- Windows 11 build 23475 is now rolling out in the Dev Channel.
- The update introduces visual updates for the Home page and header of File Explorer.
- In addition, the Settings app is getting the new Dynamic Lighting feature.
- The company is also rolling out build 25387 in the Canary Channel without any significant changes.
Microsoft is now releasing Windows 11 build 23475 for computers enrolled in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program. This is a minor release that ships with various visual changes, fixes, and new features and improvements.
Build 23475 for Windows 11, according to the official changes, includes a modernized File Explorer Home and updated interface for header, new Dynamic Lighting settings, and support for Emoji 15.
Windows 11 build 23475 changes
Here are all the new features and improvements for the latest release of Windows 11 in the Dev Channel:
File Explorer
Starting on build 23475, File Explorer features a new Home page that uses the new Windows UI Library (WinUI). On devices signed in with an Azure Active Directory (AAD) account, the Home page will now show file recommendations in a carousel view with support for thumbnails (coming soon). Quick Access folders (for Microsoft accounts), Favorites, and Recent also bring in an updated experience with WinUI.
File Explorer now includes visual updates for the address bar and search box (header). The new address bar can now recognize local versus cloud folders with a new status that will appear on the left side. Also, the address bar will now show the sync status for OneDrive files, and as you hover over the icon, a new flyout will open to display the correct storage quota.
Dynamic lighting
In the “Personalization” section, the Settings app now includes a new “Dynamic Lighting” page that brings native support to control RGB lighting devices implementing the open HID LampArray standard without third-party tools.
According to the company, it’s trying to “improve the RGB device and software ecosystem for users by increasing interoperability of devices and apps.” In this release, developers will find APIs for Windows apps to control devices from the background and foreground, a page in the Settings page for users to customize how their devices behave.
Microsoft is also partnering with several manufacturers to implement Dynamic Lighting, including Acer, ASUS, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer, and Twinkly.
Some of the supported devices include ASUS ROG Scope II Wireless 96 Gaming Keyboard and Razer (BlackWidow, DeathStalker, Huntsman, Ornata, and Turret Keyboard Xbox One Edition). Also, for mice, currently, you can control the RGB lighting on the ASUS ROG Harpe Ace AimLab Edition Gaming Mouse, Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse, and Razer (Turret Mouse Xbox One, DeathAdder, Naga Left-Handed, and Naga Pro).
Other changes
As part of additional changes, the ability to detect if the user is interacting with toasts or not and provide a suggestion to turn the toast banners off for such apps is now available in the Dev Channel.
Finally, Emoji version 15 is now available on Windows 11 with new designs which include more hearts, animals and one new smiley face.
Fixes and improvements
This flight also ships with a bunch of fixes and improvements for Taskbar, Input, Settings, File Explorer, and more.
Taskbar
- Fixed an issue where the taskbar may not have shown the correct apps when using multiple desktops.
- Fixed the issue where Narrator customers were unable to navigate down the left side panel of the search flyout.
- Fixed an issue where when using a Japanese display language, sometimes apps with names written in kanji would all show at the bottom of the all apps list, rather than displayed alongside hiragana and katakana app names.
- Fixed an issue where certain notifications were leading to an explorer.exe crash.
Backup and Restore
- Backups of a PC that was set up using a restore will now show up in subsequent restores.Restore of solid color desktop backgrounds are now supported.
Other
- Fixed issues that were causing voice access commands for moving settings sliders and selecting things on the taskbar to fail.
- Fixed an issue where Korean touch keyboard sometimes finalizes characters unexpectedly in the search flyout on the taskbar.
This release also has known issues with the File Explorer, Dev Drive, and Dynamic Lighting.
In addition, the company is also rolling out the Windows 11 build 25387 in the Canary Channel, but since it doesn’t include significant changes, it’s not releasing any notes.
Install build 23475
If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 23475, enroll your device in the Dev Channel using the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Windows Update” section.
Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download build 23475 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.
Update June 9, 2023: Microsoft is now rolling out build 25387.1200. However, the update does not include anything new. Instead, it’s only another test for the update mechanism service.
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].