Microsoft recently released new preview builds of Windows 11 for Insiders on the Dev and Beta channels. The Windows 11 Dev build 23516 brings several new features, including HDR background support, expanded Voice Access to the lock screen, and improvements to presence sensing.

Meanwhile, the Windows 11 Beta build 22631.2129 includes some of the same features as the Dev build, but it also introduces the Windows Copilot Preview to a subset of Beta Channel testers. Although currently in controlled rollout, this indicates that the feature should be included in the final Windows 11 version 23H2 later this year.

In the Dev build 23516, users can expect improved discoverability for screen casting, HDR background support for HDR display users, an expanded Voice Access feature that allows logging in to a PC and accessing the Lock screen with voice commands, more Narrator natural voices in different languages, and presence sensing improvements that intelligently adjust screen dimming based on user attention.

As for the Beta build 22631.2129, it brings the Windows Copilot Preview to a select group of Insiders on the Beta Channel. This AI Assistant aims to make certain tasks easier for users. Additionally, developers can utilize the Dev Drive feature to enhance performance for key developer workloads. Voice Access now includes correction commands for misrecognized words, and IT admins can enforce a passwordless experience with Windows Hello for Business. Other improvements in this build include new bell icon notifications in the system tray and a redesigned Task manager settings page.

It’s worth noting that the Windows Copilot preview is currently disabled for devices managed with an Azure AD account. Additionally, Microsoft has temporarily disabled the never combined mode setting in the taskbar to address an issue.

Overall, these new Windows 11 preview builds offer exciting features and improvements for users, and the Bug Bash event throughout August encourages Insiders to report any bugs they encounter. Stay tuned for more updates on Windows 11 as it continues to evolve.