Windows 11 Insider Update: Bug Fixes and Exciting New Features

Microsoft is rolling out improvements for Windows 11 that aim to tackle persistent bugs and introduce helpful new features. If you’ve been grumbling about mouse glitches or overly vivid game graphics when using Auto HDR, this latest insider update—Build 26100.3025 (KB5050094)—could be the vitamin shot your Windows experience has been crying for. But, as is the nature of Windows Insider builds, proceed with cautious optimism. Let’s break it all down for you.

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First Things First: What’s Fixed?​

The highlight of this rollout is undoubtedly the long-overdue bug fixes targeting some particularly irksome problems in Windows 11 24H2. Here’s what Microsoft is addressing:

1. Oversaturated Screens with Auto HDR​

Auto HDR—the feature designed to make your games shine with vivid colors—was delivering oversaturation on certain titles. Picture a neon rainbow gone wrong, with colors glaring too hard to be enjoyable. This patch restores balance, making skies blue and grass green without making you feel like you're in an acid trip simulation. Gamers, rejoice!

2. Mouse Stuttering and Pointer Issues​

For those of you who've noticed your mouse getting “stuck” or stuttering like it's haunted by a ghost even when your system is idle—rejoice! Microsoft is ironing out these hiccups. The fix includes several improvements beyond just stuttering:

• Pointer Trails Issue: If you enabled "pointer trails" only to have your cursor vanish and leave behind a spooky black box, this update is your exorcism.
• General Responsiveness: The fixes also ensure smoother mouse interactions across the board.

While this fix is part of a gradual release, those enrolled in the Insider program can experience it now before it trickles down to all users.

3. Task Manager Hang-Ups​

Task Manager, aka the universal “Save My PC” tool, was sluggish in heeding the "close" command. Imagine clicking the ‘X’ button and then praying it would eventually shut down! The update ensures Task Manager now does what it's supposed to—without dragging its feet.

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Fresh Features for the Tech-Lovers Out There​

Of course, the update isn’t all about patches. Microsoft has sprinkled in a few upgrades worth getting excited about:

Enhanced Taskbar Previews and Animations​

The Taskbar—the tiny but mighty navigation bar anchoring everything you do—now boasts prettier previews and smoother animations. These visual tweaks improve day-to-day interactions, showing off that Microsoft is intent on delivering flair alongside functionality.

File Explorer Gets a Shortcut to Shared Items​

For those who rely on the trusty File Explorer, the update introduces a shortcut for accessing shared items—provided you’re signed in with your Microsoft Account or Microsoft Entra ID. This is a quality-of-life feature that saves you clicks and navigation headaches.

6GHz Mobile Hotspot Support​

Here’s one for the early adopters: Windows 11 Insider Preview now supports creating 6GHz hotspots. Wait—before you get too thrilled, this only applies to devices with hardware capable of 6GHz operation. If your laptop or PC fits the bill, this feature could transform your mobile hotspot performance. For others, it’s a glimpse of what the future holds as networks migrate toward higher frequencies.

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A Broader Push for Stability​

If Windows 11 24H2 has felt like a rough ride, you're not alone. Microsoft has described this version as a "full OS swap" underneath its sleek veneer, focusing on embedding artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities throughout the platform. This monumental shift has inevitably introduced teething problems. Bugs like blocked security updates, cache bloating to an undeletable 8.63GB, and game glitches have marred the rollout.
This is where Build 26100.3025 enters the frame—not just as a cosmetic touch-up, but as groundwork for a more solid Windows experience. Microsoft is iterating furiously to address emergent issues, all while adhering to its commitment: a seamless, AI-powered future.

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Insider Access: A Word of Caution​

Before you charge off to install the Release Preview via the Windows Insider Program, remember: Insider builds are test versions. They exist to find potential landmines by putting features in users’ hands ahead of general availability.
Translation? These fixes and features may not appear in the final updates pushed to the entire user base. Even if they do, timing could be uncertain as gradual rollouts trickle in across weeks, potentially months.

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What Does This Mean for Everyday Users?​

While this insider update offers critical fixes and tantalizing new features, it ultimately underscores one guiding principle: Patience is key. The insider fixes aim to polish the rough edges Windows 11 users have been tripping over for months. However, if your PC isn’t part of the Windows Insider circle, you’ll need to wait a little longer until these changes land officially.
If you’re battling issues like Auto HDR chaos or cursor shenanigans, this preview update is worth the install—if you're comfortable being part of Microsoft's ongoing guinea-pig crew. For everyone else? Bookmark this page and wait for the official rollout.

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In Summary: Progress on the Horizon​

Windows 11 Build 26100.3025 (KB5050094) signals Microsoft’s effort to stabilize and refine an ambitious operating system. From much-needed bug fixes to functional and aesthetic boosts, the signs point toward progress. Just remember: smoother mouse movements and properly rendered graphics may come at the cost of a little patience if you're waiting for the official widespread update.
Have you noticed other areas where Windows 11 needs improvement, or are you in the Insider Program and already experiencing these updates? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion!

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Source: Tom's Hardware New Windows 11 Insider Build addresses mouse and Auto HDR issues