Microsoft Unveils Significant Windows 11 Release Preview Update

Microsoft is launching an extensive update for Windows 11 insiders. The new Release Preview build, identified as KB5046732 (version 22631.4534), is now accessible to testers using Windows 11 version 23H2. This update brings a wealth of enhancements and exciting features aimed at improving user experience across the Start menu, taskbar, and various functionality areas of the operating system.

Key Changes in the Latest Update

The following modifications and new features are being introduced gradually:

• Start Menu: A notable enhancement includes the introduction of jump lists for pinned applications upon right-clicking them.
• Taskbar: The system tray now displays a condensed version of the date and time. Furthermore, the notification bell icon may be hidden if the “Do Not Disturb” mode is enabled. To access messages when the icon is absent, simply click on the date and time area. To revert to the full date and time display, navigate to Settings > Date and Time and toggle on the “Show time and day in the system tray” option. For showing notifications, ensure you enable the toggle in Settings > System > Notifications.
• Touchscreen Options: A new section has been added for managing touchscreen edge gestures. Access this under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touch, where you can select and disable left or right edge gestures.
• Mouse Configuration: Users now have the ability to disable enhanced mouse pointer precision through Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mouse. Additionally, a new setting allows adjustments to the scroll direction of the mouse.

Enhancements to Task Manager and Additional Features

• Task Manager: The Disconnect and Logoff dialogs have been updated to support dark mode and text scaling, improving accessibility.
• Performance Metrics: The Performance section of Task Manager will now display the type for each disk, providing clearer insights.
• Input Method Editor: With this update, the IME toolbar will automatically hide when applications are in fullscreen mode, specifically for users typing in Chinese or Japanese.
• File Explorer: You can now share files to Android devices directly from the File Explorer context menu, contingent upon having Phone Link set up on your PC.
• Security Enhancements: Windows Search will now run IFilters within Less Privileged App Containers (LPAC), enhancing system security by restricting resource access to those necessary for operation.

New Features in Dynamic Lighting and Narrator

• Dynamic Lighting Settings: When no compatible device is detected, a placeholder message will be displayed. Controls for Brightness and Effects will remain off by default. Moreover, new direction options have been added for the Wave effect, and Gradient effects now include a Forward direction option.
• Narrator Improvements: Enhancements to the Narrator scan mode include new shortcuts for navigating long texts efficiently. Users can skip past links and jump to lists easily. To activate these features, users need to enable Narrator and use new keyboard shortcuts.
• Speech Functionality: Improvements in speech-to-text and text-to-speech experiences may prompt users to manually update their language files, which will be available separately via the Microsoft Store.
• Settings Updates: The feature formerly known as Tailored Experiences is now referred to as Personalized Offers, accessible through the out-of-box experience. Users can manage privacy settings by visiting Settings > Privacy & Security.

Immediate Fixes Available

This update also addresses several key issues starting immediately:

• Motherboard Replacement: Resolved activation issues following motherboard replacements.
• Mobile Operator Profiles: Updates to the Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) bring profiles in line with various mobile operators.
• IPP Printer Issues: Fixes for Windows freezing when using IPP USB printers.
• Bluetooth LE Audio: Resolved connectivity issues impacting devices such as hearing aids.

For further details, visit the official announcement on the Windows Blogs website.

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