Windows 11 Beta 22623.730 (KB5017385) Released: Optimized Taskbar

Microsoft has launched two builds of the Windows 11 test channel. The first, build 22623.730, is for those who have the new features turned on, and the second, build 22621.730, is for those who have the new features turned off by default. The highlight of this release for Windows Insider Beta channel testers with the new features enabled is the return of the tablet-optimized taskbar. Other than that, there are a few minor fixes in both versions.

First, for those with the new feature enabled Windows 11 build 22623.730, Microsoft is reintroducing the touch-optimized taskbar. This was in beta testing for Windows Insiders in the dev channel and beta channel a few months ago, but Microsoft removed the feature in the previous version. Now, it's back. This means that when you disconnect or fold back the keyboard on a 2-in-1 device, your taskbar will automatically transition to this optimized version.

The taskbar will have a collapsed or expanded state, where collapsed will give you more screen real estate, and expanded will have larger touch icons. Similar to Android 12L, you can toggle between these states by pulling the taskbar up or down. If you don't like it, you can adjust this setting by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behavior. Then look for "Optimize the taskbar for touch interaction when this device is used as a tablet".

Also in this Windows 11 beta, Microsoft has introduced some updates to the system tray. The company says that users will see a circular focus and hover handle on all icons at the bottom right. As a result, it may not be possible to drag and rearrange the icons in the system tray. Microsoft is working on a fix for this, noting that not all Windows Insiders will have this system tray update. Other changes in build 22623.730 can be seen below. Keep in mind that these are smaller fixes to File Explorer, System Tray.

There will be some known issues in these two versions. Microsoft is investigating reports of audio not working properly in these new Beta releases. As for the issues in build 22623.730, you can see these below. It is mostly related to the new taskbar experience.

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2022/09/29/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-22621-730-and-22623-730/