Microsoft has unveiled a new Beta Channel build for Windows Insiders, designated as build 22635.4010 under KB5041869. This update marks the return of the simplified system tray, which had been temporarily removed due to previous issues. Alongside this restoration, the build introduces several enhancements and an update to the Paint application.
Changes and Improvements
The following changes are gradually being rolled out to the Beta Channel, with an option to toggle them on:
- Taskbar & System Tray: The simplified system tray, featuring a shortened date and time format, is making its comeback for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. This feature was initially introduced with Build 22635.3930 but was paused to address certain concerns.
- Simplified system tray displayed with condensed date and time, omitting the notification bell icon.
- For those utilizing jump lists when hovering over taskbar apps, a new setting allows users to disable this feature via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar under “Taskbar behaviors.”
Fixes Implemented
Several fixes are being rolled out to enhance user experience:
- Taskbar: An issue where pressing the Shift key while right-clicking an app icon on the taskbar opened a new instance of the app has been resolved. This fix also addresses a related problem that caused explorer.exe to crash under similar conditions.
- Task Manager: A fix has been applied to ensure the dropdown in the GPU section of Performance displays correctly in dark mode.
Known Issues
Despite these improvements, some known issues persist:
- Taskbar: Microsoft is actively working on a solution for explorer.exe crashes that some Insiders experience when closing apps from the taskbar in the latest builds.
- File Explorer: Insiders with the updated Recent, Favorites, and Shared sections on the File Explorer homepage may encounter a loss of keyboard focus when selecting an unselected tab item.
- Input: Efforts are underway to resolve an issue where the emoji panel unexpectedly closes when switching to kaomoji and symbols sections or after selecting an emoji.
Paint Update
The Paint application has also received an update (version 11.2406.36.0 and newer) for Windows Insiders in both the Beta and Release Preview Channels, featuring the following enhancements:
- Pen back button eraser support: Users can now effortlessly switch to the eraser tool by pressing the eraser button or flipping their stylus pen.
- Pen support for lasso select via the pen side button: The latest update allows users to click the side button while hovering the stylus over the screen to quickly utilize the free-form selection tool on the canvas.
FEEDBACK: Users are encouraged to submit feedback through the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Paint. For more detailed information, the official blog post can be found on Microsoft’s website.