Microsoft has issued its optional preview updates that contain fixes and features that will be generally available in the next Patch Tuesday. Windows 11 22H2 is receiving KB5025305, build 22621.1635, and the original version of this OS, 21H2, is getting KB5025298, build 22000.1880. Windows 10 updates include KB5025297, Build 19045.2913, for version 22H2. Here are the key changes.
Category: Windows 11
Hidden features in Windows 11 Build 25346 (Canary)
Here are the list of hidden features you can enable in Windows 11 Build 25346. It was released last week for Insiders in the Canary channel. Traditionally, there are a number of hidden features that you can activate in addition to what is available out of the box. Some of them may be already familiar to you. Those include that ability to make Search open on hover, turn on different Start menu badge notifications, and "smart layouts" for Snap Assist.
Windows 11 Build 22624.1616 (Beta) supports more languages for Live Captions
Microsoft has released new Windows 11 version 22H2 builds 22621.1616 and 22624.1616 (KB5025308) to Insiders on the Beta channel. Traditionally, build 22624.1616 includes some new features, while in Build 22621.1616 the new features are disabled by default.
Windows 11 is finally getting text labels for taskbar buttons
The Windows 11 taskbar is missing several practical features that were previously available by default in earlier operating system versions. Among these is the option to display text labels and ungroup app buttons. As you may remember, Microsoft is already working on reviving these features. In November 2022, a hidden feature was found in Insider builds that allowed to ungroup app buttons in the taskbar. Since then, there has been some progress, and now app buttons can display text labels.
Windows 11 Build 23440 (Dev) introduces a new Spotlight icon, Start menu and taskbar improvements
In addition to the Canary Build 25346, the Dev channel is now also getting a new release. Insiders in the Dev channel are upgrading to Windows 11 Build 23440, which comes with a new Spotlight icon, the updated recommendations in the Start menu that now include a link to the build change log, the "Diagnose network problems" item in the taskbar, and much more. Here are the details.
Windows 11 Build 25346 (Canary) improves screen brightness control, dialog design, and more
Microsoft today released a new build for Insiders running Windows 11 in the Canary channel. It includes features like Adaptive content brightness control (CABC) on connected devices, improvements made to HDR, RDP. Also, it included new presence sensing options and updated dialog style for firewall and UAC.
Hidden features that you can enable in Windows 11 Build 23435
Here are the list of hidden features you can enable in Windows 11 Build 23435. It was released today for Insiders in the Dev channel. Besides the officially announced File Explorer Gallery (available to select users), it includes a few more hidden changes. You can now make Search open on hover, turn on different Start menu badge notifications, and "smart layouts" for Snap Assist. Here we go.
Windows 11 Build 23435 (Dev) officially reveals File Explorer Gallery
A new build is now coming to insiders running Windows 11 in the Dev channel. Windows 11 Build 23435 officially introduces the Gallery feature, that was hidden in Insider builds for long. Besides, there are new Start menu badge notification designs, File Explorer improvements, and presence sensing privacy options.
Microsoft is experimenting with the Windows 11 user interface for portable consoles
After the success of Steam Deck, numerous companies have considered releasing their own portable gaming devices that run Windows 11 instead of Steam OS. However, Windows 11 may not be the most user-friendly operating system for devices with smaller screens. Recognizing this issue, Microsoft has been testing various versions of the Windows 11 user interface to provide a more comfortable experience on these portable gaming consoles.
HoloLens 2 will receive Windows 11 as a free optional upgrade
According to recent news, Microsoft is set to release an optional and free upgrade of Windows 11 for HoloLens 2 headsets in the first half of this year. Customers who prefer to remain on Windows 10 can continue using their mixed reality headset without any issues. But with the forthcoming Windows 11 update, HoloLens 2 headsets will receive additional security features as well as a preview of the newest developer tools.
