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In a nutshell: Exciting new features are heading to Windows Insiders testing the latest dev builds of Windows 11. One standout feature simplifies access to your frequently used app combinations, reducing reliance on cumbersome window snapping.
The innovation, termed “Frequently Snapped Apps,” appears in the Start menu’s recommended section. By analyzing the apps you often use together, Windows offers convenient snap group pairs that can be launched with just one click.
For instance, if you routinely use Word to craft essays alongside your web browser for research, Windows might suggest that pairing. A simple click opens both apps, perfectly snapped into place on your desktop.
While the window snapping feature in the operating system already performs effectively, if manually dragging and resizing windows every time you power up your PC isn’t your preference, this new feature may appeal to you.
Moreover, Microsoft is introducing another recommendation approach. Now, the File Explorer home tab will suggest frequently accessed files at the top, presented in a carousel with thumbnail previews. These suggestions include files you regularly access, recently downloaded, or added to your File Explorer Gallery.
Besides these improvements, the new build brings a variety of other useful features. Live captions are now equipped with translation support for over two dozen languages on devices with Copilot, and web developers will find value in the new tools designed to ease web app development on Windows.
Additional quality-of-life enhancements include a shortcut to the emoji panel in the system tray and improved search integration within the taskbar.
Bear in mind that as this is an early Insider build, there may be bugs and quirks. Microsoft is, however, offering a limited opportunity to switch effortlessly between dev and beta builds if you prefer a more stable release pattern.
Dev builds grant access to the latest state-of-the-art features but come with a greater chance of encountering issues. Conversely, beta builds provide a more stable experience despite being slightly behind. The decision hinges on whether you value early feature access or a smoother, more dependable system.
