What Is In the Latest Windows 11 Build?

The latest and first Windows 11 preview has recently been released and it is a big one – it showcases many of the new features expected to be part of the final release. Let’s have a further overview and find out more. Just a couple of weeks ago Microsoft announced the upcoming launch of the new Windows 11 and the company is now releasing the first preview of the build along with all new features expected to be a part of the final release. However, not all users will be able to participate in the new Windows 11 Insider programme.

As announced by Microsoft, if your PC is not able to meet the minimum hardware requirements, you will not be able to join the Insider Dev or the Beta Channels. However, you are still able to join the Release Preview Channel and test Windows 10 preview updates. Receiving Windows 11 builds even if your PC does not meet the hardware requirements is also possible if you have been a member of the Windows 10 Insider Dev Channel prior to the 24th of June this year.

However, Microsoft warns that in this case there may be issues and bugs that will impact your experience with Windows 11 that may not get fixed. Unfortunately, if something goes wrong and you have to revert to Windows 10, you will later not be able to receive the Windows 11 builds. Despite the earliest Windows 11 builds will be released on the Dev Channel only, you can expect them to make their way to the Beta Channel. Once Windows 11 is officially available, any PC that does not meet the minimum hardware requirements will not receive Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. Now, let’s have a further look at what is in each Windows 11 preview build and learn more about what we should be excited about. 

It will be released to Dev Channel. This first preview is a big one and it offers many of the new features that are expected to be a part of the shipping version of the new OS. There is a change in the general interface with a Start menu that is now centred. It also includes a set of pinned apps and recently opened files in OneDrive on all the cloud-connected devices, including all PCs and smartphones. Not just the Start menu but the taskbar will be centred too and it will offer new animations.

It will also include a button that will be located on the lower-right corner and it will be used for notifications and for making quick changes to the settings. One more new thing you will be able to experience is the new command bar for File Explorer as well as an entirely new look that will include context menus. New themes are added to the overall interface, while Windows sounds have been redesigned too. Windows 11 also comes with a set of resizable informational widgets for the news, weather, your calendar, local traffic, a to-do list, photos from OneDrive, sports, and more.

The “Snap” feature that gives you control over how you are arranging all open windows gets a makeover too. With Windows 11 you will be able to choose from pre-built Snap layouts and you will have the chance to design them into predesigned Snap groups. All desktops that are available via Task View will also be available for reordering and having custom backgrounds. The touch keyboard now gets 13 new themes and you will be able to resize it. You will also be able to use a voice typing launcher and several new touch gestures. The new build will let all users quickly switch between additional languages and keyboards via a new switcher that will be located at the lower-right end on the taskbar, right next to Quick Settings.

Customising digital pens will now also be possible through a menu. Another change and new updates you can expect with the new Windows 11 build include a redesigned Microsoft Store, where, eventually, Android mobile games and apps will be housed there and will be able to work on the new build. Another new thing you will be able to experience is minimising the windows on your external monitor when undocking your laptop. Once you re-dock your computer to the monitor, everything will be back where it was before.

The Dynamic Refresh Rate on your PC will make it possible to automatically boost the refresh rate when you are inking or scrolling and will provide you with a smoother experience, while it will also lower the refresh rate when you don’t need and use it, so it will save power on your laptop. Settings are now re-designed. The new design features left-hand navigation that persists between pages. There are also breadcrumbs that will help you know exactly where you are in Settings.