Windows 11 Update
Microsoft is continuously refining Windows 11 to offer a better user experience, especially for devices running ARM-based processors. The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 introduces some major enhancements, most notably the updated Prism emulator, which significantly improves compatibility for legacy x86-based applications and games on ARM devices. This update is a game-changer for users who rely on software that hasn’t yet been optimized for ARM processors.
What’s New in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744?
1. Updated Prism Emulator for ARM-Based PCs
One of the most exciting features in Build 27744 is the improved Prism emulator. The Prism emulator is a key component for ARM devices, as it allows them to run x86-based applications—those originally designed for Intel and AMD processors. This was previously one of the biggest limitations for ARM-based Windows devices, as many popular apps, especially professional software and games, didn’t run as smoothly or at all.
With this new update, the Prism emulator now supports additional CPU extensions, including:
- AVX (Advanced Vector Extensions)
- AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2)
- BMI (Bit Manipulation Instructions)
- FMA (Fused Multiply-Add)
- F16C (16-bit floating-point conversion)
These new extensions will significantly boost performance and compatibility for demanding applications that use advanced CPU instructions, improving the overall usability of ARM devices. The updated Prism emulator means ARM-based devices can now run heavier applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro 2025, as well as popular gaming titles like Starfield and Helldivers 2, which previously would not run on ARM devices due to lack of native ARM64 versions.
Devices like those powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs will now be able to run more legacy x86 software and games seamlessly, which opens up many possibilities for users who want to experience both ARM-optimized and legacy x86 apps on the same device.
2. New On-Screen Gamepad Keyboard for Touchscreen Devices
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 also introduces a useful feature for gaming enthusiasts and users of touchscreen devices: the on-screen gamepad keyboard. This virtual keyboard is designed to work with game controllers, enabling users to navigate and input text using their gamepad. It’s an excellent feature for gaming handhelds or touchscreen-based devices, as it provides an intuitive way to interact with Windows without needing a traditional keyboard or mouse.
This feature will be particularly beneficial for users who prefer gaming with a controller and want an easier way to type or navigate through the OS while playing games. It is also a practical addition for users of Windows-based handheld gaming devices or 2-in-1 laptops that can switch between tablet and laptop modes.
3. General Bug Fixes and Improvements
Alongside the Prism emulator update and the new gamepad keyboard, Build 27744 includes various bug fixes and performance improvements. Some of the most notable changes are as follows:
- Improved Task Manager: The Task Manager has received several improvements, though details are not fully disclosed. This could mean enhanced performance, more responsive interface, or bug fixes for better stability.
- Hard Disk Management: You can now detach hard disks directly from the Settings app, which was previously limited to other methods like using Disk Management or third-party software.
- NVIDIA GPU Issues: Microsoft fixed an issue affecting certain older NVIDIA GPUs, including the GTX 970 and Quadro K620. Some users had reported black screen errors and problems with the GPUs not functioning correctly. This fix should help improve the reliability of these GPUs on Windows 11.
- Display Issues: Several graphical improvements have been made, including resolving an issue where dynamic refresh rates would get stuck at 60Hz upon first boot.
Full Changelog for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744
Along with the major updates mentioned above, this build includes a series of smaller fixes and adjustments aimed at improving the overall stability of the operating system.
General
- Black Screen and GPU Errors: Fixed an issue causing Insiders with older NVIDIA GPUs (like GTX 970 and Quadro K620) to experience black screens and unresponsiveness. Some users also faced issues with their GPUs appearing as “not working” in Device Manager.
Input
- Emoji Panel and Clipboard History: Resolved an underlying issue where the Emoji Panel and Clipboard History failed to open in specific surfaces, including Registry Editor.
- Clipboard History: Fixed an issue where copied items wouldn’t appear in the Clipboard History despite being copied.
Windows Sandbox
- Performance Fixes: Addressed performance issues affecting Windows Sandbox after previous updates. This will improve the overall experience for those using this feature in virtualized environments.
Graphics
- Dynamic Refresh Rate: Fixed an issue that caused the dynamic refresh rate feature to be stuck at 60Hz when users first booted into the OS.
Other Fixes
- Bugchecks: Fixed a bug that caused certain users to encounter a bugcheck error (PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA) starting in Build 27723.
- Remote Desktop Crashes: Resolved an issue where the Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) crashed in previous builds, preventing users from accessing remote PCs.
- msmpeg2vdec.dll Issue: Addressed an issue with the msmpeg2vdec.dll library that caused some apps to crash in earlier builds.
- JPG Rotation Info: Fixed an issue where rotation data for JPG images couldn’t be queried via APIs like PowerShell.
- Get-WindowsCapability Command: Fixed an issue where the Get-WindowsCapability command would fail unexpectedly, requiring a reboot to fix the issue.
- Mica Effect Issues: Fixed a bug where the Mica effect (a transparent blur effect) wouldn’t display correctly when using a slideshow as your desktop wallpaper.
- Scanner Detection: Fixed a problem where some apps could not detect a connected scanner, despite it being connected to the system.
Conclusion
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 represents a significant step forward in improving the Windows on ARM experience. With the updated Prism emulator now supporting more advanced CPU extensions, ARM-based devices are becoming increasingly capable of running legacy x86 applications and demanding games. This, combined with the introduction of a gamepad-style on-screen keyboard, highlights Microsoft’s focus on enhancing both performance and usability for ARM-powered devices.
For users with ARM-based devices like those powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs, this build should provide a more robust, feature-packed experience, making ARM laptops and tablets far more versatile for everyday productivity and gaming. With ongoing improvements like these, it’s clear that Microsoft is committed to making Windows 11 a more powerful, flexible, and future-proof operating system for both ARM and x86 platforms.
As always, this build is available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel and will likely make its way to the general public in future stable releases. If you’re an Insider, be sure to check out the new features and provide feedback to help improve the final product!
FAQs
1. What is the Prism emulator in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744?
The Prism emulator is a component of Windows 11 that allows ARM-based devices to run x86 (Intel/AMD) applications. In the latest Insider Preview Build 27744, Microsoft has updated the emulator to support additional CPU extensions such as AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. This improvement makes it possible for ARM devices to run more demanding software, like Adobe Premiere Pro 2025 and games like Starfield and Helldivers 2, which were previously incompatible.
2. Which devices benefit from the updated Prism emulator?
The updated Prism emulator is particularly beneficial for ARM-powered devices, such as those using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus SoCs. These devices can now run a wider range of legacy x86 applications and games, including those that don’t have ARM64 versions available, providing more versatility and compatibility with popular software.
3. How does the on-screen gamepad keyboard work in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744?
The new on-screen gamepad keyboard allows users to input text and navigate through Windows 11 using a gamepad or controller. This feature is ideal for gaming handhelds and touchscreen devices where a traditional keyboard may not be available or practical. It enables users to interact with Windows in a more intuitive way while gaming or using touch-enabled devices.
4. What are some of the bug fixes in Build 27744?
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 includes several important bug fixes:
- Resolved issues with certain NVIDIA GPUs (GTX 970, Quadro K620), which were causing black screens or display errors.
- Fixed problems with the Emoji Panel and Clipboard History not opening in certain apps.
- Improved performance in Windows Sandbox and addressed bugs that caused certain apps to crash.
- Corrected issues with dynamic refresh rate and Mica effect in desktop backgrounds.
5. When will Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 be available to the general public?
As of now, Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 is available to users in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program. It is not yet available for general release. The build will likely go through additional testing and feedback from Insiders before it is incorporated into a future stable release of Windows 11 for the general public.