Windows 11 Beta & Dev Updates (KB5077242 & KB5077243) Introduce Independent Volume Controls and More

Microsoft is rolling out two new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to the Dev and Beta channels under KB5077243 and KB5077242, respectively. These updates focus on improving the user experience for Bluetooth audio sharing and tightening security for system administrators handling batch files.

Better audio sharing with independent volume sliders

The shared audio preview feature originally launched last year, allowing two people to connect separate sets of Bluetooth LE Audio headphones to a single PC. With the latest update, Windows 11 now provides individual volume sliders for each listener. You can turn up your own volume without affecting the person watching a movie or listening to music with you.

You will also see a new taskbar indicator that serves as a quick reminder when you are actively sharing audio. Clicking that icon provides a fast path to adjust levels or stop sharing completely.

The list of compatible hardware for this feature is expanding as well. Support now includes newer devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4, Sony WF-1000XM6, and the Xbox Wireless Headset.

Upgraded security rules for batch file processing

On the security front, Microsoft is giving administrators new tools to lock down scripts. A recent post on the Windows Insider Blog detailing Build 26300.7939 for the Dev Channel outlines a more secure mode that prevents batch files from being altered while they are actively running.

By adding a specific registry key value, the system ensures signature validation only happens once instead of checking every single statement executed in the file. This change improves both security and overall script processing performance.

The Windows Insider Blog explaining Build 26220.7934 for the Beta Channel notes that these identical security and audio improvements are rolling out there as well. The updates also include quality of life tweaks for Narrator users, who can now use a keyboard shortcut to read status bar contents in apps like Microsoft Word and Excel.

Users in the Beta channel are also getting a requested update to the Paint app that allows for freeform rotation of shapes and text.