Hello Windows enthusiasts! Microsoft has recently released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4076 (KB5041873) to the Beta Channel, and the community is buzzing with excitement about the new features and fixes included in this update. This build marks an important step in the development of Windows 11, showcasing both incremental improvements and some new functionalities.
Overview of the Release
Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel receive updates that are tied to version 23H2 of Windows 11. This release focuses on gradual feature rollouts, and users in the Beta Channel have the option to receive updates immediately by toggling on a setting in the Windows Update menu. This method allows users to be the first to experience new features as they become available. It's important to note that if a user opts to keep the update toggle off, new features will still be rolled out gradually as they are finalized. This dual approach ensures that users who are eager to try out the latest functionalities can do so while still allowing for a more measured rollout to the wider user base.Key Changes and Improvements
Several significant changes are being rolled out gradually to Beta Channel users with the update toggle activated. Here’s a closer look at some of the notable adjustments:Windows Studio Effects
In previous builds, an enhancement was made to the Windows Studio Effects, which introduced a convenient icon in the system tray when using applications that utilize a Studio Effects-enabled camera. However, this feature has been temporarily disabled in Build 22635.4076. The team indicates that there are plans to re-enable it in future updates.Fixes Rolling Out Gradually
With this update, several fixes have been implemented for known issues:- File Explorer: Fixed an issue where keyboard focus might be lost when selecting an unselected tab item.
- Voice Access: Resolved problems where Voice Access commands weren't functioning properly for non-English languages.
- Input: Corrected an issue causing the emoji panel to unexpectedly close during navigation between kaomoji and symbols sections.
- Registry Editor: Addressed a bug that affected saving hexadecimal values in the editor, which occasionally resulted in unexpected saved values.
General Fixes for All Beta Channel Users
In addition to the fixes for users who opted for immediate updates, several comprehensive fixes are available for all users in the Beta Channel: - Network Issues: A troubling bug related to the NetAdapterCx module that caused systems to hang while transmitting significant amounts of data over Wi-Fi was addressed.
- BYOVD Attacks: The Windows Kernel has added new drivers to its vulnerable driver blocklist to protect against Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks, enhancing security.
- Memory Management: A memory leak that could exhaust system resources over time has also been highlighted, particularly when provisioning devices using Windows Defender Application Control.
Known Issues to Monitor
As with most Insider builds, some issues persist. Among the known issues, one major problem is causing explorer.exe to crash for some users when closing applications from the taskbar. The development team is investigating this issue closely. Another ongoing problem occurs with File Explorer, where it crashes when interacting with archive files. This is a significant issue for users who frequently manage compressed files.Important Reminders for Windows Insiders
The Beta Channel serves as the space for testing and feedback, and it’s essential for users to understand several key points about the build: - Updates are directly linked to the Windows 11, version 23H2.
- Features being tested may never reach final release status. The feedback from Insiders plays an invaluable role in shaping future updates.
- Users in the Beta Channel will see iterations of features based on user feedback, and there is no guarantee that all features in the current builds will ultimately be included in the final product.
Conclusion
This recent update of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4076 reinforces Microsoft's ongoing commitment to refining the Windows operating system through continuous feedback and iterative development. We encourage all Windows Insiders to explore the new features and improvements while providing valuable feedback that contributes to the overall enhancement of the Windows experience. Whether you're eager to toggle on the latest features or prefer to wait for steady rollouts, the Beta Channel continually provides opportunities to shape the future of Windows. Keep an eye on subsequent updates and known issues while navigating this journey through the latest innovations! For more detailed insights and updates, stay engaged with the Windows Insider blog and share your experiences with the community. Thanks for reading, and enjoy exploring the latest in Windows 11! Source: Microsoft Windows Insider Blog .