Windows 11 Beta Build 22635.5097: Enhancements and Fixes Explained

The long-awaited Windows 11 Beta build 22635.5097 is here, and it promises a smoother, more refined experience for Insiders running Windows 11 version 23H2. With a blend of functional improvements and bug fixes, Microsoft is addressing everyday hiccups—from File Explorer glitches to Sandbox snafus—in a bid to further improve the operating system’s responsiveness and usability. Let’s dig into the specifics of this update, explore its broader implications, and consider how it reflects Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to iterative enhancement.

A Comprehensive Overview of the Update​

The latest build comes with a series of tweaks and fixes rolled out under the Beta Channel. While the improvements might seem incremental, they address a range of issues that have affected day-to-day usage. Microsoft outlines several key areas of focus:

• Enhanced File Explorer accessibility and functionality
• Taskbar behavior adjustments in different language settings
• Input responsiveness improvements, especially for voice typing
• A refined login and lock screen experience
• Critical Windows Sandbox fixes

This approach underscores Microsoft’s ethos of continuous improvement for Insiders who get to experience pre-release builds. It also provides a solid foundation for future stable iterations of Windows 11.
Summary: The new build 22635.5097 enhances multiple aspects of Windows 11 Beta, focusing on core components that many users rely on daily.

File Explorer Enhancements: Making File Management Smoother​

File Explorer has long been the nerve center for users managing files and directories, and this update makes some welcome improvements:

• Expanded Text Scaling for Accessibility:
  Microsoft is continuing its push for greater accessibility in Windows 11. The update now includes expanded support for text scaling across various warning and error message dialogs accessible via Settings > Accessibility > Text Size. This means that users with specific visual needs will find File Explorer more readable and easier to navigate.
• Resolution of Indexer Hangs:
  A persistent issue where a hung search indexer could freeze File Explorer has been addressed. This fix is particularly important for power users who rely on efficient file searching to manage large volumes of documents. No more frustrating freezes that disrupt workflow!
• Fixes for Displaying File Dates:
  Another update detail resolves a bug where dates for files and folders in the Home view might appear unexpectedly blank. Accurate file metadata is crucial, especially when tracking document histories or managing time-sensitive files.
• Improved Launch Reliability:
  Reliability in launching File Explorer is critical, and Microsoft has targeted an issue impacting the application’s start-up. By enhancing launch reliability, this update ensures that users can access their files without delay or unexpected errors.

Summary: File Explorer is more accessible and reliable, with fixes ranging from text scaling issues to performance improvements that are essential for everyday productivity.

Taskbar and Input Improvements: Enhanced Multilingual and Input Experiences​

Microsoft has also taken the opportunity to refine other user interface elements, ensuring that every component of the OS works harmoniously:

• Taskbar Navigation in RTL Languages:
  One notable fix improves taskbar navigation for users with Hebrew or Arabic display languages. Previously, pressing WIN + T followed by the arrow keys would result in focus moving in the wrong direction. Now, taskbar icon navigation is corrected, ensuring that right-to-left language users have a more intuitive experience.
• Voice Typing on the Touch Keyboard:
  For users relying on voice-to-text features, there’s good news: an issue preventing voice typing from starting when the Chinese (Simplified) narrow layout is used on the touch keyboard has been rectified. This small but significant change will allow for smoother, on-the-go input even in non-Latin character environments.

Summary: These fixes not only bolster overall functionality but also enhance the user experience for those working in diverse languages, showcasing Microsoft’s attention to inclusivity and precise input methodologies.

Login and Lock Screen Updates: Streamlined Entry Experience​

Even the nuances of the login screen have received a subtle yet effective refresh:

• Updated Web Sign-In Icon:
  In an effort to achieve a more consistent visual experience, the web sign-in icon on the login screen has been slightly adjusted to better align with other icons. While it might seem like a minor cosmetic fix, such refinements contribute to the overall polish and professionalism that users expect from Windows 11.

Summary: With a more streamlined login and lock screen, users experience a cohesive and visually appealing entry point into their PCs.

Windows Sandbox Fixes: Ensuring a Secure Testing Environment​

For many Windows Power Users and developers, Windows Sandbox is an invaluable tool—it provides an isolated environment for testing apps, browsing risky websites, and running unknown code without jeopardizing the main system.

• Addressing the Launch Failure Issue:
  Prior builds saw some Insiders encountering a critical error 0x80072746 when trying to launch Windows Sandbox. This bug, which prevented the sandbox from starting, has now been fixed. This correction is essential for those who depend on Sandbox for safe testing and evaluation of software.

Summary: With the Windows Sandbox now more reliable, users can confidently isolate and test software without the fear of unexpected launch failures.

Known Bugs and the Road Ahead​

No software update is complete without its set of known issues, and this build is no exception. The update comes with a few expected quirks, particularly related to the revamped Start menu:

• Start Menu Grid and Category Views:
  Some Insiders have reported that after installing new apps, there is sometimes a delay before app icons populate the grid and category views on the “All” page of the Start menu. Additionally, when right-clicking on an application, a flash of the “Start settings” context menu appears briefly before the actual menu is displayed.

These issues might seem minor but are critical from a usability perspective. They serve as a reminder that while the update brings significant improvements, some transitional disruptions still exist as Microsoft refines the new Start menu experience.
Summary: Although the update addresses several critical problems, the temporary glitches with the Start menu illustrate the iterative nature of Beta builds, where feedback and continual adjustments pave the way for further improvements.

Implications for Windows Insiders and Beyond​

For Windows Insiders, updates like build 22635.5097 are more than just maintenance releases—they represent an ongoing dialogue between Microsoft and its community. By addressing real usability issues, enhancing accessibility, and fine-tuning the operating system’s performance, Microsoft is reinforcing its commitment to a robust and dynamic Windows experience.

Why These Changes Matter​

• Enhanced Productivity:
  Improvements to File Explorer and taskbar navigation directly impact daily workflows. Whether you’re a business professional managing a myriad of documents or a developer juggling multiple projects, these optimizations can translate into tangible productivity gains.
• Greater Accessibility:
  The focus on accessibility isn’t just lip service. By ensuring text scaling functions properly across all dialogs, even users with visual impairments or varying display needs receive a more personalized experience. This shift underscores the importance of inclusive design in modern operating systems.
• Language and Localization Improvements:
  Addressing issues specific to right-to-left languages and localized input methods shows a commitment that goes beyond the typical Western-centric design. It’s a nod to the global community of Windows users, ensuring that language and cultural differences are respected and accommodated.
• Security and Testing Enhancements:
  The fix for Windows Sandbox is particularly noteworthy. It not only facilitates safer testing environments for developers but also reinforces a security model where potential threats can be isolated and managed without impacting the host system.

Summary: The update is more than a series of bug fixes—it’s an incremental transformation that touches upon productivity, accessibility, language localization, and security, all of which are vital to a positive user experience.

Steps for Updating and Providing Feedback​

If you’re enrolled in the Windows Insider program and interested in testing these improvements, here’s a quick guide on what to do next:

1. Open Settings and navigate to Windows Update.
2. Ensure you’re on the Beta Channel for Windows 11 version 23H2.
3. Check for available updates, and if build 22635.5097 is available, download and install it.
4. Once installed, explore the various enhancements—from launching File Explorer to testing Windows Sandbox.
5. Should you encounter any persistent issues, especially with the new Start menu layout, file feedback through the designated Windows Feedback Hub. Your unique experience helps Microsoft smooth out remaining wrinkles in the build.

Summary: Windows Insiders have an easy route to update their systems and play a critical role in refining early builds through constructive feedback.

Wrapping Up: The Value of Iterative Refinement​

In a tech landscape where perfection is a moving target, Microsoft’s strategy of releasing incremental yet meaningful updates ensures that Windows continually evolves to meet user needs. Build 22635.5097, with its mix of stability improvements and functional fixes, clearly reflects this philosophy. By addressing issues that directly impact day-to-day tasks—from the simple task of opening File Explorer to the more complex demands of sandboxed testing—Microsoft is paving the way for a more stable, accessible, and user-friendly Windows 11 experience.
For Windows Insiders and everyday users alike, these advances signal a commitment to not only maintaining but also elevating the standard of operational excellence. While no update is without its quirks, the proactive approach of incorporating user feedback ensures that every subsequent build gets closer to transformation perfection.
Final Summary: Windows 11 build 22635.5097 is a testament to Microsoft’s continuous drive to improve the operating system. The refined File Explorer, adjusted taskbar behavior, improved input methods, and a more reliable Windows Sandbox combine to enhance overall user experience while paving the way for further refinements. As always, early feedback from Insiders remains crucial in building a better Windows for everyone.
With these updates in hand, Windows users have reason to be optimistic about the future of the operating system. Whether you’re a professional, a creative, or a dedicated Windows Insider, the new build’s improvements represent a step forward in Microsoft's ongoing quest to perfect the Windows experience.

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Source: Neowin Windows 11 build 22635.5097 is out with Sandbox fixes, File Explorer improvements and more