Windows 11 Build 22631.5409 Update: New Features, Fixes & Known Issues

Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Build 22631.5409 (KB5058502) to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, marking a significant update for users on Windows 11, version 23H2. This build introduces a series of enhancements, fixes, and known issues that are crucial for users to understand.

Key Features and Improvements​

Expanded Voice Access Command Support​

One of the standout features in this build is the expanded support for voice access commands across multiple English dialects, including:

• English (United Kingdom)
• English (India)
• English (New Zealand)
• English (Canada)
• English (Australia)

This enhancement allows users from diverse regions to utilize voice commands more effectively, improving accessibility and user experience. (windowscentral.com)

Advanced Text Selection and Editing via Voice​

The update introduces new voice commands for text selection and editing, enabling users to perform actions such as:

• Selecting a range of text by saying, "Select from [text 1] to [text 2]."
• Deleting all text in a text box with the command, "Delete all."
• Applying formatting like bold, underline, or italics by stating, "Bold that," "Underline that," or "Italicize that."

These commands streamline the editing process, particularly for users who rely on voice input. (windowscentral.com)

VPN Status Icon in System Tray​

A new VPN status icon, represented by a small shield, has been added to the system tray. This icon appears when connected to a recognized VPN profile, providing users with a clear indication of their VPN status directly from the taskbar. (windowscentral.com)

Display Seconds in System Tray Clock​

Users now have the option to display seconds in the system tray clock. This feature can be enabled by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and adjusting the Taskbar behaviors section. This addition caters to users who require precise time tracking. (windowscentral.com)

Quick Copy for Two-Factor Authentication Codes​

The update introduces a copy button in notification toasts for two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. This feature allows users to quickly copy 2FA codes from notifications, enhancing security and convenience. (windowscentral.com)

Access Key Shortcuts in File Explorer​

File Explorer's context menu now includes access key shortcuts, enabling users to execute commands using single keystrokes. This improvement enhances keyboard navigation and efficiency within File Explorer. (windowscentral.com)

Multi-App Kiosk Mode​

A new multi-app kiosk mode has been introduced, allowing administrators to specify which apps can run on a device while blocking others. This feature is particularly useful in environments where multiple users access the same device, such as in education or retail settings. (windowscentral.com)

Live Kernel Memory Dump Collection in Task Manager​

The update adds live kernel memory dump (LKD) collection capabilities to Task Manager. This feature enables users to gather data for troubleshooting without disrupting the operating system, reducing downtime during issue investigation. (windowscentral.com)

Enhanced Touch Keyboard Settings​

The touch keyboard settings have been updated with a new dropdown menu offering three options:

• Never: Suppresses the touch keyboard even when no hardware keyboard is attached.
• When no keyboard attached: Displays the touch keyboard only when the device is used as a tablet without a hardware keyboard.
• Always: Displays the touch keyboard even when a hardware keyboard is attached.

This change provides users with greater control over the touch keyboard's behavior. (windowscentral.com)

Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC)​

CABC is now enabled on laptops and 2-in-1 devices, adjusting display brightness based on content to balance battery life and visual experience. Users can configure this feature via Settings > System > Display > Brightness & color. (windowscentral.com)

USB4 Hubs and Devices Settings Page​

A new settings page for USB4 hubs and devices has been added under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > USB > USB4 Hubs and Devices. This page provides information about the system's USB4 capabilities and connected peripherals, aiding in troubleshooting and support. (windowscentral.com)

Presence Sensor Privacy Settings​

For devices equipped with presence sensors, a new privacy setting is available under Settings > Privacy & security > Presence sensing. Users can control which apps have access to these sensors, enhancing privacy management. (windowscentral.com)

Improved Settings Search Performance​

The performance of the search function within Settings has been enhanced, providing faster and more accurate results. (windowscentral.com)

Snipping Tool Update​

An update to the Snipping Tool (version 11.2501.7.0) introduces a trim feature for screen recordings. Users can now adjust the start and end times of recordings, allowing for more precise editing directly within the app. (blogs.windows.com)

Fixes and Improvements​

This build addresses several issues to enhance system stability and performance:

• Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS): Resolved an issue causing LSASS to stop working when using Azure Virtual Desktop.
• Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) Cluster: Fixed an issue preventing S2D clusters from coming online after a periodic password rollover.
• Event Viewer: Addressed issues affecting the rendering of forwarded event logs and limiting event source access for non-administrator users.
• Memory Leak: Fixed a memory leak occurring during the printing of rich text documents.
• Audio Playback: Resolved an issue causing audio playback failures on devices with certain processors.
• Touch Keyboard Layout: Fixed issues where the touch keyboard displayed incorrect layouts for the French-Canadian language.
• Chinese and Japanese Input Method Editor (IME): Addressed issues where the IME failed to display text prediction candidates or stopped responding.

These fixes contribute to a more reliable and efficient user experience. (windowscentral.com)

Known Issues​

Despite the numerous improvements, there are some known issues in this build:

• Audio: Reports indicate that audio may stop working for some Insiders after upgrading to recent flights.
• File Explorer: An issue causes File Explorer to be slow to close when using the X button, potentially affecting other title bar buttons.
• Settings: The Home page of Settings may crash. Users can still access specific Settings pages directly by searching for them from the taskbar.
• Start Menu: The "Most used" section at the top of the Start menu All apps list may appear even when the setting is toggled off.
• Widgets: In right-to-left display languages like Arabic, content may animate out of view before the widgets board resizes when clicking to expand the view.

Users are encouraged to report these issues via the Feedback Hub to assist Microsoft in addressing them promptly. (windowscentral.com)

Conclusion​

Windows 11 Build 22631.5409 brings a host of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing user experience, accessibility, and system performance. While it addresses several existing issues, users should be aware of the known issues that may affect their experience. As always, participation in the Windows Insider Program provides an opportunity to test these updates and contribute to the ongoing development of Windows 11.

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Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 22631.5409 to the Release Preview Channel