- Microsoft releases Windows 11 build 25169 to the Dev Channel.
- The update introduces a new “multi-app kiosk mode.”
- Also, it adds a new option to enable Spotlight for the desktop.
- Furthermore, you will find various fixes and improvements.
Microsoft is now rolling out a new preview of Windows 11 (build 25169) for devices enrolled in the Dev Channel. This update includes a few new features and improvements that may release as a “feature drop” once they’re ready or as part of the next version coming in 2024.
Build 25169 for Windows 11, according to the official changes, introduces a new “multi-app kiosk mode” to create a limited desktop session with permissions to run multiple apps. The “Personalization” page in the Settings app now includes a new option to enable Windows Spotlight. This flight also improves the U.S. English (EN-US) handwriting model. The Settings app introduces support for managing apps and a number of other fixes and enhancements.
Multi-app kiosk mode
Starting on Windows 11 build 25169, “multi-app kiosk mode” is a lockdown feature that allows an administrator to allow only a set of apps to run on the computer while all other functionalities are blocked. The feature enables the creation of multiple apps and access configurations for different user types.
Using this mode, you can limit access to the Settings app, except for selected pages (for example, Wi-Fi and screen brightness), lock down the Start menu to show only allowed apps, and Block toasts and pop-ups that lead to unwanted interfaces.
Microsoft targets the “multi-app kiosk mode” for frontline workers, retail scenarios, education, and test-taking.
In this release, multi-app kiosk mode can be enabled using PowerShell and WMI Bridge, with support for Intune/MDM and provisioning package configuration coming soon.
Spotlight for desktop
It’s now possible to enable Windows Spotlight through the option available on the Themes settings page. You can also create custom themes with the Spotlight rotating images.
Other improvements
This preview of Windows 11 also updates the U.S. English (EN-US) handwriting model to be faster and more accurate.
The Settings app now supports managing apps previously only supported from Control Panel. This includes the ability to uninstall apps that have inter-dependencies and repair and modify Win32 apps.
Also, the Windows Security app version is now available in Windows Security settings under About.
Fixes and improvements
This flight of Windows 11 also has several fixes and improvements, including:
File Explorer
- Fixed an issue leading to the Azure Information Protection context menu entry unexpectedly showing with the name “Microsoft.Azip.RightClick” after an upgrade.
Taskbar
- Fixed an explorer.exe crash that sometimes prevented the taskbar from loading when launching Microsoft Teams meetings.
- Fixed a couple of explorer.exe crashes some Insiders were experiencing related to taskbar overflow.
Start menu
- Fixed an issue that was removing the “More” button in Start’s Recommended section.
Settings
- Fixed an issue where the text field might unexpectedly lose focus after using the reveal password button in the Wi-Fi section of Quick Settings.
Input
- Improved the key repeat rate for the traditional and default touch keyboard layout so it feels more responsive.
Other changes
- Fixed an issue believed to be the root cause of some Insiders recently experiencing bug checks when opening and copying files from network locations.
- Fixed an issue that could cause desynced audio when recording gameplay with the Xbox Game Bar.
- Fixed an issue leading to error code 0x80004005 when using the network troubleshooter.
- Made some adjustments to fix an issue where the scrollbar in certain places (like File Explorer) was unexpectedly wide when using high DPI scaling.
- Fixed an issue believed to be the root cause of Windows Security, saying standard hardware security wasn’t supported on devices where it was actually supported, as well as showing a warning in the taskbar but not showing any issues when Windows Security was launched. Please note that due to the timing of the payload, these issues may come back after the next Windows Security update. It will go away again after a future Windows Security update.
Furthermore, there are some other known issues with File Explorer and Widgets.
Install Windows 11 build 25169
If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 25169, you need to enroll your device in the Dev Channel using the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section.
Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download build 25169 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.
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].