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Hello, Windows enthusiasts! The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25300 has been released to the Dev Channel, bringing a slew of new features, significant updates, and bug fixes. Here's a detailed breakdown of what's new and improved in this build, particularly focusing on features that will enhance your user experience.
### Key Highlights
#### Live Captions in More Languages
A standout feature in this build is the expansion of live captions. Initially, live captions were available only in English (United States), but now they support multiple languages such as Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, and other English dialects. This is a significant boost for accessibility, helping users who are deaf or hard of hearing read captions in their native language.
To enable live captions, use the shortcut WIN + Ctrl + L, or navigate via the quick settings accessibility flyout. The first-time setup will prompt you to download the necessary speech recognition support for on-device captioning.
#### Improvements to Snap Layouts
Snap layouts are getting some attention as well. This build introduces various treatments to improve the discoverability and usage of snap layouts. Changes include reducing the hover time to invoke the flyout when you mouse over the maximize/restore button and enhancing visual cues by including the app's icon and descriptive title. Feedback from users is key, and due to some issues, certain treatments have been paused temporarily.
#### Voice Typing Enhancements
The voice typing settings, which include automatic punctuation and the voice typing launcher, can now sync across all devices using the same Microsoft account. This feature can be toggled via Settings > Accounts > Windows backup > Remember my preferences > Accessibility and supports both personal and AAD accounts.
#### Microsoft Store Overhaul
Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel who have the latest version of the Microsoft Store (22301.1401.1.0 and higher) will notice several visual improvements. The featured sections on the homepage, search result layout, and product cards for apps have all been redesigned to offer a more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing experience. These changes include better alignment with Fluent Design system controls and new animations.
### Fixes and Known Issues
This build comes with several bug fixes that improve system stability and user experience:
- System Tray & Taskbar: Fixed issues where the taskbar could be cut off after resolution changes and app icons could switch window focus unexpectedly when hovered over.
- Task Manager: Several fixes for how Narrator reads content, spellcheck inconsistencies, and other UI issues were addressed.
- File Explorer: Issues with drag-and-drop across tabs have been resolved.
However, some known issues persist:
- Longer Update Times: Some users are experiencing extended update times. Logs can be submitted through Feedback Hub.
- Windows Hello on Arm64: Facial recognition may not work; using a Hello PIN is the suggested workaround.
- Snipping Tool Issue: The New button for Snipping Tool may not work post-update. Setting screen snipping as the default for ms-screenclip in settings can resolve this.
### Additional Improvements
- Startup Settings: The Settings > Apps > Startup section has been updated for better information access.
- WSL Upgrade Prompt: Improved prompts for installing the new Windows Subsystem for Linux Store app when
### Final Thoughts
The Dev Channel builds are crucial for testing long-lead features that may or may not make it into the final Windows release. Each build comes with its own set of enhancements, bug fixes, and sometimes new issues, making your feedback invaluable for shaping the future of Windows.
For more details about this build, feel free to visit the official Windows Insider Blog.
Stay tuned for more updates, and happy testing!
---
Amanda & Brandon
Hello, Windows enthusiasts! The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25300 has been released to the Dev Channel, bringing a slew of new features, significant updates, and bug fixes. Here's a detailed breakdown of what's new and improved in this build, particularly focusing on features that will enhance your user experience.
### Key Highlights
#### Live Captions in More Languages
A standout feature in this build is the expansion of live captions. Initially, live captions were available only in English (United States), but now they support multiple languages such as Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, and other English dialects. This is a significant boost for accessibility, helping users who are deaf or hard of hearing read captions in their native language.
To enable live captions, use the shortcut WIN + Ctrl + L, or navigate via the quick settings accessibility flyout. The first-time setup will prompt you to download the necessary speech recognition support for on-device captioning.
#### Improvements to Snap Layouts
Snap layouts are getting some attention as well. This build introduces various treatments to improve the discoverability and usage of snap layouts. Changes include reducing the hover time to invoke the flyout when you mouse over the maximize/restore button and enhancing visual cues by including the app's icon and descriptive title. Feedback from users is key, and due to some issues, certain treatments have been paused temporarily.
#### Voice Typing Enhancements
The voice typing settings, which include automatic punctuation and the voice typing launcher, can now sync across all devices using the same Microsoft account. This feature can be toggled via Settings > Accounts > Windows backup > Remember my preferences > Accessibility and supports both personal and AAD accounts.
#### Microsoft Store Overhaul
Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel who have the latest version of the Microsoft Store (22301.1401.1.0 and higher) will notice several visual improvements. The featured sections on the homepage, search result layout, and product cards for apps have all been redesigned to offer a more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing experience. These changes include better alignment with Fluent Design system controls and new animations.
### Fixes and Known Issues
This build comes with several bug fixes that improve system stability and user experience:
- System Tray & Taskbar: Fixed issues where the taskbar could be cut off after resolution changes and app icons could switch window focus unexpectedly when hovered over.
- Task Manager: Several fixes for how Narrator reads content, spellcheck inconsistencies, and other UI issues were addressed.
- File Explorer: Issues with drag-and-drop across tabs have been resolved.
However, some known issues persist:
- Longer Update Times: Some users are experiencing extended update times. Logs can be submitted through Feedback Hub.
- Windows Hello on Arm64: Facial recognition may not work; using a Hello PIN is the suggested workaround.
- Snipping Tool Issue: The New button for Snipping Tool may not work post-update. Setting screen snipping as the default for ms-screenclip in settings can resolve this.
### Additional Improvements
- Startup Settings: The Settings > Apps > Startup section has been updated for better information access.
- WSL Upgrade Prompt: Improved prompts for installing the new Windows Subsystem for Linux Store app when
wsl.exe is invoked.### Final Thoughts
The Dev Channel builds are crucial for testing long-lead features that may or may not make it into the final Windows release. Each build comes with its own set of enhancements, bug fixes, and sometimes new issues, making your feedback invaluable for shaping the future of Windows.
For more details about this build, feel free to visit the official Windows Insider Blog.
Stay tuned for more updates, and happy testing!
---
Amanda & Brandon
