Hello, Windows enthusiasts! Microsoft recently unveiled Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4515 (KB5046756) in the Beta Channel, and it’s packed with new features, improvements, and bug fixes. Whether you’re a power user, a developer, or just curious about what’s next in the Windows ecosystem, there's something here guaranteed to pique your interest. Let’s dive deep into what makes this build noteworthy and how it shapes the Windows 11 landscape.
If managing interruptions isn’t your cup of tea, the feature can be toggled off under Settings > Apps > Resume.
For developers, integrating passkeys is now simpler than ever. A whole new playground awaits with support for plugins that can generate or authenticate passkeys—making passwords an outdated relic of the past.
Microsoft hasn’t just gifted us new features—they're also taking care of pesky bugs. Here are some notable fixes:
Beta Channel insiders benefit from Control Feature Rollout technology, whereby features are rolled out to a subset of users first before expanding it to everyone. These features might change over time, and some could fizzle out altogether based on feedback. Developers and enthusiasts can toggle on the "get the latest updates" setting under Settings > Windows Update to be among the first to test them.
Developers will undoubtedly look forward to leveraging Windows' expanded passkey API. Security innovations like these are sure to raise the stakes in the race toward eliminating passwords altogether, a relevant move as cyber threats continue to rise.
Accessibility advocates will appreciate tweaks like the new Magnifier shortcut, showing that Microsoft is making strides to create an OS that includes everyone.
What do you think? Will you be trying out these features? Are there more ideas you'd love to see come to life in Windows 11? Let’s discuss!
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4515 (Beta Channel)
1. OneDrive Cross-Device Resume
You know that annoying moment when you’re bouncing between your phone and PC trying to pick up where you left off? Microsoft is tackling this with a new OneDrive cross-device resume feature. Here’s how it works:- If you view or edit a Word doc, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint, OneNote, or PDF on your phone (iOS or Android), you’ll get a notification on your Windows 11 PC within 5 minutes of unlocking it asking if you want to resume.
- The document will open directly in your browser when you click the notification.
- This feature works only if you're signed into OneDrive with the same Microsoft account on both devices. It does not support work or school accounts—at least for now.
Why This is Cool:
This step marks Microsoft’s push toward seamless device integration. The ability to easily switch between phone and computer feels like a necessary convenience in a multi-device world. Whether you're doing business presentations or editing a personal resume, staying in sync has become effortlessly streamlined.If managing interruptions isn’t your cup of tea, the feature can be toggled off under Settings > Apps > Resume.
2. Passwordless Login Gets a Boost
Microsoft is moving closer to a "passwordless future" by introducing API support for third-party passkey providers. Essentially, this means more ways to log in securely without a password, and here’s the technical bit:- Windows Hello expands its compatibility to support WebAuthn plugin-based authentication. In other words, developers can now create passkey plugins that integrate with Windows Hello.
- This opens the door for a more diverse selection of secure login methods.
Use Case & Benefits:
Third-party passkey managers like 1Password and Dashlane could potentially leverage this feature to let users authenticate seamlessly within the Windows ecosystem, while keeping the awesome user experience of Windows Hello intact.For developers, integrating passkeys is now simpler than ever. A whole new playground awaits with support for plugins that can generate or authenticate passkeys—making passwords an outdated relic of the past.
1. Enhanced File Sharing From the Start Menu
Right-clicking files in the Recommended section of the Start menu now has a "Share" option. This tiny tweak saves time when you quickly need to send files across platforms.2. Magnifier gets a toggle shortcut
For accessibility champions, there’s a new keyboard shortcut: CTRL + ALT + Minus. This lets Magnifier users instantly switch between their current zoom level and 1x zoom. It's a simple yet valuable addition that aids not only users with visual impairments but also those who often need minute screen-level details zoomed in.
Microsoft hasn’t just gifted us new features—they're also taking care of pesky bugs. Here are some notable fixes:- File Explorer Stability: Issues related to
explorer.execrashes while creating folders or navigating the address bar have been resolved. - Cloud Files Display: Thumbnails for cloud files now display more consistently (no more head-scratching at blank icons).
- Search Context Menus: Improved performance when launching context menus for cloud-based files in File Explorer.
Beta Channel insiders benefit from Control Feature Rollout technology, whereby features are rolled out to a subset of users first before expanding it to everyone. These features might change over time, and some could fizzle out altogether based on feedback. Developers and enthusiasts can toggle on the "get the latest updates" setting under Settings > Windows Update to be among the first to test them.What Does This Mean for You?
For average users, this Insider Preview offers exciting new conveniences with features like OneDrive’s cross-device syncing and robust file-sharing right from the Start menu. If you’re someone who juggles work across devices, the cross-device resume is a definite game-changer.Developers will undoubtedly look forward to leveraging Windows' expanded passkey API. Security innovations like these are sure to raise the stakes in the race toward eliminating passwords altogether, a relevant move as cyber threats continue to rise.
Accessibility advocates will appreciate tweaks like the new Magnifier shortcut, showing that Microsoft is making strides to create an OS that includes everyone.
How to Test These Features Yourself?
If you’re already enrolled in the Windows Insider Beta Channel and have the toggle turned on for faster updates:- Check for Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install Build 22635.4515.
- Test Drive the Features:
- For OneDrive Cross-Device Resume: Open, edit, or view a file on your smartphone; lock your PC and unlock it within 5 minutes. Look for the continuation notification.
- For Passkey APIs: Developers might want to start exploring! Check out the plugin APIs at
aka.ms/3P-Plugin-API.
Closing Thoughts
With Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4515, Microsoft continues to innovate and push boundaries, emphasizing usability, security, and accessibility. From tightening the noose on passwords to fostering better device integration, this build represents what’s possible when convenience and security are given equal priority.What do you think? Will you be trying out these features? Are there more ideas you'd love to see come to life in Windows 11? Let’s discuss!
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4515 (Beta Channel)