New Windows 11 Update Locks Batch Files and Fixes Audio Sharing

Microsoft just rolled out a significant update for Windows 11 that targets two very different crowds. One part of the update helps IT experts lock down system scripts to prevent tampering, while the other makes listening to music with a friend much easier. These changes arrived today in the latest Insider Preview builds and offer a glimpse into the future of the operating system.

Locking Down Command Scripts

The most critical part of this update focuses on how Windows handles batch files. These are text files containing a series of commands that are executed in order. In the past, there was a small window of risk during the execution of these files. Microsoft has now addressed this by allowing administrators to force a more secure processing mode.

IT administrators can now enable a feature that completely prevents batch files from being modified while they are running. This is done by adding a specific registry value named LockBatchFilesInUse under the Command Processor settings. This might sound technical, but the impact is simple and powerful. It ensures that once a script starts running, no malicious software or user can secretly change the commands in the middle of the process.

We are giving administrators and Application Control for Business policy authors additional controls over the processing of batch files and CMD scripts.

This change is particularly vital for enterprise environments. Large companies rely heavily on these automated scripts to manage thousands of computers. By locking the file during use, Microsoft is closing a loophole that could have allowed bad actors to hijack a system task.

Boosting Performance and Integrity

Security is not the only benefit of this new locking mechanism. Microsoft designed this change to make these scripts run faster on secure systems. When a computer has “code integrity” enabled, the system usually checks the digital signature of a script to make sure it is safe.

In the old method, the system might have to verify this signature again and again for every single statement in the file. That takes time and processing power. With the new lock in place, the system knows the file cannot change. Therefore, it only needs to check the signature once at the very beginning.

This enhances the performance and security of batch file processing when code integrity is enabled, as signature validation will only be required to be performed a single time.

This dual benefit of speed and safety makes it a very attractive option for system administrators. It removes the trade-off between keeping a system secure and keeping it fast.

Better Control Over Shared Audio

While the security team focuses on scripts, Microsoft also released a major improvement for everyday users. The “Shared Audio” feature, which was first introduced back in October, allows two people to connect their headphones to a single PC. This is great for watching movies or listening to music together on a plane or in a cafe.

However, the original version had a flaw. It forced both users to listen at the same volume. If one person wanted it loud and the other wanted it quiet, there was no way to adjust it separately. The new update fixes this frustration.

Now, when you share audio, each listener gets their own volume slider. You can blast your music while your friend keeps it at a lower level. Microsoft also added a new icon to the taskbar. This small indicator reminds you when a sharing session is active and provides a one-click shortcut to the settings.

Expanded Device Support and Availability

The update also expands the list of devices that work with this feature. To use Shared Audio, you need headphones that support Bluetooth LE Audio. The list of compatible gadgets has grown significantly with this release.

Support now includes the latest accessories from major brands:

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro
• Sony WF-1000XM6
• Xbox Wireless Headset

These features are currently rolling out to testers in the Windows Insider program. Microsoft is releasing different builds depending on which testing channel a user is in.

The specific build numbers and knowledge base articles are listed below:

If you are part of the Insider program, you can check for these updates immediately in your Windows Update settings. For everyone else, these features usually arrive in the standard version of Windows a few months after testing is complete.

These updates show Microsoft is balancing deep system security with user-friendly features. Security admins get peace of mind, and music lovers get better control over their listening experience. We want to know which feature you find more valuable. Do you prioritize system security or quality of life improvements? Share this article with your friends and let us know your thoughts.