It’s time for Insiders to update Windows 11 if they want to try the latest clock app and version of the Microsoft Store

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It's time for Insiders to update Windows 11 if they want to try the latest clock app and version of the Microsoft Store

What you need to know

  • Windows 11 Build 27718 rolled out to Insiders in the Canary Channel recently.
  • The update includes several changes and improvements, including an improved lock screen experience, new taskbar options, and updates to Narrator.
  • Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels can also try an improved version of the Microsoft Store that features app categories.
  • Microsoft is also rolling out an update to the Clock app that includes new widgets.

As someone who has been closely following Microsoft’s developments over the past decade, I must say that the latest Windows 11 Build 27718 feels like a step forward in the right direction. The improvements to the lock screen experience, taskbar options, and Narrator are particularly noteworthy for users like myself who spend countless hours working on their devices.

Microsoft is currently allowing some new features and updates to be tested among members of its Canary Channel Insiders. Most recently, they released Windows 11 Build 22718 for testing, and they’ve also distributed an upgraded version of the Microsoft Store to Insiders in both the Dev and Canary channels. Members in the Canary Channel can install this build using Windows Update, or alternatively, they can use the ISO for Build 27718.

In recent Insider builds, several modifications similar to those found in Windows 11 Build 27718 have already been introduced. For instance, Microsoft has been experimenting with using the first letter as navigation on the taskbar for quite some time now.

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For Insiders participating in the Dev and Canary Channels who are using Windows 11 version 22409.xxxx.x, an upgraded Microsoft Store has been made accessible, although it’s not limited to Build 27718 alone. This new store comes with categorized sections, which can be found by clicking on the categories. Each category leads to a page showcasing various apps within its domain, such as productivity tools, entertainment options, utility software, and music applications.

Regardless of the specific channels they belong to, all Insiders can now trial an enhanced Clock application featuring two fresh widgets. These new widgets serve either as a countdown or a timer, depending on the one you choose to affix to your widgets panel.

Check out Microsoft’s blog for a detailed rundown of all updates, corrections, and known problems in Windows 11 Build 27718, or alternatively, explore the latest features down below.

Windows 11 Build 27718

Lock screen

  • We have updated the Lock screen so that the media controls will now show at the lower bottom center of the Lock screen now when media is being played.

Start menu

  • You can drag apps from the Pinned section of the menu and pin them to the taskbar.
  • [ADDED] Based on feedback, we’ve made some updates to the new account manager on the Start menu making the sign out option directly visible, and adding a list of signed in users under “…” so it’s faster to switch accounts.

Taskbar & System Tray

Windows Share

  • We’re rolling out some minor UI changes to simplify the Windows share window which removes the search box.

Narrator

  • We have made several changes to improve the performance of Narrator scan mode. This is expected to make scan mode responses much quicker, especially while using Microsoft Edge, and reading through large documents. To try out scan mode, turn on Narrator first (Win key + Ctrl + Enter), and then turn scan mode ON by pressing Caps Lock + Spacebar during a Narrator session.

Energy Saver

  • For laptops on battery, a notification will pop up asking you to plug in your laptop if the battery level reaches 20% while Energy Saver is set to “Always On”.

Windows Update

  • We’ve made some small design improvements to the dialog that opens if there’s something that needs your attention before proceeding with a Windows update, for example if more space is needed or there’s a compatibility issue. This includes updating the icon sizes and spacing.

Input

  • We have updated Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touch to have a new section for touch screen edge gestures, where you can choose if you would like to disable the left or right screen edge touch gesture. Note, this feature is rolling out so not all Insiders in the Canary Channel will see it right away.

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2024-10-03 15:09