Microsoft Enhances Security and Performance in Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds

Microsoft is introducing new features in Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to enhance security and performance, particularly during batch file or CMD script execution.

IT administrators can now enable a more secure processing mode to prevent batch files from being modified while running. This can be achieved by adding the LockBatchFilesInUse registry value under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor.

Policy authors also have the option to enable this mode using the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse application manifest control.

This change aims to improve performance and security in enterprise environments that heavily rely on scripted workflows.

“We are providing administrators and Application Control for Business policy authors with additional controls over the processing of batch files and CMD scripts. This release enables a more secure mode for processing batch files, ensuring they remain unchanged during execution,” stated the Windows Insider team.

The enhanced performance and security benefits batch file processing, especially when code integrity is enabled, reducing the need for signature validation per statement executed in the batch file.

With the latest Windows Insider builds, Microsoft has also enhanced the Shared audio feature introduced in October, allowing users to share audio between two headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids.

Volume adjustments now affect each user and device separately, with individual volume sliders introduced in the latest update. During active sharing sessions, a new taskbar indicator appears, offering a visual reminder and quick access to sharing settings.

The compatible device lineup has expanded to include more Bluetooth LE Audio accessories, with devices like Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset now supporting the feature.

These new capabilities are being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Dev channels who have installed Windows 11 Preview Build 26220.7934 (KB5077242) and Windows 11 Preview Build 26300.7939 (KB5077243).

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