Windows 11 Insider Dev Channel build 23475 gets the new File Explorer home and more

John Callaham Neowin @JCalNEO · Jun 7, 2023 13:31 EDT with 1 comment

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 build to Dev Channel Insiders. The new build, 23475, adds the new File Explorer Home along with support for Dynamic Lighting, new emojis and more.

Microsoft also released a new update for the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel, with the build number 25387. However, it didn't get any release notes as it did not have any major changes. However, it did put in some new features to the Microsoft Store for both Dev and Canary Channel users.

The changelog for the new Dev Channel release is below:

What's new in Build 23475

Modernized File Explorer Home and Address Bar

Now that File Explorer is powered by Windows App SDK, we are introducing a modernized File Explorer Home powered by WinUI. Recommended files for users signed into Windows with an Azure Active Directory (AAD) account will be displayed as a carousel and support file thumbnails which is coming soon. Quick Access folders (available by default for users signed into Windows with a Microsoft account), Favorites, and Recent also bring in an updated experience with WinUI.

We are also introducing a modernized address bar and search box to File Explorer. The new address bar intelligently recognizes local vs. cloud folders with built-in status. For OneDrive users, you’ll notice the address bar now contains your OneDrive sync status and quota flyout.

.[We are beginning to roll this out, so the experience isn't available to all Insiders in the Dev Channel just yet as we plan to monitor feedback and see how it lands before pushing it out to everyone.]

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Files, Folders, and Online Storage > File Explorer.

Dynamic Lighting

Dynamic Lighting provides Windows users and developers with native control of Lighting Devices implementing the open HID LampArray standard. By adopting an open standard, and by working with our OEM and ODM partners, Microsoft seeks to improve the RGB device and software ecosystem for users by increasing interoperability of devices and apps. Included are APIs for Windows apps to control devices from the background and foreground, as well as a page in Windows Settings for users to customize how their devices behave.

Several device manufacturers including Acer, ASUS, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer, and Twinkly have partnered with Microsoft on Dynamic Lighting.

As of the publication of this post, a list of current, in-market compatible devices is below. Review the Dynamic Lighting Hardware MS Learn page for a more current list of compatible in-market devices. The latest firmware should be used with these devices. We are aware of several issues with wireless device connections so please use a wired connection with a compatible device to a PC, if possible, for the time being. And check out the known issues below in this post for other issues that may impact this experience.

Note: Many of the devices listed below have not yet been verified for compatibility by Microsoft. In case of issues, contact the device manufacturer.

Keyboards:

Mice:

To control and configure a HID LampArray device at both the per-device and all-device level, navigate to the new Dynamic Lighting page in Settings > Personalization > Dynamic Lighting.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Lighting.

Changes and Improvements

[General]

[Emoji]

The Unicode Emoji 15 is beginning to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. Users will now be able to see, search for and insert new emoji from the emoji panel. Here are a few of our Emoji 15 designs which include more hearts, animals and one new smiley face.

Fixes

[Taskbar & System Tray]

[Search on the Taskbar]

[Start menu]

[Notifications]

[Input]

[Backup and Restore]

[Other]

NOTE: Some fixes noted here in Insider Preview builds from the Dev Channel may make their way into the servicing updates for the released version of Windows 11.

Known issues

[Dev Drive]

[Search on the Taskbar]

[File Explorer]

Insiders who have the modernized File Explorer Home that began rolling out with Build 23475:

Insiders who have the modernized File Explorer address bar that began rolling out with Build 23475:

Insiders will have issues with the following commands on recommended files in File Explorer that began rolling out with Build 23403:

[Notifications]

[Dynamic Lighting]

You can get check out the full blog post here.

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