Windows 11 Beta Build 22635.4870: Lock Screen Revamp & File Explorer Enhancements

Microsoft’s relentless drive to refine Windows 11 is in full swing with the release of the latest Beta Channel build—22635.4870, also known as KB5050087. This update, tailored for version 23H2, rolls out innovative features that notably enhance the lock screen experience and File Explorer while simultaneously addressing pesky USB issues and other system glitches. Let’s dive deep into what this build brings and explore the implications for Windows users.

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A Fresh Take on the Lock Screen​

Remember the days when customizing your lock screen felt a bit limited? Now, that’s history. With KB5050087, Microsoft introduces a much-anticipated revamp of the lock screen widgets—formerly referenced as “Weather and more.” Initially rolled out for Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), this feature allows users to:

• Curate Your Lock Screen: Choose which widgets appear, including options like Weather, Watchlist, Sports, Traffic, and more. If a widget supports the small sizing option, you can add it to your lock screen.
• Flexible Customization: Rearranging, adding, or removing widgets is straightforward, giving users the freedom to design a lock screen that suits their needs.
• Group Policy for IT Admins: A new group policy—"Disable Widgets On Lock Screen"—is now available. This allows IT administrators to disable lock screen widgets independently of the overall widget experience on the PC. For those managing fleets of devices in an enterprise setting, this fine-grained control ensures a consistent user experience across offices.

How it works: Simply navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen to start customizing, and for IT pros, check out the Local Group Policy Editor under Computer configurations > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets. This update is part of a gradual rollout, so while EEA users are enjoying this new level of customization, others may still see the legacy “Weather and more” interface for the time being.

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File Explorer Gets a Makeover​

File Explorer is at the heart of every Windows experience, and this update ensures it doesn't lag behind in innovation. For Windows Insiders signed in using work or school accounts (powered by Entra ID), File Explorer now displays people icons under the "Activity" column on the Home page. Hover over or click these icons to reveal the Live Persona Card from Microsoft 365, offering a more interactive, real-time glimpse into your contacts and recent communications.
Other notable improvements in File Explorer include:

• Improved Rendering: The update fixes earlier issues where, if File Explorer was minimized and then restored, it wouldn’t render correctly.
• Stability Enhancements: Users have experienced unexpected explorer.exe crashes, especially when dropping files—problems that are now addressed in KB5050087.

These tweaks demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to not only enhancing aesthetics but also reinforcing the reliability of one of Windows’ most vital components.

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Fixes That Hit Home for USB Devices and More​

The build also addresses various system glitches that have been a thorn for many users:

• USB Cameras & Audio Devices: Following the January 2025 security update, some users faced issues like devices not recognizing USB cameras or seeing error messages ("This device cannot start") from USB audio drivers. Both concerns have now been remedied.
• Start Menu Stability: Crash issues—especially those triggered by interacting with the letters in the apps list—are now squashed, ensuring a smoother daily experience.
• Additional Explorer and sihost.exe Improvements: Microsoft has tackled a high-hitting background crash affecting sihost.exe, contributing to enhanced overall system stability.

For Windows users, these fixes translate into a more stable, reliable computing environment, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go.

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Known Issues and What to Expect Next​

No update is without its quirks. The current build includes a couple of known issues:

• File Explorer Performance: Some Insiders report that closing File Explorer using the X button—or other title bar buttons—causes the window to slow down.
• Settings App Crashes: There is a glitch where the Home page of the Settings app might crash; however, individual settings pages remain accessible via the taskbar search.
• Enterprise-Specific Cards: A minor inconsistency has been observed where enterprise-specific device information and accessibility cards appear on non-managed PCs that are signed in with Microsoft accounts.

Microsoft is actively investigating these issues and will likely address them in subsequent builds. Meanwhile, users encountering these problems are encouraged to explore workarounds, such as accessing settings directly through search.

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The Broader Implications: What This Means for Windows Users​

This Beta update is more than just incremental changes. It underscores several broader trends in Microsoft’s approach:

• User-Centric Customization: By giving users enhanced control over the lock screen and File Explorer, Microsoft reinforces its commitment to a personalized computing experience.
• Enterprise Flexibility: The introduction of group policies and enterprise-specific tweaks showcases Microsoft’s awareness of the unique needs of business users.
• Continuous Refinement: Fixes for critical stability issues demonstrate a proactive approach to ensuring that Windows 11 evolves into a more robust and reliable platform.

For tech enthusiasts and standard users alike, this iteration of Windows 11 is an invitation to explore new functionalities and experience a system that feels both fresh and finely tuned.

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Final Thoughts​

For Windows 11 Insiders, KB5050087 is an exciting step forward, combining usability enhancements with essential fixes—thereby smoothing out the bumps that often come with beta releases. Whether you’re an IT professional managing a fleet of devices or an everyday user looking to tailor your PC experience, these updates are designed to keep your workflow seamless and visually appealing.
What’s your take on these new features? Are you excited to see more customization options on your lock screen, or do the File Explorer improvements catch your eye? Share your thoughts and experiences on our forum, and let’s discuss how these updates are shaping the future of Windows 11.
Happy exploring, and stay tuned for more insights from the Windows 11 Insider Program!

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Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-kb5050087-beta-improves-lock-screen-widgets-file-explorer-fixes-usb-issues/