In the latest developments from Microsoft, the Windows 11 Beta and Dev builds have introduced a suite of new features while simultaneously removing one notable element: Emoji 16.0. This decision, made without any accompanying explanation, has left users speculating about the reasons behind the sudden withdrawal of the new emojis, which had only recently been integrated into the operating system.
Windows 11’s newest beta build removes Emoji 16.0
According to the patch notes shared on the Windows Insider Blog, the updates for the Beta and Dev channels mirror each other, indicating that these changes are not yet available on the stable release branch. Users enrolled in the Insider program can expect to receive these updates shortly.
Among the new features is a built-in network speed test accessible directly from the taskbar. This tool can be launched via the Wi-Fi and Cellular Quick Settings pages or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. It opens in the user’s default browser and supports testing for Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Cellular connections, enhancing the ability to assess network performance and troubleshoot issues.
Additionally, a new page dedicated to Microsoft 365 Copilot has been added to the Get Started experience for devices managed with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. This feature aims to facilitate user engagement with Microsoft 365 Copilot, providing quick access to key functionalities and guidance during the setup process.
New features gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- The introduction of a built-in network speed test accessible from the taskbar enhances user experience by allowing for easy performance assessments.
[Get Started/Microsoft 365 Copilot]
- A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page has been integrated into the Get Started experience, designed to help users discover and engage with its features more effectively.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[Windows Search]
- Improvements to Windows Search are being rolled out, particularly for users with Copilot+ PCs, including updated placeholder text in the File Explorer Search Box.
[File Explorer]
- New StorageProvider APIs have been introduced for cloud providers to integrate with File Explorer Home.
[Emoji]
- Emoji 16.0 has been temporarily disabled, with plans for its return in a future update.
[Voice Access]
- A new ‘Wait time before acting’ setting in voice access allows for customizable delays before executing voice commands, accommodating various speech patterns.
Fixes gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel with toggle on*
[General]
- Addressed an issue preventing some screen readers from reading screen content after recent updates.
[Click to Do (Preview)]
- Fixed an issue where Click to Do may unexpectedly invoke when pressing WIN + P.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- Resolved a syncing issue with the battery icon that incorrectly displayed the charging state.
[File Explorer]
- Fixed a problem where folder view customizations did not carry over across different applications.
[Lock and Login Screens]
- Corrected an issue where media controls were not displayed on the lock screen despite media playback.
[Windows Update]
- Fixed an issue where the “Update and shutdown” option did not function as intended.
[Settings]
- Resolved crashes in Settings when accessing drive information and fixed alignment issues in the Settings search box.
Known issues
[Click to Do]
- Investigating an issue with swipe visuals appearing incorrectly on displays when launching Click to Do.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- Temporarily disabled new animations on taskbar previews due to interference with window sharing capabilities.
[Search]
- Some searches may yield unexpected text instead of the anticipated results.
[Windows Studio Effects]
- Compatibility issues with certain external webcams may cause camera preview failures when using Windows Studio Effects.
[Xbox Controllers]
- Some users are experiencing bugchecks when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth, with guidance provided for resolution.
