Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241 Enhances File Explorer and Taskbar: A Detailed Look at New Features and Fixes

**** Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241 is out for the Canary Channel, featuring general improvements, enhanced File Explorer functionality, and taskbar updates. Note: No SDK for this build and some users are stuck on older builds.

“`html Exploring the New Horizons: Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241

Introduction to the Future: Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241

The tech world is buzzing with the latest announcement from the Windows Insider Blog. On June 19, 2024, Amanda Langowski and Brandon LeBlanc unveiled the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241 to the Canary Channel. This release promises a slew of enhancements and fixes, aimed at refining the user experience.

What’s New?

Among the highlights, a notable upgrade is the drag-and-drop functionality in the File Explorer Address Bar. This improvement, a direct result of insider feedback, exemplifies Microsoft’s commitment to community-driven development.

“Drag-and-drop files with your mouse functionality between breadcrumbs is now available in the File Explorer Address Bar – thanks again Insiders that shared feedback about this!”

Major Updates

Further enhancing usability, the taskbar app icon flashing has been tweaked to be more noticeable. Additionally, File Explorer has seen adjustments making it easier to identify selected files or folders, thanks to a new thin border around them. These changes, though seemingly minor, significantly improve the navigation and usability of the system.

Important Fixes

Addressing previous issues, this build also brings fixes to File Explorer crashes and refines the logic for notification suggestions, requiring a longer period of inactivity before suggesting to turn off notifications for certain apps.

What’s Important to Know

Despite the excitement, it’s crucial to remember that the Canary Channel’s builds are experimental. As the blog post reminds us:

“The builds we release to the Canary Channel should not be seen as matched to any specific release of Windows and features and experiences included in these builds may never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback.”

This approach allows Microsoft to test new ideas without committing to their release, ensuring that only the best features make it to the official update.

Known Issues and Reminders

Users should be aware of ongoing investigations into issues with previous builds and display errors in Task Manager’s Performance section in dark mode. Moreover, those looking to revert from the Canary Channel will need to perform a clean install of Windows 11.

Conclusion

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241 represents a step forward in the operating system’s evolution, driven by user feedback and experimentation. While not all features may see the light of day, this build offers a glimpse into potential future enhancements that could shape the Windows experience for years to come.

“`

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241 introduces drag-and-drop functionality between breadcrumbs in File Explorer.

An updated app icon flash on the taskbar aims to improve visibility for users.

File Explorer now highlights selected files/folders with a thin border to ease identification.

A fix has been applied to prevent File Explorer crashes when accessing Home for certain users.

Notification logic updated to delay suggestions for turning off app notifications, requiring longer inactivity periods.

From the Windows Blog