New Windows 11 KB5044377 and KB5044376 Updates Released in Beta and Dev Channels
- Windows 11 has rolled out build 22635.4435 for the Beta channel and build 26120.2200 for the Dev channel.
- These updates are relatively minor, featuring enhancements for Dynamic Lighting, Copilot, the Start menu, and the Taskbar.
- Additionally, Microsoft is implementing a series of fixes and under-the-hood modifications.
Microsoft has released two new preview builds of Windows 11: build 22635.4435 (KB5044377) in the Beta Channel as part of the 23H2 version development, and build 26120.2200 (KB5044376) in the Dev Channel tied to the upcoming 24H2 version.
Overview of Windows 11 Build 22635.4435 (Beta)
As detailed in the official release notes, the Windows 11 update KB5044377 updates the system to build 22635.4435, introducing several enhancements. Notable among these is the expansion of the “Shift + Ctrl” keyboard shortcut for launching items from a jump list as administrators found in the Start menu or Taskbar.
This update also revises the “Dynamic Lighting” feature, ensuring that users receive a notification on the settings page when an incompatible device is connected, with the brightness and effects automatically disabled. Moreover, if no device is connected, these settings will likewise be turned off.
The settings page for “Dynamic Lighting” has been enriched with additional options, including Forward, Backward, Outward, and Inward directions for the Wave effect, along with the inclusion of a Forward direction for the Gradient effect.
Moreover, the functionality to customize the Copilot key has been reinstated from the “Text Input” settings page.
In terms of fixes, this update resolves navigation challenges within the Taskbar and addresses an issue that could lead to the mouse becoming disconnected from a game window.
Additionally, update KB5044377 includes fixes for various areas including Bluetooth functionality, Product activation telephone numbers, Collector sets, Windows Hello for Business, Multi-Function Printer (MFP) support, the Teams application, Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA), vmswitch, WebView2 applications, and updates the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist (DriverSiPolicy.p7b).
Overview of Windows 11 Build 26120.2200 (Dev)
According to the official release notes, the Windows 11 update KB5044376 upgrades the version to build 26120.2200 and introduces several new features. Among these is the addition of a Windows Studio Effects button in the System Tray, which will appear when applicable features are available on the device.
This release addresses issues related to the Start menu, Taskbar, Settings, and user input, improving overall user experience.
Furthermore, build 26120.2200 resolves vulnerabilities related to the Windows Kernel Driver Blocklist (DriverSiPolicy.p7b), HTML Applications (HTA), Live kernel debugging files, user interface (UI) improvements, and Winlogon issues.
Lastly, this update also strives to fix acknowledged issues pertaining to version 24H2, including the sfc /scannow command, which executes but fails to resolve any issues, as well as cleanup tools that unsuccessfully attempt to delete exactly 8.63GB of temporary files from the Temporary Files settings or Disk Cleanup.
How to Install the Updates
To obtain and install this Windows 11 build, you must enroll your device into the Beta, Dev, or Canary Channel via the “Windows Insider Program” settings located within the “Update & Security” section. After enrollment, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by enabling the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and pressing the “Check for Updates” button.
Currently, Microsoft is conducting a preview build in the Beta Channel for version 23H2 and a parallel preview in the Dev Channel for developing version 24H2. This dual approach allows for ongoing feature enhancement and support until November 2025, with regular monthly cumulative updates.
Users can also expect features developed in version 23H2 to eventually be integrated into version 24H2.
Additionally, Microsoft is distributing updates using an enablement package, which is a minor update that activates new features without necessitating a complete reinstallation—essentially acting as a “master switch” for dormant features.
Many functionalities are being released through Control Feature Rollout technology, which enables Microsoft to progressively introduce features and validate them before they are automatically enabled.
Moreover, updates in the Dev Channel are being presented as checkpoints, a novel approach intended for version 24H2 that allows for smaller and more rapid updates via incremental differentials, conserving resources in terms of time, bandwidth, and disk space. This mechanism establishes checkpoints that will serve as baselines for future updates, rather than referencing all changes since the initial release.
It’s critical to note that the checkpoint cumulative updates are exclusively available for version 24H2 and newer releases, while Windows 11 23H2 and earlier versions will continue to receive updates through traditional means.
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