These are five intriguing Windows 11 preview features to try.

Since Windows 11 preview builds appear each week, we have been reporting on new Windows features (both announced and hidden) practically everyday on Neowin. If you are new to the Windows Insider Program or are curious about the amazing features available in pre-release versions of the operating system, here is a list of five great updates to test after installing the latest Windows 11 preview build.

The following features are listed in no particular sequence and are far from exhaustive. Furthermore, future releases will have much more, therefore we will continue to produce articles like this every few months. Finally, if you believe another update in the Windows 11 preview builds is more intriguing, let everyone know in the comments.

Seeing new changes in Windows 11 (especially those that have been long-anticipated or desired) is thrilling and may lead to an upgrade from a stable release to a preview. Before you do so, keep in mind that pre-release Windows builds (particularly those from the Canary and Dev channels) are frequently raw and unstable. As a result, operating them on mission-critical equipment is not a good idea. Back up critical data and be ready for the unexpected.

1. New Volume Mixer

The volume mixer in Windows 11 preview builds is totally new. It allows you to control the level for each app, select the output device, and enable additional effects like spatial audio without having to access the Settings app or install third-party apps (RIP EarTrumpet). Press a button next to the volume slider to open the Quick Settings menu. Instead, hold down Win + Ctrl + V.

Although Microsoft introduced the new volume mixer in version 25309, it is being phased in, so you may not see it after installing the most recent Dev or Canary build.

2. Better color output

Auto Color Management (ACM) is less common than the other capabilities discussed in this article. Even on less expensive 8-bit monitors, many consumers will benefit from improved color output. Applications can now use 10-16 bit color precision (depth) in Windows 11 preview releases, resulting in more accurate and better colors. ACM can also help 8-bit screens with the use of extra techniques such as dithering.

The new option is accessible via Settings > System > Advanced display. It should be noted that your PC must meet hardware requirements in order to benefit from Auto Color Management.

3. A faster way to copy 2FA codes

This is a minor but significant feature that allows you to rapidly copy two-factor authentication codes. When the operating system detects a two-factor authentication code in a notification, it now shows a “copy to clipboard” button. It should be noted that this capability is not confined to the default email client and should operate in other programs as well.

4. Widgets improvements

• Widgets Board has been redesigned and better structured. Widgets are now separated from news, making it easier to receive the relevant information at a glance and avoid reading all of the yellow press Microsoft shoves into that section (“Ariana Grande: “I love gross stuff”and other trash).
  

  

• Theme-aware icons: Microsoft has released two icon sets to make widgets more accessible and visible in dark and light settings.
• Icons that move: As you hover your cursor over the widget button or click it, the forecast on the taskbar displays a cute little animation. This is hardly ground-breaking (and may even elicit outrage among Windows enthusiasts who miss key taskbar features from Windows 10), but it works well with other fluent animations in Windows 11.
• Windows Widgets have a new home: If you prefer the left-aligned taskbar, you can drag Windows Widgets to the right to make the taskbar more like Windows 10.

  

5. Better tabbed File Explorer

The tabbed File Explorer in Windows 11 is, at best, inadequate. It’s flaky and lacks several basic functionality, like dragging tabs between windows. Upgrading to a Windows 11 preview build may improve your experience in this area. You will be able to move a tab to create a new window or send it to an existing one after enabling a few secret Identifiers.

Honorable mention: Live kernel memory dumps in Task Manager

In Task Manager, developers using the newest Dev/Canary release can generate live kernel memory dumps. This function can collect data to debug anomalous conditions while allowing the operating system to continue running. Additional information about live kernel memory dumps can be found in the official documentation.

Let us know what you think about the new features in early Windows 11 builds in the comments.

Source: NeoWin