Windows 11 Build 25217 allows sideloading custom widgets, includes taskbar fixes

Microsoft just released a new Dev channel build to Insiders. It is solely focused on Widgets, and allows developers building and testing custom widgets. This requires the most recent WinAppSDK 1.2 preview 2 release. Also, there are a new video calling experience for Chat on Windows 11, minor Microsoft Store updates, and general fixes.

Here are the key changes.

What's new in Windows 11 Build 25217

• Developers with packaged Win32 apps will be able to create and test 3rd party widgets locally if their machine is running in Developer Mode under Settings > Privacy & security > For developers. Developers will also need to be on the latest Insider Preview build from the Dev Channel to get the necessary update for the Widgets Board (version 521.20060.1205.0 or higher).
• The cloud suggestion in Simplified Chinese IME adds the most relevant word from Bing to the IME candidate window.
• The new Tamil Anjal keyboard for the Tamil language is now available to all Insiders.

Fixes

Tablet-optimized taskbar

• Fixed the issue causing the taskbar to sometimes collapse when it should be expanded if there are no running windows on the desktop.
• Fixed an issue that would occur when using the left or right edge gestures resulting in the Widgets or Notification Center (respectively) to overlap with or look truncated by the taskbar.
• Fixed an issue that was causing the tablet-optimized taskbar to crash explorer.exe while switching apps.
• Fixed an issue that was causing the tablet-optimized taskbar to crash explorer.exe if you entered the overflow flyout.

Windowing

• Fixed an issue where the close button for window preview thumbnails in Task View was drawing slightly outside the bounds of the thumbnail.
• Fixed an issue where when switching between windows in recent builds you might see the entire window flash black for a frame while rendering.
• Fixed an issue causing Miracast video quality to be very slow and stuttering in recent flights despite having a solid internet connection.

System Tray Updates

• Fixed an issue so that Quick Settings items can now be rearranged with touch again.

Settings

• Fixed an issue under Network and Internet > Advanced Network Settings, where certain networks were displaying the wrong link speed.

Other

• Fixed an issue where remote desktop on ARM64 PCs was unexpectedly not using UDP and only TCP.

A new video calling experience for Chat

When you open chat from the taskbar, the app displays your own video and a list of people you can start chatting with. Starting a video call is now faster, even with users without Chat and Teams. Just send a link to the call via SMS or email and start a conversation right in the Chat.

These changes are currently available to a small group of users.

More in the official announcement.