Windows 11 KB5028251

Windows 11 build 22631.2115 (KB5028251) rolls out in Beta Channel

A new preview of Windows 11 releases in the Beta Channel with a slew of fixes expected to arrive with version 23H2.

  • Windows 11 22H2 receives builds 22621.2115 and 22631.2115 (KB5028251) in the Beta Channel.
  • This update introduces new File Explorer features, Dynamic Lighting settings, and a new volume mixer.
  • Also, you’ll find improvements for Spotlight, Windows Ink, Passkeys support, File Sharing, and more.

Windows 11 build 22631.2115 (KB5028251) is now rolling out with a slew of new features enabled by default expected to arrive with version 23H2, and the preview build 22621.2115 (KB5028251) with features turned off by default for computers enrolled in the Beta Channel.

Build 22631.2115 for Windows 11, according to the official changes, Windows Narrator now consumes the dictionary to disambiguate each Traditional Chinese word to improve the functionality using Narrator and the IME candidate window. In addition, build 22631.2115 rolls out with a slew of fixes for both build 22631.2115 and 22621.2115.

Windows 11 build 22631.2115 and 22621.2115 fixes

This rollout also brings a bunch of fixes and improvements for both builds:

  • Affects the Handwriting Software Input Panel (SIP), the Handwriting Engine, and the Handwriting Embedded Inking Control. They now support GB18030-2022 conformance level 2. Because of this, they meet the level 3 requirements.
  • Affects text edit controls in XAML. You cannot edit the controls again after they become read only. This occurs when you use the new Microsoft Input Method Editor for Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.
  • Affects the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist, DriverSiPolicy.p7b. It adds drivers that are at risk for Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.
  • Addresses an issue that affects certain CPUs. There is inconsistent reporting of the L2 cache.
  • Addresses an issue that affects certain wireless wide area network (WWAN) devices. After every restart, a dialog reappears. It asks you to switch to embedded SIM (eSIM) even when you choose “No.”
  • Affects user mode printer drivers. They unload unexpectedly. This occurs when you print from multiple print queues to the same printer driver.
  • Addresses an issue that affects hybrid joined devices. You cannot sign in to them if they are not connected to the internet. This occurs when you use a Windows Hello for Business PIN or biometric credentials.
  • Applies to a cloud trust deployment.
  • Addresses an issue that affects Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC). The issue copies unsigned WDAC policies to the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) disk partition. This partition is reserved for signed policies.
  • Addresses an issue that affects The “Disabled: Script Enforcement” option might create audit events you do not need.
  • Addresses an issue that affects a printing job. An unexpected Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) mode switch can cause the print job to abruptly stop. This occurs when there is an independent hardware vendor (IHV) driver.
  • Addresses an issue that affects certain display and audio devices. They are missing after your system resumes from sleep.
  • This update enhances hinting for some of the letters of the Verdana Pro font family.
  • Addresses an issue that affects the MPSSV service. The issues causes your system to restart repeatedly. The stop error code is 0xEF.
  • Makes brightness settings more accurate.
  • Affects Windows Autopilot profiles. The process to download the Windows Autopilot policy is more resilient. This helps when a network connection might not be fully initialized. This update increases the retry attempts when you try to download the Windows Autopilot profile.
  • Addresses an issue that affects I/O over Server Message Block (SMB). It might fail when you use the LZ77+Huffman compression algorithm.
  • Makes Narrator announce the “Change product key” label.
  • Affects the Windows Push Notification Services (WNS). It makes the connection between the client and the WNS server more reliable.
  • Addresses an issue that affects the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) repository. This causes an installation error. The issue occurs when a device does not shut down properly.
  • Addresses an issue in the Windows Notification Platform. The issue affects how much power your device uses.
  • Addresses an issue that affects the Defender Firewall Profile. It fails to automatically switch from a LAN that is trusted to a public network.
    Addresses an issue that affects Widgets. They unpin from the taskbar when you do not expect it.
  • Addresses an issue that affects virtual private networks (VPN). There might be excessive Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) requests to the network gateway. This occurs when the VPN is on a wireless mesh network. Because of this, network performance is poor.
  • Addresses a deadlock in Internet Protocol Security (IPsec). When you configure servers with IPsec rules, they stop responding. This issue affects virtual and physical servers.
  • Addresses an issue that affects Event Forwarding Subscriptions. When you add an Event Channel to the subscription, it forwards events you do not need.
  • This update makes Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles up to date.
  • Addresses an issue that affects the fastfat file system driver. It stops responding because of a race condition.

Also, Microsoft notes a couple of known issues for the Taskbar, File Explorer, Narrator, and Input.

Install build 22631.2115

To download and install the Windows 11 build 22631.2115, 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 22631.2115 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 22621.2115, you can turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch to switch to build 22631.2115.

About the author

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].