Hello Windows Insiders! On August 9, 2024, Microsoft announced the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4010 (KB5041869) to the Beta Channel. This release is part of the ongoing updates for Windows 11, designed particularly for users enrolled in the Insider Program who are keen to experience the latest features and improvements ahead of the public rollout.
Overview of the Beta Channel Updates
Windows Insiders subscribed to the Beta Channel get to interact with the upcoming Windows 11, version 23H2 through an enablement package (Build 22635.xxxx). Microsoft has reminded users that toggling on the latest updates option in Settings > Windows Update will allow them to receive new features sooner, as they become available. This gradual rollout ensures that Microsoft can monitor feedback and address any issues that arise before releasing updates to all Beta Channel users.Two Categories of Changes
Moving forward, Microsoft has committed to documenting changes made in Beta Channel builds under two categories:- New features, improvements, and fixes that are available to Insiders who have opted to receive the latest updates.
- New features, improvements, and fixes accessible to all Beta Channel Insiders. This structured approach aims to enhance clarity for users regarding what updates they can expect in their environment.
Key Changes and Improvements
Several significant improvements are rolling out with this build, particularly relating to the Taskbar and System Tray.Taskbar & System Tray Enhancements
- Simplified System Tray: The System Tray has undergone changes to feature a shortened date and time display, which initially began with Build 22635.3930 but is now being rolled out again after previous issues were addressed.
- Hover Jump Lists: For those users who opted into the updated taskbar hover functionality, you can now manage the settings via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar under “Taskbar behaviors”. This includes controlling whether jump lists appear when hovering over certain taskbar icons.
Fixes Introduced with This Update
Alongside new features, numerous issues have been resolved in this latest build: - Taskbar Functionality: A major fix addresses a problem where users experienced erratic behavior when right-clicking app icons on the taskbar with the Shift key pressed, which sometimes opened another instance of the app instead of the intended menu. This fix also rectified a related issue that caused explorer.exe to crash under similar conditions.
- Task Manager Appearance: The GPU section’s dropdown in the Performance tab now displays correctly in dark mode.
Notable Known Issues
While the update brings many fixes, some issues remain under investigation:- Explorer.exe Concerns: Some Insiders have reported crashes of explorer.exe when closing applications from the taskbar.
- File Explorer Navigation: Users may notice that keyboard focus might be lost upon clicking an unselected tab item in the Recent, Favorites, and Shared sections.
- Input Device Issues: Further investigation is needed regarding the emoji panel closing unexpectedly when switching tabs or selecting emojis.
Paint App Updates
An update has also been rolled out for Paint (version 11.2406.36.0 and newer) enhancing several aspects of the drawing tool: - Eraser Support for Stylus Pens: Users can now switch from their current tool to an eraser by flipping their stylus pen.
- Lasso Select Feature: The latest Paint release allows for the use of a free-form selection tool by clicking the side button on a stylus when hovering over the canvas. Microsoft encourages users to provide feedback via the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) specifically under Apps > Paint.
Upcoming Features and Ongoing Development
The development cycle for Windows 11 continues dynamically, with Microsoft exploring various features and soliciting feedback from the Insider community. Notably, updates in the Beta Channel are synced with the broader Windows 11 development strategy, meaning some features may transition from the Beta Channel to eventual public releases while others might simply conclude their testing phase without public deployment.Localization and Accessibility
Microsoft has advised that some of the features currently in development may not be fully localized. Localization efforts will unfold over time as the features reach their final stages. Feedback regarding localization issues is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.Monitoring Feedback and Control Feature Rollout Technology
In an effort to ensure a fine-tuned rollout, Microsoft incorporates Control Feature Rollout technology. This approach entails initiating feature rollouts with a small pool of users, then increasing the rollout based on the feedback collected and analyzing performance metrics.Summary
In summary, the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4010 brings a host of changes, from visual and functional enhancements on the taskbar to the useful updates in the Paint application. For users invested in testing and providing feedback on Windows 11, this build represents a valuable opportunity to not only try new features but also contribute to shaping them for their final release. Insiders interested in receiving the latest features must remember to activate the appropriate toggle in settings to be at the forefront of this developmental cycle. For more detailed information on this build, features, and future updates, users should continue to check back with the Windows Insider Blog and utilize the Feedback Hub to report their experiences. Thank you for participating in the Windows Insider Program, and stay tuned for more updates in the future! Source: Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4010 (Beta Channel)
