Windows 11 build 22631.1972 (KB5027295) rolls out in Beta Channel

Windows 11 22H2 receives builds 22621.1972 and 22631.1972 (KB5027295) in the Beta Channel.
This update introduces the new File Explorer using WinUI 3.
The update delivers a slew of fixes and improvements for both builds.

Windows 11 build 22631.1972 (KB5027295) is now rolling out with new features enabled by default, and the preview build 22621.1972 (KB5027295) with features turned off by default for computers enrolled in the Beta Channel.

Build 22631.1972 for Windows 11, according to the official changes, offers a preview of the version of File Explorer using WinUI version 3. The company notes that the functionality remains unchanged. It just switches from using WinUI 2 to using WinUI 3.

As part of the fixes for build 22631.1972 in the Settings app, the option to “Hide date and time in the System tray” from the last flight should no longer be backward (on being off, off being on).

Windows 11 build 22621.1972 and 22631.1972 fixes

This rollout also brings a bunch of fixes and improvements for both builds:

Improves several simplified Chinese fonts and the Microsoft Pinyin Input Method Editor (IME) to support GB18030-2022. You can enter and display characters from conformance level 1 or 2 using the additions to Microsoft Yahei, Simsun, and Dengxian. This update now supports Unicode Extensions E and F in the Simsun Ext-B font. This meets the requirements for level 3.

You can now authenticate across Microsoft clouds. This feature also satisfies Conditional Access checks if they are needed.

Improves the sharing of a local file in File Explorer with Microsoft Outlook contacts. You now have the option to quickly email the file to yourself. In addition, loading your contacts from Outlook is better. This feature is not available for files stored in Microsoft OneDrive folders. OneDrive has its own sharing functionality.

Expands the roll out of notification badging for Microsoft accounts on the Start menu. A Microsoft account is what connects Windows to your Microsoft apps. The account backs up all your data and helps you to manage your subscriptions. You can also add extra security steps to keep you from being locked out of your account. This feature gives you quick access to important account-related notifications.

Adds many new features and improvements to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. For more information, see Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

Addresses an issue that affects TextInputHost.exe. It stops working.

Addresses an issue that affects HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders. You can now set and maintain the correct default permissions for this directory path. When the permissions are wrong, Start menu, search, and Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) authentication fails.

Addresses an issue that affects devices that use the Network Protector for BitLocker. The device will not resume after it has been suspended.

Addresses an issue that affects certain applications that use IDBObjectStore. They do not work in Microsoft Edge and IE mode.

Addresses an issue that affects a scheduled monthly task. It might not run on time if the next occurrence happens when daylight savings time occurs.

Addresses an issue that affects Narrator. It reads the wrong state when you cancel the selection of an option button you have selected.

Gives user accounts the ability to open an elevated Windows Terminal. This only works if they use an admin account that has not signed in before.

Addresses an issue that affects File Explorer (explorer.exe). It stops working.

Addresses an issue that affects Narrator. The issue stops Narrator from retaining your scan mode when you switch between browsers.

Addresses an issue that affects certain apps. It stops working when it tries to scan a barcode.

Addresses an issue that affects Microsoft Intune push notifications. The issue stops devices that have less than 3.5 GB of RAM from getting them.

Addresses an issue that affects Teams. The issue stops Teams from alerting you about missed calls or messages.

Addresses an issue that affects File Explorer windows. They unexpectedly appear in the foreground.

Update affects Active Directory event ID 1644 processing. It now accepts events of greater than 64 KB in length.

This change truncates Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) queries contained within event 1644 to 20000 characters by default. You can configure the 20K value using the registry key “DEFAULT_DB_EXPENSIVE_SEARCH_FILTER_MAX_LOGGING_LENGTH_IN_CHARS.”

Addresses an issue that affects Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 users. You might not see the right location for a Remote Desktop session in your virtual machine or Cloud PC.

Update affects the reliability of Windows. It improves after you update the OS.

Addresses an issue that affects some earbuds. They stop streaming music.

Addresses an issue that affects .msi files. A minor update is not installed. This occurs when you use the

EnterpriseDesktopAppManagement configuration service provider (CSP) to distribute the .msi file.

Addresses an issue that affects a tib.sys driver. It does not load. This occurs when HyperVisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI) is enabled.

Addresses an issue that affects the on-screen keyboard. The issue stops it from opening after you lock the machine.

Addresses an issue that affects msftconnecttext.net. It gets excessive HTTP traffic.

Addresses an issue that might affect your computer when you are playing a game. Timeout Detection and Recovery (TDR) errors might occur.

Addresses an issue that affects those who enable the “Smart Card is Required for Interactive Logon” account option.

When RC4 is disabled, you cannot authenticate to Remote Desktop Services farms. The error message is, “An authentication error has occurred. The requested encryption type is not supported by the KDC.”

Addresses an issue that affects the Recommended section of the Start menu. When you right-click a local file, it does not behave as expected.

Update affects the Desktop Window Manager (DWM). It improves its reliability.

Addresses an issue that affects all the registry settings under the Policies paths. They might be deleted. This occurs when you do not rename the local temporary user policy file during Group Policy processing.

Addresses an issue that affects the Spooler service. It stops working. This issue occurs when you print using a certain workspace.

Addresses an issue that affects certain apps. In some instances, video flickering occurs.

Addresses an issue that affects File Explorer. It might stop responding indefinitely. This occurs after you try to view the effective access permissions for files in File Explorer.

Install build 22631.1972

To download and install the Windows 11 build 22631.1972, enroll your device in the Beta Channel using the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section.

Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download build 22631.1972 from the “Windows Update” settings by clicking the “Check for Updates” button. However, you will need a device that meets the minimum system requirements to receive the update if you are new to the Windows Insider Program. If the device receives build 22621.1972, you can turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch to switch to build 22631.1972.