Microsoft Updates Inbox Apps with New Features and Improvements

Microsoft has rolled out its latest Windows Insider flight to its Experimental (26H1) channels this week. This update introduces a range of new features and refinements for several built-in Windows apps, including Calculator, Camera, Clock, Media Player, Paint, Photos, and Sound Recorder.

While these changes might not make headlines, they represent incremental improvements that enhance the overall usability of Windows on a daily basis.

Calculator: Language Layout Fixes and Improved Accuracy

The Calculator app (version 11.2605.9.0) receives several significant fixes:

• Resolved an issue where calculations that should equal zero returned a small leftover value, potentially causing app crashes. Results now produce a clean zero.
• Fixed issues with the display of High Contrast Aquatic and Desert themes, ensuring proper text-to-color matching in Settings.
• Improved Arabic and Hebrew language support by correcting layout orientation for the graph, number pad, equation field, and scroll buttons.
• Eliminated outdated code that previously caused random crashes during operation.

These updates aim to offer a smoother and more reliable Calculator experience.

Camera: Continuous Zoom Slider and Native QR Code Scanning

The Camera app (version 2026.2605.7.0) introduces several enhancements:

• Replaced the three-level zoom options with a continuous zoom slider for more granular adjustments.
• Added native QR code scanning, removing the need for third-party add-ons.
• Improved wide-angle support for front-facing cameras, including higher-resolution options for enterprise and personal use.

To test the new features:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Select the camera you wish to use.
3. Adjust the zoom slider or switch to the front-facing camera to explore the new wide-angle modes.
4. Test QR code scanning directly within the app.

Clock: Timer Overhaul and New 15-Minute Snooze Option

The Clock app (version 11.2605.9.0) sees its most comprehensive update yet:

• Fixed the Timer functionality, which now counts up properly after reaching zero.
• Focus Sessions now include an "Off" option for daily goals, and completed tasks no longer clutter the active session list.
• Added a 15-minute snooze option for alarms.
• Expanded the Countdown Widget to support three simultaneous countdowns instead of two.

These changes improve reliability, accessibility, and overall functionality.

Media Player: Customizable Captions and Playlist Naming

The Media Player app (version 11.2605.14.0) introduces the following updates:

• Added the ability to customize closed caption styles, linked to Windows caption settings for easier access.
• Enforced mandatory playlist naming to prevent unnamed playlists.
• Improved file-type recognition, reduced playback failures, and fixed crashes related to session transitions.
• Updated the codec error dialog to provide clearer guidance.

Paint: Adjustable Eraser Transparency and JPEG Save Fix

The Paint app (version 11.2605.61.0) introduces user-friendly updates:

• Added a transparency slider to the eraser tool for more nuanced editing.
• Improved JPEG save functionality, particularly for rotated images.
• Restored selection outline behavior from classic Paint, reducing visual clutter when resizing or moving selections.

Additional fixes address crashes, color shifts in stamp brush strokes, and spacing issues in the AI image generation panel.

Notepad: Faster Launch and Enhanced Find/Replace

The Notepad app (version 11.2605.29.0) focuses on performance and usability:

• Improved app launch speeds.
• Enhanced the Find/Replace feature with less intrusive notifications and added a clear "Beginning/end of document reached" notice.
• Fixed spell-check underlines and crashes caused by pasting content from Visual Studio.
• Resolved a Ctrl+A shortcut conflict for Spanish and Portuguese keyboards.

These updates are available to Beta and Release Preview channels as well.

Photos: AI Watermarking and Enhanced Pixel Art Zoom

The Photos app (version 2026.11060.2004.0) introduces notable improvements:

• Added AI watermarking options for images edited with Copilot.
• Enhanced zoom functionality for pixel art, allowing tiny images to scale without losing detail.
• Resolved crashes during text recognition and improved keyboard navigation focus.

Sound Recorder: Waveform Fixes and Memory Leak Resolution

The Sound Recorder app (version 11.2605.1.0) receives minor but impactful updates:

• Fixed live waveform rendering for Bluetooth microphones.
• Removed a redundant horizontal scrollbar in the waveform display.
• Resolved a memory leak and improved error handling for WAV recordings.

Conclusion

These updates may not introduce groundbreaking changes but address long-standing issues to provide a smoother user experience. Features like continuous zoom, AI watermark controls, and QR code scanning ensure that these built-in apps meet modern users' expectations.

The build is currently rolling out to Experimental and Experimental (26H1) channels, with app version numbers confirmed in release notes and accessible under Apps & Features in Windows Settings.