Windows Preview: Fast system restore and revised start menu

Microsoft has published new preview versions of the upcoming Windows updates in the "Beta" and "Dev" Insider channels. This brings the "quick system recovery" (QMR, Quick Machine Recovery) much closer to the general release. The previews also include visual and functional improvements.

In the dev channel, Microsoft is updating the Windows 11 version to version 26200.5518, in the beta channel to 26120.3671. The changes in both channels are almost identical. Microsoft is particularly emphasizing a function that allows icons in the taskbar to be reduced in size, for example when many apps are running at the same time. However, the function can also be switched off or even permanently activated in order to constantly save "icon space". Microsoft also considers the simplified option for sending files to be important. By dragging a file in File Explorer or from the desktop, a toolbar appears at the top of the desktop containing app icons and the "More ..." entry –. The destination can be quickly selected by dropping the file.

Against "CrowdStrike disaster": Fast system recovery

The "Quick Machine Recovery" (QMR) function was announced earlier this week. This is now being included in both preview versions and is therefore approaching general availability in the release channels. If boot problems occur, such as those caused by the CrowdStrike software, the Windows recovery environment starts automatically, sends diagnostic data to Microsoft and, if necessary, retrieves data and measures for a successful recovery from there.

Another visual polish concerns the battery icons in the taskbar – which have apparently been removed for some users, but are now being gradually distributed again. Color coding according to the traffic light system is intended to make the current charge status easier and more directly recognizable.

The AI function Recall as a preview on Copilot+ PCs has been given a simple search history. "Click to Do" has a new entry called "Ask Copilot", which inserts the selected content into a Copilot prompt – However, this test is not available in the EU.

What Microsoft does not point out, but what the user "phantomofearth" noticed on X, for example, is that the Start menu has been redesigned. It will be larger and show all installed programs on a scrollable page under the usual pinned icons. It is now no longer necessary to click on an "All" button.

(dmk)