Greetings, Windows enthusiasts! It's time to get our geeky hands on the freshly released Insider Preview Build 22635.4800 for Windows 11, now rolling out to the Beta Channel. As per usual, Microsoft has graced us with an array of fancy updates, nifty features, and a sprinkle of known bugs—because what’s an update without some quirks, right? In this detailed breakdown, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from groundbreaking enhancements to those sneaky pitfalls users need to watch out for.
Windows 11 Insider Build 22635.4800 is relatively stable yet experimental. The widgets innovation alone is a hint Microsoft’s pushing further into hybrid web apps while faithfully supporting legacy compatibility.
Whether you’re a seasoned tech buff or an intrigued casual user, this build is prepping Windows 11 for 2025—and we’ve got ringside seats. Have fun exploring!
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/01/17/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-22635-4800-beta-channel/
The Two Buckets: What’s Being Delivered?
Microsoft has divided their changelog for this Insider Build into two neat categories:- Updates Gradually Rolling Out via Toggle-On Settings: Features for the brave Insiders who toggle on experimental updates in Settings > Windows Update.
- Updates for Everyone in the Beta Channel: Rolled out broadly, no toggling required—think of it as the default scoop.
Highlights of Features Gradually Rolling Out
1. Widgets Just Got Web-Savvy
- What’s New: Web developers can now leverage their existing web content to create dynamic and interactive widgets for Windows 11. Think of widgets turning your desktop into a live, buzzing hub of data—perfect for weather, breaking news, or even a custom feed from your favorite tech blog.
- Why It Matters: This bridges the gap between static dashboard widgets and web-based interactivity. Developers no longer need to build from scratch, streamlining widget innovation. Could this be Windows' subtle move to lure more web developers into creating richer apps?
2. File Explorer Tab Behavior Rewound
- The Situation: Remember how File Explorer recently started opening in a new tab within an existing window? Well, Microsoft pressed pause on that. Why? Glitches. It’s temporarily disabled until perfect.
- Why Care? File Explorer tabbing is one of the most anticipated modernizations. Rolling it back signals that even cool features need a careful polishing phase when bugs emerge.
3. Windows Backup Becomes Taskbar-Friendly
- What’s New: When restoring from a Windows Backup during the Out-of-Box-Experience (OOBE) on a new PC, the restored system will now include the standard Windows 11 taskbar layout. Apps left unpinned? No problem. They’ll still be searchable within Start Menu.
- Practical Takeaway: This change hints at Microsoft's increasing efforts to simplify the onboarding process, especially when transferring setups across new PCs in enterprises or homes.
4. Enhanced Web Search Providers for EEA Users
- Who Benefits? If you’re in the European Economic Area (EEA), Windows Search is becoming more transparent, especially with how it interacts with web search providers. Expect clearer attributions in tabs when a search engine delivers results.
5. New ‘Top Cards’ in System Settings
- Feature Breakdown:
- Where Is It? Go to Settings > System > About.
- What Does It Do? Displays processor, RAM, storage, and GPU specs upfront.
- Why Cool? This feature simplifies your decision-making if you're debating hardware upgrades. It’s a crisp snapshot of what your PC can handle, laying groundwork for both power users and rookies navigating their system settings.
Bug Fixes Rolling Out Gradually on Toggle
Improved Accessibility in File Explorer
- Scaling text in File Explorer, File Open/Save dialog boxes, and copy dialogs is now smoother than ever. A win for user accessibility, as text scaling ensures an optimal experience for users with visual impairments.
Features for Everyone in the Beta Channel
Taskbar Alignment Post-Windows Backup
Yup, the standardized taskbar after restoration isn't just a toggle-enabled feature—it’s rolling out to everyone. A universal quality-of-life update!Known Issues to Keep on Your Radar
1. File Explorer Has a Mood- If you minimize a window in File Explorer, anticipate render problems when restoring it. No immediate workaround mentioned, but hey, proactive bug reports to Microsoft via the Feedback Hub might just help speed things along.
- Settings' home page might crash—it’s messy, but specific Settings pages can still be opened directly using Windows Search on the Taskbar.
- The two new enterprise-specific Settings cards (device info and accessibility preferences) seem to be misbehaving. They’re inexplicably showing up on non-managed PCs linked to Microsoft accounts. Awkward.
What Does This Build Mean for Insiders?
This update is largely about usability tweaks and polishing features in preview. While nothing earth-shattering lands in this build, the hints towards widget extensibility, File Explorer upgrades, and even tiny details like the "Top Cards" display mean Microsoft’s bread-and-butter features are stepping into 2025 polished and refined.How This Impacts Daily Users:
- For Developers: The widget updates could push third-party app developers to offer more engaging desktop integrations. Imagine embedding your work projects or social feeds seamlessly into your desktop!
- For Businesses: New tools in settings (for enterprise systems) show that Microsoft is doubling down on simplifying system-level management for IT departments.
- For Gamers and Power Users: Easily-accessible performance specs in ‘About’ Top Cards help diagnose hardware bottlenecks faster than ever.
Reminders for Beta Channel Insiders
Here's a quick PSA for Insiders:- Features in this build are debuted using Control Feature Rollouts (CFRs). Translation? It’s like beta testing for beta testers! Not everyone will receive these features at the same time.
- If you’re eager to live on the frontline (hello, togglers!), ensure you’ve enabled Settings > Windows Update > Latest Features toggle. Don’t like surprises? Leave it switched off, and the updates roll out when deemed stable.
Does It Feel Buggy? Report Away!
If you hit snags, head to Feedback Hub—after all, that's what being an Insider is about, right? From known rendering woes to Settings crashes, every report helps refine the OS.Windows 11 Insider Build 22635.4800 is relatively stable yet experimental. The widgets innovation alone is a hint Microsoft’s pushing further into hybrid web apps while faithfully supporting legacy compatibility.
Whether you’re a seasoned tech buff or an intrigued casual user, this build is prepping Windows 11 for 2025—and we’ve got ringside seats. Have fun exploring!
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/01/17/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-22635-4800-beta-channel/
