Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4580 (KB5046733) to the Beta Channel. This update brings a variety of changes and improvements, which are categorized into two main buckets: 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), and 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]
- The simplified system tray, which features a shortened form of the date and time, has been temporarily disabled to resolve some issues. We appreciate the feedback from our Insiders regarding this experience.
[File Explorer]
- File Explorer will now open folders in a new tab by default when launched from outside the application (for instance, from an app or the desktop), provided there is an existing File Explorer window open. Users who prefer the traditional behavior of opening in a new window can adjust this setting in File Explorer’s folder options under General > Browse Folders.
- When the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option is enabled, all previously opened tabs in each File Explorer window will also be restored. Additionally, we have refined the logic for the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” setting found under Settings > Accounts > Sign in options, ensuring that enabling this will also activate the File Explorer-specific setting.
- A new option has been introduced to snooze or disable the “Start backup” reminder in the File Explorer address bar for users who are not currently backing up their Documents, Pictures, or Desktop folders. This option can be accessed by right-clicking “Start backup.”
Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Input]
- An issue affecting Pinyin IME users, where switching between windows (such as using ALT + Tab) could unexpectedly change the IME from Chinese to English, has been resolved.
Fixes for everyone in the Beta Channel
[Other]
This update also addresses several issues:
- [Bluetooth LE Audio] Fixed: Resolved an issue where certain devices, including hearing aids, failed to stream Bluetooth audio.
- [Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printer] Fixed: Corrected a problem where Windows would become unresponsive when using an IPP USB printer.
- [Motherboard replacement] Fixed: Addressed an issue preventing Windows activation following a motherboard replacement.
- [Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA)] Fixed: Updated profiles for specific mobile operators.
Microsoft Store Update
In a significant enhancement, the Microsoft Store now supports direct updates for Win32 apps that are “provided and updated” by their publishers. Previously, updates for these applications could only be performed outside the Store. Insiders can navigate to the Downloads page and click on Get Updates. If any installed apps of this type have available updates, they will appear on the pending list, allowing users to initiate the update process by clicking the update button; automatic updates will not occur.
Users can also visit the product page to find an update button.
Windows Insiders across all channels running Microsoft Store version 22411.1401.x.x and higher will benefit from this improvement. For more information on recent updates to the Microsoft Store, click here!
FEEDBACK: We encourage you to submit your feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.
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, beginning with a select group of Insiders and gradually expanding as we assess feedback.
- For those in the Beta Channel eager to access features gradually rolled out to you, you can enable the toggle to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, we will increase the rollout of features to all users who have this toggle activated. Conversely, if you keep this toggle off, new features will be rolled out 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 different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced, and may never extend beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features could appear in future Windows releases when they’re ready.
- Localization for features currently in active development may not be fully complete, and localization will occur as features are finalized. If you encounter localization issues in your language, please report them via 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 check out Flight Hub.
Thank you for your continued engagement,
Amanda & Brandon
