14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 preview build for users enrolled in the Dev and Beta channels of the Windows Insider program.
And just as expected, Windows 11 build 22000.160 comes with several notable improvements, including a new Clock app with Focus Sessions, as well as changes for the update estimates, with such information to only be displayed for devices with SSDs going forward.
Microsoft says it has also corrected a bug causing the location in use indicator to show up on the taskbar even on those devices where users specifically blocked the access to location information.
The known issues
As far as the known issues are concerned, the Redmond-based software giant explains that it’s already investigating a problem that’s causing the new taskbar and Start menu to work inconsistently or not work at all after updating in the Beta channel.
“We’re investigating reports from Insiders in the Beta Channel where after upgrading to Windows 11, they are not seeing the new Taskbar and the Start menu doesn’t work. To workaround this if you are impacted, please try going to Windows Update > Update history, uninstalling the latest cumulative update for Windows, and the reinstall it by checking for updates,” the company explains.
Windows 11 is projected to be finalized in the fall, and it’s believed the stable version would be ready in October. Microsoft hasn’t specifically shared an ETA as to when Windows 11 could become available as a production release, but the company did say the free upgrade would go live in the last months of the year and then continue into 2022.
Only some eligible devices would get Windows 11 as a free upgrade, and Microsoft says it’s also working with partners to bring new computers to the market in order to offer a fully optimized experience for the new operating system.