Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870: New Widgets & File Explorer Enhancements

Hello, Windows enthusiasts and insiders! It’s February 2025, and Microsoft has just unveiled Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (KB5050087) for the Beta Channel. This latest release focuses on introducing features that blend productivity, personalization, and IT management solutions for enterprise users. As ever, the beta testing process means some features might not make it to full release, but there's plenty for Insiders to sink their teeth into. Let’s break it all down—from widgets to File Explorer improvements.

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What’s New in Build 22635.4870 (Beta Channel)?​

1. Lock Screen Widgets: A Glimpse at the Future​

Microsoft is diving headfirst into lock screen customization, and the buzzword here is widgets. If you’re in the European Economic Area (EEA), you’ll now be able to curate your lock screen with tidbits like:

• Weather updates
• Sports scores
• Traffic conditions
• Watchlist notifications (for you stock market or content tracking geeks out there)

This evolution represents Microsoft’s vision to make lock screens more than just a “pretty face”—moving toward functionality that seamlessly integrates with daily life. Using the Settings > Personalization > Lock screen menu, users can add, remove, and rearrange widgets as they see fit.
Not a fan of widgets? Administrators in enterprise settings will be able to disable this feature through a new Group Policy. Accessible via the Local Group Policy Editor under Computer Configurations > Administrative Templates > Widgets, this policy provides centralized control over devices, particularly useful for companies that need stricter management of user environments.
Pro Tip: For users outside the EEA, you’ll still see the previous “Weather and More” widget implementation for now.

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2. File Explorer Gets a Social Touch​

Say hello to enhanced collaboration! With this update, users signed into work or school accounts (Entra ID) will see people icons in the “Activity” column of File Explorer. This nifty addition isn’t just for show—you’ll get real-time contextual information presented in Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365 when you hover or click on those icons. Features like this are gold for team collaboration, reducing the time spent hunting for details about who edited what document.

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3. Changes, Improvements, and Fixes Gradually Going Live​

Start Menu Refinements​

• Fixed a bug causing Start menu crashes when certain Insiders interacted with app-list letters.
• Color consistency improvements during dark/light mode switches in the Personalization settings.

File Explorer Stability​

• Restored minimized windows seamlessly. Previously, partially rendered screens caused frustration when bringing File Explorer back into view.
• Enhanced overall reliability and resolved crashes when dragging or dropping files.
• Fixed explorer.exe crashes caused by file operations in earlier builds.

USB Device Fixes​

• Resolved camera recognition issues from the January 2025 security patch.
• Fixed driver error codes (“Code 10: This device cannot start”) for USB external audio systems.

Miscellaneous​

• Rectified crashes of background processes like sihost.exe—thankfully reducing unexpected system hangs for beta testers.

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Known Issues: Yep, Beta Life Isn't Perfect​

Beta testers should brace for a few hiccups:

• File Explorer Sluggishness: Shutting down File Explorer using the X button or other title bar options may take longer than expected.
• Settings Crashes: If the Home page of the Settings app crashes, don’t fret—you can still access specific settings by using the Taskbar’s search feature.
• Enterprise Device Info Display: Non-managed computers with Microsoft accounts might incorrectly show two new enterprise-specific settings cards.

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For Beta Channel Insiders: Control Feature Rollouts and Enablement Packages​

Microsoft is sticking with its Control Feature Rollout (CFR) technology to deploy features incrementally. Here's how it works:

• Features are released to a subset of users first and gradually scaled based on feedback and bug reports. This means Insiders might not see new features right away.
• A toggle option in Settings > Windows Update lets users opt to receive experimental features earlier. Careful though—tweaking this comes with some risk of instability.
• Be aware that some functionalities may disappear entirely, never to see the light of day outside the insider program. This is Microsoft experimenting with possibilities, some of which might not quite hit the mark.

For instance, while lock screen widgets are promising, it remains to be seen whether they’ll make the cut into the full release or evolve into something even more innovative.

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Broader Context: Why These Features Matter​

• The widget race heats up: With companies like Apple and Google refining their widget ecosystems, Microsoft's lock screen widgets signify a game of catch-up and innovation. It paves the way for an integrated desktop and mobile-like experience for users.
• Enterprise-first collaboration: Enhancements like Live Persona Cards in File Explorer highlight Microsoft's ongoing commitment to enterprises, recognizing the need for seamless, hybrid work experiences.
• Beta Channel's Purpose: Frequent feedback-driven updates show a steady march toward refining Windows 11 into a truly collaborative and visually appealing OS. The Beta Channel offers a glimpse into features that could define productivity for years to come.

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Summary: Here's Your Takeaway​

With Build 22635.4870, Microsoft gives Insiders a taste of what’s on the horizon—polishing collaboration tools, expanding widget functionality, and ironing out bugs. From visual customization to improved device management, there’s plenty to appreciate here. If you’re in the Beta Channel, this is your time to play, provide feedback, and help mold the future of Windows 11.

Questions for the Community:​

• What would be your ideal widget addition to the new lock screen?
• Do you see value in collaborative touches like the File Explorer icons, or do you think they might feel too “enterprise-only” for casual users?

Let’s hash this out below! Remember, your feedback today could shape tomorrow’s most iconic Windows features.

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Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (Beta Channel)