Windows 11 Insider Beta Build Puts Weather First on Lock Screen

Windows 11 lock screen widgets are getting a more focused default experience in Beta Build 26220.9606, with Microsoft putting Weather front and center while reducing other recommended content.

According to Microsoft, Weather will become the primary widget shown on the lock screen by default. The company is also cutting back on recommended widget content, which should make the lock screen feel less crowded.

Microsoft is giving users more control over which widgets appear as part of the change. Those who prefer a simpler lock screen can reduce the amount of information shown, while others can customize the available widgets to better match what they want to see before signing in.

Users can manage these options under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

The change continues Microsoft’s recent effort to refine the lock screen experience rather than simply adding more information to it. By prioritizing Weather and reducing recommended content, the company is aiming for a cleaner layout that still gives users quick access to useful information.

Microsoft fixes app and game crashes

Windows 11 Beta Build 26220.9606 also includes a fix for an issue that caused some apps and games to crash.

Microsoft traced the problem to msmpeg2ac3dec.dll, a Windows media component. The company says the issue could trigger crashes in certain applications and games, although it did not provide a full list of affected software.

Insiders running the latest Beta build should receive the fix as part of the update.

The lock screen changes and crash fix are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel, giving Microsoft time to test them before deciding whether to bring them to more Windows 11 users.

In other Microsoft news, Microsoft opened pre-orders for the Surface Laptop Ultra and RTX Spark Dev Box, while the Surface Laptop Ultra also introduced magnetic USB-C charging.