Discover What's New in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466

Hello Windows Insiders, Today we are excited to release Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466 to the Dev Channel. ISOs for this build are available and can be downloaded here.

What’s New in Build 23466​

Dev Drive​

Dev Drive is a new form of storage volume designed to improve performance for key developer workloads. Built on Resilient File System (ReFS) technology, it includes optimizations and features that enable developers to manage performance and security profiles better. It is specifically designed for developer needs like hosting project source code, working folders, and package caches, and not for general consumer workloads.

• Setup Options:
  • Create Dev Drive in free space on an existing drive.
  • Create a VHD/VHDX.
  • Configure via Settings app: Settings > System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings > Disks & Volumes.
  • Setup using command-line.
  • Minimum size: 50GB. Minimum recommended RAM: 8GB.
  []Performance mode: A new feature in Microsoft Defender Antivirus designed to minimize impact on developer workloads. Learn More

  Backup and Restore Improvements​

  We are enhancing backup and restore capabilities to make transitioning to a new PC easier. These improvements aim to land users on a familiar desktop and get them back to productivity within minutes. []New Windows Backup App: Quickly back up your current PC. []App Pins: Store apps from your prior PC reappear on taskbar and Start menu. []Settings Restoration: Carry over settings from previous device to new one. []Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE): Enjoy enhanced restore during new PC setup or PC reset. Note: To explore these features, use the new Windows Backup app on a PC with this build and set up a new virtual machine (VM) using the ISO for this build, or perform a clean installation on another PC. Developer Best Practices for enhancing app restoration.

  New Text Authoring Experiences in Voice Access​

  We have introduced new experiences for easier text authoring using voice access: []Correction Commands: Correct misrecognized words or dictated text.
  • e.g., Say “correct [text]” or “correct that”.
  []Spelling Commands: Dictate spelling for non-standard words.
  • e.g., Say “spell that” or “spell out”. Experience roll-out is gradual.

    Narrator Natural Voices in Chinese​

    We are introducing new natural voices in Chinese for Narrator users allowing for comfortable web browsing, email, and more.
  []New Chinese Voices: Microsoft Xiaoxiao and Microsoft Yunxi. []Setup via Narrator Settings: WIN + Ctrl + N > Narrator’s voice > Add natural voices.

  Changes and Improvements​

  General​

  []Notification Toasts: Automatically suggest turning off toast banners if they interfere with user interactions.

Start Menu​

• Recommended Section: New file ranking model considers factors beyond reverse chronological order.

  Taskbar & System Tray​

• Never Combined Mode: See each window of applications individually with labels. Find under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.

  Search on the Taskbar​

• Hover Behavior: Re-rollout of new behavior for search box and search highlight gleam. Adjust via taskbar context menu.

  File Explorer​

• The Windows App SDK version now fully rolled out, hence removing the “pizza” icon.

  Emoji​

• Updating certain emoji based on feedback.

  Windows Security​

• Updated firewall notification dialogs to match Windows 11 visuals.

  Networking​

• Command Line: Added “netsh” support for bridging adapters.
• Wi-Fi Improvements:
  • Enhanced performance for Passpoint Wi-Fi networks.
  • WPA3 support for Phone Link instant hotspot feature.
  • Changes to respect metered connection settings and show phone’s display name in the network list.

    Settings​

  []Advanced Properties Links: Added for network adapters and internet properties. []View Wi-Fi Passwords: For known networks via Settings. []Bluetooth Personal Area Networks: Join options added. []Data Usage Options: Added daily and weekly data limits. []Startup Apps: Enhanced design consistency.

  Fixes​

  File Explorer​

  []Resolved issues related to context menu responsiveness and style inconsistencies among Insider previews for Windows App SDK and Gallery.

  Notifications​

  []Addressed Notification Center crashes related to do not disturb status changes.

  Taskbar​

  []Fixed display issues with multiple desktop setups focusing app indicators incorrectly.

  Known Issues​

  []Dev Drive: Additional filters beyond AV might get attached post-reboot. []Search on Taskbar: Issues with flickering and content flicker during search.
• File Explorer: Various performance issues with extended file loading processes, Gallery features, and details pane.

For Developers​

• Download the latest Windows Insider SDK.
• NuGet Packages: Additional SDK packages available.

  About the Dev Channel:​

  The Dev Channel is for long-lead work and experiences that may never be released. Features in Dev Channel are highly experimental and fluid.

  Important Insider Links:​

• Windows Insider Program Documentation
• Flight Hub for a complete build list. Thanks, Amanda & Brandon Original URL: Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466 Published: Wed, 24 May 2023 17:03:47 +0000