Windows 11 KB5050105 Beta Update Enhances Snap Feature, Addresses MSA Issue, and Additional Improvements

Windows 11 KB5050105 Beta Update Enhances Snap Feature, Addresses MSA Issue, and Additional Improvements

Microsoft Unveils New Windows 11 Beta Build 22635.4805

Microsoft has rolled out a significant update for Windows 11 Insiders participating in the Beta channel. This latest build, designated as 22635.4805 KB5050105, brings several enhancements, notably improving the Snap layout. Users can also expect fixes for various bugs and confirmations regarding previously reported issues.

Key Updates and Enhancements

Features and Improvements in the Beta Channel*

[Snap Enhancements]

  • A new inline messaging feature is being introduced to enhance user awareness about the Snap functionality in Windows 11. When users inadvertently activate the Snap Bar by dragging an application to the center of the screen or hover over the Minimize or Maximize buttons, they will receive helpful prompts. These messages aim to educate users on how to effectively snap application windows and promote keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation. Various versions of this experience are currently being evaluated.
Inline messaging as seen at the top of the Snap Flyout.
Inline messaging displayed above the Snap Flyout.
Inline messaging as seen at the top of the Snap Bar.
Inline messaging shown at the top of the Snap Bar.

[Input Features]

  • Microsoft is reintroducing a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard, which had been temporarily disabled in an earlier build due to technical issues. This feature will enable users to navigate and type using their Xbox controllers, enhancing the gaming experience. Button accelerators like the X button for backspace and Y button for space bar have been implemented, along with a vertical alignment of keys to improve controller navigation.
New Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard in Windows 11.
Introducing the Gamepad keyboard layout for touch keyboards, optimized for Xbox controller navigation.

[Narrator Features]

  • Significant updates have been added to the Narrator’s scan mode. New shortcuts allow users to quickly jump to list items within documents or web pages, enhancing navigation efficiency. These capabilities are particularly useful for traversing lengthy content like emails and articles. To utilize these features, users can activate Narrator using Win key + Ctrl + Enter, turn on scan mode via Caps Lock + Spacebar, and then employ the new shortcuts—‘I, ’ ‘, ’ and ‘.’.Note that scan mode is typically enabled by default on most web platforms.

[Settings Update]

  • For subscribers of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, a new referral card will now be visible on the Settings homepage. This option allows eligible users to refer friends to try a free PC Game Pass subscription. The card will appear only if you are logged into your PC with a Microsoft account and fulfill the required criteria.
New Settings homepage card for referring PC Game Pass.
New referral card available on the Settings homepage for PC Game Pass subscriptions.

Identified Issues

As with any new build, several issues have been noted:

[Start Menu]

  • [NEW] Microsoft is addressing an issue that causes the Start menu to crash for certain users when engaging with the app list.

[File Explorer]

  • Users may experience rendering issues when restoring a minimized File Explorer window.
  • [NEW] An investigation is underway regarding a slowdown in closing File Explorer for some users, particularly when using the ‘X’ button, which may also affect other title bar functions.

[Settings]

  • Some users may encounter crashes on the Settings homepage; however, direct access to specific settings is still possible through search functionality.
  • There is a known issue where enterprise-specific device information and accessibility preference cards are incorrectly displayed on unmanaged PCs logged in with Microsoft accounts.

For more detailed information, you can view the official blog post here.

Source & Images

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