According to the official logs, Windows 11 build 22610 adds a number of new policies to allow administrators to disable various elements of the desktop, such as Quick Settings and Notification Center flyouts, Recommended section in the Start menu, and more. This update also disables the SMB1 protocol by default, rolls out an updated version of the Task Manager with accent color support, updates the rename button for the File Explorer context menu, and more.

Build 22610 for Windows 11 changes and fixes

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

Group policies for administrators

Starting with build 22610, Windows 11 introduces several new policies to give administrators more control over the Start menu, Taskbar, and System tray. For example, now it’s possible to use the Group Policy Editor to disable the Quick Settings and Notification Center flyouts. You can disable all the Taskbar settings. You will also find an option to disable search in the Start menu and Taskbar, and you can disable the Task View feature. Also, in the Start menu, you now have the option to remove the “Recommended” section, context menus, and the “All apps” list. The new options are configurable from the Start Menu and Taskbar settings in the “User Configuration” section.

Windows 11 Home disable SMB1

If you use the Home edition of Windows 11, the SMB1 protocol now ships disabled by default as Microsoft plans to remove the binaries completely in future releases. The company explains that if you have “installed SMB1 manually or upgraded from a previous version of Windows where SMB1 was installed, upgrading to the latest Dev and Beta Channel build will not remove SMB1.”

Battery icon changes

Windows 11 now shows the estimated battery life in the tooltip for the battery icon in the System tray.

Task Manager

In this flight, you will also find an updated version of the Task Manager that now includes accent color support for the Processes tab heatmap. However, in some cases, you will see the default blue accent color to ensure readability.

Widgets

As part of the Widgets changes, the experience now brings more dynamic content.

File Explorer

On Windows 11 build 22610, the File Explorer context menu is updating the rename, properties, and optimize icons to be more consistent.

Settings

According to the company, the “Your Phone” setting has been updated to “Phone Link” to reflect the new name on the “Bluetooth & devices” settings page.

Other improvements

Although the watermark no longer appears in this build, Microsoft says that the feature update is still not complete, and the watermark will return in future builds. This flight disables the tablet-optimized Taskbar, but the experience will return after the company adds further refinements. Also, based on feedback, Windows 11 will once again allow TKIP and WEP connections, and it’ll continue to warn users to connect with more secure technologies like WPA2 (WPA3 is the current standard).

Windows 11 build 22610 fixes 

Furthermore, build 22610 ships with many fixes for Taskbar, Start menu, File Explorer, Input, Settings app, windowing experience, Task Manager, and more.

Taskbar 

Start menu

File Explorer

Input

Widgets

Settings

Windowing

Narrator

Task Manager

Networking

Lock screen and login

Other fixes 

In addition to the fixes, the company also highlights several known issues that you should know about upgrading to this build, including problems with Task Manager, Widgets, and Live Captions.

Install Windows 11 build 22610

If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 22610, you need to enroll your device in the Beta Channel or 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 22610 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 you have a device in the Beta Channel, and you prefer not to install previews of version 22H2, it’s now the time to go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program and select the “Choose your Insider settings” and change the channel to Release Preview. 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.