Microsoft has unveiled the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.2483 (KB5031451), marking an update to the Beta Channel, as stated in a recent announcement on the Windows Insider Blog.
This release carries a significant reminder for all Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. “The Beta Channel is the place we preview experiences that are closer to what we will ship to our general customers,” Microsoft notes, in a previous announcement.
The company says Windows Insiders will now be aligned on the same build, specifically Build 22635.xxxx, achieved through an enablement package. It’s worth noting that for those in the Beta Channel keen on experiencing features as they are gradually rolled out, a toggle is available.
Activating this toggle via Settings > Windows Update will ensure that these users receive the latest updates as they become available. Over time, Microsoft intends to expand the rollout of features to all users with the toggle enabled. However, those who choose to keep the toggle off can anticipate new features being progressively delivered to their devices.
Notably, Microsoft has decided to organise changes in Beta Channel builds into two categories moving forward. The first will encompass new features, improvements, and fixes, which will be gradually introduced to those Insiders with the toggle enabled, thereby receiving the latest updates. The second category will include new features, improvements, and fixes made accessible to all users in the Beta Channel.
In this particular flight to the Beta Channel, Microsoft is not introducing any new features or improvements specifically for those who have activated the toggle. Among the adjustments and enhancements that will be rolled out to everyone in the Beta Channel, the update includes the temporary suspension of the color font format to COLRv1, which was initially introduced in Build 22631.2265. This format displayed richer emojis with a 3D-like appearance but had some bugs that needed fixing. Microsoft plans to reactivate this feature in a future Beta Channel flight.
In the European Economic Area (EEA), a new requirement has been imposed, making it necessary for Windows to obtain user consent to share data between Windows and other Microsoft services to enhance data privacy. Consequently, users will begin to observe Windows features requesting consent, with further additions anticipated in future builds. Without the necessary consent, specific functionality in Windows features might become unavailable, particularly regarding certain file recommendations under “Recommended” on the Start menu.
Additionally, Microsoft has addressed an issue causing the search function to crash upon launch, which was affecting some Insiders in the previous flight. The company encourages its Insiders to consult its blog post, which outlines the methods and criteria used for testing features in both the Dev and Beta Channels.
The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build comes with an important reminder for Beta Channel users, introducing changes to the delivery of features and improvements. With these developments, Microsoft continues to refine its operating system to enhance user experience and maintain data privacy.
