- Windows 11 Insider build 29695.1001 adds a Magnifier contrast theme that reduces screen glare while preserving the original colors of photos, videos, and charts.
- The update improves Family Safety messages and parental control information during Windows setup.
- Microsoft fixes internet connectivity, Linux virtual machine folder sharing through Hyper-V and Plan9, excessive ESENT events, and VMware green screen crashes.
Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview build 29695.1001 for the Feature Platforms version in the Windows Insider Program. This update includes fixes and pushes a small set of features.
According to the official notes, Windows 11 build 29695.1001 is now available in the Experimental (Future Platforms) channel and introduces a new contrast theme toggle in Magnifier to reduce screen glare while preserving the original colors of photos, videos, and charts. The dark theme is enabled by default, and users can choose another contrast theme on the Magnifier page. Color inversion remains available as a separate option.
The update also improves Family Safety messages when applications are blocked by age-based parental controls and provides clearer information about parental controls during Windows setup. Microsoft has fixed an internet connectivity issue affecting some users, a Hyper-V problem preventing access to host-shared folders in Linux virtual machines using Plan9, excessive ESENT events, and VMware-related green screen crashes with the PFN_SHARE_COUNT error.
One known issue remains. Recall may be missing or fail to launch on some Copilot+ PCs after a clean installation of this build. Microsoft is working on a fix.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 29695.1001 (Experimental)
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:
Magnifier improvements
Windows 11 adds a new contrast theme toggle to Magnifier to reduce screen glare and make viewing more comfortable. You can enable it directly from the Magnifier toolbar to darken the interface without changing the original colors of photos, videos, and charts. The dark theme is enabled by default.
To choose a different contrast theme, open Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier. Unlike color inversion, this feature changes the interface colors while preserving the original colors of visual content. Color inversion remains available and works as before, giving you a separate option when you need it.
Recall known issue
Microsoft warns that Recall may be missing or fail to launch on some Copilot+ PCs after performing a clean installation of this build.
The company is working on a fix and says it will provide an update when it has more information.
Other fixes
Windows 11 build 29695.1001 also introduces some smaller fixes and improvements:
- Family Safety: Improved messages displayed when applications are blocked by age-based parental controls.
- Windows Setup: Improved information about parental controls and their availability during Windows Setup, helping families understand available protections and make informed decisions from the beginning.
- Network: Fixed an issue that caused internet access to stop working for some users after the previous two builds.
- Hyper-V: Fixed an issue affecting applications that use HCS-managed virtual machines, where shared folders from the Windows host using Plan9 were missing or inaccessible within Linux virtual machines.
- Other: Fixed an issue causing some Insiders to see an unusually high volume of
ESENTevents after recent builds. Also fixed an underlying issue causing frequent green screen crashes with thePFN_SHARE_COUNTerror for Insiders running VMware.
Download Windows 11 update 29695.1001
To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your Devices in the Experimental channel for the Future Platforms version through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. After you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from “Windows Update” by turning on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” and clicking “Check for Updates.”
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.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 23 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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