Windows 11 build 29648 removes WMIC and Drag Tray in latest Insider update

Windows 11 build 29648 is rolling out to the Experimental channel for the Feature Platforms version.
Microsoft is removing WMIC and Drag Tray, continuing to retire legacy components while responding to Insider feedback.
Windows Security gets small UI improvements, including additional Microsoft Defender for Endpoint information on Enterprise devices.
The build also improves accessibility and fixes interface glitches from previous builds.

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (29648) for the Feature Platforms version in the Windows Insider Program. This flight introduces various fixes as part of the Windows K2 initiative, including new features.

According to the official notes, Windows 11 build 29648 rolls out an updated version of the Windows Security app with some small interface changes.

In addition, this release removes the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) and the Drag Tray experience from Windows 11 based on feedback.

Finally, this flight rolls out improvements for accessibility and more.

What’s new on Windows 11 update 29648 (Feature Platforms)

These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Feature Platforms version:

Windows Security gets small UI changes

Microsoft is making small UI adjustments to the Windows Security app to improve its alignment with other Windows apps. The changes are subtle for now, with Microsoft indicating that more updates are coming.

On Enterprise devices with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint enabled, Windows Security will also display information about the protection at the top of the Virus & threat protection page.

WMIC is removed from Windows 11

Microsoft is taking another step toward retiring the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) by removing it from this release. The legacy command-line tool has been deprecated for some time, and this change continues Microsoft’s gradual effort to remove WMIC from Windows.

WMIC was commonly used by administrators and scripts to query and manage system information through WMI. Microsoft recommends moving to PowerShell and other modern WMI-based tools as part of the transition.

Drag Tray is removed from Windows 11

Microsoft is removing the Drag Tray feature from this build after listening to feedback from Windows Insiders.

Other changes

In addition, the company fixed several problems with the release of build 29648:

Accessibility: Fixed launching problems with the Magnifier.
Interface: Fixed UI shifting issue in certain apps.

Microsoft is also working on fixes for several known issues reported by Insiders, including:

Mouse cursor: Some Insiders may experience a cursor that repeatedly blinks.
Windows Update: Some Insiders are unable to install the latest builds and encounter error 0x80070005.

The company says that, if everything goes as planned, fixes for both issues should arrive in the next flight.

Download Windows 11 update 29648

To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your Devices in the Experimental channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.

Alternatively, you can also download the ISO files from the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page. Specific preview builds are available for a limited time only.

Build 29648 for Windows 11 removes WMIC and Drag Tray – Feature Platforms