Windows 11 22H2: New Insider Updates Available

New features from the major Windows 11 22H2 update can now be tried out in the Beta and Release Preview channels. Microsoft distributes a large number of bug fixes and also makes the new taskbar features, including widgets, available to other users.

Insiders in the Release Preview channel will receive the update to Windows 11 Build 22621.317 (KB5015885) today, which is solely focused on bug fixes. Issues included Virtual Sync (V-Sync), Smart App Control, Camera App, and Windows Profile Service. The update thus provides further fine-tuning of Windows 11 version 22H2 (Sun Valley 2), whose final release is now forecast by experts for the end of September. An official confirmation from Microsoft is still pending.

Beta Channel raises hopes for new Windows 11 22H2 features in the fall

In the same breath, the Redmond company is taking over several features in the beta channel that were previously assigned to Windows 11 23H2 in the dev channel. For example, Build 22622.440 (KB5015890) introduces what is known as taskbar overflow. Displays open and pinned apps that would exceed the visual limits of the taskbar in a separate menu. In addition, alternatives to the weather widget are offered (for example, finance or sports) and a new look for the “open with” menu.

The features are divided into waves, which is why not all insiders are equipped with them today. It remains open whether and if so which features from the beta will be part of the final Windows 11 22H2. Given that Microsoft needs at least two more months to complete, many of the new features could be making the rounds in the Release Preview channel. Below you will find the patch notes of the published insider previews.

Patch Notes: Windows 11 Build 22621.317 (KB5015885) – Release Preview

• We fixed an issue that prevented Debug from opening.
• Fixed an issue that could increase game latency when using vertical sync (VSync or v-sync).
• We fixed an issue affecting the ProjectionManager.StartProjectingAsync API that prevented certain countries from connecting to Miracast sinks.
• We fixed an issue that caused the Smart App Control catalog to block signed files.
• We fixed an issue where the Take a Test app removed all ban enforcement policies when you close the app.
• We fixed an issue where photos taken with the Camera app could become severely distorted. This issue occurs when using certain cameras in low-light conditions.
• We fixed an issue where an exception was thrown when debugging drivers with Visual Studio 2022 version 17.2 or later.
• We fixed an issue that caused the Windows Profile Service to drop out intermittently. The error may occur during login. The error message is: “gpsvc service cannot log in. Access is denied”.
• We fixed an issue that prevented virtualized App-V Office applications from opening or becoming unresponsive.
• More information can be found in Windows blog

Patch Notes: Windows 11 Build 22621.440 + 22622.440 (KB5015890) – Beta

• We’ll start by reintroducing the updated Open With dialog box to align with Windows 11’s design principles. The updated dialog box respects the light and dark theme. We’ve also simplified the experience by allowing you to update your default app with just one click. Since we reversed this change in March, we’ve made performance improvements based on insider feedback.
• We’ve updated the US English (EN-US) handwriting model to be faster and more accurate. Use the updated Ink to Text Handwriting Panel and let us know what you think.
• Apps can now also be managed in settings that were previously only possible via the control panel. This includes uninstalling apps that depend on each other (e.g. Steam and game apps that run on Steam) and repairing and modifying Win32 apps.
• Build 22622.436 fixed an issue that caused explorer.exe to crash for some Insiders when connecting and disconnecting monitors.
• Fixed a memory leak when using tabs in Explorer.
• Fixed an issue where the narrator would not read the tab titles when focus passed through them.
• Fixed an issue where the Explorer preview thumbnail in the taskbar, ALT+Tab, and Task View shows the title of an adjacent tab instead of the currently selected tab.
• The “Add New Tab” button should no longer clip with the “Minimize” button in the title bar when using text scaling with many open tabs.
• Fixed an issue where some apps would crash after a copy action when Suggested Actions were enabled.
• Fixed a serious crash that affected the reliability of the suggested actions.
• More information can be found in Windows blog