Hello Windows enthusiasts! Exciting news from the Dev Channel. Microsoft has just rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25197. Let's dive into the highlights and what you can expect from this latest build.
## Key Features and Improvements
### Tablet-Optimized Taskbar
Microsoft is re-introducing the touch-optimized taskbar specifically designed for 2-in-1 devices. This feature will not only make your device more comfortable to use as a tablet but also comes with two states: collapsed and expanded.
- Collapsed State: The taskbar gets out of your way, providing more screen space and preventing accidental invocations.
- Expanded State: Optimized for touch, making it easier to interact with.
To enable this, go to
Keep in mind, this feature is rolling out gradually, so not all Insiders will see it immediately.
### System Tray Updates
The system tray receives updates irrespective of your device type. This includes:
- A rounded focus and hover treatment for all icons in the lower-right corner.
- Note that dragging and dropping or rearranging system tray icons is currently disabled, but feedback is being considered for future updates.
### Animated Icons in Settings
Animated icons and illustrations in the Settings app are making their debut, continuing to enhance the user interaction experience with added motion design principles.
### Touch Keyboard Improvements
The repeat rate for the touch keyboard has been improved to 20 keys per second, making it more responsive. This enhancement is now available for all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.
## Fixes and Known Issues
### Fixes
- System Tray Updates: Various fixes including taskbar flashing issues, theme color inconsistencies, and incorrect date and time display.
- Start Menu: Fixed a crash issue related to the recommended section.
- File Explorer: Addressed performance issues when deleting large numbers of files and resolved launching issues with “Launch folder windows in a separate process.”
- Input: Fixed crashes and other bugs affecting voice typing and the input switcher.
- Settings: Improved design consistency and fixed crashes due to device removal.
- Other: Resolved printing hangs, enum printer size issues, and boot environment language display issues.
### Known Issues
- General: Audio issues, app crashes, bug checks with certain games, and OneDrive setup prompts at every reboot.
- File Explorer: Command bar items like copy, paste, and empty recycle bin may not be enabled when expected.
- Settings: Issues with uninstalling certain apps.
- Tablet-Optimized Taskbar: Flashing during transitions, longer-than-expected transitions, and issues with edge gestures.
- Widgets: Misalignment of notification badges and missing notification banners.
## App Updates
- Calculator: Now supports native Arm64, improving performance.
- Media Player: Added an “Edit with Clipchamp” feature for video files.
For developers, the latest Windows Insider SDK is available for download, along with NuGet packages for more granular access and better CI/CD integration.
## About the Dev Channel
The Dev Channel builds represent experimental work and might include features that may never be released. They are not tied to any specific Windows release and can be unstable at times.
For more details, you can read the full announcement post.
Stay tuned and keep the feedback coming!
Amanda & Brandon
Microsoft Windows Insider Program
---
Be sure to regularly check for updates and give your feedback via the Feedback Hub (WIN + F). If you have any questions or issues, feel free to discuss them here on WindowsForum.com!
## Key Features and Improvements
### Tablet-Optimized Taskbar
Microsoft is re-introducing the touch-optimized taskbar specifically designed for 2-in-1 devices. This feature will not only make your device more comfortable to use as a tablet but also comes with two states: collapsed and expanded.
- Collapsed State: The taskbar gets out of your way, providing more screen space and preventing accidental invocations.
- Expanded State: Optimized for touch, making it easier to interact with.
To enable this, go to
Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and ensure “Optimize taskbar for touch interactions when this device is used as a tablet” is turned on by default. Keep in mind, this feature is rolling out gradually, so not all Insiders will see it immediately.
### System Tray Updates
The system tray receives updates irrespective of your device type. This includes:
- A rounded focus and hover treatment for all icons in the lower-right corner.
- Note that dragging and dropping or rearranging system tray icons is currently disabled, but feedback is being considered for future updates.
### Animated Icons in Settings
Animated icons and illustrations in the Settings app are making their debut, continuing to enhance the user interaction experience with added motion design principles.
### Touch Keyboard Improvements
The repeat rate for the touch keyboard has been improved to 20 keys per second, making it more responsive. This enhancement is now available for all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.
## Fixes and Known Issues
### Fixes
- System Tray Updates: Various fixes including taskbar flashing issues, theme color inconsistencies, and incorrect date and time display.
- Start Menu: Fixed a crash issue related to the recommended section.
- File Explorer: Addressed performance issues when deleting large numbers of files and resolved launching issues with “Launch folder windows in a separate process.”
- Input: Fixed crashes and other bugs affecting voice typing and the input switcher.
- Settings: Improved design consistency and fixed crashes due to device removal.
- Other: Resolved printing hangs, enum printer size issues, and boot environment language display issues.
### Known Issues
- General: Audio issues, app crashes, bug checks with certain games, and OneDrive setup prompts at every reboot.
- File Explorer: Command bar items like copy, paste, and empty recycle bin may not be enabled when expected.
- Settings: Issues with uninstalling certain apps.
- Tablet-Optimized Taskbar: Flashing during transitions, longer-than-expected transitions, and issues with edge gestures.
- Widgets: Misalignment of notification badges and missing notification banners.
## App Updates
- Calculator: Now supports native Arm64, improving performance.
- Media Player: Added an “Edit with Clipchamp” feature for video files.
For developers, the latest Windows Insider SDK is available for download, along with NuGet packages for more granular access and better CI/CD integration.
## About the Dev Channel
The Dev Channel builds represent experimental work and might include features that may never be released. They are not tied to any specific Windows release and can be unstable at times.
For more details, you can read the full announcement post.
Stay tuned and keep the feedback coming!
Amanda & Brandon
Microsoft Windows Insider Program
---
Be sure to regularly check for updates and give your feedback via the Feedback Hub (WIN + F). If you have any questions or issues, feel free to discuss them here on WindowsForum.com!
