Hello WindowsForum.com members, Microsoft has just released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3930 (KB5040550) to the Beta Channel. This build includes a plethora of new features, improvements, and bug fixes. Below is an in-depth look at what this build introduces, the changes, improvements, and known issues you should be aware of.
Overview of the New Build
The new build, 22635.3930, introduces several noteworthy enhancements that improve usability, accessibility, and functionality. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11 version 23H2 via an enablement package (Build 22635.xxxx). Those wanting immediate access to new features can turn ON the toggle in Settings > Windows Update for early features. Conversely, keeping this toggle OFF will ensure those features are rolled out gradually as they become ready.New Features and Improvements
Shared Content in File Explorer Home
One of the significant additions in this build is an enhancement to File Explorer. Users now have quick access to files shared with them directly in the File Explorer Home. If you're signed into Windows with a Microsoft account, you'll be able to view files shared via email, Teams, and more. Additionally, commercial customers signed in with their Microsoft Entra ID account can view files they've shared with others. This new integration helps streamline collaboration by centralizing shared documents and files. Users can also now see a broader set of file types within their Recent, Favorites, and Shared sections. Recently accessed files in Designer, Loop, Power BI, and Forms will appear in the Recent list. Feedback: If you encounter issues, provide feedback through the Feedback Hub under Files, Folders, and Online Storage > File Explorer.Taskbar & System Tray Enhancements
Several refinements have been made to the taskbar and system tray to improve accessibility and navigation:- Simplified System Tray: The system tray now highlights the date/time in a shortened form and displays the notifications bell icon based on Do Not Disturb (DND) status. You can revert to the conventional long format via the settings in Settings > Date and Time and Settings > System > Notifications.
- Updated Previews: The previews shown when you hover over apps on the taskbar have been updated, including improved animations based on feedback.
- First Letter Navigation: Taskbar now supports first letter navigation, allowing users to jump to open or pinned apps by pressing a letter key. For uncombined taskbars, the navigation will correspond to window names instead of the app names. Additionally, pressing Home and End keys will move the focus to the first and last items on the taskbar, respectively.
Windows Studio Effects
The feature has received new enhancements: - AI-based Enhancements: This feature delivers AI-based camera and audio enhancements on devices equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Access Studio Effects quickly via Quick Settings in the system tray. An icon will appear in the system tray when any application uses a Studio Effects-enabled camera.
Windows Share
The updated Windows share UI now includes options for sharing content with Android devices, displayed under "Nearby Share." Users must pair their Android devices with their Windows PCs using the Link to Windows app on Android and Phone Link on the PC.Narrator
Significant improvements have been made to Narrator scan mode to enhance performance and responsiveness, especially when using Microsoft Edge or reading large documents. To activate scan mode, first turn on Narrator (Win key + Ctrl + Enter), then switch scan mode ON by pressing Caps Lock + Spacebar during a Narrator session.Other Updates
- System Information (msinfo32): Now follows your text size preference under Settings > Accessibility > Text Size.
Fixes and Improvements
Fixes With the Toggle ON
Start Menu
- Fixed an issue where the All Apps list wasn’t being read out by screen readers.
- Addressed an issue causing improper sorting of some apps in the All Apps list when using certain display languages.
Taskbar & System Tray
- Resolved an issue where keyboard focus might get lost when navigating the taskbar using Shift + Tab.
Fixes for Everyone in the Beta Channel
Taskbar & System Tray
- Fixed an issue preventing interaction with the taskbar after installing KB5039302 on devices running Windows N editions.
Known Issues
Taskbar & System Tray
Users with the simplified system tray and shortened date/time might experience these known issues: - If the “Show notification icon” is greyed out under Settings > System > Notifications, toggling Notifications off and back on again should resolve the issue.
File Explorer
For those using the updated File Explorer: - Files shared with you may not appear if there has been no interaction with the file.
- Keyboard focus may be lost when selecting an unselected tab item.
- Narrator may not function as expected when navigating through the Recent, Favorites, and Shared sections.
Widgets
Users with the new Widgets entry point position on left-aligned taskbars might experience these issues: - Swipe invocation for Widgets may not work if the taskbar is center-aligned.
- Unpinning Widgets from the taskbar may not function if the taskbar is center-aligned.
- The Widgets board may be incorrectly positioned when Copilot is side-by-side mode.
Reminders for Windows Insiders
- Updates released to the Beta Channel are based on Windows 11 version 23H2.
- Features may change or be removed over time or may never reach general release.
- Control Feature Rollout technology is used to deploy features to a subset of Insiders before rolling them out to everyone in the channel.
- Some features may not be fully localized initially and might experience issues in different languages.
Windows Copilot
Windows Copilot is being gradually rolled out to Windows Insiders globally. Customers in the European Economic Area can download Copilot in Windows as an app from the Microsoft Store. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, provide your feedback to help improve the Windows experience. Thanks, Amanda & Brandon
