Windows 11 Build 22631.5545: New Features & Enhancements for Better User Experience

Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Build 22631.5545 (KB5060826) to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, introducing a suite of enhancements aimed at refining user experience and system functionality.

Gradual Rollout Features​

Some features are being introduced gradually and may not be immediately available to all users:

• App Defaults: In the European Economic Area (EEA), changes have been made to the default browser settings:
• The "Set default" button in Settings > Apps > Default apps now sets additional file and link types for the new default browser, provided it registers them.
• The new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless the user opts out by unchecking the respective boxes.
• A separate one-click button is now available for browsers to change the default application for .pdf files, if the browser registers for this file type.
• Windows Share: When sharing links or web content via the Windows share window, users will now see a visual preview of the content, enhancing the sharing experience.

General Availability Features​

The following features and improvements are being rolled out more broadly:

• File Explorer Enhancements:
• Modernized Home and Address Bar: File Explorer's Home page has been updated with a modern design powered by WinUI. For users signed in with an Azure Active Directory (AAD) account, recommended files are displayed as a carousel with file thumbnails. The address bar now intelligently recognizes local versus cloud folders, displaying OneDrive sync status and quota information for OneDrive users.
• Details Pane: A new details pane (accessible via ALT + Shift + P) provides contextual information about selected files, including thumbnails, sharing status, file activity, related files, and emails.
• Windows Ink Improvements: Users can now write directly into text fields using a pen, eliminating the need for a dedicated handwriting panel. This feature currently supports English (U.S.) and can be managed under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink.
• Volume Mixer in Quick Settings: An enhanced volume mixer allows for per-app audio customization and quick device swapping. Users can access this feature via the new keyboard shortcut WIN + CTRL + V.
• Windows Spotlight Enhancements: The Windows Spotlight experience now includes full-screen image previews and additional information about each image. Users can access this feature by right-clicking the Spotlight icon on the desktop.
• Local File Sharing Improvements: The Windows share window has been redesigned to align with Windows 11 design principles. Users can now email files directly through Outlook within the share window, which also includes a search box for contacts and displays suggested contacts for quicker sharing. Nearby sharing has been improved for faster file transfers using Wi-Fi Direct.
• Taskbar and System Tray Updates:
• Notifications: Notifications now appear as a bell icon in the system tray, which colorizes based on the system accent color when new notifications arrive. The bell icon remains empty when there are no notifications.
• Task Manager: The Task Manager settings page has been updated to match Windows 11 design principles.
• Emoji Updates: The Unicode Emoji 15 set is now available, allowing users to see, search for, and insert new emojis from the emoji panel.
• Task View and Desktops: When navigating between desktops in Task View (WIN + CTRL + left or right arrows), labels are now displayed. New sliding animations are also introduced when changing desktops using trackpad gestures, touch gestures, hotkeys, or by clicking on the Task View flyout.
• Voice Access: Voice access is now available on the Lock screen, allowing users to log in and access other areas using voice commands.
• Settings Enhancements:
• Energy Recommendations: An additional energy recommendation has been added under Settings > System > Power & battery > Energy recommendations for adjusting the refresh rate to conserve energy.
• Startup Apps: The design of the lists displayed under Settings > Apps > Startup Apps and Settings > Apps > Advanced App Settings > App Execution Alias pages has been updated for consistency with other Settings pages.

These updates reflect Microsoft's ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience and system functionality in Windows 11.

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Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 22631.5545 to the Release Preview Channel