Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25231 has been rolled out for users in the Dev Channel. This update addresses various bugs and now includes the Tablet-optimized taskbar feature for all supported devices.
Highlights of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25231
Tablet-optimized Taskbar and System Tray
The Tablet-optimized taskbar, initially introduced with limited availability in Build 25197, is now accessible to all users in the Dev Channel. It’s important to note that this feature is specifically designed for tablets and 2-in-1 devices and is not compatible with laptops or desktop PCs.
Build 25231 also introduces drag-and-drop support in the System Tray, allowing users to customize the arrangement of their icons as needed.
Input Enhancements
The operating system’s spell checker now employs a language-neutral word list that syncs across devices linked to the same Windows account (Microsoft account). This feature can be activated from Settings > Accounts > Windows backup > Remember my preferences > Language preferences. Additionally, the Simplified Chinese IME input now includes support for the cloud suggestion feature, which was first seen in Build 25217.
Access Your Phone’s Hotspot via the Phone Link App
Users can now utilize the Phone Link app on their desktop to connect to their mobile phone’s hotspot with just a single click. This feature requires Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and is compatible with select Samsung phones. The requirements include having a phone running on One UI 4.1.1 or later and the Link To Windows phone app version v1.22082.142.0 or above. On the PC side, Windows 11 version 22H2 Build 22621 or higher and the Phone Link app version v1.22082.111.0 or greater are needed.
Fixes in Windows 11 Build 25231
The Sound icon tooltip in the Quick Settings now indicates when spatial audio is active. Microsoft has resolved an issue that prevented the addition of network cameras under Bluetooth & Devices > Cameras.
Issues related to FindWindow and FindWindowEx returning unexpected windows have been fixed. The bug that prevented laptop users from unlocking their device when connected to a monitor with the lid closed has been addressed. Additionally, an issue causing certain apps like Paint and Windows Terminal to crash when displaying a tooltip has been resolved.
Known Issues in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25231
Microsoft has identified 5 new bugs in Build 25231. Some apps may show thick lines on the window edges, with Microsoft Edge being one of the affected applications.
Users attempting to update their Dev Channel version with the latest ISO may encounter a SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION bug check displaying an error with win32kfull.sys. Clicking the hidden icons flyout in the Taskbar could bring up a File Explorer entry. Chat apps may not show the flashing animation for new messages, and apps might not open a preview when hovering over the system tray icon. Microsoft also notes that folders in the Start menu may require multiple attempts to open on the first try.
Microsoft has also released Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 22621.875 and 22623.875 to the Beta Channel, enabling the Task Manager shortcut and Tablet-optimized taskbar for all users.
Although it is not mentioned in the release notes, there seem to be improvements in the performance of the Widgets board in this build. Some users have reported accessing iCloud Photos via the Photos app, indicating a possible wider rollout of this feature.
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