- Windows 11 build 29671.1000 adds new Start menu controls, including options to show or hide Pinned, Recent, and All sections, choose a small or large layout, and hide your name and profile picture.
- Microsoft fixed a Hyper-V issue that prevented Plan9 shared folders from appearing or being accessed in Linux VMs, along with a problem that could freeze PCs when a UAC prompt appeared.
- The build still has known issues, including performance degradation over time, a blank VMware Workstation Pro 17.6.4 window when reopening VMs, and VMware devices showing a green screen.
Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (29671) for the Feature Platforms version in the Windows Insider Program. This update brings fixes and improvements as part of the Windows K2 initiative.
According to the official notes, Windows 11 build 29671 is rolling out new controls for showing Pinned, Recent, and All sections, small or large layouts, and the option to hide your name and profile picture for the Start menu.
The build also fixes a Hyper-V issue with Plan9 shared folders and a UAC-related system freeze. Microsoft is looking into performance degradation over time, as well as VMware Workstation and device issues.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 29671 (Experimental)
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:
Start menu gets more personalization options
The Start menu gets a more personal touch in this build, giving users considerably more control over its layout and what appears on screen.
Microsoft renamed “Recommended” to “Recent” in both Start and its Settings page, while new section-level toggles let you independently show or hide Pinned, Recent, and All.
You can also choose a small or large Start menu instead of sticking with “Automatic,” which remains the default. Another new option lets you hide your name and profile picture, while the Start menu settings page has been redesigned to make these controls easier to manage.
Hyper-V fixes Plan9 folder sharing
This build fixes a Hyper-V issue affecting some HCS-managed virtual machines. Previously, folders shared from a host using Plan9 could fail to appear or remain inaccessible inside Linux VMs, making it difficult for applications to work with shared files.
UAC prompt freeze gets fixed
A frustrating freeze affecting some users has also been addressed. Recent flights could make computers unresponsive when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appeared, but this build fixes the issue.
Microsoft is working on a fix for an issue that can cause some users to experience noticeably decreased performance on Windows 11, with the slowdown becoming more apparent the longer they use the latest builds.
Another issue affects VMware Workstation Pro 17.6.4, which might show a blank window when reopening a virtual machine after it has been created and closed. Microsoft is looking into the problem and working on a fix for a future build.
The company is also investigating reports of VMware devices green screening.
Download Windows 11 update 29671
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. 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.
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.
You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].
