Windows Beta Update: UI Changes, Accessibility Fixes, and Performance Enhancements

28 Jun 2024

Changes and improvements are gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with a toggle on.

File Explorer

The preview thumbnail title in the taskbar, ALT + Tab, and Task View for File Explorer windows will now indicate if that window includes multiple tabs. This small yet significant UI change aims to enhance user experience by providing clearer navigation cues.

Windows Share

Minor UI changes are being rolled out to simplify the Windows share window, which now removes the search box. This streamlining effort is designed to make sharing files more intuitive and less cluttered.

For Developers

The logic for the “End Task” option in the taskbar has been updated. It no longer shows a Not Responding dialog to give confirmation before ending the task, making the process quicker and less intrusive.

Other

The Run dialog has been updated to now follow text scaling (Settings > Accessibility > Text size), addressing accessibility issues and making it more user-friendly for those with visual impairments.

Fixes Gradually Being Rolled Out to the Beta Channel with Toggle On

File Explorer

  • Addressed several accessibility issues where File Explorer, Common File Dialog (CFD), and Browse/Shortcuts Dialogs did not respond appropriately to your text size/scaling preferences.
  • Fixed an issue where the file name was getting clipped in the CFD and the Browse/Shortcuts dialog.
  • Resolved several accessibility issues in File Explorer impacting screen reader users, ensuring content is read out correctly and keyboard focus goes to the correct place.
  • Fixed an issue causing some people to see a thin line between the tab and address bar in File Explorer.
  • Improved File Explorer reliability for a small number of users.
  • Fixed an issue where the OneDrive icon in the address bar was blurry sometimes for some users.

Fixes for Everyone in the Beta Channel

Voice Typing

Fixed an issue believed to be the underlying cause of some Insiders seeing errors when attempting to use Voice Typing in certain languages such as Chinese with recent flights.

Taskbar

Updated the app icon flashing in the taskbar to be a bit easier to see, enhancing visual notifications for users.

Other

  • You can now use OneDrive as a RemoteApp in Azure Virtual Desktop, expanding its utility for remote work scenarios.
  • This update improves the Virtual Filtering Platform (VFP) within Windows nodes, adding more support for packet drop collection, which will make troubleshooting network issues easier.
  • Fixed an issue where Group Policy would fail to detect when a network’s speed is slow, incorrectly assuming a fast link was present.
  • Resolved a deadlock issue that could stop you from signing in to Azure Virtual Desktop sessions.
  • Fixed an issue occurring when using Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) and Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) with SMBdirect in networks, which caused network failures and cluster management issues.
  • Addressed an issue where a firewall profile might drop from domain to public when multiple interfaces existed, and you added or removed an interface.
  • Fixed an issue where GPUs did not enter the idle state, preventing them from conserving power.
  • Resolved an issue where using Snipping Tool to record videos on some PCs resulted in audio distortions.
  • This update adds the registry key HKLMSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsDWM ForceDisableModeChangeAnimation (REG_DWORD). Setting its value to 1 (or a non-zero number) turns off the display mode change animation. If the value is 0 or the key does not exist, the animation remains on.
  • This update brings Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles up to date for certain mobile operators.

These changes and fixes aim to address various UI changes, accessibility issues, and performance improvements, ensuring a smoother and more efficient user experience across different functionalities of Windows.

Close All Windows

Close All Windows download for free to PC or mobile

Quickly close all active windows to declutter your desktop and streamline tasks.

4
556 reviews
3259 downloads

News and reviews about Close All Windows

20 Jan 2026

Microsoft Adds WebP Background Support to Windows 11 Preview

Microsoft tests WebP image support in Windows 11's latest preview, potentially enhancing system performance.

Read more

20 Jan 2026

Windows 95 Restarted Faster with Shift Key Trick

Raymond Chen reveals why pressing Shift sped up reboots on Windows 95 by minimizing memory fragmentation.

Read more

20 Jan 2026

Microsoft Issues Unscheduled Windows 11 Updates for Bug Fixes

Microsoft released unscheduled updates for Windows 11 on 2026-01-19 to fix critical stability and network errors. Immediate installation is advised.

Read more

20 Jan 2026

Essential Steps to Customize and Secure Windows 11

Learn nine key steps to enhance and secure your Windows 11 setup, from app management to data encryption.

Read more

19 Jan 2026

Windows 11: Shutdown Bug Fixed with Update KB5077797

Microsoft addresses Windows 11 shutdown bug with update KB5077797. The issue primarily affected devices using Secure Launch on Windows 11 23H2.

Read more

19 Jan 2026

Windows 11 Pro vs Home: Key Comparisons Highlight Control and Security

Explore key differences in Windows 11 editions: Home offers simplicity, Pro provides advanced security and management tools.

Read more

19 Jan 2026

Windows 11 Emergency Updates Fix System Shutdown, Remote Desktop

Microsoft released urgent Windows 11 updates fixing shutdown and Remote Desktop issues. Users should install quickly to restore system reliability.

Read more

18 Jan 2026

Microsoft Releases Critical Windows 11 Fixes Following January Update Issues

Microsoft fixes shutdown and Remote Desktop issues in Windows 11 after January 2026 update disruptions. Further bug resolutions are anticipated.

Read more

18 Jan 2026

Windows 11 Pro Adds Advanced Features for Power Users

Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced security and management tools, catering to power users and businesses, unlike the Home version.

Read more

17 Jan 2026

Windows 11 KB5073455 Causes Shutdown Bug

Microsoft's KB5073455 update for Windows 11 disrupts shutdowns, affecting Enterprise and IoT editions.

Read more