KB5038603, the latest Windows 11 Dev channel build after a break, introduces many fixes for known errors. Should Microsoft slow it down?

After a lengthy break, Microsoft finally released a new build, KB5038603, for Windows 11 into the Dev Channel. This marks the restart of adding new functions that were on hold. Build number 26120.1252 isn’t just any update; it signals Microsoft’s return to its development cycle by introducing improvements and fixes to enhance user experience.

Microsoft will reintroduce the features initially turned on on June 28 but paused two days later, on June 30. This is done gradually, with these features being turned on for a small percentage of Insiders. So, not everyone will see these new things right away.

Another change that stands out is the new feature that allows you to drag and drop apps from the Start menu onto the taskbar. It might seem like a small change, but it makes customizing your work area easier for users. Also, there is now the ability to use drag-and-drop in File Explorer between breadcrumbs on the Address Bar, an improvement made because of Insider feedback.

Like the latest Canary build, the lock screen is becoming livelier in KB5038603. Weather updates and more are being introduced to keep users aware and productive. This includes card design enhancements that feature acrylic blur in optimized sizes, improved spacing between cards, and font adjustments for finance, traffic, and sports sections, among other areas. To make it work, go to Personalization and select Lock screen settings.

In the fix area, Microsoft has handled different issues throughout the system. A bug that made explorer.exe crash when moving away from Home and a problem where pinyin appeared twice in the list of input methods during Windows Setup have been fixed. Additionally, an underlying problem thought to cause error 0x80370106 while starting up Windows Sandbox has been resolved alongside many other fixes focused on improving stability and performance for Windows 11.

But it’s not completely perfect. There are some known problems in KB5038603 that Insiders should know about, like the issue where the Windows Update page in Settings might not show up correctly for users who use specific languages. Also, there is a caution for those running Windows 11, version 24H2 Build 26100.xxxx who could see “(repair version)” next to the latest Dev Channel build in Windows Update, and this would mean they need an in-place upgrade.

Those eager to try these fresh characteristics and enhancements must be patient, as the rollout for KB5038603 will happen in steps, as we mentioned earlier.

You can read the build’s full changelog here.