Windows 11 Beta Channel build 22635.2915 adds expanded language support and more

Microsoft has released the latest version of Windows 11 to members of the Windows Insider program in the beta channel. The version number is 22635.2915 (KB5033456). This will be the final beta of the channel for 2023.

This year’s latest Beta channel includes a host of new additions and changes, including expanded language support, new discoverable screen display features, and more.

Here is the changelog:

New features are gradually rolling out to the beta channel as they go live

Expanded languages, multi-screen support, and custom commands for voice access

Extended language support: We’ve expanded voice accessibility to support other languages ​​such as French (France), French (Canada), German, Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Mexico).

When you turn on Voice Access for the first time, you will be asked to download a speech model to enable voice data recognition on the device. If Voice Access does not find a speech model matching your display language, you can still choose to continue to use English (United States) Voice Access.

New languages ​​under Settings on the Voice Access bar.

You can always switch to a different language by going to Settings > Language on the Voice Access bar.

Multi-display support: You can now use all voice access features on multiple displays, including number and grid overlays that were previously unavailable on any display other than the primary display.

The grid overlay feature has been further developed to allow you to not only interact with the screen you are currently using, but also quickly switch to another screen. You can also use the drag and drop feature to move files, apps, and documents from one screen to another.

You can use the alphabet or NATO voice in your command to shift focus to another screen.

After calling up the grid overlay, use it to quickly move to focus on another display. You can use the alphabet or NATO phonetics in your command; For example, either “B” or “Bravo” will be valid as shown in the screenshot above.

Use the Mouse Grid command to move the mouse to a specific point on a specific screen.

You can also use the accelerated command “Mouse Grid..” to quickly move the mouse to a specific point on a specific screen. In this case we used “mousegrid A 114” as shown in the screenshot above.

Audio shortcuts: We offer voice shortcuts or custom commands to enable you to create your own command. This is currently only available if you are using English voice access.

It’s easy to create commands that relate to a single action, such as opening a URL, or a series of actions that are performed sequentially. To get started, say “What can I say” and click the Voice Shortcuts tab in the left panel, or use the Show Voice Shortcuts command to launch the Voice Shortcuts page directly. Then click the “Create Order” button to start the process.

New Voice Shortcuts tab for creating custom commands for voice access.

Create a command using voice or any other input method. Give it a name, select one or several actions, fill in the necessary information, and then click Create. Your command is now ready to use.

Create a new custom command to use in Voice Access.

Select one or multiple actions for a custom command in Voice Access.

You can view all the voice shortcuts you have created either from the Command Help page or by using the Show Voice Shortcuts command.

Feedback: Please provide feedback in the Feedback Center (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Voice Accessibility.

Improved screen casting detectability in Windows 11

Casting from your Windows PC allows you to wirelessly extend your display to a nearby PC, TV, or other external displays. We’re introducing improvements focused on educating users about Cast and improving discoverability in Windows 11. These improvements include:

When you perform multitasking activities on your computer, such as switching between windows frequently to complete a task or using Snap Assist to organize screen space, we will offer the suggestion to send via a notification toast.

We’ve updated the Cast pop-up menu in Quick Settings with additional support for you should you have any trouble detecting nearby displays, fixing connections, and more.

The pop-up menu in Quick Settings now shows a link to troubleshoot device detection and other casting issues.

Feedback: Please provide feedback in the Feedback Center (WIN + F) under Display and Graphics > Wireless Display and Transmission.

New features and improvements for Windows 365

The following improvements to Windows 365 Boot are rolling out. (On-premises PC and cloud PC must be on the same Beta Channel.) Also check out this month’s Windows Insider webcast on-demand here featuring the Windows 365 team!

Custom mode for Windows 365: We are now launching a new mode for Windows 365 Boot – Custom Mode. Now you can boot into your Windows 365 Cloud PC from your dedicated, company-owned device. You’ll be able to seamlessly sign in to your Windows 365 Cloud PC from the Windows 11 sign-in screen using passwordless authentication methods like Windows Hello for Business. The new Personalized Mode also comes with a quick account switching experience to switch login profiles easily, personalized experience with username and password, display image on lock screen and login screen, remember your username, etc. The feature will begin being enabled for Windows 365 customers via a private preview in early 2024.

Sign-in screen showing fast switching between accounts using Windows 365 Boot.

Customize company logo and name for Windows 365 Boot: In shared mode, organizations can now customize the login page to include Intune company branding. The feature will begin being enabled for Windows 365 customers via a private preview in early 2024.

Example of a custom logo and name on the login screen.

Windows 365 express mechanism fails: You no longer need to wait for the Cloud PC sign-in process to complete only to discover that Windows 365 failed to boot due to network issues or incomplete setup. Intelligent logic proactively notifies users that network issues are resolved or application setup is completed so that users can experience seamless login to their cloud computers.

Warning when logging in for setup problems.

Notification when there are network problems while trying to connect.

Manage local PC settings through Windows 365 Boot: With this feature, it is now easier for you to access and manage sound, display and other settings of your device and local computers directly from your cloud computer under Windows 365 Boot.

Button to open Local PC Settings while Windows 365 is running.

Feedback: Please provide feedback in the Feedback Center (Win + F) within Windows 365.

New features and improvements for Windows 365 Switch

The following improvements are rolling out to Windows 365 Switch. (On-premises PC and cloud PC must be on the same version.) Also check out this month’s Windows Insider webcast on-demand here featuring the Windows 365 team!

Improved disconnection experience for Windows 365 Switch: Now you can disconnect from their cloud computer directly from their local computer. This can be done by going to Local Computer > Task View > Right clicking on the Cloud PC button > Disconnect. We’ve also added tooltips about the Disconnect and Log Out options in the Cloud PC Start menu so you can differentiate between these functions.

Experience disconnecting from a cloud computer as shown in the Tasks view.

Desktop indicators to differentiate between a cloud PC and a local PC for Windows 365 Switch: You will now see the terms “Cloud PC” and “Local PC” on the desktop indicator when you switch between your computers.

New Cloud PC or Local PC label on desktop indicator.

Seamlessly handle the increased connection time of Windows 365, switch to Frontline Cloud PC: You will now see updates regarding the Cloud PC connection status and a connection timeout indicator while waiting on the connection screen. In case of an error, you will now be able to copy the association ID using the new copy button in the error screen for a faster resolution.

Text indicating the connection status on the connection screen.

Feedback: Please provide feedback in the Feedback Center (Win + F) under Desktop Environment > Switch to Cloud PC (from Tasks view).

Changes and improvements are gradually being rolled out to the beta channel as the switch goes live

[General]

Windows 11 is moving from Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) to Voice Access. WSR is neglected. A dialog box will pop up when you open WSR directing you to the Voice Access experience, and we’ve also added a banner under Settings > Accessibility > Speech as well. Voice Access, our new assistive technology in Windows 11, uses on-device speech recognition, making it possible to control your computer and compose text without an Internet connection. It will support multiple languages ​​and custom commands in a future update (these features are now available for Windows Insiders to try in the Beta channel as mentioned above). We recommend that WSR users try getting started using Voice Access today.

A dialog box directs you to the Voice Access experience when you open Windows Speech Recognition.

[Nearby Sharing]

We’re offering the ability to quickly give your device a more intuitive name to identify sharing to and from Nearby Sharing under Settings > System > Nearby Sharing.

Give your device a more familiar name to identify sharing to and from nearby sharing.

[Narrator]

Narrator users can now use voice access to open apps, dictate text, and interact with items on the screen using their voice. Narrator users can use voice access to give Narrator commands using their voice. For example, “Speak faster,” “Read the next line,” etc. To get started, search for “Voice Access” in Windows Search and set it up.

Fixes are gradually being rolled out to the Beta channel as they go live

[Task Manager]

• When you create a dump file for a process, the location of the dump file should now be selectable, so you can copy it.

[Desktops]

• Some improvements have been made to help address an issue where the wallpaper could be seen jumping when switching between desktops.

Update notepad

We’re rolling out an update for Notepad (version 11.2311.33.0) to Windows Insiders in the Beta channel that delivers the following improvements:

Edit using Notepad: You can easily access Notepad to make file edits directly from File Explorer. Just right-click on any file or multiple files in File Explorer to find a file [Edit with Notepad] An option in the context menu, which is a quick and simple way to open and edit files in Notepad.

New Edit with Notepad option in File Explorer’s context menu.

Character Count: Keep track of the length of your document by displaying the new character count in the status bar. When you select text, the status bar displays the character count for both the selected text and the entire document. If no text is selected, the character count for the entire document is displayed, ensuring you always have a clear view of the length of the document.

The number of characters for the selected text in Notepad.

Feedback: Please provide feedback in the Feedback Center (WIN + F) under Apps > Notepad.

You can view the full blog post here.

The latest beta build of Windows 11, build 22635.2915, has just been released in the Beta Channel and brings a host of new features and improvements. One of the key updates in this release is expanded language support, making the operating system more accessible to users around the world. Additionally, the build includes several other enhancements and bug fixes, further refining the Windows 11 experience for testers. Let’s take a closer look at what the latest beta build has to offer.