New Build Brings App Recommendations, Spotlight Changes, and Copilot Upgrades

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New Build Brings App Recommendations, Spotlight Changes, and Copilot Upgrades

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3495 (KB5037000) to the Beta Channel, bringing several notable enhancements to various features and experiences.

Start Menu Recommendations

For Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel located in the U.S., the new build introduces recommended apps from the Microsoft Store on the Start menu. This feature, however, will not apply to commercial devices managed by organizations. Users can disable these recommendations by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Start and turning off the toggle for "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more."

Example of a recommended app on the Start menu highlighted in a red box.
Example of a recommended app on the Start menu highlighted in a red box. (Image Credit: Microsoft)

Desktop Spotlight Adjustments

The Windows Spotlight experience on the desktop has received some adjustments to make it easier for users to engage with the feature, change images, and express their preferences. There are two different treatments for these adjustments:

Treatment 1: Right-clicking the Windows Spotlight icon will launch the Spotlight experience in full-screen mode, while double-clicking will open the landing page for the image on the desktop.

With Treatment 1, if a user right-clicks on the Windows Spotlight icon it will launch Spotlight experience in full screen mode, while double clicking will open the landing page for the image on desktop.

Treatment 2: Right-clicking the Windows Spotlight icon will launch the Spotlight experience without any change to the desktop setup, while double-clicking will launch the Spotlight experience in full-screen mode.

With Treatment 2, if a user right-clicks on the Windows Spotlight icon it will launch the Spotlight experience without any change to the desktop set up, while double clicking launches the Spotlight experience in full screen mode.

 

Copilot in Windows Updates

An updated Copilot in Windows experience is being rolled out, introducing the ability to switch between the existing "docked" behavior that attaches Copilot to the side of the desktop and a new mode where it acts like a normal application window that can be resized and moved around the screen. This update is being pushed to both the Dev and Beta Channels.

Copilot in Windows undocked and shown next to Notepad like a normal application window.
Copilot in Windows undocked and shown next to Notepad like a normal application window. (Image Credit: Microsoft)

 

Other Improvements

The new build also includes a new Linked devices page under Settings > Accounts, allowing users to manage PCs and Xbox consoles signed in with their Microsoft account (available only on Home and Pro editions).

Known Issues

Microsoft is investigating potential issues with Internet Information Services (IIS), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), voice access, Windows Ink, and Widgets on left-aligned taskbars.

The Beta Channel serves as a preview for experiences closer to what will be shipped to general customers. Although not every feature tested in the Beta Channel will make it to the final release, Windows Insiders can expect to see new features and improvements gradually rolled out over time.

*Getting new features: For Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel who want to be the first to get features gradually rolled out to you, you can turn ON the toggle to get the latest updates as they are available via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, we will increase the rollouts of features to everyone with the toggle turned on. Should you keep this toggle off, new features will gradually be rolled out to your device over time once they are ready.

**Availability of Copilot in Windows: Copilot in Windows in preview is being rolled out gradually to Windows Insiders in select global markets. The initial markets for the Copilot in Windows preview include North America, United Kingdom and parts of Asia and South America. It is our intention to add additional markets over time.

 

Important Insider Links

 

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