Windows 11 KB5050087 beta update enhances Lock Screen widgets, File Explorer, and resolves USB problems
Microsoft has rolled out a new update for Windows 11 Insiders in the Beta channel, specifically Build 22635.4870, identified under KB5050087. This update enhances the Lock screen widget experience, improves File Explorer functionality, and addresses several USB-related issues, among other enhancements.
This latest build aligns with the 23H2 version of Windows 11. Interestingly, Microsoft had previously released an update for the 24H2 version, Build 26120.3073 (KB5050090), only earlier this week.
Key Changes in Build 22635.4870
New Features for Beta Channel Insiders
Customizable Lock Screen Widgets
The rollout begins for customizable lock screen widgets, previously known as “Weather and more, ” exclusively to Windows Insiders located in the European Economic Area (EEA).These widgets include options such as Weather, Watchlist, Sports, Traffic, and more, allowing users to add, remove, and rearrange them with ease. To access these features, users can navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. While this feature is launching in the EEA, the rollout will later expand to Insiders in other regions.
Customization settings for lock screen widgets shown in Settings.
Additionally, a new group policy named “Disable Widgets On Lock Screen” is being introduced, enabling IT administrators to disable lock screen widgets while keeping them enabled on other parts of their managed PCs. This policy is initially available only in EEA regions but will eventually roll out more broadly.
Improvements to Enhance User Experience
[File Explorer Improvement]
For Windows Insiders utilizing a work or school account (now Entra ID), File Explorer will feature people icons in the “Activity” column on the File Explorer Home and “Recommended” sections. Clicking or hovering over these icons displays the Live Persona Card linked to that individual from Microsoft 365.
Activity column under File Explorer Home showing people icons highlighted in a red box.
Fixes Included in this Update
[Start Menu Updates]
Resolved a crashing issue experienced by some Insiders when interacting with app names in the Start menu.
Corrected color discrepancies when opening the account manager flyout while using a custom mixed light and dark mode.
[File Explorer Improvements]
Addressed rendering issues when restoring minimized File Explorer windows.
Enhanced overall reliability of File Explorer for affected Insiders.
Fixed crashes linked to the explorer.exe process when dragging files in recent builds.
[General Fixes]
Resolved a frequent background crashing issue with sihost.exe.
Specific USB Issues Addressed
USB Cameras: Fixed an issue where the camera was not recognized as on, occurring after the January 2025 security update.
USB Audio Device Drivers: Rectified a code 10 error message (“This device cannot start”) when connecting certain external audio devices.
Current Known Issues
[File Explorer]
Investigation ongoing for a slowdown issue when closing File Explorer via the X button, which may also impact other title bar functions.
[Settings]
The Home page of Settings may crash, but users can still access specific pages through the search feature on the taskbar.
Enterprise-specific device info and accessibility preferences cards are erroneously displaying on non-managed PCs logged in with Microsoft accounts.
For additional details, visit Microsoft’s official blog post here.
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