Microsoft releases new updates for Notepad, Calculator, Media Player, and Clock

Microsoft released a new set of updates for Notepad, Calculator, Media Player, and Clock, fixing bugs and improving stability across the apps.

Microsoft just announced a fresh set of updates for some of Windows 11's built-in apps. For now, the updates are coming to Notepad, Calculator, Clock, and Media Player. Unlike last month's set of updates, which introduced a lot of new features to the default apps, the July updates mainly focus on smaller improvements and bug fixes.

The updated apps are now available to Windows Insiders in Experimental, Experimental (26H1), and Experimental (Future Platforms), Beta, and Release Preview builds. Since the changes are included in the Release Preview builds, they should be arriving to regular users soon, maybe as soon as next month's Patch Tuesday.

Here's what changed for Notepad:

• Formatting is now applied properly when working with both .md and .markdown files.
• Improved support for copying and pasting indented and nested lists.
• Improved support for concurrent print jobs across Notepad windows and tabs.
• Improved launch performance.
• Fixed issue where underscore characters were sometimes rendered incorrectly.

Here's what changed for Windows Media Player:

• Improved support for local album art for albums without embedded artwork. The app now checks the album folder for common cover image files before searching online, so you'll see the right artwork more often.
• Disabled libraries now show a "disabled" message instead of appearing empty.
• Improved track list rendering when changing sort order.

Here's what changed for Clock:

• In Focus Sessions, tasks no longer disappear upon completion.
• Improved accuracy of sunrise and sunset times, especially at high latitudes.

Here's what changed for Calculator:

• Pressing Clear (C) or Clear Entry (CE) in Scientific mode now properly resets the notation toggle and returns the display to fixed-point form.
• Fixed access key conflict between "Clear all history" (Alt+Y) and "Clear all memory" (Alt+R).
• Improved screen reader support.

You can see the full update history of Windows 11's built-in apps here.

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Posted Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 12:58 pm AEST (my time).

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