Windows 11 build 22631.4825 (KB5050092) arrives as February 2025 update (preview)

Microsoft is now rolling out Windows 11 build 22631.4825 (KB5050092) in the Release Preview Channel for version 23H2. This build includes visual changes and several fixes for existing features, which the company plans to make available as part of the Patch Tuesday update for February 2025.

According to the company’s official notes, Windows 11 build 22631.4825 is gradually rolling out improvements for Taskbar, including a new icon for Windows Studio Effects. Introduces a new “Resume” feature to continue working on files you were working on your mobile device. File Explorer now shows files shared with you and updates the context menu for the left navigation pane items.

In addition, this release brings changes for Windows Share, Magnifier, and Snipping Tool and addresses issues with various components of the operating system.

Windows 11 build 22631.4825 (Release Preview)

These are the non-security fixes and improvements expected in the next Patch Tuesday update of Windows 11.

Taskbar preview changes

Starting with the update KB5050092, Windows 11 is improving previews and animation when hovering over items in the Taskbar. Also, a new icon will appear in the System Tray to surface the Windows Studio Effects feature. This icon will only appear for Copilot+ PCs.

Resume new feature

Windows 11 is introducing a new “Resume” feature with this update, which Microsoft also refers to as “work across devices.” When you enable the feature, if you start working on a document from your OneDrive account on your phone after you unlock your computer within five minutes of working with the file, a notification will appear on the desktop to pick up where you left off on your computer.

You must be using the Microsoft account across devices. It doesn’t work for work and school accounts, and it’s only supported for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and PDF files.

You can turn on the feature on Settings > Apps > Resume.

File Explorer with shared files

After installing build 22631.4825, you will have an updated version of File Explorer that will show you items shared with you, including files, emails, Teams chats, and more.

The items will appear on the “Home” page in the “Shared” tab. You must be using a Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra ID account.

Also, when right-clicking items in the left navigation pane, you will now see a “New” menu with an option to create folders.

Windows Share improvements

In the Windows Share experience, it’s now possible to share directly to supported apps. You can use this feature by right-clicking a file and choosing the share option.

Magnifier new zoom options

This preview also adds the reset zoom to fit the screen and reset the zoom to the last modification buttons to the Magnifier interface.

Fixes in this release

As part of this non-security update, Microsoft is gradually pushing fixes for the Snipping and Chinese Pinyin IME.

Also, for everyone immediately, the Windows 11 build 22631.4825 is rolling out fides for Task Manager, Remote Desktop, virtual memory, IME, NFC, USB Print and IPP Over USB, WARP, and it’s also updating the list of drivers that are at risk for Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.

Installation process

To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your device in the Release Preview Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.