remap the action of the Copilot key found on compatible keyboards, along with a selection of general fixes.

The newly introduced “Customize Copilot key on keyboard” feature can be accessed via the “Text input” settings page, granting users the ability to reassign the Copilot key to trigger either Windows Search or a designated application.

Originally designed to provide direct access to the AI chatbot via the new “Copilot” key on keyboards, Microsoft later opted to remove the Copilot integration from Windows 11, transitioning instead to a web app for chatbot access, rendering the physical key ineffective.

It now appears rather than retracting devices that feature the Copilot key, Microsoft is introducing an option to change its function to another application or simply disable it within the settings. This feature is also accessible in the Dev Channel.

Windows 11 Build 26120.2130 (Dev)

The Windows 11 build 26120.2130 (KB5044400) is now accessible via the Dev Channel. This iteration showcases a new Gamepad keyboard layout on the on-screen keyboard, enhancing navigation and typing with an Xbox controller.

This innovative layout assigns specific buttons, such as X, Y, LB, RB, LT, and others, to key functions like Backspace, Space, Left, Right, and numeral inputs. The design of the keyboard has also been slightly altered to feature a vertical orientation.

Additionally, the Windows Narrator tool has gained a new shortcut, enabling it to automatically read content from emails within the Outlook application. The netsh command now supports displaying SSIDs encoded in UTF-8 with the netsh wlan show networks command.

This update also includes several fixes pertaining to the Taskbar, Narrator, Live Captions, and additional general improvements.

Windows 11 Build 22635.4371 (Beta)

In the Beta Channel, Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 22635.4371 (KB504498), enhancing how snap layouts offer suggestions for screen arrangement.

If you haven’t received this feature yet, you can manually activate it using the vivetool /enable /id:51016952 command with the ViveTool application.

Similar to the Dev Channel build, this update brings enhancements to Windows Narrator, includes a new shortcut, and it can now read content automatically from Outlook emails.

Furthermore, development is underway for the newly named “Resume” feature, previously referred to as “Hands Off” discovered in build 22635.4225. This feature is accessible through Settings > System.

Though not officially announced yet, descriptions suggest that it will allow users to start an app on one device and seamlessly continue using it on another.

The Resume feature can be toggled on or off, granting control over which applications can utilize it.

This feature shares similarities with accessing files through the “Recent” tab in File Explorer or the “Recommended” section in the Start menu, but it’s set to appear specifically when you unlock your computer.

Currently classified as a hidden feature, it necessitates manual activation through the vivetool /enable /id:49527529 command.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that these Windows 11 preview builds may come with known issues that should be considered before installation. For example, build 27729 is reported to have problems with Windows Hello PIN and compatibility issues with older NVIDIA graphics cards, while KB5044400 has issues with the Taskbar and Start menu. Conversely, KB504498 in the Beta Channel appears to be issue-free according to Microsoft.

How to Install

To obtain these Windows 11 builds, you must enroll your device in the Beta, Dev, or Canary Channel via the “Windows Insider Program” settings located in the “Update & Security” section. After enrolling, you can download the desired build through the “Windows Update” settings by activating the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking on “Check for Updates.”

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