Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842

Today Microsoft rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842

📢 [UPDATE 4/25]
ISO files for Build 27842 are now available for download – get them here.

Please note: SDKs will not be released for the 27xxx build series at this time.

🔧 Changes and Improvements

The redesigned battery icon introduced in recent builds may temporarily disappear. We’re reintroducing this feature in a staged rollout.
A new, simplified UI is now being previewed for unexpected restarts. This updated interface aligns more closely with Windows 11’s design language and is aimed at helping users return to productivity more quickly. Technical details remain accessible, and as a reminder, Insiders will see a green screen during such restarts. This change is being gradually deployed to Insiders on version 24H2 and newer across the Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels.

We’re reintroducing a feature in the Windows Security app that provides additional details for Pluton TPM chips, including manufacturer name and version, under Device Security > Security Processor Details.

New mouse settings are being surfaced directly under Settings > Accessibility > Mouse and Mouse pointer and touch. These include customization options for pointer trails, hover activation timing, and precision enhancements—no more trips to the legacy Control Panel.
The mouse pointer speed icon in Bluetooth & Devices > Mouse has been updated, and a new icon has been added for the “Enhance pointer precision” option.
Settings for pen and touch input now include an option to trigger right-click actions via press and hold.

Support for shader debugging via the Visual Studio Graphics Analyzer is being removed. Attempting to use it in this build may crash Visual Studio or your session. Consider switching to PIX for D3D12 or RenderDoc.
The bypassnro.cmd script has been removed to enhance security and ensure all users complete setup with an internet connection and a Microsoft account.

Addressed an issue where the toggle for “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” was not rendering properly and would turn off automatically.
Resolved a bug causing WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR crashes during routine operations.

Improved explorer.exe stability.
Fixed an issue where navigation via WIN + T and arrow keys in Hebrew or Arabic would reverse taskbar focus direction.

Resolved excessive CPU usage by lsass.exe after enabling Administrator Protection.

Fixed a frequent crash in ctfmon.exe affecting text input.
Resolved a crash in DWM during inking, which could cause a black screen flash.

Slightly updated the web sign-in icon to better match the style of other login options.

Fixed detection issues for Thunderbolt-connected external GPUs.
Addressed a bug where JPG images failed to render, despite being viewable on older builds.
Fixed a problem where users had to press Windows + P twice to switch display modes.

Corrected a startup failure in the IP Helper Service, which affected some applications.
Resolved crashes of midisrv.exe in recent builds.
Fixed an issue where the Run dialog didn’t show auto-complete suggestions when typing file paths.

Copilot+ PCs: If you’re switching to the Canary Channel from Dev, Release Preview, or retail builds, you may lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics (error 0xd0000225). Use the “Set up my PIN” option to restore.
NEW: The Night Light feature may not work for some users after the most recent update. A fix is in development.

NEW: Using an Xbox controller via Bluetooth may lead to a system crash (bugcheck).
Workaround:
1. Open Device Manager.
2. Go to View > Devices by Driver.
3. Locate and uninstall the driver named oemXXX.inf (XboxGameControllerDriver.inf).

We’re investigating an issue where taskbar icons fail to scale properly when using the device in tablet mode.

rgds,

Alex