14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just released new builds for users enrolled in the Beta channel of the Windows Insider program. Starting last year, the company is using an approach that provides every release with two separate builds, one of which comes without the new features activated.
The new builds that users can download today as the following:
- Build 22623.1325 = New features rolling out.
- Build 22621.1325 = New features off by default.
Probably the biggest change in this new build release is the support for third-party widgets.
The widget experience in Windows 11 has been playing a key role in the operating system ever since the first version launched a couple of years ago. Microsoft knew that relying on first-party widgets wouldn’t work in the long term, so by allowing third parties to bring their widgets to Windows 11, the company is making this feature a lot more appealing to users.
Beta users are now getting access to several third-party widgets, namely Messenger, Spotify, Phone Link, and Game Pass, all of which previously went live for Dev channel insiders as well.
“As you give these and other new widgets a try, please let us know what you think through the Widgets feedback link in the widgets picker. You should expect to see additional new widgets as more developers create and release widgets for their apps,” Microsoft says. “With the release of Windows App SDK 1.2 developers are now able to create widgets for their apps. Users can access these experiences on their Windows 11 widgets board in current Dev Channel Insider Preview builds.”
Needless to say, the new builds also come with a plethora of fixed and performance improvements, so if you’re part of the Beta channel, just download them as soon as possible.