Windows 11 Insider Update 22631.4534: New Features and Fixes Explained

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Microsoft is rolling out a heftily packed update for Windows 11 insiders, introducing the Release Preview build 22631.4534. This latest endeavor indicates the company’s relentless quest to enhance user experience across the operating system. Let’s dive into what’s new, what’s improved, and how these updates could shape your day-to-day usage of Windows 11.

A desktop computer setup showing a monitor with the Windows 11 start menu open.
What's New?​

Start Menu Enhancements​

One of the most significant changes in this build is the addition of jump lists for pinned apps in the Start menu. Now, when you right-click on these apps, a convenient list of recent or frequently used documents and options will appear right at your fingertips. This improvement aims to streamline your workflow, reducing the number of clicks needed to access your files or tools.

Taskbar Tweaks​

The taskbar isn’t left behind either. Here are the fresh features you can expect:
  • Date and Time Display: The system tray will now show a shortened date and time format by default. But fret not! If nostalgia kicks in for the old, longer format, you can revert back through Settings > Date and Time.
  • Notification Management: Users who have toggled “Do Not Disturb” will notice that the notification bell icon may not show. Clicking the date and time brings you right to the notification center to check any missed alerts.

Touchscreen and Mouse Features​

Touchscreen users will appreciate the new section for edge gestures. In Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touch, you can toggle off the left or right edge gestures based on your preferences, allowing for a more tailored experience.
Mouse users have also received excellent attention, with the option to disable enhanced mouse pointer precision now tucked into Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mouse. Plus, there's a fresh option to customize mouse scrolling direction—something every detailed user will welcome.

Task Manager and Disk Performance Insights​

Related to performance, the Task Manager now supports dark mode for its Disconnect and Logoff dialogs, making it visually cohesive for dark theme fans. Additionally, the Performance section will now detail the type of each disk connected to your system, giving you deeper insight into your storage capabilities.

Input Method Editor (IME) Updates​

For those using Chinese or Japanese characters, an update ensures the IME toolbar will automatically hide when apps are in full-screen mode. This alteration enhances focus without the distraction of additional toolbars.

Fine-tuning Windows Search​

Windows Search has seen improvements by running IFilters in Less Privileged App Containers (LPAC). This security enhancement restricts access to only necessary resources, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with compromised programs.

New Sharing Options in File Explorer​

Windows 11 22631.4534 introduces the ability to share content directly from File Explorer to an Android device via the context menu. However, users must first set up and configure Phone Link on their PC for this feature to work seamlessly.

Dynamic Lighting and Narrator Improvements​

If you have dynamic lighting devices, a placeholder message will appear on the Dynamic Lighting Settings page if no compatible devices are connected. Furthermore, Narrator improvements include functionalities that help users skip over links and access lists more efficiently—perfect for those long documents or webpages.

Speech Enhancements​

And for those who rely heavily on voice features, Microsoft is enhancing its speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. Users can expect notifications about updating their language files for better performance on tools like Narrator, live captions, and voice access.

What's Fixed?​

In addition to new features, Microsoft has also addressed various bugs and stability issues, such as:
  • Activation Problems: Resolved an issue where Windows didn't activate after a motherboard replacement.
  • Bluetooth LE Audio: Fixed cases where certain Bluetooth devices, like hearing aids, failed to stream audio.
This comprehensive suite of updates emphasizes Microsoft’s commitment to continually refine Windows 11, providing users with both new capabilities and rectifying existing annoyances.

Conclusion​

The release of Windows 11 build 22631.4534 is not just an incremental update—it's a robust response to user feedback aiming to enhance productivity, accessibility, and security. For Windows users, these changes could dramatically enhance the everyday computing experience. As always, it’s advisable to partake in these beta tests thoughtfully, as early adopters will gain the advantage of exploring innovations before they become mainstream.
Whether you're a Windows aficionado or just someone trying to get through the workday, these updates are poised to elevate your interaction with your PC significantly. Dive into the build, explore the new features, and make the most of your Windows 11 experience!

Source: Neowin Windows 11 22631.4534 Release Preview brings new features for Start menu, taskbar, and more
 

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Hello Windows enthusiasts! Today we’re diving deep into the latest insider update for Windows 11, Build 22631.4969 (KB5052094), which is now available in the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11, version 23H2. This update is packed with new features and important fixes that cater to a variety of user needs—from casual users enjoying new personalized visual touches to power users and accessibility advocates. Let’s break down what’s new, explain the underlying technologies, and examine how these improvements matter for your day-to-day Windows experience.

A modern desktop computer on a desk displaying Windows 11 interface screens.
What’s New in This Build?​

The update introduces a blend of brand-new features and fixes, carefully grouped into two categories: gradual rollout and normal rollout. This structured approach means some features might appear incrementally as Microsoft continues cleaning up the final details behind the scenes.

Gradual Rollout Features​

These enhancements are being released slowly across the board and include improvements that streamline user interaction with Windows:
  • Taskbar Enhancements:
  • Jump List File Sharing: You can now share files directly from a jump list on the taskbar. Jump lists, which you encounter by right-clicking on an app icon, have been given a new utility, emphasizing quicker access to file sharing—a small change that can add significant convenience to those multitasking workflows.
  • Windows Spotlight Updates:
  • Improved Information Access: Hover over the background image or click the “Learn about this picture” icon to uncover more details about the picture that graces your desktop. The update refines the icon’s appearance—positioned neatly at the lower right—and enhances overall aesthetics.
  • Lock Screen Insights:
  • Image Interaction: Clicking the “Like” icon now offers an easier gateway to explore more about the lock screen image, blending form with subtle interactive function.
  • Narrator Enhancements:
  • Refined Navigation Modes: For users who rely on Narrator, new commands in scan mode are now available:
  • Skip Past Links: Quickly jump to text after a link.
  • Comma (,) and Period (.) Commands: Navigate to the start or end of major items like tables or lists.
  • Jump to Lists (l): Fast-track your way through web pages or documents.
These improvements can significantly smooth out the learning curve for users who prefer auditory feedback and keyboard shortcuts—a thoughtful tweak for accessibility and efficiency.
  • Game Pass Subscription Cards:
  • PC Game Pass Referral: For subscribers of Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, a new referral card may appear on your Settings home page, offering a seamless way to invite friends and family to try PC Game Pass. This feature not only promotes the community aspect but also incentivizes expanding the ecosystem.
  • File Explorer Fine-Tuning:
  • Backup Reminder Snooze/Disable: If you haven’t already backed up your files, a customizable “Start backup” reminder is now available directly in the File Explorer address bar. You can snooze or completely turn off the prompt if it doesn’t fit your routine.
  • Usability Fixes: Various minor issues have been addressed—like preventing URL errors, addressing overlapping UI elements in full-screen mode, and ensuring faster context menu responses for cloud files. These fixes contribute to a more consistent and polished user experience.
  • Other UI Fixes:
  • Start Menu Visual Correction: The update fixes color display issues in the account manager’s flyout menu—especially relevant when mixing dark and light themes.
  • Mouse Pointer Customization: A bug that reset custom mouse pointer colors to white during User Account Control (UAC) prompts has been corrected.

Normal Rollout Features​

These more gradual, yet equally critical enhancements focus on broader system stability and international adjustments:
  • File Explorer Privacy Tweaks:
  • In regions such as the European Economic Area (EEA), account-based content in sections like Recent, Favorites, and the Details Pane is now being disabled to bolster user privacy and prevent cross-account data blending.
  • Daylight Saving Time Adjustments:
  • Specifically, support for DST changes in Paraguay has been added, ensuring local users enjoy accurate time settings without manual interventions.
  • System Process & Mobile Operator Fixes:
  • dwm.exe Stability: The desktop window manager process (dwm.exe) has seen a fix, addressing non-responsiveness issues that could impact performance.
  • Mobile Operator Settings: Updates to COSA profiles for certain mobile operators help improve connectivity and regional settings.
  • OpenSSH Issue Resolution:
  • The update resolves an issue where the Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH) service was failing to start—a key fix for system administrators and users relying on secure shell connections. Do note, however, that launching the service manually might still be necessary in some situations, given the reduced logging in certain conditions.

How These Changes Impact Your Windows Experience​

Enhanced Productivity & User Experience​

By enabling file sharing directly from the taskbar’s jump lists, Microsoft is addressing those productivity blockages that can occur with disjointed workflows. Imagine quickly sharing a document without needing to hunt down the file explorer—this small tweak has huge potential when every second counts.

Improved Accessibility​

The Narrator improvements make the operating system even friendlier for users who depend on audio cues to navigate—making long emails or extensive wiki pages more manageable with keyboard shortcuts that skip redundant details.

Visually Pleasing and Informative Interfaces​

The updates to Windows Spotlight and the lock screen reflect a smarter blend of design and functionality, allowing for richer contextual experiences. With more intuitive access to information about your background images, your desktop not only looks good but tells a story.

Reliability and Stability Fixes​

From the File Explorer fixes to tackling issues with the OpenSSH service, these updates underscore Microsoft’s commitment to ironing out the quirks that can interrupt day-to-day productivity. Stability improvements, such as addressing dwm.exe responsiveness, ensure your system runs smoother in critical tasks and gaming—an essential upgrade for intensive users.

Final Thoughts​

This update is a testament to the continuous evolution of Windows 11, driven by feedback from dedicated insiders and meticulous testing under real-world conditions. While some features will land gradually, the overall enhancements—from streamlined sharing options to refined accessibility controls—speak volumes about the commitment to both form and function. Whether you’re a casual user, a gamer, or someone who relies heavily on accessibility features, Build 22631.4969 is designed to enhance your Windows experience.
As always, staying updated with the latest Windows Insider builds not only keeps your system more secure but also gives you a front-row seat to the future of Windows innovation. We welcome your thoughts and experiences—what feature are you most excited to try, and how do you think these changes will affect your daily computing tasks? Share your insights and join the discussion on WindowsForum.com.
Happy updating!

Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Releasing Windows 11 Build 22631.4969 to the Release Preview Channel
 

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