Explore New Features in Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 22621.2129 & 22631.2129

Introduction​

In the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22621.2129 and Build 22631.2129 (KB5029359) in the Beta Channel. This dual release brings forth exciting features and crucial fixes. Here's a summary of the key highlights from these builds:

Build Overview​

• Build 22631.2129: Introduces new features actively rolling out.
• Build 22621.2129: Presents new features in an inactive state, starting with default off configurations. Notably, new Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will not receive this update immediately to prevent potential device issues until this is rectified in an upcoming release. For existing users transitioning from Build 22624 to Build 22631, an enablement package will facilitate this shift.

Highlights of Build 22631.2129​

Windows Copilot Preview:

• A controlled feature rollout to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel, expanding the preview to a broader audience.
• Windows Copilot offers an integrated UI experience, enhancing interactions and offering assistance with various tasks like toggling settings, generating content, and executing commands.

Dev Drive Enhancement:

• Introduces Dev Drive, a storage volume tailored to streamline developer operations, leveraging ReFS for enhanced efficiency and security management.

Narrator Enhancements in Excel:

• Improved Narrator functionality in Microsoft Excel for an optimized reading experience, prioritizing critical information and enabling keyboard shortcuts for enhanced customization.

Voice Access Improvements:

• Enhanced text authoring with voice access commands, simplifying correction of misrecognized words and aiding in spelling dictations for improved input methods.

Windows Hello for Business Passwordless Experience:

• Implements the EnablePasswordlessExperience policy to promote a passwordless authentication experience, enhancing security and usability for enterprise users.

Screen Casting Enhancements:

• Streamlines casting feature discoverability, offering suggestions via notifications when multitasking, and simplifies setup guidance for efficient wireless display extensions.

Presence Sensing Adaptation:

• Introduces Adaptive Dimming, automatically adjusting screen brightness based on attention detection, enhancing user interaction based on presence sensor support.

These builds include several fixes, addressing issues across File Explorer, Taskbar & System Tray, Notifications, Input, Task View & Desktops, and Task Manager sections. Known issues and workarounds have been outlined, ensuring a smoother experience for users.
For a detailed breakdown of each update, developers can find more insights on the Microsoft Insider Blog post https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2023/08/02/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-22621-2129-and-22631-2129/.

Conclusion​

Published on: Wed, 02 Aug 2023 17:03:54 +0000
Amanda & Brandon, Windows Insider Program Team