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Microsoft is releasing two new builds for Windows 11 Insider in the form of 22621.2050 and 22631.2050 to its beta update channels. Both these build carries some new features and significant improvements Insiders who were previously on Build 22624 will automatically get moved to Build 22631 via an enablement package.
The first Windows 11 build carries improvements and functionalities related to Windows Ink, keyboard, mice, dynamic lighting, modernized File Explorer Home, Address Bar, Details Pane, and more. Whereas, the second build brings fixes for the task manager, narrator, file explorer, and more. Below you can check the entire details of the latest builds.
- Build 22631.2050 = New features rolling out.
- Build 22621.2050 = New features off by default.
Windows 11 Build 22631.2050 update fixes
File Explorer
- Fixed an issue that was causing the context menu (in file explorer or on the desktop) to draw in the wrong position (off screen or on the other monitor).
Task Manager
- Right-clicking the empty space in the Details page (aka so no process is actually selected) will no longer show the option to create live kernel memory dumps.
Known issues
Taskbar
- New – The safely remove hardware icon isn’t appearing when expected in the system tray.
Narrator
- New – You may see some of the strings are NOT localized to the selected language. This will be fixed in a future flight.
Windows 11 Build 22621.2050 update
Modernized File Explorer Home, Address Bar, and Details Pane
- Now that File Explorer is powered by Windows App SDK, a modernized File Explorer Home powered by WinUI. Recommended files for users signed into Windows with an Azure Active Directory (AAD) account will be displayed as a carousel and support file thumbnails which is coming soon.
- Quick Access folders (available by default for users signed into Windows with a Microsoft account), Favorites, and Recent also bring in an updated experience with WinUI.
- A modernized address bar and search box to File Explorer is going to be added soon. The new address bar intelligently recognizes local vs. cloud folders with built-in status. For OneDrive users, you’ll notice the address bar now contains your OneDrive sync status and quota flyout.
- A modernized details pane in File Explorer (ALT + Shift + P) is designed to help you easily access related content, stay up to date with file activity and collaborate without even opening a file.
Dynamic Lighting
- Dynamic Lighting provides Windows users and developers with native control of Lighting Devices implementing the open HID LampArray standard. By adopting an open standard, and by working with our OEM and ODM partners, Microsoft seeks to improve the RGB device and software ecosystem for users by increasing interoperability of devices and apps.
- Included are APIs for Windows apps to control devices from the background and foreground, as well as a page in Windows Settings for users to customize how their devices behave.
- Several device manufacturers including Acer, ASUS, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer, and Twinkly have partnered with Microsoft on Dynamic Lighting.
Improvements for Windows Ink
- Windows Ink is being modernized to allow users to enable inking directly onto edit fields. In addition, improving the accuracy of the recognition technology and a scratch-out gesture for when users need to make edits. The goal of Windows Ink is to let users use their pen and handwrite anywhere they can type on their Windows devices.
- Currently, these new Windows Ink improvements support English (U.S.) only but stay tuned for broader language support. This new experience can be managed via Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Pen and Windows Ink under “Shell Handwriting”. And please check out some of the known issues for Windows Ink below.
New volume mixer experience in Quick Settings
- Enhanced volume mixer into Quick Settings! The updated audio quick settings experience brings a modern volume mixer that allows for quick customization of audio on a per-app basis, with additional control to swap devices on the fly. A new keyboard shortcut (WIN + CTRL + V) is also added to bring you directly to the volume mixer for faster control of the experience.
- With this change, you can now tailor your audio experience better with more control and fewer clicks to better manage your favorite apps.
Improving Windows Spotlight
- Improvements is been made to the Windows Spotlight experience including preview images to , full screen, multiple opportunities to learn more about each image and a minimized experience.
- To open the Windows Spotlight experience, right-click on the Spotlight icon on the desktop. You can also double click on the icon to directly launch a Bing landing page for more info on each image.
- To enable Windows Spotlight on your PC today, right-click on your desktop and choose “Personalize” and then choose the new Spotlight theme. Alternatively, you can directly enable Windows Spotlight by going to Settings > Personalization > Background and choosing the option under the “Personalize your background” dropdown.
Passwordless Improvements
- Microsoft believes that the future is passwordless. Passkeys are a simple and more secure replacement for passwords when you sign into a website or application that supports them. Passkeys represent a future where bad actors will have a much harder time stealing and using your credentials when signing into a website or application. Passkeys are phish-resistant, recoverable, and faster for users.
You can check more details related to the latest build here.
