So far, Windows 11 has notoriously failed in several updates, causing serious havoc – and Microsoft is well aware of this. January’s security update even caused some computers to crash among other issues, with system lockups being hardly the worst-case scenario. However, a new February non-security preview update was recently released, and it seems to bring some really useful and welcome innovations. Most of them are aimed at improving performance and appearance.
The KB5077241 update is available as an optional update for all Windows 11 users, meaning you can install it now if you wish. At the same time, it is only a preview version that is not part of the stable channel. The full-fledged release is expected to take place on 10 March. However, it already makes sense to look at the new features now to see what to expect next. All these features will appear in the stable update in the spring, so it will be possible to try them out sooner or later. But before installing the test version, it is worthwhile to familiarise yourself with the innovations in detail.
1. New Internet speed test built right into the taskbar
The latest build of Windows has an integrated network speed test tool. Getting to it is quite easy: just click on the network icon in the system tray or open the Wi-Fi or mobile quick settings and select the appropriate option.
This opens the default browser, where the current connection is checked – be it Ethernet, Wi-Fi or mobile network. The tool is designed to quickly diagnose and help resolve possible connectivity issues. It’s a useful addition that can make troubleshooting network failures much easier.
This isn’t the only update to the taskbar, though. The search function has also been improved: it now shows the number of results found and allows you to browse the contents of the list without opening separate windows. All in all, these changes emphasise the overall focus on improving performance and interface, which is also noticeable on the login screen and in settings. The system has become more responsive, although there are no dramatic changes here.
2. Some minor updates to the system in various functions
PC Backup, Restore and Quick Restore features are now available for select Windows Professional edition devices. New emoji, updated login account menu, inbuilt System Monitor and full-screen widget settings menu have also been added. In addition, storage options, remote server administration tools, and Windows Update settings have been improved, and a number of other changes have been implemented.
None of these changes are major – they’re more of a refinement of what Windows 11 already has to offer. Together, however, they create a measurably better user experience. In other words, Microsoft seems to be gradually moving in the right direction, something that users have been expecting for a long time.
In addition, Microsoft says there have been improvements to print services (despite the discontinuation of support for some printers), nearby sharing features, and system update mechanisms. There are also new camera options that allow pan and tilt control for compatible devices.
3. some performance and usability improvements to Explorer
Depending on conditions, the default file manager in Windows can sometimes be unstable or slow, and in this update Microsoft seems to have addressed this issue. It’s now more reliable to open a new Explorer window, for example by using the Shift + click icon combination on the taskbar.
You can also use the middle mouse button (if available) to quickly launch new instances of Explorer. This simplifies access to additional windows and makes working with files more convenient.
Explorer also introduced a “extract all” option on the command bar when viewing non-ZIP archives. On a separate note, the “network” page now better displays found and connected devices.
Although not directly related, the general performance optimisations have also affected the performance of displays in Windows 11. Now they come out of sleep mode more stably and respond faster even under system load.