In this article, we will talk about the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program, which is Build 22557.
The first change starting with this Build, would be that the name of the branch Microsoft is releasing builds from has changed to NI_RELEASE. NI is short for Nichel, which will be the name of the next Windows 11 Big Update.
This Build will also not be released for ARM64 PCs. Most likely in the next Build, everything will be available for ARM64 aswell.
App Folders in Start Menu
The first big addition would be the ability to create App Folders in Start Menu by simply dragging and dropping an App on top of another. You can that with multiple apps and multiple folders.
Do Not Disturb and Focus
Do Not Disturb is a new feature designed to help you stay away from notifications. Only banners of important notifications will show up, but they will not disturb you.
In the Notification Center, Microsoft added the ability to create a Focus Session. When you start a focus session, taskbar badging will turn off, flashing of applications in the taskbar will turn off, a focus timer will appear on screen, and do not disturb will turn on.
Improved Quick Access in File Explorer
Pin to Quick Access support has been extended from only supporting Folders to now also supporting Files. Pinned files are shown in a new section above Recent files in Quick Access.
Next, for users who log into Windows with (or attach as a secondary account) a Microsoft Account or Work/Education account, Pinned and Recent files from Office.com will also be shown in Quick Access.
Improved Snap Layouts
Microsoft worked on a way of snapping a window into a layout with ease and they also changed the animation when you switch between layouts.
For more info regarding the New Gestures for Touchscreen devices, you can check this article from the Microsoft website.
More Power Settings and recommendations
The default values for Sleep and Screen off have been updated to reduce energy consumption, and carbon emissions, when PCs are idle. Microsoft will also provide power saving recommendations to help reduce carbon emissions to those with Sleep and Screen off set to Never.
New Task Manager with Dark Mode
We’ve already covered the New Task Manager in a previous article, but this first preview version comes with a few design changes and also the Efficiency Mode.
This feature is helpful when you notice an app consuming high resources and would like to limit its consumption so that the system gives priority to other apps which will lead to faster foreground responsiveness and better energy efficiency.
Drag and Drop is back
Drag and drop is now supported on the Windows 11 taskbar. Quickly drag and drop files between app windows, by hovering over apps in the taskbar to bring their windows to the foreground.
Previews for Folders in File Explorer
File Explorer will now show previews of items within folders.
In this Build you will be able to notice improvements to the Narrator app, PowerShell new commands, improvements to the Settings app, and also an improved Search Box.
Similar to Windows 11 Home edition, Windows 11 Pro edition now requires internet connectivity during the initial device setup (OOBE) only. If you choose to setup device for personal use, MSA will be required for setup as well. You can expect Microsoft Account to be required in subsequent WIP flights.
If you want to learn more about other features added in this Build, fixes and also known issues make sure to check out this article from the Microsoft website.
For a more in-depth presentation of the new Build, you can also watch the video from the youtube channel.
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Where there is a will, there is a way.