New Windows 11 Experimental Build Improves Windows Hello, Live Captions & More

If you are in the Windows 11 Experimental channel, the new Insider Preview Build 26340.9882 is out for you. The latest Experimental build brings several useful Windows Hello improvements, more control over Live Captions, and expanded accessibility features. Narrator is also getting Braille support for mathematical equations.

Windows Hello and Live Captions get useful upgrades

Windows Hello is getting a more flexible sign-in experience. Users can now enter their PIN without waiting for facial or fingerprint recognition to finish. Windows can accept whichever sign-in method works first, although a PIN may still be required after certain events, such as a restart.

Microsoft is also adding new Windows Hello logging events for IT administrators. These records show which sign-in methods users have configured, successful sign-ins, and failed attempts. This should make troubleshooting authentication problems easier.

Live Captions is receiving another useful change. Users can now choose whether captions transcribe system audio, microphone input, or both. This gives users more control over conversations, meetings, and videos.

Narrator brings mathematical equations to Braille displays

Narrator can now display supported mathematical equations on connected refreshable Braille displays. This works with supported content in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Edge, and Google Chrome. Users can choose from several math formats, including Nemeth, UEB, LaTeX, and ASCIIMath. Settings also offer control over reading language, speech behavior, and navigation preferences.

Microsoft is also making Sticky Keys and Filter Keys prompts easier to dismiss permanently. Meanwhile, the Settings homepage is getting a section highlighting benefits and services linked to Microsoft accounts.

Imaage: Microsoft

Last but not least, there is one known issue worth noting. Microsoft is investigating reports that Task Manager’s displayed CPU speed stops updating after recent Insider builds.