- Microsoft releases Windows 11 build 22000.51 in the Dev Channel.
- This flight includes new UI design changes, a centered Start menu and taskbar, and Widgets.
- You will also find the new File Explorer and Settings apps alongside many multitasking features.
- Build 22000.51 is ready for download for supported and unsupported hardware.
For computers that are part of the Windows Insider Program’s Dev Channel, Microsoft is finally releasing Windows 11 build 22000.51. With a number of new features and modifications, this is the first public preview that the company is providing to developers and testers.
The Microsoft release states that Windows 11 build 22000.51 brings the new UI design makeover, which includes the new Start menu, taskbar, action center, themes, and audio, that the firm showcased at the June 24 event. A new File Explorer, updated Settings, and a new Widgets feature are also included in this flight.
Additionally, build 22000.51 has a lot of features that are geared at multitasking, such as desktops, snap groups, and snap layouts. You will also get a sneak peek at the new Microsoft Store app, among other things.
What s new on Windows 11 build 22000.51
Microsoft has been working on the following for Windows 11 build 220000.51:
New UI design changes
Beginning with build 22000.51, Windows 11 introduces new animations for scaling apps and interacting with the taskbar, as well as rounded corners throughout the user interface (for instance, for menus, buttons, and windows).
The first feature you will notice in this flight is the new Start menu, which promotes your recent files in the new Recommended section and does away with the Live Tiles in favor of the classic icons.
Despite having a similar appearance to the previous edition, Windows 11’s taskbar is different. It features new animations and buttons for Start, Search, and TaskView, and it is centered.
Action Center is replaced with the new Notification Center and Quick Settings in Windows 11. When you click, the new Notification Center with all of your notifications and the calendar view will open, along with the time and date icon (Windows key + Nkeyboard shortcut).
You may then use the Windows key + A keyboard shortcut or click the collection of system tray icons next to the time and date information to enter the new Quick Settings experience. Common options like Volume, Brightness, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Focus Assist are located on this flyout. When playing music or videos in Microsoft Edge or streaming music in apps, you will notice media playback controls directly above your Quick Settings.
Build 22000 of Windows 11.In addition to the new default light and dark themes for 51 ships, there are four other themes with a ton of gorgeous new pictures.
Additionally, a new theme that is lighter and more atmospheric is being used by Microsoft to update the Windows 11 soundtrack with new sounds for everyday actions.
Furthermore, the new noises vary slightly according on the theme setting you are in. The Windows startup sound, which you will hear when your computer boots up to the lock screen and is prepared for you to log in, has also returned.
File Explorer
We’re also finally receiving a new version of File Explorer with a sleek, contemporary UI and the same timeless appearance.
When you right-click anything on the desktop or in the app, a new content menu appears. Microsoft claims that the new context menus would be extensible for app developers.
Widgets
Similar to news and interests, Windows 11’s Widgets feature offers useful information in the form of Live Tile-style cards, including weather, news, sports, stock, and traffic. Its new design allows it to slide in from the left, and it also includes a search box for quickly looking up information on the internet. Widgets can be accessed via the taskbar’s bottom or by pressing the Windows key and Wkeyboard shortcut.
You can alter the content, rearrange, resize, and add or remove widgets to make your experience unique. Your calendar, weather, local traffic, To-Do lists, OneDrive photographs, sports and esports, stock watchlist, and tips are now the main topics of the default collection of information.
Multitasking
Additionally, Microsoft is launching three primary multitasking features: desktops, snap groups, and snap layouts.
Snap layouts
With snap layouts, you can click on a zone to snap the window after hovering over the maximize button to view the different snap layouts. After that, you will receive instructions on how to snap windows to the remaining zones in the layout you have chosen. You will see four snap layouts on smaller devices and six configurations on larger screens. Alternatively, you can use the Windows key + Zkeyboard shortcut to access the snap layouts flyout.
Snap groups
When you switch to another app, you can use snap groups to return to your group snapped windows. You can snap together at least two programs, for instance. Next, locate the snap group by hovering over one of these active apps on the taskbar, then click to go back.
Desktops
Although it has a new name and other enhancements, Desktops is the same as Virtual Desktops. With the help of this function, you may divide your work into virtual desktops, each of which can have a unique backdrop image. You can use the Windows key + Tab keyboard shortcut or the new taskbar button to open Desktops.
Docking
Additionally, this new flight has a function that allows using external monitors with your laptop easier. For instance, the external monitor’s windows will be reduced when you unhook your laptop. After that, Windows 11 will restore everything to its previous state when you re-dock your computer to your monitor. Under System>Display>Multiple Displays, you may access the setting.
A new Microsoft Store
A new Microsoft Store app is also included in Windows 11 build 22000.51. With the navigation positioned to the left and numerous other modifications, the new app has a completely different appearance. Developers can now host almost any program, including Universal Platform Apps, Progressive Web Apps, and Win32 apps.
Input improvements
Regarding the input enhancements, there is a new touch keyboard experience with 13 new themes, including three that match the hardware of Surface tablets.
A brand-new voice typing app is available for you to use. It’s off by default, but you may use the Windows key + Hkeyboard shortcut or open it from the voice typing options.
Microsoft is launching new touch gestures to enable seamless desktop and app switching.
The gestures are like the touchpad gestures but have thoughtful improvements explicitly designed for touch. You can try the following list:
Gestures with three fingers:
- Swiping left/right quickly switch to the last used app window.
- Swiping down go back to the desktop (if you follow it with a swiping up, you can restore the app windows).
- Swiping up open Task View to browse all app windows and desktops.
Four-finger gestures:
- Swiping left/right switch to the previous/next desktop
- Swiping up/down (same with three-finger ones).
In addition, there is a new pen menu that you can open by clicking the pen icon at the lower right on your taskbar.
If the pen icon is not available, you can enable it by right-clicking on the taskbar and going to Taskbar settings to enable it.
Finally, you can switch between additional languages and keyboards using the switcher that will show up at the lower right on your taskbar next to Quick Settings. You can also use the keyboard shortcutWindows key + Spacebarto toggle between input methods.
Display improvements
Windows 11 builds 22000.51 ships withDynamic Refresh Rate, which allows the device to automatically boost the refresh rate when you re inking or scrolling and lower it when you don t need it so that the laptop can save power.
The option is available onSettings>System>Display>Advanced display, and underChoose a refresh rate,select aDynamicrefresh rate.
Other features includeAuto HDRto automatically convert SDR games into HDR content,Content Adaptive Brightness (CABC), HDR support to color-managed apps, and HDR certification.
Settings brand-new experience
Windows 11 comes with a redesigned Settings app. The new experience introduces a new UI design with colorful icons, rounded corners, and new semitransparent visuals. Also, you will no longer find a homepage, as the app default straight into the System settings, and all the settings have been reorganized.
In addition, the pages now show breadcrumbs as you navigate deeper into Settings to help you know where you are and not lose your place.
You will also see new hero controls at the top that highlight key information and frequently used settings for you to adjust as you need.
New out-of-box experience (OOBE)
In build 22000.51, we are also getting a first look at the setup experience, also known as the out-of-box experience, that has been redesigned with brand new colorful animated iconography and a more modern light theme. We looked into the OOBE before, so you canwatch this video to get a first lookat the first experience.
Also, based on feedback, Microsoft has added the ability to name your PC during the setup experience.
Wi-Fi 6E support
As part of the networking improvements, Windows 11 now comes with support Wi-Fi 6E.
Installing Windows 11 build 22000.51
If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 22000.51, you need to enroll your device in theDev Channelusing the Windows Insider Program settings from the Update & Security section.
Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download build 22000.51 from the Windows Update settings by clicking theCheck for Updatesbutton.
However, you will need a device that meets theminimum system requirementsto receive the update if you are new to the Windows Insider Program.
If you are an existing Insider, you can upgrade to the first preview of Windows 11 without restrictions. But, if your computer doesn t meet the minimum requirements, you won t be able to install the final version when the new OS releases.
In the case that your computer meets the minimum requirements, then you will continue to be able to test the preview of Windows 11.