Microsoft has just released Windows 11 Insider build 22563 to the Dev Channel, and with it some improvements for tablets, for widgets, and for ARM64 PCs. Let’s take that last one first, this build, unlike the last build, is available for you Insiders on the Dev Channel on ARM 64 PCs, enjoy.
22563 introduces a new “taskbar state,” designed specifically for tablets. As such, it will only work on tablets, and not on desktop PCs or laptops. This new taskbar has two modes, “collapsed,” and “expanded:”
In the collapsed state, the taskbar gets out your way, gives you more screen space, and prevents you from accidentally invoking the taskbar when you’re holding your tablet. In the expanded state, the taskbar is optimized to be easier to use with touch. You can easily switch between the two states by swiping up and down on the bottom of your device.
You can check if your tablet has this feature, you can go to Settings>Personalization>Taskbar>Taskbar behaviors, and check if “Automatically hide the taskbar when using your device as tablet” is available. The feature is rolling out, so not all tablets will be receiving it immediately as Microsoft monitors feedback.
Next up is some changes to Widgets, specifically by experimenting with “dynamically blending” your news feed and widgets, focusing on making widgets more discoverable:
We’re trying out some changes in Widgets to bring more dynamic content to your Widgets board, by experimenting with bringing together the widgets and news feed experiences as a dynamic blended feed containing both widgets and news content. This should make it easier for you to discover and engage with new widgets and news content through your feed. With a dynamic feed there’s less of a burden on you to curate the canvas on your own, but you’ll still be able to pin your favorite Widgets to the top if you want.
Last up is a change for IT Admins in education, allowing them to turn off all Windows Updates notifications for students during the school day.
Along with these new features, there are a number of Changes and improvements, including adding OneDrive, Downloads, and any indexed location to Quick Access search, adding Edge windows as Snap assist suggestions, some new emoji, and more. Check out the blog post for details. There’s a long list of fixes, too.
Be sure to get to downloading if you’re a Windows 11 Dev Channel Insider!
