Microsoft has announced the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22567 to the Dev Channel Windows Insiders. The build includes several new features and improvements. This includes enabling Windows Update to leverage renewable energy, enhancements to Microsoft 365 subscription management in Settings, phone linking in device setup (OOBE), and Smart App Control security functionality. Microsoft has updated the “Open with” dialog to make use of the Windows 11 design principles along with other improvements. The voice typing module has been improved with new features. The company also revealed that the relevant ISOs will be released next week.
Windows Update & Renewal Energy
Windows Update will schedule update installations at specific times of day, which results in lower carbon emissions. You should note that most electrical grids are powered by multiple sources including renewables and fossil fuels. Windows 11 will prioritize update installations in the background when greater amounts of clean energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro are available. You can choose to install updates immediately by navigating to Settings | Windows Update and choosing “Check for Updates”. This feature will only be enabled with your PC is plugged-in and regional carbon intensity data is available via partner companies like electricityMap or WattTime. If you navigate to the Windows Update dashboard after the installation of the update, you will view a text within the content “Windows Update is committed to helping reduce carbon emission”. Microsoft revealed that they are working to provide relevant link to the content.
Microsoft 365 Subscription Management
The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22567 brings in improved Microsoft 365 subscription management in Settings. Microsoft will make use of the Online Service Experience Packs to enhance user experience under Settings | Account. The update has introduced payment details within the subscription card experience. You can view payment information and be notified when your payment method needs to be updated. This allows you to continue with your subscriptions without any disruptions. If you are not part of Microsoft 365, the “Your Microsoft account” page will highlight the free benefits that are eligible for subscribers. You can directly access Office Web Apps including the ability to view your OneDrive storage. It’s also possible to upgrade to a Microsoft 365 subscription to unlock the premium benefits. To recall, Microsoft had introduced subscription management within “Your Microsoft account” under Settings | Account. The feature enabled users to view OneDrive storage, recurring billing, and other information.
Phone Linking
With the help of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22567, you can link Android phone with your PC as part of the device setup (OOBE) for Windows 11. The Linking will provide users with instant access to everything on your phone directly from your PC. You can work with mobile apps, send text messages, make calls including taking complete control of the keyboard and mouse. Microsoft will provide ISOs in the upcoming weeks, which enable Windows Insiders to perform clean installation either on a standalone PC or virtual machine.
Smart App Control
The Smart App Control is a new security functionality for Windows 11, which blocks untrusted or potentially dangerous applications. You can enable SAC only on Windows devices that have performed a clean install with the latest build of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22567. The SAC in evaluation mode protects users to a large extent. You can manually activate SAC in the Windows Security app located under the App & Browser Control section.
The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22567 has added several new changes and improvements. The build has updated the “Open with” dialog box in such a way that it sync with Windows 11 design principles. The updated dialog box provides support for both light and dark theme. Microsoft also simplified the experience of updating the default app with just one click. You will view a small animation when you hover one pinned app icon over another.
The latest build has updated multi-finger touch gestures to include responsive and delightful animations. The ability for voice typing to download speech packs from the Microsoft Store for device-based speech recognition to provide enhanced performance of transcription is now available for all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.
You can now pick the microphone to use in voice typing if you have multiple microphones connected to the PC. Microsoft has added several enhancements to Settings, Task Manager, and Windows Sandbox in addition to bug fixes. Microsoft also revealed that the desktop watermark on the lower right corner is normal for the pre-release builds.
