Microsoft has announced the launch of a new Canary channel for its Windows Insider Preview Program, and it has released the first build for this channel. The latest release is Windows 11 Build 25314, which introduces several new features to the built-in file manager’s XAML context menu.
What’s new in Windows 11 Build 25314?
The new build comes with a few new features, including the addition of access key shortcuts in the built-in file manager’s XAML context menu. When you tap the Menu Key on your keyboard, you can bring up the context menu and the access keys. Each command in the menu now has an access key shortcut displayed next to it. Hit the corresponding key next to a command to execute it.
Will the legacy context menu end with the new shortcut feature?
It is not clear if this change in the shortcut’s action will spell the end of the legacy context menu, which currently appears when you use the Menu Key. However, the addition of the access keys feature is a welcomed addition, as it provides an efficient way to execute commands in the file manager’s context menu.
Limitations of the access keys feature
It’s worth noting that the access keys feature is not available for users who have the Windows App SDK version of File Explorer. You can determine if you have the Windows App SDK version by checking if the command bar has the pizza icon. If it does, the access keys feature will not be available.
Overall, the new Windows 11 Build 25314 is a promising release that brings some useful additions to the file manager’s XAML context menu. With the new access keys feature, users can now navigate and execute commands in the menu more efficiently.
Windows 11 Build 25314: New features and enhancements
Windows 11 Build 25314 is not just about access key shortcuts and improved context menus. The latest release brings a range of new features and enhancements, including the following:
File Explorer file recommendations
File Explorer will now display relevant files, or “File Recommendations,” at the top of the Home page, above the favorites section. These recommendations are files that you have accessed on the cloud, such as those you own or those that are shared with you. Note that this feature is only available for users who are signed in to an Azure Active Directory account (AAD).
Local Security Authority Protection Enablement (LSA)
Another security feature that comes with Windows 11 Build 25314 is the Local Security Authority Protection Enablement (LSA), which is enabled by default. This feature is designed to prevent unauthorized code from running in the LSA Process, protecting against theft of credentials and data. Users can toggle this feature under the Device Security > Core Isolation page of the Windows Security Dashboard.
Narrator updates for Outlook support
Narrator, the accessibility feature in Windows, now receives updates for its Outlook support. When the app is started, the user will receive a notification after the update has been downloaded. Note that this feature is currently only supported in U.S. English, but Microsoft plans to add more languages in a future flight. The change also enables Outlook updates to be delivered through the Microsoft Store.
Moving to the Canary Channel
Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel can now manually move to the Canary Channel, provided the latter has a higher build number. However, Microsoft does not recommend this due to stability issues. It’s worth noting that users who have installed the recent Dev Channel build are set to receive updates from the Canary Channel by default, which may cause stability issues.
In summary, Windows 11 Build 25314 comes with several new features and enhancements, such as File Recommendations in File Explorer, LSA protection, and improved accessibility support for Outlook. While users in the Dev Channel can move to the Canary Channel, it’s important to note that this may cause stability issues.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23403 for Dev Channel: What you need to know
Microsoft has rolled out a new update for the Dev Channel, but with a crucial caveat. The company has reserved Builds in the 25000 series exclusively for the Canary Channel. As a result, users who have installed Dev Build 25309 will not receive the latest update, which is Build 23403. However, this update brings minimal changes and includes the same features that were introduced in the Canary Channel: Access Keys and File Recommendations.
However, it’s worth noting that both changes in File Explorer are being A/B tested and will only be available for some users in both channels. For more details, head over to the release notes for Build 23403, available on the Windows Insiders blog.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft has been working tirelessly to improve and refine Windows 11 ahead of its official release. The company has introduced several new features and updates, which are being tested through the Windows Insider Program’s various channels. With the release of the first Canary Channel Build 25314, users can experience new features, including access key shortcuts and file recommendations in File Explorer.
Additionally, the security feature LSA protection and updated support for Narrator’s Outlook will enhance users’ experience. Microsoft’s decision to reserve Builds in the 25000 series to the Canary Channel is a significant change, but it is a move aimed at improving the stability and reliability of updates for users. As always, users can access the latest updates and features by joining the Windows Insider Program and providing feedback to help shape the future of Windows 11.
You can also find out the most recent article about Windows 11 Camera now includes a privacy shutter and Arm64 compatibility.
