Windows Insiders Get New Builds and a Phone Link Update

Microsoft has just released new Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders on the Dev and Beta channels. The build 25231 for the Dev Channel brings the tablet-optimized taskbar to all Insiders, as well as the ability to rearrange icons in the System tray.

For Insiders on the Beta channel, the build 22623.875 also brings the tablet-optimized taskbar to all Insiders in the group getting new features, as well as Task Manager access to the context menu. However, Microsoft is continuing to roll out the ability to rearrange System tray icons to this group.

The biggest news for Insiders today is a Phone Link app update that will let owners of select Samsung Galaxy devices instantly access their phone’s hotspot on their PC. The feature requires a Samsung device with One UI 4.1.1+ and a PC with Windows 11 build 22621 and higher.

“When your phone is within range it will appear in the Wi-Fi network list on your PC where a single click turns on the phone’s hotspot and connects to it. No more remembering and typing passwords or searching for hotspot settings on the phone. This provides an easier and faster way to repeatedly connect to your hotspot when you are on the go,” the Windows Insider team explained.

This new Phone Link feature is also rolling out gradually to Insiders, but it should be quite handy if you have the right Samsung phone. It remains to be seen if the feature will also become available on Microsoft’s Surface Duo and other Android devices.