Windows 11 Insider Build 22631.2050 Brings New 23H2 Features

Microsoft has released today a duo of Windows 11 Insider builds for the Beta Channel. Insiders on this Channel are currently testing the upcoming Windows 11 23H2 update, and today’s build 22631.2050, which has new consumer-facing changes enabled by default, brings quite a lot of new features to the 23H2 table.

With this build, Microsoft is bringing several new features that were previously introduced on more advanced Channels, including the ability to use Windows Ink to handwrite anywhere you can type with a keyboard on Windows. This build also includes the updated Windows share window that Microsoft shipped to Dev Channel testers earlier this week, as well as many other new features.

Here are the main changes in the Windows 11 23H2 build 22631.2050 for Beta Channel testers:

Modernized File Explorer Home: The new UI shows a carousel with Recommended files for users signed into Windows with an Azure AD account. Microsoft has also redesigned the Quick Access folders, Favorites, and Recent sections.

Dynamic Lighting settings: Users with devices with RGB lights can now control them via the new Dynamic Lighting settings page.

Windows Ink improvements: Insiders can now use Windows Ink to handwrite anywhere they can type in Windows. This new experience currently only supports English (US).

New volume mixer experience in Quick Settings: Another great addition to Windows 11, this modern volume mixer lets users control the volume on a per-app basis and change the output device and spatial audio settings on the fly.

Windows Spotlight wallpapers: Insiders can now preview Windows Spotlight pictures and easily get more information about where they’ve been shot.

Passkeys support: Windows Insiders can use Windows Hello to create and sign in using passkeys on any app or website that supports them. Saved passkeys for apps and websites can also be managed from the Settings app.

Unsafe password copy and paste warnings: Insiders who have enabled warning options for Enhanced Phishing Protection in Microsoft Defender SmartScreen will now see pop-up alerts when copying/pasting unsafe passwords.

New Narrator natural voices: Insiders can test new natural voices in Chinese, Spanish (Spain and Mexico), Japanese, and English (United Kingdom).

Updated Windows share window: The redesigned Windows share window now matches the design language of Windows 11. The company also added a new search box, more suggestion contacts, and Outlook share support.

Camera alerts: A pop-up alert will now be displayed when Windows 11 detects a camera failing to start or a closed camera shutter.

That’s it for the main new features in this new Windows 11 Insider build. Even though Microsoft previously announced that Windows 11 version 23H2 will be delivered via a simple enablement package later this year, this is already shaping up to be a pretty big update. It’s not confirmed yet if Windows Copilot will be included as well, but we’ll know more about that when Microsoft eventually starts testing the new AI assistant with Beta Channel Insiders.