Microsoft Ships New Windows 11 Builds to Dev and Beta Channel Testers

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels today. For Dev Channel testers, today’s build 25169 introduces a lockdown feature named Multi-app kiosk mode, which lets IT admins only allow a selection of apps to run on a Windows 11 PC while blocking all other features.

“Multi-app kiosk mode is ideal for scenarios in which multiple people need to use the same device. This can include frontline workers and retail scenarios, education and test taking,” the Windows Insider team explained.

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This new Windows Spotlight option for desktop wallpapers is also improved with this build, with a new option for creating your own custom themes with Microsoft’s selection of rotating images. Moreover, the Settings app in this build can now be used to uninstall apps that have inter-dependencies, including Steam and Steam games.

For Beta Channel Insiders, Microsoft is continuing to release builds for two different groups. The group that will receive the build 22622.440 today will get the same taskbar overflow feature that Microsoft introduced on the Windows 11 preview build 25163 last week.

However, Microsoft is also rolling out new features to all Beta Channel Insiders who will download either the build 22622.440 or the build 22621.440 today. The additions include live updates from the sports and finance widgets, along with breaking news alerts on the Windows 11 taskbar, as seen below. This new feature will roll out gradually.

All Beta channel Insiders should also start seeing the new “Open with” dialog box that better respect the Windows 11 design guidelines. Microsoft first started testing this new dialog box back in March before removing it, but it’s now coming back with performance improvements based on Insider feedback.

In addition to these new Windows 11 Insider builds, Microsoft also released the first preview build of Windows 10 version 22H2 today for Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Even though it includes no new features, Microsoft is inviting commercial customers to test it on devices in their organizations.

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Conversation 8 comments

  • Matthew Santacroce (InnoTechLLC)

    28 July, 2022 - 3:13 pm

    <p>Just installed the update. I like the new "Open with" dialog – very sharp. However, there’s no "X" or "Cancel" option…you can only cancel by pressing Escape. That seems odd.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      28 July, 2022 - 3:59 pm

      That’s just bad UI.

    • ralfred

      Premium Member
      28 July, 2022 - 4:20 pm

      <p>Not near my computer (or the update!) but what about clicking outside the box?</p><p>But yeah, it should have a X</p>

      • mike2k

        28 July, 2022 - 5:22 pm

        <p>This option should work. It’s what I do in Win 10</p>

    • Jordan_Meyer

      Premium Member
      28 July, 2022 - 5:22 pm

      <p>I agree, not having a close button makes it seem like a dialog that can’t be dismissed. But it’s been like that for 7 years in windows 10 and yes, clicking outside will dismiss.</p>

    • brownjames112

      28 July, 2022 - 9:05 pm

      <p>I gave feedback in the developer user feedback box that pops up from time to time on Dev 11 builds saying this open with box needs a close button, I am so glad they listen to feedback…</p>

    • saint4eva

      29 July, 2022 - 4:26 am

      <p>The old dialogue does not have cancel (X) neither. Those experience are the reason we have Esc key or click away.</p>

  • feek

    Premium Member
    28 July, 2022 - 5:24 pm

    <p>The way they deploy these new features seems so haphazard. I swear I’ve seen the breaking news thing on Windows 10 and 11 off and on for at least a year. </p><p><br></p><p>And the new Open With UI, I saw a week ago on my PC in the beta ring.</p>

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