📢 Windows 11 Build 23466 adds Dev Drive and Backup Improvements

What's new and improved in Windows 11 Build 23466

Windows 11 Dev Drive

One of the standout features in Build 23466 is the introduction of Dev Drive. This innovative storage volume aims to enhance performance for key developer workloads. Built upon the Resilient File System (ReFS) technology, Dev Drive incorporates file system optimizations and features specifically tailored to meet the needs of developers.

It provides a secure and efficient environment for hosting project source code, working folders, and package caches. However, it's important to note that Dev Drive is not intended for general consumer workloads such as document libraries or installing non-developer tools.

Setting up a Dev Drive is a straightforward process. Users can either create one in the free space on an existing drive or generate a virtual hard disk (VHD/VHDX). The option to create a Dev Drive can be found in the Settings app under System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings > Disks & Volumes, or through the command-line interface.

It is recommended to allocate at least 50GB of storage space for a Dev Drive and to have a minimum of 8GB of RAM on the device. To minimize any impact on developer workloads, a new performance mode has been introduced within Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

Backup and Restore Improvements

In addition to Dev Drive, Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466 brings other notable enhancements. Building upon the app restore feature introduced last year, Microsoft has introduced additional backup and restore capabilities to facilitate seamless transitions between PCs. These improvements aim to provide a familiar desktop experience for users, enabling them to quickly regain productivity on their new devices.

The new Windows Backup app has been introduced to simplify the process of backing up and preparing the current PC for migration. App pins ensure that Store apps from the previous PC are pinned in the same locations, both on the taskbar and in the Start menu. Furthermore, users will find that their previous device settings are restored on the new PC, allowing for a seamless transition.

Text Authoring Experiences and Natural Voices in Chinese

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466 also introduces new text authoring experiences in voice access. With the inclusion of "correction" commands, users can now easily rectify misrecognized words during voice dictation. By uttering commands such as "correct [text]" or "correct that", users can access a correction window displaying a list of numbered options.

Choosing the desired option is as simple as saying "click [number]". Users also have the option to spell out the correct spelling of the text using the command "spell that".

Another exciting addition in Build 23466 is the availability of natural voices in Chinese for the Narrator feature. These new voices provide a comfortable browsing, reading, and writing experience for Chinese-speaking users. Leveraging modern on-device text-to-speech technology, the natural Narrator voices can be used offline without requiring an internet connection.

End Notes

Windows Insiders can now dive into the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466 and explore the innovative features designed to enhance developer productivity and user experiences. With each release, Microsoft continues to shape Windows 11 into a powerful and user-friendly operating system that meets the evolving needs of its community.

The introduction of Dev Drive, enhanced backup and restore capabilities, improved text authoring experiences, and natural voices in Chinese for Narrator highlight Microsoft's dedication to improving performance, productivity, and inclusivity within the Windows ecosystem.

As Windows Insiders explore and provide feedback on these new features of Windows 11 Build 23466, it is evident that Microsoft is striving to create a powerful and seamless computing experience for all its users.