First Windows 11 preview build now available; forget the wild ride on Dev, this Beta download will be smoother

Check out the changes and improvements made in the first Windows 11 preview build that has been released now. This Microsoft download has much to offer users.

First Microsoft Windows 11 preview build that has come to Beta channel includes improvements in Focus assist, notification center, Taskbar, apps, calendar, icons and more. (Microsoft)

Good news for all those people who want to download Microsoft Windows 11, but don't want to go through the stress and frustration of a wild Dev channel ride. Microsoft has now released the first Windows 11 Preview build to the sturdier Beta channel. This comes soon after announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22000.100 to Windows Insiders. After finding no major problems on the Dev channel, the same has been released on Beta channel, which is more stable and users will definitely get to experience a (mostly) glitch-free ride.

Microsoft has invited those who want to put Windows 11 through its paces to switch to the Beta channel now. in its blog, Microsoft noted, "If you are in the Dev Channel, now would be the right time to consider switching to the Beta Channel if you want to stay on more stabilized builds of Windows 11."

Microsoft took to Twitter to post this message, "Dev Channel #WindowsInsiders - No new #Windows11 build this week. :( However, if you have been considering switching channels now's a great time to adjust your settings without needing to clean install. Just a quick click in the Windows Update -> Windows Insider settings. ^AL"

Dev Channel #WindowsInsiders - No new #Windows11 build this week. :( However, if you have been considering switching channels now's a great time to adjust your settings without needing to clean install. Just a quick click in the Windows Update -> Windows Insider settings. ^AL pic.twitter.com/eveYSBJl64

— Windows Insider (@windowsinsider) July 29, 2021

However, users should remember that they will not have access to Chat from Microsoft Teams. Microsoft, in its blog had earlier said, "We will be looking to enable this for the Beta Channel in the coming weeks."

As a warning, so that users don't end with a nasty surprise, Microsoft also added, "As always, be sure to check out the list of known issues in the blog post below on anything that could impact your experience on your PC. We have also added a few new known issues discovered from Insiders in the Dev Channel since the release last week."

Microsoft Windows 11 changes and improvements to watch out for:

* The hidden icons flyout on the lower right of the Taskbar has been updated to match the new visuals of Windows 11. (Please note – it may not look right after updating to this build – toggling between two themes will correct the issue.)

* Ability to quickly access Focus assist settings directly from Notification Center.

* When a background activity from an app requires attention, the app will flash on the Taskbar to get your attention. Windows 11 has updated this design so that it grabs attention but with a calming treatment that minimizes the impact of unwarranted distractions. The flashing eventually stops, and users will see a slightly red backplate and red pill under the app icon.

* The touch keyboard icon in the Taskbar has been adjusted to be more consistent with the size of the other icons in the corner of the Taskbar.

* The Taskbar calendar flyout will now fully collapse down when clicking the chevron in the top corner to give you more room for notifications.

* In the latest Microsoft Store update rolling out to Insiders, navigation in the new Microsoft Store has been made to feel fast and fun. When you select an app or movie you're interested in, you might notice some animations that help you keep track of what you're browsing.