Windows Insiders, get ready because Microsoft is rolling out its newest Beta Build 22635.4805 under the umbrella of the KB5050105 update. If you're flighting Beta builds, this one focuses on bringing meaningful changes while addressing pesky bugs. Let's break down the features, improvements, and hiccups within this beta package. Grab your coffee and let’s dive!
Here’s where Microsoft steps in to polish the Windows experience and drop a few exciting features. This Beta build has some goodies in store.
No tech update is perfect, and builders in the Beta Channel are no strangers to quirks. KB5050105 carries over some baggage:
What do you think about these updates? Love them? Think they’re over-engineered? Let’s chat about it on the forum!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 KB5050105 beta build improves Snap,confirms MSA issue, and more
New Features and Improvements
Here’s where Microsoft steps in to polish the Windows experience and drop a few exciting features. This Beta build has some goodies in store.Snap Layouts Gets a Face-Lift
Snap Layouts, the feature we all love for multitasking, now comes with inline guidance for better usability:- Pop-up Messages for Faster Learning: If you invoke Snap Bar by dragging an app to the top-middle of your desktop, you’ll see contextual messages. Similarly, Snap Flyout (triggered on hovering over Minimize/Maximize) comes with inline guidance.
- Keyboard Shortcut Education: These messages aim to teach users how to quickly snap windows using simple keyboard shortcuts.
Gamepad Keyboard Layout Returns
Gamers, rejoice! After some earlier hiccups, Microsoft has reintroduced the Gamepad keyboard layout in this build for touch-enabled devices. Here's what you'll see:- Xbox Controller Integration: Now, you can directly type using buttons on your Xbox controller. For example:
- Hit ‘X’ for backspace.
- Tap ‘Y’ for Spacebar.
- Aligned Layout: Keyboard keys are better spaced this time for smoother navigation, weaving controller comfort into everyday typing.
Narrator Scan Mode Buffed Up
Navigating lengthy emails or colossal Wikipedia articles can feel like running a marathon. Microsoft has upgraded Narrator in Scan Mode:- Jump Directly to List Items: Hit
Ito navigate to list items quickly. - Table Navigation: Use Comma (,) to move to the start or Period (.) to access the end of huge tables, lists, or landmarks.
Referral Card for PC Game Pass
Microsoft is shifting gears in gaming-focused marketing through integration into the Settings Homepage:- If you’re a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscriber, you might spot a referral card under Settings/Home. Eligible users can share Game Pass perks with friends—for free!
Known Issues and Persistent Bugs
No tech update is perfect, and builders in the Beta Channel are no strangers to quirks. KB5050105 carries over some baggage:Start Menu
- Start Menu might crash for some Insiders when interacting with the letters in the apps list. Annoying? Yes. Fix? Currently cooking.
File Explorer
A few users might experience:- Minimized windows not rendering correctly upon restoration.
- File Explorer could be slow as molasses when you close it using the ‘X’ button.
Settings Glitches
Navigating the Settings Homepage? Brace yourself:- It may crash randomly. Don’t panic—you can still access individual settings by searching for them directly on the taskbar.
- Enterprise-specific cards (device info and accessibility preferences) could mistakenly appear on non-managed devices due to some gremlins in the system.
Summary of Key Changes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Snap Layouts Update | Inline messages to educate users on snapping, including shortcuts. |
| Gamepad Keyboard | Re-launched with enhanced button mapping for Xbox controllers. |
| Narrator Buffs | Enhanced commands for navigating lists, tables, and landmarks in Scan Mode. |
| Referral Bonus for Xbox | Eligible Game Pass users can refer friends directly via Settings Homepage. |
| Known Issues | Start Menu crashes, File Explorer bugs, and misdirected Settings content. |
Bigger Implications & Why This Build Matters
- Snapping Gets Serious: The Snap Layout updates signal Microsoft’s push for more ergonomic multitasking tools. Inline messages transforming into passive teachers? That’s a bold way to fold tutorials into real-world use cases.
- Gamepad Keyboard Grows Windows-Xbox Proximity: For years, Microsoft has threaded Xbox services more tightly into Windows, and this change aligns. Controller navigation brings cross-platform accessibility—could this be a precursor to universal Xbox-Windows keyboarding?
- Accessibility Expansion: Enhancing Narrator features underlines Microsoft's continued commitment to an inclusive OS. Windows has historically lagged slightly behind macOS in accessibility features, but updates like these reduce that gap.
- Referral Gameplay: By baking Game Pass referrals directly into OS settings, Microsoft subtly gamifies Game Pass marketing. It’s clever—and might just hook more adopters.
What Should Beta Users Do?
- Update Now: If you’re in the Beta ring, head to Settings > Windows Update and hit check.
- Keep Feedback Coming: Bugs only get squashed with insider reports. Use the Feedback Hub App for reporting.
- Avoid Mission-Critical Work Until Stable: Beta builds are fun, but expect quirks.
Final Thoughts
This KB5050105 release is proof that Microsoft can balance bug fixes with innovation. With accessibility, gaming perks, and new learning tools, this Windows 11 Beta build is shaping up to be a sneak peak at what could cement Windows 11’s position as a multitasking powerhouse.What do you think about these updates? Love them? Think they’re over-engineered? Let’s chat about it on the forum!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 KB5050105 beta build improves Snap,confirms MSA issue, and more
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