- Microsoft pushes the second preview of Windows 11 in the Beta Channel in one week.
- The Windows 11 build 22635.4000 update introduces Taskbar, Widgets, and Voice Access changes.
- The company also released build 26120.1330 in the Dev Channel, which includes changes to File Explorer and Power Mode settings.
Microsoft is now rolling out the Windows 11 build 22635.4000 (KB5040546) in the Beta Channel with some changes and improvements for existing features. In addition, Windows 11 build 26120.1330 (KB5040543) is also rolling out for Insiders but for devices enrolled in the Dev Channel.
Windows 11 build 22635.4000 in the Beta Channel
According to the official notes published on July 26, 2024, the update KB5040546 is available in the Beta Channel and rolls out a new behavior of the Taskbar where hovering over pinned apps (that aren’t running) in the Taskbar will show the Jump List menu.
Microsoft is also opening up the Widgets board for developers to create custom feeds. However, this option is currently only available for users located in the European Union. The company also notes that this release will make the “Microsoft Start Experiences” app the source for the “Microsoft Start” widget and feed experiences.
The update KB5040546 will improve the spelling and corrections experience as part of the Voice Access experience. For example, you can use the experience for the entire session and dictate characters more quickly.
Microsoft also made available Windows 11 build 22635.3936 as update KB5040535 in the Beta Channel during the same week as build 22635.4000 with changes for the “Open With” menu and new privacy settings.
Windows 11 build 26120.1330 in the Dev Channel
In the Dev Channel, Microsoft is also rolling out Windows 11 build 26120.1330 as update KB5040543. According to the official notes, it adds a duplicate tab option to right-click the context menu to tabs for File Explorer.
The “Power & battery” settings page now allows you to set the power mode for both the computer when it is plugged in and when it is running on the battery.
This release also updates the behavior of the “End Task” option so that it does not show the “Not Responding” dialog when terminating an app.
The System Information app will now apply the text size preference when changing the text size from the “Accessibility” settings section.
As part of the known issues, Microsoft notes that this build may also be affected by the BitLocker Recovery screen bug that has been reported with the July 2024 Patch Tuesday Update, and Sandbox may fail to launch with the error 0x80370106.
Install builds
To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your device in the Beta or Dev Channels through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.
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].