Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23511 to the Dev Channel. This build includes a number of new features and improvements, including improvements for Snap Layouts, multiple Start menu changes, and more.
Windows 11’s Start menu “Recommended” section shows a rich preview when hovering over files
According to the official changes, Windows 11 build 23511 has fixed a number of issues with Snap Layouts, and introduced a number of changes to the Start menu, along with other improvements.
Spotlight for desktop improvements
Microsoft is introducing new design changes for the Spotlight icon on the desktop. These changes include an updated hover full-screen interface that provides rich information about the background image, as well as a minimized experience. And the experience will include 4K portrait images and the option to discover more about each desktop image. This applies to both situations.
“Get Help” troubleshooter for buggy camera
If there is a streaming issue detected, such as a camera failing to start or a closed camera shutter, a pop-up dialog will appear with a recommendation to launch the automated “Get Help” troubleshooter to resolve the issue. If a camera is affected, the troubleshooter will help with the resolution.
Start menu gains detailed preview
The Start menu has been updated to include a more detailed preview when hovering over files for devices enrolled with an AAD account. This feature will also be available for users with a Microsoft account. Furthermore, users can now quickly share cloud file recommendations by right-clicking on them and selecting the appropriate option.
Improved Taskbar
Starting from build 23511 version 11 of Windows, the notification counter will no longer be displayed on the bell icon. Instead, the bell will appear in the system tray and change color based on your system accent color whenever new notifications arrive. When there are no notifications, and the clock is visible, the bell will be empty.
Other changes
There are some minor changes in the latest update, including improved performance when selecting multiple files to share. The Snap Layouts features have also been fixed to prevent crashes that caused us to disable suggestions.
Also, the Settings app has resolved any instability issues that occurred with the new Home page. Additionally, you now have the option to disable the “Phone Link” experience entirely from the “Bluetooth & devices” page.
Fixes and improvements
This build 23511 also adds a bunch of fixes and improvements for Taskbar, Input, Settings, File Explorer, and more.
File Explorer
- Fixed an issue where copying files out of large archives or using “Extract All” might have been slower than expected for “solid” .7Z or .rar archives.
- Fixed an issue where when decompressing some of the newly supported archive format types, the folder names might become gibberish.
- Fixed an underlying issue where in some cases the context menu background in File Explorer was appearing transparent.
Notifications
- Fixed an issue that was preventing apps from opening when you selected inside a notification popup for that app.
- Fixed an issue causing Insiders to unexpectedly see a notification suggesting you turn off notifications for an app named NotifyiconGeneratedAumid_*.
Taskbar
- Fixed multiple explorer.exe crashes that were impacting taskbar reliability.
- Fixed an issue that was causing quick settings not to open when selecting the network, volume, and battery icons in the system tray.
- Adjusted the desktop switching animation to ease into the animation a little more.
Fixed an issue where the search was not actually hiding when set to hide in taskbar settings.
Dynamic Lighting
- Fixed an issue where writing in the address box in Microsoft Edge might not work correctly. Make sure Microsoft Edge is up to date with the latest version.
This build also has known issues with the Start menu, Windows Copilot, Dynamic Lighting, File Explorer, and Windows Ink.
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