Windows 11 build 25217 arrives, what’s new?

Microsoft is releasing a new preview of Windows 11 on the DEV channel. It does not introduce any new functionality but comes with two important changes.

Available for download, Windows 11 build 25217 offers entry-related changes and fixes. Some PCs are being tested for a new video calling experience as a Microsoft Store update rolls out. It comes with improvements including flagship games included with Game Pass.

To all this is added advances for the Tamil language including a new Tamil Anjal keyboard. The giant explains

We have started rolling out the new Tamil Anjal keyboard for the Tamil language and starting today it is now available to all Windows Insiders registered on the DEV channel. To add it, make sure Tamil (Singapore), Tamil (Malaysia), Tamil (Sri Lanka), or Tamil (India) is listed under Settings > Time & language > Language & region, then click the “…” button. next to language, select Language Options and add Tamil Anjal (QWERTY) to the list of keyboards.

This change is part of the firm’s promised effort to ensure an optimal experience for as many people as possible.

We also have a change to the touchscreen keyboard which has recently been revamped. It is currently disabled. The approach is not surprising knowing that the DEV channel is a testing ground. The firm specifies

We have disabled the new touch keyboard setting that started rolling out to Windows Insiders in build 25188 for now. We hope to bring this feature back in the future following further refining the design.

Windows 11 build 25217, Widgets, Simplified Chinese and fixes

Windows 11 build 25217 is also an opportunity to move up a gear regarding the Widgets module. Support for third-party widgets as part of the WinAppSDK 1.2 Preview. Developers can create widgets for their packaged Win32 apps and test them locally through the Windows 11 Widgets module.

The OS improves with Simplified Chinese. Microsoft hints at improved cloud and integrated search suggestions. Clearly the cloud suggestion adds the most relevant word from Bing to the “IME” candidate window. The same goes for the integrated search, which now benefits from additional suggestions similar to those available in Bing search.

Finally we find a bunch of fixes aimed at

• The taskbar optimized for the tablet,
• windowing,
• The system bar,
• Or even Settings.

Naturally this build is not recommended for a production PC. Being offered through the DEV channel, its stability, performance and viability are not optimal. We also have known and unresolved bugs. They concern the operating system, the tablet-optimized taskbar and the Widgets module.