📢 Windows 11 Build 22567: What's new and improved

What's New in Windows 11 Build 22567

Windows 11 Build 22567 includes a couple of new features including enabling Windows Update to leverage renewable energy, improvement to Microsoft 365 subscription management in Settings, phone linking in device setup (OOBE), and a new security feature called Smart App Control.

The company also updated the “Open with” dialog to use the Windows 11 design principles, along with some other improvements in this build.

Windows Update leverages more renewable energy

Windows Update will try to schedule update installations at specific times of day when doing so results in lower carbon emissions. Most electrical grids are powered by multiple sources, including renewables and fossil fuels. Whenever possible, Windows 11 will now prioritize installing updates in the background at times when greater amounts of clean energy sources (like wind, solar, and hydro) are available.

This feature will only be enabled when your PC is plugged-in and regional carbon intensity data is available from our partner's electricity map or WattTime. If enabled, users will see the text shown below on the Windows Update settings page. We’re still working on the content that the text links to – stay tuned for future updates.

Microsoft said that the feature is gradually been rolling out to Windows Insiders. Hence, you may not find this feature available to your system right now!

Microsoft 365 subscription management in Settings

Back in October, Microsoft introduced "Microsoft 365 Subscription Management" within the “Your Microsoft account” under Settings > Account. This enabled you to view your OneDrive storage, recurring billing, and sharing information as part of your Microsoft 365 subscription within Windows 11.

With today’s build 22567, Microsoft is now making it easier for you to manage your Microsoft 365 subscription. The company has introduced payment details within the subscription card experience. This will allow you to view your payment information and be notified when your payment method needs to be updated, allowing you to continue your subscriptions without any disruptions.

For customers who are not Microsoft 365 subscribers, it will now highlight the free benefits you have access to as part of your Microsoft account on the “Your Microsoft account” page. You can directly access your Office Web Apps, view your OneDrive storage, or upgrade to a Microsoft 365 subscription to unlock the premium benefits.

Smart App Control

Smart App Control (SAC) is a new security feature for Windows 11 that blocks untrusted or potentially dangerous applications. SAC can only be enabled on Windows devices that have performed a clean install with the latest Insider Preview build (Build 22567 and higher).

SAC is first configured in evaluation mode. While SAC is in evaluation mode, it will learn if it can help protect you without getting in your way too much. If so, it will automatically be turned on. Otherwise, it will automatically be turned off.

While in evaluation mode, a user can manually turn on SAC in the Windows Security app under the App & Browser Control section. More details on this feature will be shared in the future.

Device Setup (OOBE): Phone Linking

You can now link your Android phone to your PC as part of the device setup (OOBE) for Windows 11. Linking will give you instant access to everything on your phone, right from your PC. Without needing to constantly swap your attention to your phone, you can use your favorite mobile apps, send text messages, make calls, and more on your PC with the benefit of a full keyboard and mouse.