In this article, I will talk about the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for the Beta Channel, which is Build 22631.2048.
- Build 22631.2048 = New features rolling out.
- Build 22621.2048 = New features off by default.
REMINDER: Insiders who were previously on Build 22624 will automatically get moved to Build 22631 via an enablement package. The enablement package artificially increments the build number for the update with new features getting rolled out and turned on to make it easier to differentiate from devices with the update with features off by default. This approach is being used for the Beta Channel only and is not indicative of any changes or plans for final feature rollouts.
Insiders who landed in the group with new features turned off by default (Build 22621.xxxx) can check for updates and choose to install the update that will have features rolling out (Build 22631.xxxx).
New File Explorer
The New File Explorer is now fully functional in the Beta Channel, with all the New Features:
- New Address Bar
- New Gallery Section
- New Homepage
- New Details Pane
General
Windows Insiders on Build 22631 will see the versioning updated under Settings > System > About (and winver) to version 23H2. This denotes that Windows 11, version 23H2 will be this year’s annual feature update which will be delivered to customers similar to the most recent Windows 10 feature updates. As mentioned here, Windows 11 will have an annual feature update cadence that releases in the second half of the calendar year. For more information, see this blog post here.
Taskbar and System Tray
After updating to this build, the ability to end task when right-clicking an app on the taskbar may appear, however this feature currently does not work correctly and will be fixed in a future flight in the Beta Channel. The setting for it under Settings > System > For developers also currently does not show.
File Explorer
We have added the ability to tear out and merge tabs in File Explorer.
For Developers
We are moving the “For Developers” settings page from Settings > Privacy & security to now be under Settings > System.
Microsoft Store Update
Windows Insiders in all channels running version 22306.1401.x.x of the Microsoft Store and higher will see the following improvements rolling out:
More pricing information: To help you with your purchase decisions, you’ll now see information about the lowest price products have dropped to in the past 30 days.
Introducing AI Hub: Explore a new curated section in the Microsoft Store where we will promote the best AI experiences built by the developer community and Microsoft. This is a space where we will educate customers on how to start and expand their AI journey, inspiring them to use AI in everyday ways to boost productivity, spark creativity and so much more.
New Paint App
The new Paint App is rolling out in the Beta Channel, with Dark Mode, New Zoom Controls and Image Properties. More info about this can be found in this article.
Fixes in Build 22631.2048
Taskbar
- Fixed an issue which could cause the taskbar to hang during initialization and not complete loading.
File Explorer
- Fixed an issue which could lead to explorer.exe crashes when opening a folder containing .WEBP files.
- Did some work to help address an issue where File Explorer might hang when browsing network shares.
Notification
- Fixed an issue where you might unexpectedly see a suggestion to turn off notifications that you regularly interacted with.
For more information about this Build, you can check this article from the Microsoft Blog.
For a more in-depth presentation of the New Build, you can watch the video below from the youtube channel.
7
20
