Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4510 (KB5046716) for users in the Beta Channel. This update brings new features, enhancements, and fixes aimed at improving the overall user experience. Here’s a detailed overview:
New Features and Improvements
1. Enhanced File Sharing from Taskbar:
- Microsoft is introducing a new file-sharing capability directly from the taskbar’s jump lists. When you right-click on an app like Notepad, you can now see an option to share files quickly. This update streamlines the sharing process, making it more convenient for users.
2. Updated Gamepad Keyboard Layout:
- The on-screen keyboard now includes a new Gamepad layout, allowing Xbox controller users to navigate and type more easily. This is particularly beneficial for gaming scenarios or when navigating the system using a controller.
3. Enhanced Narrator Features:
- Windows 11 has improved the Narrator’s scan mode with two new functionalities:
- Skip Links (
N): Allows users to skip over links quickly and navigate directly to the main text, enhancing browsing through long documents or web pages. - Jump to Lists (
L): Enables users to access lists in web pages or documents quickly. This is especially useful when navigating content-heavy sites like Wikipedia or reading lengthy emails.
- Skip Links (
4. Improvements in Speech Features:
- The update includes enhancements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities. Users might need to update language files via the Microsoft Store manually, especially those using features like voice access, live captions, or voice typing. This step ensures smoother and more accurate speech processing.
Fixes Included in This Update
1. Lock Screen Issue:
- The update addresses a bug where users would unexpectedly see a message stating, “You’re offline. Widgets are unavailable,” even when connected to the internet. This fix aims to resolve unnecessary disruptions.
2. Taskbar and Start Menu Adjustments:
- Microsoft has resolved issues related to taskbar navigation, especially when cycling between app windows using keyboard shortcuts like
WIN + [Number]. Additionally, spacing issues in the Start menu’s “All apps” list have been corrected, improving the layout.
Beta Channel Rollout Details
The update uses Control Feature Rollout (CFR) technology, meaning that features are gradually introduced to a subset of users before a broader release. This method helps Microsoft gather feedback and fine-tune features based on user responses. Users who wish to get early access to these features can enable the toggle in Settings > Windows Update to receive updates as they become available. However, even without this toggle, updates will roll out to all Beta Channel users once they are stable and ready for a wider release.
It’s important to note that not all features tested in the Beta Channel may make it to the final public release. Microsoft often experiments with various features and functionalities, gauging their performance and user feedback before deciding on their official rollout.
Localization and Release Path Differences
Some features might not be fully localized at the time of their initial release in the Beta Channel. Localization updates occur as the features are finalized. Additionally, because the Dev and Beta Channels represent parallel development paths, some features may appear in the Beta Channel first before being tested in the Dev Channel.
For a comprehensive list of builds and updates in different Insider channels, users can visit the Flight Hub on Microsoft’s website.
This update signifies Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine Windows 11 through user feedback and iterative testing, enhancing both functionality and user experience for Insider participants.
