Windows 11 Beta Build 22635.5090: Key Fixes and Enhancements for Insiders

Windows 11 Beta build 22635.5090 is rolling out to insiders, bringing with it a series of fixes and enhancements that promise to improve everyday tasks for those testing the latest preview version of Windows 11. This update, which carries the KB number KB5053649, mainly targets issues affecting the Windows Update process, Start menu performance, and even the login experience. Let’s break down the changes and explore what they mean for Windows enthusiasts.

A Closer Look at the Update​

This build is part of a two-pronged release strategy aimed at Windows 11 version 23H2 and version 24H2 insiders. While the Dev Channel also received a build under the new version 24H2 umbrella, today's spotlight is on the Beta build for version 23H2. With these continuous updates, Microsoft seeks to polish the user experience and refine the ecosystem further before a broader rollout.

Key Improvements and Fixes​

The update comes with several improvements that highlight Microsoft’s dedication to ironing out the quirks of early builds. Here are the main highlights:

• General Improvements:
  Insiders will notice subtle yet impactful enhancements across the board. These tweaks aim to ensure a smoother, more reliable experience when running the build on various hardware configurations.
• Voice Access Enhancements:
  An exciting addition for non-English speakers and users who rely on voice commands is the support for Chinese. Windows 11 now enables voice access in both Simplified Chinese (zh-cn) and Traditional Chinese (zh-tw). This opens up the platform for more natural interaction in a much wider array of languages and adds another layer of accessibility to the operating system.
• Start Menu Fixes:
  The Start menu gets a significant fix, specifically addressing issues with the new grid and category views in the “All” page. Previously, Windows Tools-related apps were inadvertently broken out into separate folders rather than being grouped together neatly in one app—even when this grouping was most logical for a clean layout.
• Windows Update Reliability:
  A fix has been introduced to resolve an issue where quality updates, though installed, were mysteriously absent from the Settings > Windows Update > Update History section. Keeping the update history accurate is vital for users troubleshooting update-related problems, and this fix restores transparency in the process.
• Login and Lock Screen Stability:
  There was a concerning bug where clicking the sign in options link on the login screen could cause the system to crash. This dangerous quirk has now been addressed, ensuring a more dependable and crash-free login experience.

Known Issues Still in the Mix​

While the update makes significant progress, it isn’t without its lingering quirks. For example, the Start menu continues to show a couple of known issues, including:

• Delayed Icon Appearance:
  Occasionally, after installing a new app, icons might not appear immediately within the grid and category views. This can be somewhat confusing as the app is installed but not immediately visible.
• Transient Context Menu Glitches:
  When right-clicking on an app in the Start menu, users might see a brief flash of the “Start settings” context menu before the correct app context menu appears. Although temporary, such flickers can interrupt the seamless experience users expect.

These issues are still under observation, and insider feedback will be crucial in diagnosing and eventually resolving them in future updates.

The Insider Experience: Why Testing Matters​

For those participating in the Windows Insider Program, these updates present a golden opportunity to experience potential new features and provide feedback that directly shapes the evolution of Windows 11. Insider builds like 22635.5090 are not just for testing the waters—they play a pivotal role in the development cycle by revealing real-world bugs and usability challenges that might not surface during internal testing.

• Feedback Loop:
  Insiders are encouraged to share their experiences, especially with subtle issues like delayed icon rendering or temporary context menu glitches. Their input can help prioritize fixes that will impact the overall user experience when the update moves to a more stable public release.
• Future-Proofing Windows:
  By addressing issues with core components like the Start menu and Windows Update early on, Microsoft can ensure that future wider releases are more stable and refined. For enterprise users and everyday consumers alike, these iterative improvements are key to a robust operating system.

Broader Implications for Windows 11​

Beyond the immediate fixes, the ongoing refinement of Windows 11 through these insider builds signals Microsoft's ongoing commitment to evolving the OS for both performance and usability. Consider this: Even as new features like expanded voice access are introduced, fundamental systems such as Windows Update and the Start menu are receiving careful attention. This balanced approach ensures that the operating system remains both innovative and reliable.

• Enhanced Accessibility:
  With support for additional languages in voice access, users worldwide can interact more naturally with their devices—a move that strengthens Windows 11’s position as a truly global operating system.
• Stability and Performance:
  The fixes to Windows Update and the Start menu directly impact everyday productivity. A reliable Windows Update system means that users can stay secure with the latest patches, and a smoother Start menu enhances navigation and overall user satisfaction.

Technical Deep Dive: What’s Under the Hood​

The technical fixes implemented in this build may seem minor at first glance, but they highlight the intricacies involved in building a seamless operating system:

• Windows Update Fix:
  Ensuring that updates appear correctly in the history not only aids troubleshooting but also reinforces trust that all updates have been applied correctly. This kind of detail is especially critical in environments where system reliability is paramount.
• Start Menu Adjustment:
  Rearranging how Windows Tools-related apps are grouped may seem superficial, but it speaks volumes about usability. A well-organized Start menu can significantly reduce the time spent navigating the interface, making the daily workflow more efficient.
• Login and Lock Screen Stability:
  Addressing crashes on the login screen might prevent potential disruptions in dynamic corporate environments where downtime can lead to significant productivity losses.

Each fix is a reminder that even small changes can have a huge impact on the user experience, particularly when scaled across millions of devices.

Practical Tips for Insiders​

For users testing this build, consider these recommendations:

1. Monitor the Start Menu:
   Keep an eye on how apps appear in the grid and category views and report any persistent lag or misbehavior.
2. Verify Update History:
   After installing updates, double-check the Windows Update history to ensure that all quality updates are logged properly.
3. Test Voice Access:
   If you’re bilingual or using Chinese as your primary language, dive into the new voice access features and provide feedback on its accuracy and responsiveness.
4. Report Any Crashes:
   Use the Insider feedback hub to report any instances of the login screen or other stability issues. Every report helps refine the experience further.

Final Thoughts​

Windows 11 Beta build 22635.5090 reinforces the importance of the Insider Program in guiding the evolution of one of the world’s most used operating systems. By addressing known issues and introducing enhancements like Chinese voice access, Microsoft is ensuring that Windows 11 remains both innovative and reliable. As testing continues, insider feedback will be essential in ironing out the remaining kinks before these fixes become part of a broader, more polished release.
Are you ready to experience the nuanced improvements firsthand? Engage with the update, share your findings, and be an active contributor to the next generation of Windows 11.
Whether you’re a tech aficionado or an everyday user curious about the inner workings of your operating system, this update is a testament to the ongoing evolution and dedication behind Windows 11. Stay tuned and keep testing—every piece of feedback paves the way for a better, more refined user experience.

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Source: Neowin Windows 11 Beta build 22635.5090 is here to fix Windows Update, Start menu, and more