- Windows 11 22H2 receives builds 22621.891 and 22623.891 (KB5020040) in the Beta Channel.
- The update introduces an updated version of Task Manager with a search feature.
- This release also includes fixes and improvements.
Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 build 22623.891 (KB5020040) with new features enabled by default and the preview build 22621.891 (KB5020040) with features turned off by default for computers in the Beta Channel.
Build 22623.891 for Windows 11, according to the official changes, introduces a new version of Task Manager with a search feature to filter processes, theming and “Efficiency mode” improvements, and various fixes.
Also, Windows 11 22623.891 and 22621.891 address various problems for File Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Defender, Out of box experience (OOBE), and more.
Windows 11 build 22623.891
These are the new features and improvements expected to arrive in the next feature drop of Windows 11:
Task Manager
On build 22623.891, Windows 11 rolls out an updated version of Task Manager with a new filter feature to search processes using the binary name, PID, or publisher name.
The filter algorithm matches the context keyword with all possible matches and displays them on the current page. The filter is also applied as you switch between pages. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “ALT + F” to focus on the filter box.
Microsoft is also improving the theming experience with a new option that allows you to change the color mode regardless of the system color mode you use.
In addition, Task Manager now supports themes for in-app dialogs. All dialog except for the “Run new task” and “Properties” dialog now supports themes.
Finally, this version of the app makes it easy to apply efficiency mode and offers the ability to opt out of the confirmation dialog. You can change the “Efficiency mode” dialog box by unchecking “Don’t ask me again,” or you can disable it from the Task Manager settings.
Changes and fixes for build 22623.891
As part of the changes, Windows 11 build 22623.891 includes support to rearrange icons in the hidden icons flyout in the system tray.
These are the fixes specific to build 22623.891:
Input
Improves Emoji search for Japanese and Simplified Chinese by properly handling Kana/Kanji and Pinyin in the emoji panel.
Taskbar
- When using the bottom right edge gesture to see Quick Settings, the taskbar should no longer get stuck in the expanded state (instead of dismissing to collapsed state).
- Fixed an issue causing the do not disturb icon to disappear while in do not disturb mode.
- The new show hidden icons flyout’s animation should now be consistent with other taskbar flyouts.
- The show hidden icons flyout background color should now align with your accent color if “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” is enabled in Settings > Personalization > Colors.
- Fixed multiple explorer.exe crashes impacting taskbar performance.
Changes and fixes for build 22623.891 and 22621.891
These are the fixes specific to build 22623.891 and 22621.891:
- You can back up applicable settings to your Microsoft account. You can also sync these settings on any Windows device and in Microsoft Office.
- Fixed an issue that affected File Explorer. It failed to localize folders.
- Fixed an issue that affected the CopyFile function. It might have sometimes returned error 317: ERROR_MR_MID_NOT_FOUND.
- Fixed an issue that affected process creation. It failed to create security audits for it and other related audit events.
- Fixed an issue that affected printing in landscape mode in Microsoft Edge. The print output was incorrect. This issue occurred when you used Microsoft Defender Application Guard.
- Fixed an issue that affected Microsoft Defender when it was not the primary antivirus. Microsoft Defender failed to turn off passive mode. This issue occurs when you turn off Smart App Control (SAC).
- Added .wcx to the list of Dangerous Extensions that some app control policies do not allow.
- Fixed an issue that affected a computer account. The use of non-standard characters can stop the cleanup of the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) accounts.
- Fixed an issue that affected the Windows Firewall service. It did not start when you turned on the Override block rules option.
- Fixed an issue that might have affected applications that run on the Windows Lock Down Policy (WLDP). They might have stopped working.
Microsoft is looking into problems with the Taskbar and Task Manager as part of the known issues.
Install build 22623.891
If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 22623.891, you need to enroll your device in the Beta Channel using the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section.
Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download build 22623.891 from the “Windows Update” settings by clicking the Check for Updates button. However, you will need a device that meets the minimum system requirements to receive the update if you are new to the Windows Insider Program. If the device receives build 22621.891, you can check again for updates to download build 22623.891.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].