Windows 11 Insider Preview build updates for Dev and Beta channels: a complete overview

Microsoft has released two new Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds for the Dev and Beta Channels, bringing exciting updates, bug fixes, and new features for users who opt into these testing environments. Below is a detailed overview of what’s new in Build 26120.2222 (Dev Channel) and Build 22635.4445 (Beta Channel).

Dev Channel: Build 26120.2222 (KB5046746)

Key Features and Improvements:

1. Enhanced Admin Launch: Now, users can easily open apps with administrator privileges by holding down Shift + Ctrl while clicking a jump list item from the Start menu or taskbar. This streamlines processes like launching PowerShell as an admin more directly.
2. File Explorer Enhancements: Fixes include resolving a bug where the “See More” menu could open in the wrong direction, causing display issues. Other stability improvements have also been added to enhance the user experience.

Bug Fixes:

• Game Window Lock Issues: Fixed an issue where the mouse would unexpectedly leave the game window when using multiple monitors after opening Game Bar.
• Window Positioning: Resolved an issue that caused windows to shift unexpectedly after waking from sleep, especially when using multiple monitors.
• Registry Editor Performance: We fixed a bug that caused the Registry Editor to become unresponsive when interacting with specific license information sections.

Known Issues:

• Narrator Crashing: Users with specific natural voices like “Jenny” may experience crashes when using the Narrator feature. The workaround involves switching to a different voice, such as “Microsoft David”.

This build also introduces updates specific to the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2, which brings new servicing technologies aimed at improving system performance and reliability​.

Beta Channel: Build 22635.4445 (KB5046745)

New Features and Improvements:

1. File Explorer Context Menu: The update introduces a “New Folder” option in the context menu, making it more convenient for users to create folders directly from the navigation pane.
2. Taskbar Fixes: Issues related to the explorer.exe crashes when right-clicking apps on the taskbar have been addressed, and problems affecting the date and time display on secondary monitors.

Bug Fixes:

• File Properties Issue: Fixed an unexpected update of file date/time properties when copying files.
• Dark and Light Theme Handling: Addressed inconsistencies where theme changes were not correctly applied to the icons in the Details Pane of File Explorer.
• Performance Improvements: Enhanced File Explorer navigation’s responsiveness and the context menu’s launch speed.

Additional Notes:

• The Beta Channel also received updates related to the core system, enhancing the stability of built-in apps like Snipping Tool and Notepad, particularly when printing with specific protocols.

Key Takeaways for Insider Participants

Both Dev and Beta Channels continue to test features that may or may not make it to the final release of Windows 11. Microsoft emphasizes that features in the Dev Channel are highly experimental, targeting early feedback. Some updates, such as the Control Feature Rollout mechanism, allow features to roll out gradually, monitoring user response and system performance before wider availability.

For users keen on accessing the latest features as soon as they are available, it’s recommended to enable the toggle under Settings > Windows Update. However, users who prefer a stable experience might want to keep this option disabled, allowing only finalized features to install automatically​.

Overall, these builds aim to enhance user experience and system reliability, and they pave the way for the broader release of Windows 11 version 24H2, expected later this year. Keep an eye on Microsoft’s official channels for more updates and insights into new features as they continue to evolve.