Windows 11 build 23601 rolls out Windows 365 personal mode, and Share and Notepad changes

• Microsoft makes the Windows 11 build 23601 available in the Dev Channel.
• The update adds undock and resize options for Copilot and settings to disable news from Widgets.
• The Share feature and Nearby Sharing settings also received some improvements.
• The company is even improving the Windows 365 Boot and Switch experiences.

Windows 11 build 23601 is now available for users of the Windows Insider Program for devices enrolled in the Dev Channel, with a slew of new features and several improvements.

According to the official changes, Windows 11 build 23601 adds the ability to undock and resize Copilot and introduces a new option to disable the news feed from the Widgets dashboard like on build 26010. It also rolls out changes for screen-casting from the Quick Settings flyout. The Share feature now supports sharing to WhatsApp, and you can now rename your computer from the Nearby Sharing settings page. Microsoft is also testing the new personal mode and other improvements for Windows 365 Boot and Windows 365 Switch.

Windows 11 build 23601 changes

These new features and changes are rolling out with build 23601 for Windows 11.

Copilot undock and resize 

After installing this preview, the Copilot interface will include an “undock” button in the top right. While undocked, the chatbot interface appears above or below other apps, maintaining its fixed position on the desktop. In addition, this update makes it possible to resize the flyout by clicking and dragging the edge of the panel to adjust the width.

Widgets without news

Starting on build 23601, the Widgets settings now include a new option that allows you to choose the Microsoft account you use to connect with the feature, and you can now customize your topic of interest for the news feed from within settings. Also, Microsoft is adding an option to turn off the news feeds and show only widgets on the board.

Quick Settings Cast changes

The next time you open the Quick Settings (Windows key + A) to use the Cast feature, you will notice some improvements. For example, the system will suggest using Cast through a notification toast when performing multitasking activities, such as often switching between windows to complete a task or using Snap Assist to organize your screen space.

Also, the Cast panel has been updated with additional support if you face trouble discovering nearby displays, fixing connections, and more.

Windows 365 Boot and Switch 

Microsoft is also testing the new personal mode for Windows 365 Boot, allowing you to configure the device to boot straight into your Windows 365 Cloud PC. As part of the Windows 365 Boot experience, the company is also adding the ability for organizations to change the logo and name of “Windows 365 Boot,” and it introduces a new fail-fast mechanism so you don’t have to wait until the login fails to know that there’s a network problem.

Finally, this update makes it easier to access and manage sound, display, and other device-specific settings of their local PC directly from your Cloud PC under Windows 365 Boot.

As part of the Windows 365 Switch experience, this update improves the disconnect experience by going to Local PC > Task view > Right-click on the Cloud PC button > Disconnect.

When you switch between your respective computers, you will see the terms “Cloud PC” and “Local PC” on the desktop indicator. In addition, the Cloud PC will now display updates regarding the connection status and the connection timeout indicator while waiting on the connection screen.

Other changes

This flight also updates the Share experience to include an option to share items through WhatsApp.

Also, the Nearby Sharing page now allows you to rename your computer, giving you a more friendly name to identify the device when sharing.

Windows Narrator can now use voice access to open applications, dictate text, and interact with elements on the screen using their voice.

Windows 11 build 23601 fixes

As part of the fixes, Windows 11 build 23601 addresses these issues:

• Copilot: Fixed an issue causing full-screen apps to minimize on secondary monitors when launching Copilot.
• Start menu: Fixed an issue causing the Recommended section to appear blank for some Insiders.
• File Explorer: Fixed an issue impacting explorer.exe reliability.
• Taskbar: Fixed an issue where uncombined taskbar icons cut off the title instead of adjusting the title length.
• Task Manager: When creating a dump file for a process, the dump file location should be selectable now so you can copy it out.
• Settings: Fixed crashes when opening System > Nearby Sharing.

App updates

Microsoft is also updating Notepad and Microsoft Store apps. Starting with this flight, File Explorer includes a new “Edit in Notepad” option in the context menu for files, and the app now shows the character count for selected text and the entire document. 

The Microsoft Store app brings the ability to install apps directly from the Store website using the web browser. In the Store app, the company is adding a new dedicated page to find games you can play immediately without downloading. Finally, this update also rolls out performance improvements to make the browsing experience and scrolling smoother. 

Finally, as part of the known issues, Microsoft notes a problem between Copilot and Voice Access, as well as several issues with the Widgets experience.

Install build 23601

To download and install the Windows 11 build 23601, enroll your device in the Dev Channel 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 clicking the “Check for Updates” button.