Windows 11 Insider Preview update brings a sharper focus on accuracy and performance

Microsoft announced the release of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360 for the Dev and Beta channels, and it’s making some serious waves by revamping the Task Manager, and a lot more.

Task Manager finally shows correct CPU usage metrics

Have you ever squinted at your Windows 11 Task Manager wondering if those CPU utilization numbers were accurate? Well, in this update, the Task Manager is getting a makeover that delivers CPU usage figures that line up perfectly with industry standards. Now, you’ll get clear, precise metrics that make it easier to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and ultimately, keep your system humming along smoothly.

Task Manager will now use the standard metrics to display CPU workload consistently across all pages and aligning with industry standards and third-party tools. For backward compatibility, a new optional column called CPU Utility is available (hidden by default) on the Details tab showing the previous CPU value used on the Processes page. Writes Micrsoft in the Windows Blog release notes.

So, insiders now have the option to check an option called CPU utility that will change how Task Manager calculates CPU usage, showing industry-standard metrics. The change is optional, so it’s not a default setting. You can change it from the Task Manager settings if needed.

This insider build doesn’t stop at the Task Manager. Microsoft is rolling out a host of tweaks and improvements to fine-tune the overall Windows 11 experience. If you’re in the European Economic Area, Microsoft also began rolling out support for lock screen widgets (previously referred to as Weather and more). You can now add, remove, and rearrange lock screen widgets such as Weather, Watchlist, Sports, Traffic, and more. Any widget that supports the small sizing option can be added to the lock screen. To customize the lock screen widgets, you can change it from Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

Microsoft plans to expand the feature to Insiders in other regions in the future, but right now, if you’re in the U.S., you will still see the classic Weather and more experience on your lock screen.

Another important change is that with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360, Microsoft added the sharing capability to support all the apps on your PC capable of doing that.

So, if you’re an insider running the latest update, you will be able to share the files in File Explorer directly using the right-click context menu using any application that has sharing capabilities on your PC.

This update also covered a couple of fixes for the OS. You can read the full Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360 on the Microsoft Blog dedicated page.