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. When setting a new default browser via Settings > Apps > Default apps, additional file and link types will be associated with the chosen browser if it registers them. Additionally, 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, provided the browser registers for this file type.
- Windows Share: When sharing links or web content using the Windows share window, users will now see a visual preview of the content, enhancing the sharing experience.
The following features and improvements are rolling out broadly:
- File Explorer Enhancements: File Explorer has been modernized with a new Home interface powered by WinUI. For users signed into Windows with an Azure Active Directory (AAD) account, recommended files are displayed as a carousel with support for file thumbnails. Quick Access folders, Favorites, and Recent items have also been updated to align with the new design language.
- Address Bar and Search Box: The address bar in File Explorer now intelligently recognizes local versus cloud folders, displaying the appropriate status. OneDrive users will notice the address bar includes sync status and a quota flyout, providing quick insights into storage usage.
- Details Pane: A modernized details pane (accessible via ALT + Shift + P) offers contextual information about selected files, including thumbnails, share status, file activity, related files, and emails, facilitating efficient file management without opening the files.
- Windows Ink Improvements: Windows Ink has been enhanced to allow inking directly into edit fields, improving the accuracy of recognition technology and introducing a scratch-out gesture for easier edits. This feature currently supports English (U.S.) and can be managed via Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Pen and Windows Ink under “Shell Handwriting.”
- Volume Mixer in Quick Settings: An enhanced volume mixer has been integrated into Quick Settings, enabling per-app audio customization and the ability to swap devices on the fly. A new keyboard shortcut (WIN + CTRL + V) provides direct access to the volume mixer for faster control. Users can also enable Windows Sonic and other spatial sound technologies through a quick access list in the Microsoft Store.
- Windows Spotlight Enhancements: Improvements to Windows Spotlight include full-screen preview images, multiple opportunities to learn more about each image, and a minimized experience. Users can access the Windows Spotlight experience by right-clicking on the Spotlight icon on the desktop or double-clicking to launch a Bing landing page for more information.
- Passkey Support: Microsoft is advancing towards a passwordless future with passkeys, a secure replacement for passwords when signing into compatible websites and applications. Passkeys are phish-resistant, recoverable, and faster for users. Users can now create and sign in using passkeys through the Windows Hello native experience. Additionally, passkeys can be managed on Windows devices and on mobile devices.
- Unsafe Password Copy and Paste Warnings: Enhanced Phishing Protection in Microsoft Defender SmartScreen now warns users about unsafe password copy and paste in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome when the warning options are enabled in Windows Security.
- Narrator Natural Voices: New natural voices in Chinese, Spanish (Spain and Mexico), Japanese, and English (United Kingdom) are introduced for Narrator, allowing users to comfortably browse the web, read, write emails, and more. Natural Narrator voices use on-device text to speech and are supported without an internet connection.
- Local File Sharing Improvements: The built-in Windows share window and nearby sharing have been improved for sharing local files from your PC. The Windows share window now includes a search box, the ability to email files through Outlook, and displays suggested contacts for quicker sharing. Nearby sharing is now faster with Wi-Fi Direct.
- Camera Streaming Issues: If a camera streaming issue is detected, such as a camera failing to start or a closed camera shutter, a pop-up dialog will appear with the recommendation to launch the automated Get Help troubleshooter to resolve the issue.
- Urgent Notifications: Urgent or important notifications that break through when do not disturb is turned on while using apps at full screen will now display a “view notification” button to view the content of the notification for privacy.
- Taskbar Enhancements: The settings for never combined mode for the taskbar are now available under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. Additionally, the ability to end tasks by right-clicking an app on the taskbar is functioning correctly and can be managed under Settings > System > For developers.
- Emoji 15 Support: The Unicode Emoji 15 is beginning to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. Users will now be able to see, search for, and insert new emoji from the emoji panel, including more hearts, animals, and a new smiley face.
- Task View and Desktops: When navigating between desktops in Task View (WIN + CTRL + left or right arrows), labels will be shown. New sliding animations will also appear when changing desktops using trackpad gestures, touch gestures, hotkeys, and by clicking on the Task View flyout.
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 22631.5545 to the Release Preview Channel
