According to the changelogs, build 22579 for Windows 11 introduces a new policy to exclude USB removable drives from BitLocker encryption. It updates the print dialog experience interface, adds an option to rename folders in the Start menu, ships with touch gesture improvements, and more.

Build 22579 for Windows 11 new features

Here are all the new features and improvements for the latest release of Windows 11 in the Dev Channel:

BitLocker USB exclusion

On build 22579, Windows 11 introduces a new policy to exclude USB removable drives from BitLocker encryption. The company says that this will solve the problem of automatic or accidental encryption of storage built into specialized devices like video cameras, voice recorders, conferencing systems, medical devices, etc.

Microsoft also points out that in addition to updating the Print Queue design, the print dialog has received an update to match the design of Windows 11. Also, the updated print dialog now discovers local network printers automatically. If you choose a new printer, it will be installed without going into Settings.

Start menu and Start button

Starting on Windows 11 build 22579, the Quick Links menu (Windows key + X) now points to Windows PowerShell if the Windows Terminal has been uninstalled. As part of the Start menu improvements, you can now set a name for the app folder. You can do this by dropping an app onto another in the “Pinned” section, opening the folder, and clicking the Edit name option.

Other changes

The built-in “Get Started” app now shows pinned site suggestions so you can conveniently pin them to the Taskbar. In the touch gestures, you can now use three fingers to swipe left and right and switch between recently used windows. The Task Manager is also getting an update with build 22579 to show the “Run New Task” option with a new icon on all pages. Finally, emojis with customization options now display a small accent-colored dot in the bottom corner of their entries in the emoji panel. Also, the Keyboard Layout section has been removed from the Quick Settings flyout.

General fixes for build 22579

In addition to the new features and improvements, Windows 11 build 22579 also ships with many fixes for the Taskbar, Start menu, Focus, Network, and more.

Taskbar

Start menu

Focus 

Input

Windowing 

Network

Live captions

Voice access

Narrator

Task Manager

General fixes 

In addition to these new features and improvements, Microsoft is also detailing many fixes and known issues that Insiders need to know before upgrading their devices.

Install Windows 11 build 22579

If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 22579, you need to enroll your device in the Dev Channel using the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download build 22579 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. Update March 22, 2022: Microsoft is now rolling out build 22572.100 as update KB5013192. However, the update does not include anything new, it’s only designed to test the update mechanism through the Dev Channel. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.