It's that time again. A new Windows 11 Insider Preview build is out, and this time, it's hitting an important milestone. The watermark that identifies the build as a preview has been removed. Specifically, it's Windows 11 build 22610.

What it means when the preview watermark goes away

This is something that happens with every release cycle. It means that this particular update is closer to being finished. Of course, it's not finished right now; we're not even expecting Windows 11 version 22H2 to be released until October or so. But soon, Insiders on the Beta channel will start to see cumulative updates instead of full builds. This will be to service the feature update to get it in the best shape possible before release.

This is also when we start to find out what's actually going to be included in the next feature update. Remember, in the Dev channel, features that show up in builds are only there for testing. Those features might show up in the next update, or they might not. They might not show up at all. Now that the feature update is almost done, we can get a clearer look of what that product will look like.

For example, Microsoft held an event earlier this month to outline new features that are coming to Windows 11. They include a revamped File Explorer that includes tabs, Live Captions that will transcribe audio no matter the source, folders in the Start Menu, touch support for Snap Layouts, and more. A lot of this is already live in the Dev channel, but Microsoft never actually said when these features are going to arrive. They could come through an experience pack at some point, or they could come in a feature update. There's really no way to tell anymore, until Microsoft tells us.

The blog post noted that the watermark will return in a future build. Of course, it always does. Once the Dev channel switches back to rs_prerelease, you'll see a watermark and an expiration date on Windows Insider Previews. But for this development cycle, don't expect to see it again.

But what else is new?

As usual, Windows 11 build 22610 comes with some other new features, and the removal of some. Unfortunately, the tablet-optimized taskbar that was in testing is being removed. Microsoft says that this is due to feedback from Insiders, but it was a means of making Windows better on tablets. Presumably, something will take its place in the future.

Despite the fact that the Dev channel is supposed to be in a perpetual state of prerelease builds (rs_prerelease, as opposed to a release branch), it really isn't. The key thing to remember is that features you test may or may not ship, and if they do ship, there's no telling when. So when the branch does change to a release branch, the feature gets removed if it's not ready to ship. It might get added right back when the Dev channel actually switches back to the prerelease branch.

The main new feature is an improved Family Safety widget. There's a new location sharing view, so you'll be able to see where members of your family are located.

Family Safety widget on Windows 11

If you're in the 'member' role, there's a new view where you can see your screen time across apps and devices.

Other than that, there are a whole bunch of fixes.

Microsoft noted that this is your last chance to switch from the Dev channel to the Beta channel. As noted above, at some point, the Dev channel is going to switch back to prerelease builds, while the Beta channel will be receiving cumulative updates. Once you install that higher build number, the only way to go back is a clean installation of Windows 11.

Windows 11 22H2 is expected to arrive this fall.

Source: Microsoft