Microsoft has recently unveiled the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486 for the Dev Channel, bringing a host of exciting features and enhancements. One of the key highlights of this release is the focus on passwordless authentication, signaling Microsoft's vision of a future without passwords.

 

Additionally, this build introduces improvements in passkey management, dynamic lighting effects, emoji support, and user experience enhancements. As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11 based on user feedback, the Windows 11 Build 23486 sets the stage for a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly operating system.

 

Breaking the Password Barrier: Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486 Now Available!
Windows 11 Build 23486 Delivers Impressive Updates!

 

What's new and improved in Windows 11 Build 23486?

Passwordless Experience

The introduction of passkeys allows users to replace traditional passwords when signing into websites and applications that support this feature. Passkeys offer a more secure alternative, making it significantly harder for malicious actors to steal and misuse user credentials. These passkeys are phish-resistant, recoverable, and provide a faster and more streamlined experience for users.

 

With Build 23486, Windows users can now enroll and use passkeys to sign into apps and websites seamlessly. By leveraging the Windows Hello native experience, users can create and sign in using passkeys, with Windows Hello options such as face recognition, fingerprint authentication, or PIN.

 

Additionally, users can utilize their mobile devices to complete the application login process, adding an extra layer of convenience and flexibility.

 

 

Setting up Passkeys

To create and sign in using passkeys saved on a Windows device, users can follow a simple process. They can visit a passkey-enabled website, such as bestbuy.com, ebay.com, or google.com, and create a passkey from their account settings. Afterward, they can sign out of their account and sign back in using the newly created passkey.

 

Similarly, users can sign in using passkeys saved on their mobile devices by following a similar procedure. They can create a passkey from their account settings on the mobile device, then visit the website on their Windows device and sign in using the passkey saved on the mobile device.

 

 

Managing Passkeys

Furthermore, Microsoft has introduced improved passkey management options in Build 23486. Users now have greater control over the passkeys saved on their Windows devices. They can easily view and delete passkeys for their favorite apps and websites from the Windows settings.

 

By navigating to Settings > Accounts > Passkeys, users can access a comprehensive list of passkeys saved on their Windows device, search for specific passkeys, and delete any unwanted passkeys.

 

 

Other Improvements

In addition to the passwordless improvements, Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486 brings several changes and improvements across various aspects of the Windows 11 experience. Microsoft has listened to user feedback and rolled back the changes made to Folder Options in File Explorer, reintroducing the previously removed settings.

 

As part of the update, Dev Home is now an inbox app and can be accessed through Start > All apps > Windows Tools. Dynamic Lighting receives new effects, including Wave, Wheel, and Gradient, accessible through Settings > Personalization > Dynamic Lighting. Unicode Emoji 15, which started rolling out in a previous build, is now available to all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.

 

 

The user experience has also been enhanced in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486. When changing time zones, the update displays a non-dismissible notification, seeking the user's acceptance or rejection before adjusting the time zone. It also prompts users for confirmation, especially in cases where location data has low confidence.

 

Additionally, if location settings are disabled, a warning is now shown to the user while changing the time zone through Settings > Time & language > Date & time. The warning advises enabling location settings for accurate time zone adjustments and provides helpful information to address any issues related to incorrect time zones.

 

 

Bug Fixes

Microsoft has addressed several issues and bugs in this build, ensuring a smoother and more stable experience for Windows Insiders. Dynamic Lighting now resolves the problem of the "Use Dynamic Lighting on my devices" toggle being off and device LEDs not automatically turning on after installing recent builds.

 

The blank window issue titled "Windows Input Experience" that appeared after resuming the device from sleep has been resolved. The login screen crashing when connecting to certain networks has been fixed, along with Task Manager crashes and alignment issues.

 

It's important to note that some fixes implemented in the Dev Channel build may eventually make their way into servicing updates for the released version of Windows 11, benefiting all users with improved stability and functionality.

 

 

To Sum Up

With the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486, Microsoft is taking significant strides towards a passwordless future and enhancing the overall user experience. The introduction of passkeys and improved passkey management offers users a more secure and convenient way to authenticate themselves across websites and applications.

 

Additionally, the various improvements in dynamic lighting effects, emoji support, and user experience enhancements showcase Microsoft's commitment to refining Windows 11 based on user feedback.

 

As Windows Insiders continue to explore and provide feedback on these new features, Microsoft can further refine and optimize the operating system for a smoother and more secure user experience. The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486 not only demonstrates Microsoft's dedication to innovation but also highlights its collaborative approach to involving users in the development process.

 

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