Explore New Features in Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 22621.870 & 22623.870

Hello WindowsForum.com community! Exciting news for all Windows 11 enthusiasts: Microsoft has just released Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 22621.870 and 22623.870 (KB5018499) to the Beta Channel. Here's an in-depth look at what’s new, what’s improved, and how these updates may affect your Windows experience.



### Key Differences Between the Builds



- Build 22623.870: New features are rolling out.

- Build 22621.870: New features are off by default.



#### Important Note:

Insiders who were previously on Build 22622 will automatically be moved to Build 22623 via an enablement package. This is to differentiate devices with new features rolled out from those with features off by default.



### What’s New in Build 22623.870?



#### Narrator Braille Driver Solution

A significant improvement for accessibility. Now, Braille devices continue working when switching between Narrator and third-party screen readers. To enable this:



1. Open Settings > Apps > Optional features > Installed features.

2. Search for Accessibility – Braille support and uninstall it.

3. Install the new narrator braille support via Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille.

4. Download and install braille from the new window.

5. Return to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille and select the Braille display driver used by your third-party screen reader.



For more detailed instructions, refer to the Narrator User Guide.



### Changes and Improvements in Build 22623.870



#### Taskbar

- Task Manager option added to right-click context menu on the taskbar based on user feedback. Note: This feature is being rolled out gradually.



### Fixes in Build 22623.870



#### Tablet-Optimized Taskbar

- Improved touch gestures and animations with the touch keyboard.



#### System Tray Updates

- Resolved an issue causing explorer.exe to crash when dragging icons in the system tray.



### Fixes for Both Build 22621.870 & Build 22623.870



- Enhanced Microsoft Account experience in Settings, including management of OneDrive subscriptions and storage alerts.

- New consent form for Windows Hello Face and Fingerprint users, offering choices for biometric data management.

- Improved search visual treatments on the taskbar for better discoverability.

- Updated Windows kernel vulnerable driver blocklist to protect against BYOVD attacks.

- OEMs now have extended control over HVCI enforcement for targeted hardware configurations.

- Fixed issues affecting Microsoft Azure Active Directory (AAD) Application Proxy connector.

- Various other fixes related to cached credentials, screen artifacts, title bar rendering, and Xbox Game Bar audio sync.



### Known Issues



#### General

- Ongoing investigations into reports of audio not working for some Insiders.



#### Tablet-Optimized Taskbar

- Taskbar flashing during transitions between desktop and tablet postures.

- Delays in taskbar transition to touch-optimized version.

- Issues with Quick Settings using the bottom right edge gesture.



### About the Beta Channel



The Beta Channel previews experiences that are closer to what Microsoft will ship to general customers. However, not all features tested here will make it to the final release.



For more insights, check out:

- Inside Windows 11: Meet the makers behind Windows 11.

- Windows Insider Program Documentation: Learn more about the program.

- Flight Hub: Track which build is in which Insider channel.



Stay tuned for more updates, and happy testing!



Thanks,

Amanda & Brandon



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