Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.5116: New Features & Usability Enhancements

Windows 11 is constantly evolving, and the latest Insider Preview Build 22631.5116 ushers in a fresh set of features and refinements aimed squarely at enhancing usability, accessibility, and performance. In this update, Microsoft has zeroed in on core components—from File Explorer to the Settings app, Input methods, and Task Manager—to deliver a more polished experience for every kind of user.

A Deep Dive into the New Build​

Microsoft has taken a measured approach with this rollout. Some features are being introduced gradually via the Release Preview Channel, ensuring that feedback can be gathered and tweaks applied before they become universally available. The improvements span multiple areas, each designed to address long-standing requests and to fine-tune aspects of Windows 11 for both enterprise and consumer scenarios.

File Explorer: An Accessibility and Usability Overhaul​

One of the headline changes in Build 22631.5116 is the significant boost to File Explorer’s accessibility. In a bid to make everyday file management smoother, Microsoft has ramped up support for text scaling. Now, whether you’re working in File Explorer itself, or handling file operations in Open/Save or copy dialogs, larger text sizes will be rendered more cleanly. This is a crucial improvement for users who rely on increased text sizes due to visual impairments or simply prefer a more accessible interface. Enhancing usability in this way reflects Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and smoother user navigation, echoing the benefits discussed in recent Insider threads.
In addition to improved text scaling, File Explorer now features updated context menu labels that aid clarity. Users who depend on context menus for file actions will enjoy more descriptive labeling, making it easier to pick the right option on a first glance. Such small tweaks, though they may seem subtle, collectively contribute to a more intuitive interaction with the OS.

Settings App Gets a Fresh Look with New Spec Cards​

Moving over to the Settings app, the build unveils two noteworthy changes that both cater to enterprise needs and everyday users:

• Commercial Device Home Page: A new “Your Accounts” card is now available on commercial devices. This enhancement makes it easier for users in a corporate environment to immediately see and manage their account details.
• Top Cards in About Section: For those who like to keep a close eye on their system’s performance basics, a set of “top cards” now crowns the About page in Settings. These cards aggregate key system information—processor type, RAM, storage, and GPU details—in a clear, easy-to-read format. For tech enthusiasts and power users, having this snapshot of PC specifications right at their fingertips removes the need to dig through multiple layers or rely on third-party tools.

Furthermore, a minor yet appreciated fix has been included for Japanese users, ensuring that names in the Accounts section appear with the correct order (displaying “First Name” followed by “Last Name” rather than the reverse). This attention to localizing details goes a long way in smoothing out regional inconsistencies.

Input Innovations: The Gamepad Keyboard Layout​

Gaming isn’t just about high FPS; it’s also about how the tools around you adapt to your lifestyle. In this build, Microsoft introduces an innovative update to the touch keyboard—a new Gamepad layout. Tailored for those who use an Xbox controller, the keyboard now sports a design where keys are vertically aligned to facilitate controller navigation. Accelerated actions like mapping the X button to backspace and the Y button to spacebar allow for a more natural typing experience when you’re steering your gaming rig with a controller. This update highlights Microsoft’s keen awareness of different user modalities and its desire to make Windows 11 a truly versatile platform for both work and play.

Task Manager: Rethinking CPU Utilization Metrics​

It’s hard to overstate the importance of an accurate Task Manager for system diagnostics, yet it often gets overlooked. In Build 22631.5116, Microsoft revamps the way Task Manager calculates and displays CPU utilization. Now, the displayed values on the Processes, Performance, and Users pages adhere to industry-standard metrics. This change not only aligns Task Manager with third-party diagnostic tools but also ensures consistency across the board. For those who prefer the old metrics, a new optional column called “CPU Utility” has been added (hidden by default), preserving backward compatibility without sacrificing modern accuracy. This thoughtful dual approach allows both traditional analysts and new users to benefit from the update.

Additional System Enhancements Available for Everyone​

While the build brings out new features for Windows Insiders, several improvements are rolled out for all Windows users:

• File Systems Filter Support: A new function in the Filter Manager is now supported, enhancing the system’s ability to notify applications of directory changes while reducing unnecessary I/O operations. This refinement streamlines overall system performance, especially in environments with heavy file operations.
• Noto Fonts for East Asian Languages: To further polish the browsing experience, the update introduces the Noto font family. By upgrading text rendering for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean webpages, users in these regions can enjoy modern, crisp typography that provides a superior visual experience.
• Remote Desktop Troubleshooter Fix: Users who rely on Remote Desktop can breathe easier as issues with certain Get-Help troubleshooters not running in a remote session have been resolved.
• Mobile Connectivity Improvements via COSA: A persistent issue that led to incorrect IoT Access Point Name (APN) settings on connected PCs has been addressed. By fine-tuning mobile connectivity configurations, Microsoft has ensured a more reliable connection experience for mobile-enabled devices.
• Printer Driver Fixes: Printers using Independent Hardware Vendor (IHV) drivers, which previously might have printed unexpected or incorrect text, will now perform as intended without such quirks.
• File System Stability for Network Redirection: Users who have profiles redirected to a network Virtual Hard Disk (VHD or VHDX) can now expect a more robust experience. This update tackles issues that previously could lead to system crashes, ensuring reliability even in more complex network setups.
• Deprecation of Redundant Suggested Actions: In a move toward a more streamlined interface, the update now deprecates suggested actions that popped up when copying phone numbers or future dates in Windows 11. This small change helps reduce unnecessary prompts, decluttering the user experience.

What the New Changes Mean for Windows Users​

For both enterprise IT professionals and everyday enthusiasts, Build 22631.5116 signifies more than just a collection of bullet-point features—it reflects a broader strategic move by Microsoft to balance accessibility, performance, and user-centric design. Here are a few thoughts on why these updates matter:

• Enhanced Visual Accessibility: The expanded text scaling support in File Explorer and related dialogs underscores Microsoft’s emphasis on making the platform more accessible. In a world where screen sizes and display setups vary, ensuring that every user can comfortably interact with the system is a win for inclusivity.
• Streamlined System Management: By integrating vital system information directly into the Settings app via “top cards,” Microsoft simplifies hardware monitoring for all users. Whether you’re a casual user just curious about your PC’s performance or a professional considering upgrades, the information is right there—no extra software required.
• Improved Usability Across Input Devices: With the Gamepad keyboard layout, the update bridges the gap between traditional computing and hybrid gaming experiences. For users who like multitasking with a controller—especially prevalent in living room or couch gaming scenarios—this innovation adds an extra layer of versatility to Windows 11.
• Smarter Task Management: The recalibration of CPU metrics in Task Manager provides users with a more accurate view of system performance. This is particularly helpful for those encountering performance bottlenecks or troubleshooting system lags, as the new standard-based measurements facilitate better comparisons with industry benchmarks.
• Broader Ecosystem Stability: The miscellaneous improvements in Filter Manager, printer drivers, and network-based profile handling collectively enhance stability and reliability. These under-the-hood fixes, while not always immediately visible, create a more resilient system that can cope with a variety of use cases and operational environments.

Internal Impacts and Broader Trends​

Microsoft’s latest update is yet another example of iterative development focused on both patches and progressive enhancements. Rather than overhauling the system overnight, the company is fine-tuning key features based on user feedback from Insider programs. By using a gradual rollout mechanism, it can monitor how changes such as the new context menu labels or enhanced text scaling perform in real-world operations before committing them globally. This strategy not only reduces the risk of widespread issues but also fosters a sense of community empowerment as user feedback directly shapes the operating system’s trajectory.
It is also worth noting that these changes hint at a future where Windows is not just a productivity tool but an adaptable, multimedia-centric platform that caters equally to gamers, creatives, and enterprise professionals. The integration of customizable system trays for emojis and revamped input methods points toward a more dynamic and context-aware user interface—a move that could influence design paradigms well beyond Windows 11.

Practical Tips for Early Adopters and IT Pros​

For IT professionals managing fleets of Windows devices, several points are worth noting:

• Monitor Feedback: Since these features are being introduced gradually, use the Feedback Hub to report any glitches or usability issues you encounter. This helps Microsoft refine and perfect the final release.
• Test Compatibility: Especially for enterprise environments where custom settings and configurations are prevalent, test the new “Your Accounts” card and Top Cards in a staging environment before wide deployment.
• Evaluate Input Options: For setups that involve gaming consoles or require alternative input methods (like the new Gamepad keyboard), verify that all mappings and accelerators function correctly to ensure a consistent user experience.

For everyday users eager to experiment:

• Enable the Latest Updates: Ensure that you’ve toggled on the “latest updates” setting in Windows Update to get early access to these cutting-edge features.
• Customize Your Experience: Play around with the new context menu labels and file management tweaks in File Explorer—sometimes, subtle changes like these can significantly improve your workflow.
• Keep an Eye Out for Stability Patches: As with any beta release, some minor crashes or glitches might still surface. Stay tuned to Insider discussions and Windows forums for workarounds or upcoming fixes.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Windows 11?​

Build 22631.5116 is a strong indicator of Microsoft’s commitment to fine-tuning the core experience of Windows 11. It brings tangible improvements to areas that have long been the focus of user criticism—making file management more accessible, streamlining system information, and implementing smarter performance monitoring. Over time, as feedback accumulates and Microsoft refines these features further, the cumulative impact will likely lead to a more resilient and user-friendly operating system.
As these updates filter through the Insider community and begin their gradual rollout to all users, expect to see adjustments that not only improve usability but also pave the way for more ambitious changes in future updates. Whether you are a developer eager to leverage the new input modalities, a gamer who appreciates better control schemes, or an IT manager looking to boost device reliability, this build has something for you.

In Conclusion​

The release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.5116 exemplifies Microsoft’s iterative approach—balancing bold new features with critical stability improvements. From enhanced File Explorer accessibility and a revamped Settings experience to a new Gamepad keyboard layout and optimized Task Manager metrics, these updates show that even the smallest details matter. They not only improve the immediate user experience but also signal a broader commitment to inclusivity, efficiency, and innovation in one of the world’s most widely used operating systems.
For users following the evolution of Windows 11, this update is a testament to how far the platform has come—and an exciting glimpse of where it is headed. Stay engaged, provide feedback, and watch as these incremental changes lay the groundwork for a truly modern and adaptable PC experience.
Happy updating, and here’s to a more accessible, efficient, and dynamic Windows 11 experience!

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Source: Neowin Windows 11 build 22631.5116 is out with new settings cards, File Explorer improvements, more