Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11 (version 23 H2), with build number 22635.3495 (KB5037000), for participants in the Windows Insider Program on the Beta Channel.
The full build number is 10.0.22635.3495.ni_release_svc_betaflt_prod1.240403-1704.
For users with the “Get updates as soon as available” setting enabled, this build includes various changes and improvements.
The Start Menu:
In the “Recommended” section of the start menu, some useful apps from the Microsoft Store will now be displayed. This change will be visible only to insiders on the beta channel in the United States. The change will not affect corporate devices, and you can disable the feature in the “Settings” menu under “Personalization.”
Microsoft would like to remind you that some features may be tested among insiders and may not make it into stable versions of the operating system. This particular change is currently available to a limited number of insiders on the beta channel.
Windows Spotlight:
Microsoft is currently testing some changes to the Windows Spotlight desktop feature to make it more user-friendly. These changes include making it easier for users to change the background image, search for similar images, and more. This also affects the way the Spotlight icon behaves on the desktop.
Option 1: If a user right-clicks on the Windows Spotlight icon, they will be taken to a full-screen view of the current background image. Double-clicking the icon will take them to a dedicated page for that image.
Option 2. When you right-click, Spotlight will launch without any changes to your desktop settings. If you double-click, it will open in full-screen mode.
Parameters: Microsoft is introducing a new “Connected Devices” page, which allows you to manage the computers and Xbox consoles that you are logged in to your Microsoft account on. The page can be found in the “Settings” section, under “Accounts”. The page will only be visible in the Home and Pro versions of Windows if you have logged in with your Microsoft account.
For all users
Changes and improvements
Microsoft has released an updated version of Copilot for Windows. This update includes a new mode that allows users to switch between docked and regular window modes. In the docked mode, Copilot is pinned to the edge of the desktop. In the regular window mode, users can resize and move Copilot around the screen as they would any other application.
Additionally, some internal improvements have been made to Copilot. These changes are currently being tested on the Beta and Dev channels for insiders.
Known issues
General: An issue is being investigated that may cause Internet Information Services (IIS) and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) services to fail after installing this update.
Copilot for Windows: The Voice Access feature with the new Copilot interface is unstable. The Windows Ink function for text input in Copilot also does not work with the updated interface.
Widgets: Insiders who use the new Widgets button layout on the left-aligned taskbar may experience issues. Opening the Widgets panel with a touch gesture may not work if the taskbar is centered. Unpinning “Widgets” from the taskbar and using Copilot as a sidebar may also cause problems.Enabling or disabling widgets in the taskbar settings may update the taskbar.
Beta Channel
A reminder! Recently, there has been a change in the way builds are numbered on the Beta channel. All insiders now receive the same build, so there is no longer a separation based on build numbers. The company will be implementing new features using the Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology for build 22635. The revision number, which is the value after the decimal point (for example, .2419), will increase with each weekly update. Microsoft has noted that this build number will likely not be used outside the Beta channel.
Insiders who wish to be among the first to receive innovations can enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available” switch in the Settings -> Windows Update section. This switch will activate additional features over time. If this switch is disabled, innovations will appear on your device gradually as they become available.