• Windows 11 build 22635.2915 (KB5033456) rolls out various improvements for Voice Access, Cast, Notepad, Windows 365 Boot, and Switch.
  • This update also deprecates the Windows Speech Recognition feature, the Nearby Sharing settings get updated, and the Windows Narrator feature receives some improvements.
  • Task Manager and Desktops are also getting some minor tweaks.
  • The update KB5033456 doesn’t include any known issues.

UPDATED 15/12/2023: The update KB5033456 for Windows 11 is now rolling out in the Windows Insider Program through the Beta Channel. The update makes various improvements and fixes available for devices with the toggle switch to receive the latest updates turned on.

The update KB5033456 bumps the build number to 22635.2915, and according to the official changes , this release introduces a newer version of Voice Access that extends languages, supports multiple monitors, and adds custom commands. The Cast feature receives a few improvements focused on education and discoverability. Also, Microsoft is rolling out new Windows 365 Boot and Switch changes.

In addition, in this release, the company notes that it is deprecating the legacy Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) in favor of Voice Access. The Nearby Sharing settings page includes a new option to rename your computer, and Windows Narrator can perform more actions with Voice Access.

Finally, Notepad is getting an update that introduces a character counter, and you will now find a new entry in the File Explorer context menu to open text files directly into the editor.

Microsoft doesn’t reveal any known issue for the update KB5033456.

Windows 11 build 22635.2915 new features and changes

These are the new changes that Microsoft is fighting with build 22635.2915 on December 14, 2023:

Voice Access

As part of the update KB5033456, Windows 11 is expanding language and multi-monitor support and rolling out custom commands:

  • Additional languages: The feature is now also available in French (France), French (Canada), German, Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Mexico).
  • Multi-monitor support: This support makes it possible to use number and grid overlays on any display other than the primary one. The grid overlay has been improved to switch to another display quickly. Finally, you can also use the accelerated “mouse grid” command to move the mouse to a specific point.
  • Voice shortcuts: This feature allows you to create custom commands. Currently, it’s limited to the English language. You can start using the “Show voice shortcuts” command to open the page and set up the feature. Some of the actions you can create include opening a folder, file, app, or link, creating a keyboard shortcut or mouse click, and more.
  • When opening the Windows Speech Recognition (WSR), users will now see a notification that the feature is being deprecated in favor of Voice Access. The message will also appear on the “Speech” settings page.

Cast

The Cast feature is getting some improvements:

  • Users will now get a toast notification to start Cast on certain activities, like switching windows to complete a task or using Snap Assist.
  • If Cast isn’t working from the Quick Settings flyout, the “Can’t find a device” option will open the troubleshooter to resolve the issue.

Nearby Sharing

The “Nearby Sharing” settings page will now include an option to rename the computer directly from the page instead of going to the “About” page.

Windows Narrator

Task Manager

Upon creating a dump file, it’s now possible to select and copy the file location.

Desktops

On Desktops , Microsoft has fixed jumping background switching between desktops.

Notepad

The Notepad is getting an update with a couple of improvements:

  • Character counter: The status bar will now show the total number of characters in the file or the selected text.
  • Edit with Notepad: The File Explorer context menu adds a new “Edit with Notepad” option to open a text file directly with the editor.

Recovery

Microsoft didn’t mention this in the official notes, but this update includes a new option to quickly reinstall the operating system to repair components and system files. The option is available from Settings > System > Recovery , and the feature is called “Fix problems using Windows Update.”

Windows 365 boot

As part of the Windows 365 Boot experience, Microsoft is making available a slew of changes to improve the experience:

  • Dedicated mode: Allows users to boot into their Windows 365 Cloud PC from their designated managed device.
  • Customize logo: Companies will now be able to customize the logo screen with their logo and branding from Intune.
  • Improved network detection: If the connection to the Cloud PC is known to fail, the system will quickly fall back, letting the user know about the issue.
  • Manage local device settings: Inside the Windows 365 Cloud PC, it is now possible to configure local settings, including sound, display, and other specific settings.

Windows 365 Switch

Similar to the Boot experience, the Windows 365 Switch is receiving some improvements regarding disconnect, desktop indicators, and connection:

  • Easy disconnect: Users can now right-click the Cloud PC in Task View and choose the “Disconnect” option to terminate a connection.
  • Desktop indicators: When switching devices, the desktop will show the label “Cloud PC” or “Local PC” to make it easier to understand the current desktop session.
  • Connection time status: Users will now see updates regarding the Cloud PC connection and the connection timeout indicator while waiting on the connection screen.

Install build 22635.2915

If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 22635.2915, enroll your device in the Beta Channel using the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Windows Update” section.

Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download build 22635.2915 from the “Windows Update” settings by checking the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button. However, if you are new to the Windows Insider Program, you will need a device that meets the minimum system requirements to receive the update.

  • Windows Protected Print Mode moves away from legacy print drivers.
  • The new print stack is more secure and streamlined.
  • The only caveat is that it only works with Mopria-certified printers.

Microsoft is finally modernizing the print system for Windows 11 and future releases with the new “Windows Protected Print Mode” (WPP) that aims to bring more security and a new implementation that moves away from traditional printer drivers.

The Windows Protected Print Mode is a new code stack that allows printers to connect to Windows 11 and work without installing third-party drivers. It just works. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, it’s a technology that enhances the security of the printing process. It works by isolating the print spooler and settings from the rest of the operating system, which, in turn, makes it more difficult for malicious individuals to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise your computer.

The protected print mode blocks third-party print drivers, which can be a source of vulnerabilities, which means that only drivers that Microsoft has digitally signed can be used in the operating system. As a result, only Mopria-certified printers (which have undergone rigorous security testing) are supported.

The new stack is available as a preview on Windows 11 build 26016 in the Canary Channel, and by default, it’s not enabled, meaning that the operating system doesn’t have any restrictions, and you can install any printer . However, after turning on WPP, you can only set up Mopria-certified printers .

If you have a Mopria printer, you have to enable the printer stack manually on Local Group Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers by setting the “Configure Windows protected print” to “Enabled.”

According to Microsoft , there are a few reasons for this new stack implementation. The primary reason is that printers have been through a number of attacks, and better security was needed. Perhaps the most recognized was the so-called “Print Nightmare,” which was a bug that allowed the installation of drivers remotely and permitted the attacker to gain system privileges.

Second, the printing system on Windows has been virtually the same for more than two decades, and modernization of the stack was overdue.

Compatibility is another aspect that Microsoft wanted to tackle, and even though this approach doesn’t support most older printers and has some limitations, it’s setting up a new framework to make future devices more compatible and secure.

It’s important to note that this implementation is in the early stages. In the future, the company plans to build an interface to manage the feature and continue improving the security of the new print stack.