- Windows 11 build 22635.2915 (KB5033456) rolls out various improvements for Voice Access, Cast, Notepad, Windows 365 Boot, and Switch.
- This update also deprecates the Windows Speech Recognition feature, the Nearby Sharing settings get updated, and the Windows Narrator feature receives some improvements.
- Task Manager and Desktops are also getting some minor tweaks.
- The update KB5033456 doesn’t include any known issues.
UPDATED 15/12/2023: The update KB5033456 for Windows 11 is now rolling out in the Windows Insider Program through the Beta Channel. The update makes various improvements and fixes available for devices with the toggle switch to receive the latest updates turned on.
The update KB5033456 bumps the build number to 22635.2915, and according to the official changes, this release introduces a newer version of Voice Access that extends languages, supports multiple monitors, and adds custom commands. The Cast feature receives a few improvements focused on education and discoverability. Also, Microsoft is rolling out new Windows 365 Boot and Switch changes.
In addition, in this release, the company notes that it is deprecating the legacy Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) in favor of Voice Access. The Nearby Sharing settings page includes a new option to rename your computer, and Windows Narrator can perform more actions with Voice Access.
Finally, Notepad is getting an update that introduces a character counter, and you will now find a new entry in the File Explorer context menu to open text files directly into the editor.
Microsoft doesn’t reveal any known issue for the update KB5033456.
Windows 11 build 22635.2915 new features and changes
These are the new changes that Microsoft is fighting with build 22635.2915 on December 14, 2023:
Voice Access
As part of the update KB5033456, Windows 11 is expanding language and multi-monitor support and rolling out custom commands:
- Additional languages: The feature is now also available in French (France), French (Canada), German, Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Mexico).
- Multi-monitor support: This support makes it possible to use number and grid overlays on any display other than the primary one. The grid overlay has been improved to switch to another display quickly. Finally, you can also use the accelerated “mouse grid” command to move the mouse to a specific point.
- Voice shortcuts: This feature allows you to create custom commands. Currently, it’s limited to the English language. You can start using the “Show voice shortcuts” command to open the page and set up the feature. Some of the actions you can create include opening a folder, file, app, or link, creating a keyboard shortcut or mouse click, and more.
- When opening the Windows Speech Recognition (WSR), users will now see a notification that the feature is being deprecated in favor of Voice Access. The message will also appear on the “Speech” settings page.
Cast
The Cast feature is getting some improvements:
- Users will now get a toast notification to start Cast on certain activities, like switching windows to complete a task or using Snap Assist.
- If Cast isn’t working from the Quick Settings flyout, the “Can’t find a device” option will open the troubleshooter to resolve the issue.
Nearby Sharing
The “Nearby Sharing” settings page will now include an option to rename the computer directly from the page instead of going to the “About” page.
Windows Narrator
On Windows Narrator, it’s now possible to perform more actions with Voice Access, such as opening apps, dictating text, and interacting with elements on the screen. Also, Voice Acces will be able to control Windows Narrator with additional commands, including “speak faster,” “read next line,” and more.
Task Manager
Upon creating a dump file, it’s now possible to select and copy the file location.
Desktops
On Desktops, Microsoft has fixed jumping background switching between desktops.
Notepad
The Notepad is getting an update with a couple of improvements:
- Character counter: The status bar will now show the total number of characters in the file or the selected text.
- Edit with Notepad: The File Explorer context menu adds a new “Edit with Notepad” option to open a text file directly with the editor.
Recovery
Microsoft didn’t mention this in the official notes, but this update includes a new option to quickly reinstall the operating system to repair components and system files. The option is available from Settings > System > Recovery, and the feature is called “Fix problems using Windows Update.”
Windows 365 boot
As part of the Windows 365 Boot experience, Microsoft is making available a slew of changes to improve the experience:
- Dedicated mode: Allows users to boot into their Windows 365 Cloud PC from their designated managed device.
- Customize logo: Companies will now be able to customize the logo screen with their logo and branding from Intune.
- Improved network detection: If the connection to the Cloud PC is known to fail, the system will quickly fall back, letting the user know about the issue.
- Manage local device settings: Inside the Windows 365 Cloud PC, it is now possible to configure local settings, including sound, display, and other specific settings.
Windows 365 Switch
Similar to the Boot experience, the Windows 365 Switch is receiving some improvements regarding disconnect, desktop indicators, and connection:
- Easy disconnect: Users can now right-click the Cloud PC in Task View and choose the “Disconnect” option to terminate a connection.
- Desktop indicators: When switching devices, the desktop will show the label “Cloud PC” or “Local PC” to make it easier to understand the current desktop session.
- Connection time status: Users will now see updates regarding the Cloud PC connection and the connection timeout indicator while waiting on the connection screen.
Install build 22635.2915
If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 22635.2915, enroll your device in the Beta Channel using the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Windows Update” section.
Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download build 22635.2915 from the “Windows Update” settings by checking the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button. However, if you are new to the Windows Insider Program, you will need a device that meets the minimum system requirements to receive the update.
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 14 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 20 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].