- Windows 11 build 22518 is now available in the Dev Channel.
- This flight introduces the Spotlight collection background feature for the desktop.
- Voice Access feature to control the Windows 11 experience with your voice.
- And updated Taskbar Widgets icons with weather information.
Microsoft is currently releasing Windows 11 build 22518 for devices that are registered in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program as part of the active development branch. Given the numerous significant additions and modifications it brings, this version is regarded as a big one.
Build 22518 for Windows 11 adds a new Spotlight collection background feature for the desktop, updates Taskbar widgets with weather data, and adds a new feature called Voice Access that allows you to use your voice to navigate the entire Windows 11 experience, according to the company’s official notes. Additionally, this flight brings the Windows Subsystem for Linux installation package to the Microsoft Store along with a new interface for changing inputs like languages and layouts.
Visit the Pureinfotech YouTube channel to view this hands-on video that highlights all the new enhancements with this flight.
Windows 11 build 22518 new features
These are every update and new feature that Microsoft is releasing with build 22518.
Spotlight collection
Windows 11’s Spotlight collection, a new feature that automatically replaces the desktop background with various images from around the globe each day, is introduced in build 22518.
Similar to Spotlight for the Lock screen, you may activate the function by going to Settings>Personalization>backdrop and choosing the Spotlight collection option from the dropdown menu labeled “Personalize your background.”
Additionally, a Spotlight icon that allows you to instantly change the image will appear on your desktop when you enable the feature. In order to make future photographs more suited to your preferences, you will be given the opportunity to like or dislike the image. If you like the image, you can double-click the icon to open Microsoft Edge and view additional details.
The first picture will be from Australia’s Whitehaven Beach. A fresh set of up to five backgrounds will be downloaded and made accessible on the computer later in the day. Up to 24 hours may pass throughout this process.
Only Australia, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States currently have this function. More nations will be included in the future.
Widgets tweaks
The Widget icon is also being updated in Windows 11. With this update, the entry point will be on the left side of the Taskbar, displaying the current weather data in a manner akin to the Windows 10 widget. Hovering over the symbol will now launch the Widgets dashboard.
The Widgets icon will show up next to the Task View icon if you decide to align the Taskbar icons to the left.
Voice Access
With build 22518, Microsoft is also launching Voice Access. With the new capability, anyone may use their voice to operate their desktop or laptop computer.
You can browse the web, open and switch apps, dictate emails, and more using Voice Access. The company claims that voice access works without an internet connection and uses cutting-edge on-device speech recognition to reliably identify speech.
The Windows display language should be set to English-U.S. since the feature only supports that language. Otherwise, voice access might not function properly.
Settings>Accessibility>Speech is where you can access voice access. You will need to download a speech model for the on-device speech recognition when you initially activate the capability. After downloading the package, you can select a microphone to operate Windows 11 with your voice.
Through the Settings app, you have the option to have Voice Access launch automatically the next time you log in. To control whether voice access is listening or not, you may also use voice commands or keyboard shortcuts (Alt + Shift + CandAlt + Shift + B).
You can say Voice access wake up and unmute to activate the feature and have it begin to listen to you. To put voice access to sleep, muffle the voice access. Alternately, turn off the microphone to prevent voice access from hearing you.
The interactive guide, which includes a list of all the commands to use with Voice Access, may teach you how to utilize the function.
The Windows 11 experience is really easy to navigate. To open an application, for instance, you can say anything like “Open,” such as “Open Edge,” or “Open Word.” Alternately, switch to an active app by switching to, say, Edge. alternatively to control windows, select Minimize, Maximize, and Close. Alternatively, click, such as Click Start or Click Cancel to click a button or link, to provide a couple of examples.
Windows Subsystem for Linux
Although Microsoft has already announced the availability of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), starting with build 22518, the platform is now officially available for download through the Microsoft Store to streamline the installation process with one click.
Additionally, the business is modifying the wsl –install command to allow packages to be downloaded from the Microsoft Store when the command is executed in Command Prompt.
As part of thewsl –installcommand, this flight brings new arguments, includingwsl install no-launch, which will install a new WSL distro without immediately launching it.
Input switcher
Last but not least, Windows 11 build 22518 enhances overall performance and dependability with a new interface for switching between languages and keyboard configurations with an acrylic background.
File explorer
Install is one of the new top-level choices added to the context menu when you right-click on font and.inf files as part of the File Explorer enhancements. Right-clicking on.cer files will install the certificate. When you right-click on this computer, you may map the network drive and disconnect it. Additionally, when you right-click on network drives, you can disconnect.
Finally, the personalized combinations of emoji based on the face and skin tones of family members, couples with heart, kissing, and people holding hands is now available for all testers. This feature was originally introduced with build 22504.
The ability to display the clock and date on all monitors is now also available for all testers. This feature was originally introduced with build 22509.
Also, Microsoft has added a new extra-large candidate height option for Simplified Chinese IME users underPersonalization>Text Inputin Settings.
Windows 11 build 22518 delivers several fixes for the Taskbar, Search, File Explorer, input, windowing, Settings, and more as part of the fixes. Also, there are some known issues regarding the Start menu, Taskbar, Search, Settings, Widgets, and Voice Access.
Install Windows 11 build 22518
If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 22518, 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 22518 from the Windows Update settings by clicking theCheck for Updatesbutton. If you are new to the Windows Insider Program, however, you will need a device that satisfies the minimal system requirements in order to receive the update.
With all the new features Microsoft has been working on for the upcoming version of Windows 11 (22H2), you may also read this tutorial.
Update December 13, 2021:Microsoft is now rolling out build 22518.1012 as update KB5009380. However, the update does not include anything new, it s only designed to test the update mechanism through the Dev Channel.