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Hello Windows enthusiasts! Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25182 to the Dev Channel. Here's a detailed breakdown of what's new, improved, and what's still a work in progress.

Glowing neon waves ripple under a bright orb against a blurred city backdrop at night.
Key Highlights​

  • Build Expiration: This build's expiration date is now set for September 15, 2023. Insiders should update to this build to avoid expiration notices.
  • Camera App Updates: Native Arm64 support and a new privacy feature are being introduced.
  • Microsoft Store Updates: A small update to the Microsoft Store with improved functionality and performance.

What's New​

Camera App Enhancements
  • Privacy Shutter Support: For supported hardware like the
    Microsoft Modern Webcam or some integrated laptop cameras, the app will now recognize the state of the privacy shutter and offer guidance if it’s blocking the camera or if the laptop lid is closed.
  • Improved Performance: Arm64 devices will experience faster and more efficient performance. Microsoft Store Updates
  • Screenshots in Search Results: Enhances browsing by showing previews of apps directly in search results.
  • Install Games Directly: Games can now be installed straight from the Microsoft Store without needing to switch apps.

Fixes and Improvements​

General:
  • Fixed a download error (0x80070001) on devices with low disk space.
  • Resolved an issue causing
    FPS drops in certain games due to the wrong graphics card being used. Taskbar:
  • Fixed an issue with the taskbar overflow flyout appearing on the wrong side of the screen.
  • Resolved an issue causing incorrect animations in taskbar overflow when switching between tablet and desktop modes.
  • Fixed an explorer.exe crash related to taskbar overflow display. Start Menu:
  • Fixed crashes preventing app launches from the Start menu. File Explorer:
  • Fixed title bar dragging issues and duplication of folders.
  • Updated Narrator to specify when navigating to OneDrive folders.
  • Fixed multiple issues related to context menu and folder tab behaviors. Other Fixes:
  • Fixed
    issues causing the camera light to stay on and bugchecks related to network file operations.

Known Issues​

General:
  • Some games using Easy Anti-Cheat might crash or cause bugchecks.
  • Issues with audio not working in recent flights.
  • A percentage of Insiders face repeated explorer.exe crashes after accessing certain folders. File Explorer:
  • Misaligned up-arrow in tabs.
  • The background color of the search box may invert in File Explorer.
  • Issues with the delete key not working on files in File Explorer. Widgets:
  • Misaligned notification badge numbers on the taskbar.
  • Missing notification banners in the widgets board. Printing:
  • Certain lines are not included when
    printing tables from specific apps.

More Information for Developers​

Developers can download the latest Windows Insider SDK packages on the NuGet Gallery. These include:
  • .NET TFM packages for .NET apps
  • C++ packages for Win32 headers and libs
  • BuildTools package for tools like MakeAppx.exe, MakePri.exe, and SignTool.exe

About the Dev Channel​

Builds in the Dev Channel might include features and experiences that may never be released publicly. These builds can have higher numbers than the Beta or Release Preview Channels and may require a clean install to switch channels.

Important Links​

 

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Hello WindowsForum.com community! Exciting news for all Windows enthusiasts as Microsoft has just announced the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25217 to the Dev Channel. Here’s a rundown of the prominent features, updates, and fixes that this build brings to the table.

A sleek desktop setup featuring a modern monitor displaying a colorful interface with a keyboard.
Key Highlights​

Support for 3rd Party Widgets​

Developers can now start building and testing 3rd party widgets on the latest Insider Preview builds using WinAppSDK 1.2 preview 2. This is a significant expansion from the initial introduction of the Widgets board in Windows 11. Features:
  • Win32 app developers can create and test widgets locally if
    their machine is in Developer Mode (Settings > Privacy & security > For developers).
  • Updated widgets require version 521.20060.1205.0 or higher. Limitations:
  • 3rd party widgets can currently only be tested on the latest Dev Channel builds.
  • Support for PWA widgets will be introduced in a future Microsoft Edge release. For more information, developers are encouraged to check out the 108 minutes that changed the world and Widget providers - Windows apps.

Cloud Suggestions in Simplified Chinese IME​

An improved cloud suggestion and integrated search suggestion for typing in Simplified Chinese is being tested. The cloud suggestions incorporate relevant words from Bing directly into the IME
candidate window, providing fresher and more precise suggestions.

Microsoft Store Update​

The Microsoft Store is rolling out an update (version 22209) with enhancements such as:
  • Clear indication when games are "available with Game Pass."
  • Improved Library experience with simplified options and better performance.

Sneak Peek: New Video Calling Experience​

A new, streamlined video calling experience for Chat from Microsoft Teams on Windows 11 is currently being tested with a subset of users. It features a more intuitive interface focusing on ease of use and immediate connection options, even with people not on Teams.

Changes and Improvements​

Input​

  • The Tamil Anjal
    keyboard is now available for all Insiders in the Dev Channel.
  • The new touch keyboard setting introduced in Build 25188 has been temporarily disabled for further design refinements.

Tablet-Optimized Taskbar​

Improvements and fixes specific to the tablet-optimized taskbar include:
  • Fixing taskbar collapse issues without running windows.
  • Preventing explorer.exe crashes when switching apps or entering overflow flyout.
  • Correcting issues with taskbar gestures and UI overlaps.

Windowing​

  • Fixes include better rendering of window preview thumbnails in Task View and resolving Miracast video quality issues.

System Tray Updates​

  • Quick Settings items can now be rearranged via touch again.

Network & Internet​

  • Corrected link
    speed display errors in Advanced Network Settings.

Known Issues​

General​

  • Audio issues reported post-update.
  • Crashing issues in various apps and disappearing/reappearing UI elements.

Input​

  • Text cursor visibility issues when hovering over text fields.

Widgets​

  • Animation and alignment issues in right-to-left display languages.

System Tray​

  • Dragging icons might crash explorer.exe. For detailed information and a complete look at ongoing issues, developers and insiders are encouraged to check the known issues listed in the release notes and provide feedback via the Feedback Hub (WIN + F).

For Developers​

Developers can download the latest Windows Insider SDK from Download Windows Insider Preview SDK, including SDK NuGet packages
accessible via NuGet Gallery | WindowsSDK.

Get Involved​

Stay updated and engage with more Windows Insider content and updates through resources like the Inside Windows 11 and the Flight Hub - Windows Insider Program. For a deep dive into how these features are shaping up and to join in the conversation, feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback, both here on WindowsForum.com and via the official feedback channels. Stay tuned for more updates and happy testing!
 

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Hello Windows Insiders! Today, we are releasing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23451 to the Dev Channel. Here’s what’s new and improved in this build:

A desktop monitor displays the Windows 11 home screen with a keyboard in front.
What's New in Build 23451:​

Modernized Details Pane in File Explorer: We are introducing a modernized details pane in File Explorer (ALT + Shift + P) designed to help you easily access related content, stay updated with file activity, and collaborate without even opening a file. When a user selects a file in File Explorer and enables the pane, it will display contextual information about the file including file thumbnail, share status and button, file
activity, related files, e-mails, and other information. To enable the pane, choose ‘Details pane’ in the View menu and toggle the pane with an easy-access button located on the right side of the command bar. This modernized pane will replace the legacy details pane in File Explorer.
Modernized Details Pane in File Explorer
[Note: We are beginning to roll this out, so the experience isn’t available to all Insiders in the Dev Channel just yet as we plan to monitor feedback and see how it lands before pushing it out to everyone.] Feedback: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub
(WIN + F) under Files, Folders, and Online Storage > File Explorer. Improving Windows Spotlight: Starting with this build, we are experimenting with two different treatments for how Windows Spotlight looks. Both treatments will continue to share existing core Windows Spotlight features such as hovering, right-clicking, and double-clicking on the icon on the desktop. One treatment will include a richer UI, full screen, and minimized experience. Both treatments will feature 4K portrait images and the ability to learn more about each desktop image. To enable Windows Spotlight, right-click on your desktop, choose “Personalize,” and then choose the new Spotlight theme.
Alternatively, go to Settings > Personalization > Background and choose the option under the “Personalize your background” dropdown. [Note: We are beginning to roll this out, so the experience isn’t available to all Insiders in the Dev Channel just yet as we plan to monitor feedback and see how it lands before pushing it out to everyone.] Feedback: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Windows Spotlight. Narrator Enhances Interaction with Excel: Narrator now provides a more succinct and efficient reading experience while working in Microsoft Excel. Announcements are prioritized based on the information
you need to skim a workbook and are customizable using convenient keyboard shortcuts. To enable the enhanced announcements, you need to be on the latest Windows Insider and Microsoft 365 Insiders builds and start Narrator using the keyboard shortcut Control + Windows + Enter. The updated experience will be available through the Microsoft Store. Feedback: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (Win + F) under Accessibility > Narrator. New Widget: Facebook: Facebook is rolling out a preview version of their widget. To try it, download the Facebook app from the Microsoft Store or update to the latest version of the
app. Then open the widgets board and navigate to the widgets picker by clicking the “+” button at the top-right of the board to pin your widget. You should expect to see additional new widgets as more developers create and release widgets for their apps. If you’re a Windows developer interested in creating a widget, watch our URL-to-video. For an overview of the Windows widgets experience and design guidance for creating your own widgets, see URL-to-widgets-doc. Changes and Improvements: Start Menu:
  • We’re expanding the rollout of notification badging for Microsoft accounts on the Start menu.
  • We continue
    to work on adding more valuable content to the Recommended section by re-introducing websites. Improvements include recommending more useful and personal websites based on your browsing history. File Explorer:
  • Updated the icon for Gallery in File Explorer. Widgets:
  • New widget picker experience with visual previews and a deep linking ability.
  • Animated icons for Widgets on the taskbar. Live Captions:
  • Languages support expanded to include Danish, English (Ireland), French (Canada), Korean, Portuguese (Portugal). Developer:
  • Enabling "End Task" by right-clicking on an app on the taskbar now works as intended. Fixes: Taskbar & System Tray:
  • Fixed an explorer.exe crash impacting taskbar reliability.
  • Addressed an issue causing Quick Settings and its project options to sometimes not respond when using ALT + F4 to close them. Start Menu:
  • Fixed an issue causing the Recommended section in Start to be blank the first time it was opened. File Explorer:
  • Fixed issues for Insiders previewing the Windows App SDK version of File Explorer: resolved crashes when opening the context menu, tabs displaying correctly in Arabic and Hebrew. Search:
  • Addressed an underlying issue causing Search to get stuck and not open. Input:
  • Fixed Pinyin IME’s insert text button display issues.
  • Fixed an underlying crash affecting touch keyboard/PIN
    entry on the login screen. Notifications:
  • Fixed another 2FA code pattern not being recognized. Live Captions:
  • Addressed caption character clipping issues.
  • Enhanced speech recognition language files for better performance. Accessibility:
  • Fixed an issue where using the down key while navigating by landmark with Narrator in Edge wasn’t functioning correctly. Known Issues: Search on the Taskbar:
  • Some people may not see the search box or settings after updating to Build 23403.
  • Content flicker may occur before fully loading in the search flyout.
  • Narrator customers may have navigation issues with the search flyout.
  • Text scaling may not work in the search flyout.
    File Explorer:
  • Various issues with Gallery in File Explorer including needing to click twice for initial load, disabling live updates, performance issues with thumbnail loading for dehydrated cloud files. Developers:
  • Access keys in File Explorer will appear inconsistently.
  • Issues with sharing commands on recommended files in File Explorer. Important Insider Links:
  • Inside Windows 11: Check out the Experience the Power of AI with Windows 11 OS, Computers, & Apps | Microsoft Windows.
  • Documentation: Visit our Windows Insider Program documentation - Windows Insider Program.
  • Flight Hub: For a comprehensive look at what build is in which Insider channel, check out Flight Hub - Windows Insider Program. Thanks for being part of the Windows Insider Program! Amanda & Brandon Original URL:
    Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23451 Published: Thu, 04 May 2023 17:04:37 +0000
 

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Hello Windows Insiders, Today, we are excited to announce the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25375, now available in the Canary Channel.

A large curved ultra-wide monitor displays a vibrant, colorful abstract wave pattern.
Reminder:​

As builds released to the Canary Channel are “hot off the presses,” we provide limited documentation for these builds, and we may not publish a blog post for every flight – only when new features are available.

What’s New in Build 25375​

Support for Microsoft Endpoint DLP on Windows on Arm (Arm64) Builds​

You can now extend Microsoft Endpoint Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies and actions to endpoints running Windows on Arm (Arm64). This update allows you to detect and protect sensitive data in files as part of your digital ecosystem. With this, you can introduce policy controls for scenarios such as when a user on a Windows Arm-powered endpoint accesses sensitive files and attempts egress actions like copying to a USB, clipboard, notepad, etc.
  • As part of your DLP Policy definition, you can leverage existing conditions and actions without the need for additional settings.
  • Ensure your ARM64 endpoints are onboarded to Microsoft Endpoint DLP using any of the supported onboarding methods.

About the Canary Channel:​

The Canary Channel is designed to preview platform changes that require longer lead times before being released to customers. Examples include major changes to the Windows kernel, new APIs, etc.
  • Builds released to the Canary Channel may never ship or could show up in future Windows releases when they’re ready.
  • These builds are “hot off the presses” and go out soon after being built, meaning minimal validation and documentation will be available before being offered to Insiders.
  • Builds in the Canary Channel could include major issues that may affect usage or even require a Windows reinstall in rare cases.
  • We may not offer documentation for every Canary Channel release, but we will publish details when new features are available.
  • While the Canary Channel won’t receive daily builds, the frequency of releases may increase over time.

Known Visuals:​

The desktop watermark at the lower right corner of your desktop is normal for these pre-release builds.

Important Insider Links:​

 

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A vibrant, swirling abstract form with neon blue, pink, and orange light trails.
Introduction​

Microsoft has officially introduced Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25915 for the Canary Channel, showcasing a range of new features, enhancements, and bug fixes tailored for a smoother and more efficient user experience within the Windows ecosystem.

New Features and Enhancements​

  • Integration of New Outlook for Windows: The new Outlook for Windows Preview has been incorporated as an inbox app in this build, enabling users to merge work and personal email accounts, calendars, and contacts in a secure unified interface. Users can access a comprehensive overview of the new Outlook for Windows and its recent updates via Microsoft's detailed resources.
  • Graphics Enhancements: Improved refresh rate logic now allows varying refresh rates on different monitors, facilitating optimal multitasking experiences like gaming and video streaming concurrently. Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) functionality, coupled with Battery saver mode, ensures a smooth transition between refresh rates to conserve power without compromising performance.

Known Issue Resolutions​

  • The issue impacting Windows Insiders using ASUS devices or PCs with ASUS motherboards has been effectively resolved, allowing affected users to receive this flight seamlessly.
  • Ethernet-connected devices will no longer face network connectivity disruptions post-updating to this build, ensuring a more stable network experience.

Developer Resources​

  • Developers can access the latest Windows Insider SDK and NuGet packages for enhanced app development capabilities, offering finer SDK integration and CI/CD pipeline support.
  • Recommendations for using adaptive code to target new APIs and leverage feature detection for improved compatibility across various customer machines.

Insights About the Canary Channel​

The Canary Channel serves as a platform for previewing significant platform changes requiring an extended lead time before final customer release. Builds flighted to the Canary Channel undergo minimal validation and documentation before being offered to Insiders, emphasizing the critical role of Insider feedback in shaping future Windows releases.

Conclusion​

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25915 brings forth a blend of impactful features, interface enhancements, and bug resolutions aimed at refining the user experience and laying the groundwork for future Windows innovations. To explore detailed insights into each update, access the original post Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25915.
Published on: Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:13:34 +0000
Amanda & Brandon, Windows Insider Program Team
 

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A futuristic holographic interface displaying vibrant, swirling data over a cityscape at sunset.
Introduction​

Microsoft has announced the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23521 for the Dev Channel with a host of new features and improvements to enhance the user experience.

New Features and Improvements​

Windows 365 Switch: Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels can participate in the public preview of Windows 365 Switch, allowing seamless transitions between a Windows 365 Cloud PC and the local desktop.
Windows Copilot: For Dev Channel users managed by AAD, Windows Copilot is now enabled without the need to enable it via Group Policy Editor.
Taskbar & System Tray: Settings have been updated to make enabling never combined mode on the taskbar simpler, with a separate setting for turning it on for other taskbars.
Dynamic Lighting: Users can now sync their Windows accent color with devices around them and choose a custom color for their devices.
Task Manager: The Task Manager settings page has been updated to align with Windows 11 design principles for a cleaner user interface.

Additional Changes and Fixes​

File Explorer: Numerous issues in File Explorer have been resolved, such as extracting archived folders and handling new archive formats.
Search on the Taskbar: Windows Search results now use the Microsoft Bing Search app with options to enable web content and search results.
Settings: The end task feature under System no longer requires Developer Mode to be enabled first, and a new “Development” setting has been added under Personalization.

Known Issues​

Various ongoing fixes and investigations are in progress, including taskbar loading issues and localization concerns with strings.

Widgets Update and Snipping Tool Enhancement​

Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels can now pin the widgets board open in an update, allowing for easier access to widgets. Snipping Tool has been updated to version 11.2306.43.0 and higher, featuring new buttons to edit in Paint for screenshots and edit in Clipchamp for screen recordings.

Developer Information​

Developers can download the latest Windows Insider SDK and related NuGet packages for granular access to the SDK.

About the Dev Channel​

The Dev Channel now receives 23000 series builds, representing long-lead work and unique features that may or may not be released to general customers. The channel remains a space for experimental and innovative features.
For more details, visit the Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23521.
Amanda & Brandon, Windows Insider Program Team
 

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A sleek desktop computer setup with a modern monitor and keyboard on a clean desk.

Introduction​

Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel can explore the latest developments in Windows 11 with the recent Insider Preview Build 23606. This build introduces crucial changes and improvements, enhancing the Windows experience.

Key Updates​

Here’s a summary of the key updates in this release:
Transition to Voice Access
  • Windows 11 is transitioning from Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) to the more advanced voice access feature. WSR is being deprecated, urging users to embrace voice access for enhanced control and text authorship capabilities without an internet connection. The inclusion of multiple languages and custom commands in upcoming updates will further enhance user accessibility.
Renaming of Phone Link Settings
  • A notable change renames the Phone Link settings page under Settings > Bluetooth & devices to Mobile devices. While this adjustment does not introduce immediate new features, expect more enhancements and functionalities in upcoming flights.
Resolved File Explorer and Input Issues
  • File Explorer Fixes:
  • Addressed an underlying issue causing the details pane in File Explorer to unexpectedly take keyboard focus at times.
  • Resolved an issue where File Explorer crashed when accessing or scrolling the Gallery.
  • Input Enhancements:
  • Fixed a common tabtip.exe crash when attempting to use pen input in the previous flight, ensuring a more stable input experience.
Known Issues and Workarounds
  • Insiders may experience issues with Copilot in Windows when launching or refreshing it while using voice access. Workarounds include utilizing "Show grid" commands to click in specific areas initially.
  • Widgets functionality like loading delays and display issues continue to be under investigation, with fixes expected in subsequent releases.
Developer Resources and Tools
  • Developers can access the latest Windows Insider SDK and SDK NuGet packages, offering .NET TFM packages, C++ packages, and BuildTools packages. These resources facilitate app development and integration, ensuring compatibility with evolving Windows features.
Insight into the Dev Channel
  • The Dev Channel, now receiving 23000 series builds, serves as a hub for Windows engineers to incubate new ideas and features. Builds in this channel represent long-term exploratory work aiming to gather feedback and test new concepts before wider release to general customers.
Key Insights and Access
  • The Windows Insider Program documentation and Flight Hub provide essential resources and insights for Windows Insiders, ensuring they are well-informed about the latest build updates and features.

Conclusion​

This build signifies Microsoft's commitment to evolving Windows 11 with advanced features, improved functionalities, and enhanced user experiences.
Published Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:04:11 +0000.
 

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A futuristic cityscape glows with neon pink and blue lights amid towering skyscrapers.

Introduction​

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23619 for the Dev Channel. This build introduces new features, improvements, and fixes, enhancing the Windows experience for users.

What's New in Build 23619​

Instant Access to Photos and Screenshots: Users can now seamlessly access and edit their most recent photos and screenshots from their Android mobile devices in the Snipping Tool on their PCs. Notifications will alert users on their PC whenever a new photo or screenshot is captured on their Android phone.

Changes and Improvements​

Microsoft Teams Meetings Integration: Users logged into Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise editions with a Microsoft Entra ID account can view and join upcoming Microsoft Teams meetings directly from the Start menu.

Fixes​

File Explorer Launch Performance: Continued efforts to enhance the launch performance of File Explorer.
Task Manager Dragging Issue: Resolved an issue where dragging the Task Manager window wouldn't work if the mouse cursor was on the search box.
Narrator Crash Fix: Addressed a crash occurring when attempting to add natural voices for Narrator in Settings.

Known Issues​

Copilot in Windows: Users might need to use "Show grid" commands to click in the "Ask me anything" box when launching or refreshing Copilot in Windows with voice access.
Widgets: Announcements from the Microsoft Start feed persist on the taskbar after the feed is hidden, and there are issues with keyboard navigation and formatting in settings pages.

Developers​

Windows Insider SDK updates and NuGet packages for .NET and C++ are available to provide enhanced development capabilities and integration in CI/CD pipelines.

Insight into the Dev Channel​

The Dev Channel has undergone a reboot, with the 23000 series builds now being distributed. Features and experiences tested in the Dev Channel may or may not be released to general customers, allowing for the incubation of new ideas and concepts. This build illustrates Microsoft's commitment to innovation and user experience enhancement, providing Insiders with a glimpse into the future of Windows 11.

Published Date​

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:03:45 +0000.
 

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A desktop PC displays a Windows 11 interface with the Microsoft Store open.

Introduction​

Microsoft is elated to announce the launch of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3350 (KB5035955) in the Beta Channel. This update brings forth a variety of enhancements, fixes, and a sneak peek at upcoming features, delivering a refined user experience.

New Features and Improvements​

  • Taskbar Enhancements: A fix has been implemented to address uncombined taskbar icons cutting off titles, ensuring a seamless display as per title length.
  • Start Menu Updates: Users will now notice a new tweak in the Start menu where the Recommended section showcases the most frequently used app that is not already pinned to the Start menu or taskbar.

Fixes and Changes Gradually Rolling Out​

A critical issue in File Explorer where a tooltip would persist when hovering over the first image in the Gallery has been rectified, guaranteeing a smoother user experience.

Known Issues and Beta Channel Overview​

The team is actively investigating an issue post-update where Internet Information Services (IIS) and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) may exhibit inconsistencies.

Beta Channel Insights​

The Beta Channel serves as a preview platform for features heading towards the final release, with experiences aligning closely with what will be available to all users. It allows for earlier testing of upcoming functionalities.

Participate and Stay Informed​

Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel can opt to be the first to access gradually rolled-out features by enabling the toggle in Settings, ensuring a more proactive experience in receiving updates.

Copilot Availability​

The Copilot in Windows preview rollout is progressing steadily, with initial markets including North America, United Kingdom, and selected parts of Asia and South America. Expansion to additional markets will be carried out progressively.

Insider Resources​

  • Explore the Inside Windows 11 website to delve into the development journey of Windows 11.
  • Refer to the Windows Insider Program documentation for comprehensive insights.
  • Stay updated on build releases across Insider channels by visiting Flight Hub.
The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build empowers users to test upcoming features, contribute feedback, and be at the forefront of driving the Windows experience forward.

Published Date​

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 17:03:47 +0000
 

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