Windows 11 New Build Adds Screen Tint, Voice Isolation, and Plug-and-Play Braille Display Support

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8497, which introduces several new accessibility features. These include a Screen Tint option, Voice Isolation in Voice Access, and improvements to Magnifier and Narrator.

The update also addresses multiple issues reported in previous builds.

New Screen Tint Accessibility Setting in Windows 11 Build 26300.8497

A new Screen Tint setting adds a color overlay across the entire display to help reduce screen brightness. Microsoft describes it as a tool for users who experience eye strain or light sensitivity during long periods of use.

The setting can be found in Settings under Accessibility in the Vision section. Users can select from six preset colors or customize their own, and adjust the tint strength from a gentle wash to full intensity.

Screen Tint works independently of Night Light. While Night Light reduces blue light to support sleep cycles, Screen Tint decreases overall screen brightness to lessen eye fatigue during the day. Both features can be used at the same time.

It is important to note that Screen Tint cannot be enabled at the same time as Color Filters. Turning on one will automatically disable the other. Users who depend on Color Filters should keep Screen Tint turned off.

Plug-and-Play Braille Display Support in Narrator

Narrator now supports refreshable braille displays that use the HID open industry standard. HID-compatible displays connected via USB work immediately as plug-and-play devices, without the need for extra drivers or setup.

Bluetooth pairing is supported through Settings, Bluetooth and devices. Compatible models include the Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40.

HID braille displays can now also be used during the initial Windows setup process over USB. This update enables users who are deaf-blind to set up a new Windows 11 PC independently from the first screen. Braille input and output preferences can be adjusted in Settings, Accessibility, Narrator, Braille.

Bug Fixes in This Build and Availability

The build addresses several issues from earlier versions. It fixes a recurring crash in explorer.exe that caused the screen or taskbar to refresh repeatedly:

• The Energy Saver quick setting no longer appears twice. Both
• Win + X and right-clicking on the Start button in the taskbar now function as intended.
• An issue that caused audio to be muted unexpectedly on some devices has been resolved. The update also improves the reliability of Simple Service Discovery Protocol notifications and enhances the stability of the command dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.

Build 26300.8497 is now rolling out to the Windows 11 Insider Experimental channel. Microsoft has not announced when the new accessibility features will be available to broader Windows 11 users outside the Insider Program.

The full release notes, including known issues, are available through Microsoft's Insider documentation.

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