Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4510 (KB5046716) to the Beta Channel. This update brings a variety of changes and improvements, which are meticulously documented in two categories: new features, enhancements, and fixes that are gradually being rolled out for Insiders who have opted in to receive the latest updates (accessible via Settings > Windows Update), along with those that are available to all users in the Beta Channel. For further details, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this post.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- One of the exciting new features is the ability to share files directly from the jump lists on the taskbar. This functionality can be accessed by right-clicking on an app with a jump list, such as Notepad.
[Input]
- The rollout of the new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard in Windows 11 is also underway. This feature, which allows users to navigate and type using an Xbox controller, began its journey with Build 22635.4145.
[Narrator]
- Enhancements have been made to Narrator scan mode, introducing new functionalities. The ‘Skip past links’ (N’) feature allows users to navigate directly to the text following a link, which is particularly useful for traversing lengthy emails, articles, and wiki pages. Additionally, the ‘Jump to lists’ (L’) feature enables quick access to lists within web pages or documents. To utilize these new capabilities, users must first activate Narrator (Win key + Ctrl + Enter), enable scan mode by pressing Caps Lock + Spacebar, and then employ the new shortcuts – ‘N’ and ‘L’. Notably, scan mode is typically enabled by default on most web pages.
[Speech in Windows]
- Improvements have also been made to the speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities within Windows. Users of Narrator, voice access, live captions, live translations, and voice typing may encounter a prompt to manually update their language files, which will be made available separately through the Microsoft Store.
Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Lock screen]
- A fix has been implemented for an issue where users might unexpectedly receive a message stating “You’re offline. Widgets are unavailable”.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
- Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2 through an enablement package (Build 22635.xxxx).
- Many features in the Beta Channel are rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology, starting with a select group of Insiders and gradually expanding as feedback is monitored.
- For those eager to be among the first to access features gradually rolled out to you, you can enable the toggle for the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, the rollout of features will increase for those with the toggle activated. Conversely, if the toggle remains off, new features will be released to your PC over time as they become ready.
- It’s important to note that features and experiences included in these builds may not ultimately be released, as we explore various concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced, and some may only be available to Windows Insiders. However, certain features could appear in future Windows releases when they’re ready.
- Some actively developed features previewed with Windows Insiders may not be fully localized initially, with localization occurring over time as features are finalized. We encourage users to report any localization issues through the Feedback Hub.
- As the Dev and Beta Channels represent parallel development paths, there may be instances where features and experiences debut in the Beta Channel first.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please visit Flight Hub.
Thanks,
Amanda & Brandon
