Exciting New Features in Windows 11 Builds 22621.3951 & 22631.3951

Hello WindowsForum.com community, Exciting news for Windows Insiders! Microsoft has announced the release of Windows 11 Builds 22621.3951 and 22631.3951 (KB5040527) to the Release Preview Channel. Both these builds bring a plethora of new features and substantial improvements which are sure to enhance the overall user experience on Windows 11, especially for those on versions 22H2 (Build 22621) and 23H2 (Build 22631).

Key Features and Improvements​

1. Nearby Sharing Enhancements Notification for Windows Share in China: To optimize the Nearby Sharing feature, it is now mandatory to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. When these are turned off, Windows will prompt users to enable them for Nearby Sharing to function seamlessly. Please note, this feature is being gradually rolled out and might not be available to all users immediately.​

2. File Explorer Updates Duplicate Tabs: You now have the option to duplicate tabs in File Explorer by right-clicking on a tab. Again, this feature is being rolled out gradually.​

3. Start Menu Enhancements Drag and Pin Apps: Users can now drag apps from the Pinned section of the Start Menu and pin them directly to the taskbar. This convenience feature is also part of a gradual rollout.​

4. File Explorer Reliability​

Several critical issues have been addressed to improve the reliability of File Explorer:

• Memory leaks when interacting with archive folders.
• Unexpectedly wide spacing between desktop icons.
• Search initiated from File Explorer’s Home may show no results initially.
• Address bar dropdown appearing unexpectedly during operations like renaming.
• Blank area display in File Explorer after a Desktop Window Manager (DWM) crash.
• Non-reactive File Explorer when using mouse buttons over the Recommended Files section.
• Incorrect folder name display in the search box.
• Flashing or flickering pictures in the File Explorer Gallery while scrolling.
• Errors when using the save dialog to save a file to the Gallery.

5. End Task Logic Update​

The "End Task" option in the taskbar has been updated to streamline user experience. This feature now excludes the "Not Responding" confirmation dialog. Users can access it under Settings > System > For Developers.

6. Internet Explorer FrameShutdownDelay​

Microsoft has updated the behavior of the Internet Explorer’s FrameShutdownDelay. It now ignores values in the HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main registry key.

7. Group Policy Preferences Issues​

Several fixes have addressed:

• Inability to choose groups from target domains for Item Level Targeting in Group Policy Preferences.
• The target domain not appearing when there are multiple forests with a one-way trust relationship.

8. TCP/IP Improvements​

There have been vital TCP/IP fixes focused on addressing high CPU usage, packet loss, and issues affecting TCP connection success rates.

9. NetAdapterCx Module Update​

An important fix has resolved the issue of systems becoming unresponsive when large amounts of data travel over Wi-Fi, affecting devices with specific wireless network cards.

10. Universal Print Enhancements​

Microsoft addressed the failure of Universal Print clients to communicate with the Universal Print service. This was particularly an issue when utilizing Web Proxy Auto Discovery (WPAD).

11. Print Support App Fixes​

Using the Print Support App with a USB device often resulted in the app ceasing to respond, disrupting printing functions and limiting the user interface. This issue has now been rectified.

12. Autopilot Provisioning Issues​

With these builds, using Autopilot to provision Surface Laptop SE devices will no longer fail.

13. Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)​

Several WDAC-related issues have been addressed, including:

• A memory leak that could exhaust system memory over time.
• Failures in verifying the policies of some apps.

14. Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist​

The update includes additions to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file (DriverSiPolicy.p7b), enhancing protection against Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.

15. Bluetooth Improvements​

The new builds resolve the issue where users could not put calls on hold using Bluetooth peripherals.

16. Windows Backup Enhancements​

The Windows Backup functionality has been fortified, addressing failures that occurred when a device had an Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) system partition.

17. Cache Manager Fixes​

An issue causing the Cache Manager to stop responding when using Hyperthreading on Windows Server 2022 has now been fixed.

Conclusion​

The release of Windows 11 Builds 22621.3951 and 22631.3951 marks a significant step forward for Windows Insiders, with focus laid on improving system reliability, enhancing existing features, and introducing new functionalities. These updates reflect Microsoft's continual efforts to refine the Windows 11 experience and address user concerns. We encourage all Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel to proceed with these updates to take advantage of the latest improvements and fixes. Keep an eye on your system update notifications, as some features and fixes are rolling out gradually and may not be available to everyone immediately. Feel free to share your experiences and any issues encountered with these new builds. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping future updates. Stay tuned for more updates and happy testing! Thanks, WindowsForum.com Community Team

 

[ChatGPT]

Hello Windows Forum Community! Today, we bring you an exciting update from Microsoft regarding the Windows 11 experience. Microsoft has officially rolled out two new builds—22621.4108 and 22631.4108 (KB5041587)—to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2. This release is packed with numerous enhancements and new features designed to improve user engagement and system functionality. Let’s delve deep into what these updates entail and what they mean for you, the Windows enthusiast.

Overview of the Updates​

The Windows team has divided the features introduced in this update into two main categories: Gradual Rollout and Normal Rollout. This means that while certain features may be available immediately, others could take a little longer to reach all users. Below is a comprehensive breakdown, highlighting what’s new and improved in each section.

Gradual Rollout Features​

Gradual rollout features are those that may not be immediately available to all users but will be rolled out progressively. Here’s what’s notable in this category:

• Windows Share A significant enhancement is the ability to share content directly to an Android device via the Windows Share window. To use this, users must pair their Android device with their Windows PC using the Link to Windows app on their mobile and Phone Link on their PC.
• File Explorer Improvements Several accessibility improvements have been introduced here:
• A screen reader may announce a pane has focus, although previously it may not have been clear.
• Sometimes when using Ctrl + F to search, the function might not initiate as expected.
• Users might experience a loss of keyboard focus when using Shift + Tab.
• Accessibility for screen readers has been addressed, ensuring they announce navigation through Open or Save dialog items. [Narrator Enhancements The latest update significantly boosts the responsiveness of the scan mode. This can be exceptionally beneficial for users who read large documents using Microsoft Edge. Activating scan mode first requires turning on Narrator (using Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter) and then using Caps Lock + Spacebar. [Voice Access Improvements Updates have also been made to Voice Access, allowing users to dictate characters at a faster pace. Additionally, enhanced editing commands now offer more versatility in selecting, deleting, and moving text.

Normal Rollout Features​

Unlike gradual rollout features, the following updates are expected to be available to all users and include more backend fixes and improvements: [*Input Method Editor (IME)* A bug fix addresses a memory leak issue that occurred in certain cases when closing a combo box with input focus. [Country and Operator Settings Asset This update brings COSA profiles up-to-date for various mobile operators, ensuring better compatibility and service. [*Bluetooth Connectivity Fixes* There were noted issues regarding disconnections of external devices when applying certain Bluetooth policies, which should now be resolved. [Bind Filter Driver Enhancements The system's responsiveness has been improved when accessing symbolic links, which should lead to fewer hangs or stops. [*File Explorer Navigation Fixes Previously, issues regarding the navigation pane not updating while browsing folders in shell namespace extensions have been addressed. [*****Unified Write Filter (UWF) and SCCM Fixes Tasks related to UWF within Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) now function correctly, as previous deadlocks prevented expected restarts. [Hibernate Stop Error Resolution The laptop hanging post-resumption from hibernation after frequent lid openings has been fixed, leading to a smoother and more efficient user experience. [Microsoft Entra Single Sign-On (SSO) Updates to the SSO notice, which now complies with the European Digital Markets Act (DMA), resolving issues causing excessive prompts during authentication.

Implications and Relevance for Windows Users​

The release of builds 22621.4108 and 22631.4108 is an important development in the ongoing refinement of Windows 11. Here’s why this matters to the Windows community:

• Increased Flexibility and Productivity With features enabling better sharing across devices and improved accessibility options, users can navigate and utilize their systems more efficiently. The enhancements in File Explorer and Voice Access particularly demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to ensuring that productivity tools are responsive to diverse user needs.
• Focus on Accessibility Accessibility improvements are crucial for many users. The enhanced functionalities of screen readers and the responsiveness of Narrator provide a more inclusive experience for users with disabilities, emphasizing Microsoft’s direction toward a more user-friendly ecosystem.
• Enhanced Device Connectivity The Bluetooth improvements and updates to the Input Method Editor indicate Microsoft’s intent to address connectivity issues that have plagued many users, making the system more reliable across devices.
• Commitment to User Experience The proactive approach to fixing bugs and improving system behavior reflects Microsoft’s dedication to continuously enhancing user experience. Ensuring that hibernation, navigation, and system stability are all functioning seamlessly is crucial for maintaining user trust and satisfaction.

Conclusion​

In summary, the release of Windows 11 builds 22621.4108 and 22631.4108 signifies another step forward in Microsoft’s commitment to providing a robust, user-centered operating system. The new features and improvements cater to a wide range of uses, from everyday tasks to specialized needs, ensuring that all users can benefit from the latest advancements. As always, it’s essential to keep your system updated to enjoy these new features and improvements. For those who are part of the Windows Insider Program, stay engaged as Microsoft continues to evolve Windows 11 with user feedback at the forefront. For additional details, visit the original announcement on the Releasing Windows 11 Build 22621.4108 and 22631.4108 to the Release Preview Channel. Happy computing! — Windows Insider Program Team