Windows 11 Build 26120.4151 Introduces Advanced Settings in Beta Channel

Explore the Exciting Features of Windows 11 Build 26120.4151

Windows 11 Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486) has officially been released in the Beta Channel, packed with innovative AI actions in File Explorer, enhanced Advanced Settings, visual updates for the Taskbar, and more. This update promises to transform your user experience significantly.

What’s New in Windows 11 Build 26120.4151?

This version mirrors many of the features in Build 26200.5603 from the Dev Channel, introducing immersive tools and settings that will redefine how you interact with your PC.

AI Functions in File Explorer

The introduction of AI actions in File Explorer enables you to manipulate files intelligently without needing to open them. This creature feature marks a significant step towards a more intuitive PC experience.

File Explorer AI actions — Explore AI Actions in File Explorer / Image: Mauro Huculak

To access these AI capabilities, simply right-click on the supported image formats (JPG, JPEG, PNG) and choose from the following:

Bing Visual Search: Instantly recognize objects, landmarks, or shop based on images.
Blur Background: Automatically detect and blur image backgrounds with adjustable intensity.
Erase Objects: Seamlessly remove unwanted elements from photos utilizing Generative Erase.
Remove Background: Quickly eliminate subjects from images with one simple click.

Future updates are set to enhance these AI-driven options further by allowing document summaries for Microsoft 365 files and generating question-and-answer lists from your documents.

If these actions don’t appear in your context menu, they can be activated manually with this command: vivetool /enable /id:54792954, 55345819, 48433719

Enhanced Windows Share Compression

The Windows Share functionality now allows you to fine-tune the compression quality when sharing images. You can opt for High, Medium, or Low quality, adapting to your needs easily.

Windows Share compression option — Configure Your Windows Share Compression / Image: Mauro Huculak

If this setting is absent, it can also be enabled manually via: vivetool /enable /id:55390938

Revamped Advanced Settings Page

The Settings app now features a new Advanced settings page, replacing the old For Developers page. This updated layout categorizes settings more efficiently, streamlining user navigation.

Enable Long Paths: Get rid of the MAX_PATH restrictions for file paths.
Virtual Workspaces: Toggle utilities like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox effortlessly.
Git Integration in File Explorer: Show version control details and commit history within Explorer.

Windows 11 Advanced Settings — New Advanced Settings Layout / Image: Mauro Huculak

For a deeper dive into these settings, you can check out my hands-on video.

Visual Taskbar Improvements

While users still can’t move or resize the Taskbar, several updates enhance aesthetics and functionality, notably an accessibility feature that describes various components for simpler identification.

Taskbar Accessibility text descriptions — Accessibility Descriptions Add Clarity / Image: Mauro Huculak

Users can turn on this feature using: vivetool /enable /id:56887328

In addition, an indexing notification now informs users when files may not show up due to ongoing indexing processes.

Windows Search Index message — Know When Your Search is Still Running / Image: Microsoft

Updated Widgets Dashboard

This release also brings a refreshed Widgets dashboard with a more engaging layout, enhancing the way content is presented and accessed.

Widgets new dashboard UI — Discover the New Widgets Interface / Image: Microsoft

Curated stories from Copilot, complete with summaries and multimedia, promote a rich information environment.

Should you prefer the earlier layout, toggling the Copilot Discover (Preview) option is simple.

Power Management Enhancements

A standout feature in this build is the “User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management” which adeptly manages power consumption, extending battery life without sacrificing performance during periods of inactivity.

Snipping Tool Shortcut for Text Extraction

Launching the “Text Extractor”in Snipping Tool is now a breeze with the keyboard shortcut: Windows + Shift + T, significantly improving productivity.

To enable this feature if it’s not available, run: vivetool /enable /id:52467192, 53079680

Enhanced Default Apps Settings

This update streamlines setting default apps for URLs and file types, making customization simpler than ever before, including a one-click option for setting a browser as the default PDF reader.

New Default app option — Effortless Default App Settings / Image: Microsoft

Additional Fixes and Changes

This release is also filled with various bug fixes, including:

Voice Access: Chinese language support has been temporarily disabled due to issues.
Windows Backup: Ongoing testing for new landing page designs.
General: Resolved an issue preventing core Windows apps from loading in safe mode.
Start Menu: Fixed blank areas in previous builds.
File Explorer: Addressed new tab button malfunctions in maximized windows.
Settings: Multiple crashes resolved, including Bluetooth information loading failures and lock screen setting issues.

Be aware of ongoing known issues with system features including the reset option, Xbox controllers, and more, as outlined by the update.

Getting Started with Windows 11 Build 26120.4151

To install this latest build, enroll your device in the Beta Channel through “Windows Insider Program” settings found in the “Update & Security” section. Once enrolled, navigate to “Windows Update” and select “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” followed by clicking “Check for Updates”.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main features of Windows 11 Build 26120.4151?

This build introduces AI actions in File Explorer, improved Windows Share compression, new advanced settings, visual updates in the Taskbar, and enhancements for power management.

2. How do I enable the new AI actions in File Explorer?

To enable these features, right-click on supported image files (JPG, JPEG, PNG) in File Explorer. If they aren’t visible, you can activate them using the command: vivetool /enable /id:54792954, 55345819, 48433719.

3. Is it safe to install a Beta version of Windows 11?

While Betas are subject to bugs and issues, they can provide access to exciting new features. Ensure you have backups and understand the risks before installation.

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