Microsoft has just dropped one of the biggest beta updates for Windows 11. Yes, the new update comes out with a big list of new features and changes. As usual, there are two builds one rolling out with new features, while the features are turned off on the second build. The latest Windows 11 beta update comes with 22631.2050 (KB5028256) version number, here are all details about the new update.
Modernized File Explorer
With today’s update, Windows 11 beta testers can try out the all-new modernized File Explorer powered by WinUI. The new File Explorer includes a new Home page, a modernized address bar, a search box to File Explorer, and a modernized details pane.
Other than that, Quick Access folders (available by default for users signed into Windows with a Microsoft account), Favorites, and Recent also bring in an updated experience with WinUI.
Dynamic Lighting Controls
The next feature coming with today’s update is Dynamic Lighting, yes, it has been available for Canary and Developers. And now it is finally available for beta testers, it allows Windows users and developers with native control of Lighting Devices implementing the open HID LampArray standard. Microsoft said several device manufacturers including Acer, ASUS, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer, and Twinkly have partnered with Microsoft on Dynamic Lighting.
Here’s the list of supported Keyboards:
- Coming soon: ASUS ROG Scope II Wireless 96 Gaming Keyboard
- Razer BlackWidow V3
- Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
- Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini
- Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless
- Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
- Razer DeathStalker V2
- Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro
- Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro TKL
- Razer Huntsman Mini
- Razer Huntsman Mini Analog
- Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
- Razer Huntsman V2
- Razer Huntsman V2 Analog
- Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless
- Razer Ornata V2
- Razer Ornata V3
- Razer Ornata V3 TKL
- Razer Turret Keyboard Xbox One Edition
Here’s the list of supported Mice:
- Coming soon: ASUS ROG Harpe Ace AimLab Edition Gaming Mouse
- Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse
- Razer Turret Mouse Xbox One
- Razer DeathAdder V2
- Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro
- Razer Naga Left-Handed
- Razer Naga Pro
Better Windows Ink Experience
Talking about the next feature, then the latest Windows 11 beta lets users enable inking directly onto edit fields. There’s a better accuracy too, currently, the updated Windows Ink is limited to English (U.S.) only and will be expanded to more languages in the future.
New Volume Mixer in Quick Settings
Windows 11 beta also receives new Volume Mixer settings in Quick Settings. The updated audio quick settings experience brings a modern volume mixer that allows for quick customization of audio on a per-app basis, with additional control to swap devices on the fly.
Windows Spotlight Improvements
Windows Spotlight is another feature which gets enhanced with today’s update. The new experience lets you preview images to, full screen, multiple opportunities to learn more about each image, and a minimized experience. Currently, the new spotlight is limited to select beta users and rolling out in batches.
Passwordless Experience
Last month, Microsoft introduced the new Passwordless experience with the Windows 11 insider preview build 23486. Now it goes live to the beta channel, Microsoft said the future is passwordless. Passkeys will replace traditional passwords, you can use these keys to sign into a website or application that supports them.
Unsafe Password Warnings
Starting with today’s beta, you will get a popup dialog for using unsafe passwords. You can enable the new feature in Windows Security under App & browser control > Reputation-based protection > Phishing protection and see a UI warning on unsafe password copy and paste, just as they currently see when they type in their password.
Natural Narrator Voices & Local File Sharing Improvements
Narrator Natural Voices get new natural voices in Chinese, Spanish (Spain and Mexico), Japanese and English (United Kingdom). Microsoft bring improvements to the Local File Sharing. Check out the list of other changes and improvements coming with today’s update.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.2050 – Changes and Improvements
- General
- If a camera streaming issue is detected such as a camera failing to start or a closed camera shutter, a pop-up dialog will appear with the recommendation to launch the automated Get Help troubleshooter to resolve the issue.
- Urgent or important notifications that break through when do not disturb is turned on while using apps at full screen will now display a “view notification” button to view the content of the notification for privacy.
- Taskbar & System Tray
- The settings for never combined mode for the taskbar are showing up under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors in this build however they currently do not enable the experience. This will be fixed in a future Beta Channel flight soon.
- The ability to end task when right-clicking an app on the taskbar should be working correctly in this build and can be managed under Settings > System > For developers.
- Emoji
- The Unicode Emoji 15 is beginning to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. Users will now be able to see, search for and insert new emoji from the emoji panel. Here are a few of our Emoji 15 designs which include more hearts, animals and one new smiley face.
- Task View & Desktops
- When navigating between desktops in Task View (WIN + CTRL + left or right arrows), labels will be shown. New sliding animations will also show when you change your desktops using trackpad gestures, touch gestures, hotkeys and by clicking on the Task View flyout.
- Voice Access
- Voice access is now available via the accessibility flyout on the Lock screen.
- Settings
- We’ve added an additional energy recommendation under Settings > System > Power & battery > Energy recommendations for adjusting refresh rate to conserve energy.
- Updated the design of the lists displayed under Settings > Apps > Startup Apps and Settings > Apps > Advanced App Settings > App Execution Alias pages to be more consistent with other Settings pages.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.2050 – Fixes
- File Explorer
- Fixed an issue which was causing the context menu (in file explorer or on the desktop) to draw in the wrong position (off screen or on the other monitor).
- Task Manager
- Right clicking the empty space in the Details page (aka so no process is actually selected) will no longer show the option to create live kernel memory dumps.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.2050 – Known Issues
- Taskbar
- [NEW] We’re investigating reports that the safely remove hardware icon isn’t appearing when expected in the system tray.
- Narrator
- [NEW] You may see some of the strings are NOT localized to the selected language. This will be fixed in a future flight.
As mentioned earlier, if you’ve opted for the beta channel in Insider Preview Program and running on Windows 11 (22631.xxx), then you’ll receive the new build 22631.2050. You can simply head over to Settings > Windows Update > click on Check for Updates. You can simply download the update on your PC. If you are on the 22621.xxx, then you can manually install the 22631 build from the Windows updates.
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