Discover Exciting Features Hidden in Windows 11 KB5050085 Update

Recently, Microsoft unveiled the KB5050085 update for the Windows 11 Beta channel, introducing a variety of compelling features that enhance user experience significantly. This update has piqued the interest of technology enthusiasts and IT professionals alike, especially due to its hidden functionalities which we briefly discussed in our previous November and December highlights. Key features include an innovative categories view in the All apps section, enhanced cards on the About Us page, crucial improvements to File Explorer, along with more. Let’s delve deeper into these enhancements!

Transformative File Explorer Features

The latest Beta update has revamped the File Explorer’s user interface to better accommodate text scaling in dialog boxes such as Copy and Save. Users previously faced challenges with small font sizes, particularly on larger displays, which made navigation cumbersome. Fortunately, this update ensures that all dialog boxes now conform to the system’s text size settings, resulting in a clearer and more readable interface.

We tested the feature on an Insider Beta PC, and the results were impressive, showcasing a noticeable font increase that aligns perfectly with user preferences. Here’s a visual illustration comparing the Copy dialog box’s appearance with and without the new update.

Comparison of font size in stable vs Beta versions for file copy dialog

Additionally, Microsoft has extended the recommended cards feature from the Home section of File Explorer beyond Enterprise users, now making it accessible to all local and Microsoft Account users. This marked improvement aims to enhance personalized user experiences.

On an AI front, Windows 11’s Copilot+ PCs become even more valuable. Utilizing advanced neural processing units (NPU), users can leverage AI-powered semantic search capabilities, allowing them to find files using natural language queries effortlessly. This innovation epitomizes the seamless integration of AI within Microsoft’s ecosystem, making file management markedly easier.

New Innovations in the Start Menu Layout

The Start menu has also received a significant layout upgrade, offering both Grid and Category views for the All apps section. This enhancement ultimately streamlines navigation, especially when using a mouse.

New category boxes and navigation in Windows 11 Start menu

Previously, attempts to click on app cluster boxes within categories yielded no action. However, this new update resolves that issue; clicking a subcategory icon now expands it to unveil app icons, improving overall user accessibility and efficiency.

Revamped About Us Page Cards

The About Us section in the Settings app has undergone a much-needed facelift thanks to the KB5050085 update. Early Insider builds showcased a card layout for top PC components, doing away with the mundane Device specifications section. Instead, users can now easily view essential information such as storage, GPU, memory, and CPU details, enhancing the overall appearance of this often-overlooked page.

New card layout on About Us page change in Windows 11 beta

This refreshing design enhances user engagement and conveys vital information in a much more visually appealing manner.

Exciting Widgets Enhancements

European Economic Area (EEA) users can soon anticipate exciting new widget feed options in the Widget box, marking a significant upgrade. This feature empowers developers to integrate unique widgets into the box, providing more variety and functionality beyond default Microsoft options.

While some enhancements shine brightly, it’s worth noting that the rollout of the new tab opening feature in File Explorer, triggered by clicking on folder locations from the desktop, has been temporarily paused. Users should remain informed for future updates on this feature.

Special thanks to Phantomofearth for exploring and reporting on these hidden gems in the new Beta build.

For more insights and detailed updates on Windows 11, check the official Microsoft site or our dedicated updates page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main features of the KB5050085 update for Windows 11?

The KB5050085 update introduces several key features, including improved text scaling in File Explorer, enhanced card layouts for the About Us page, new layout options for the Start menu, and more customizable widget feeds.

2. How does AI enhance the file search experience in this update?

With the new AI enhancements in this update, users can utilize semantic search capabilities to find files using natural language queries. This feature simplifies the process and allows for a more intuitive file search experience.

3. Will all Windows 11 users have access to the new features introduced in the KB5050085 update?

Initially, some features were exclusive to Enterprise users, but the KB5050085 update has expanded access to include all local and Microsoft Account users, making these improvements more widely available.

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