Microsoft has just released the Windows 11 preview build 22518 for Insiders in the Dev Channel. This release includes several new features including Spotlight collection backgrounds, an updated entry point for Widgets with weather, and the ability to install Windows Subsystem for Linux from the Microsoft Store.
However, the big new feature in this build is Voice access, a new experience allowing people with mobility disabilities to control their PC and author text with their voice. “Voice access supports scenarios like opening and switching between apps, browsing the web, and reading and authoring mail,” the Windows Insider team explained today.
Voice Access is currently US-only, and it’s accessible in Settings > Accessibility > Speech. Before getting started, Insiders will need to download a speech model for the on-device speech recognition, and there’s also an interactive guide explaining how to complete common tasks with your voice. The full blog post includes a long list of supported voice commands, and we invite you to check it for more details.
The other notable changes in this build include Spotlight Collection, which can automatically provide you with new desktop wallpapers every day. To turn it on, you’ll need to right-click on your desktop and choose “Personalize,” then go to “Background,” and choose “Spotlight Collection.” You’ll then be able to right-click on the Spotlight icon on your desktop to switch between pictures.
Spotlight Collection is currently only available for Insiders in Australia, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Spain, Sweden, U.K., and the U.S, and Microsoft plans to add more countries over time. This is a nice feature to keep your desktop fresh every day, and you can count on Microsoft to provide some beautiful pictures from around the world.
Another notable change in today’s build 22518 is a new Widget shortcut placed on the left side of your the Windows 11 taskbar with live weather content. This change will be rolling out gradually to Insiders, and those who prefer a left-aligned taskbar will see the Widgets entry point on the right of the Task view icon.
Today’s build 22518 also makes it possible to install the Windows Subsystem for Linux from the Microsoft Store, which will make it easier to get the latest WSL updates going forward. All Insiders who install this build will also be able to see the clock and date on the taskbars of secondary monitors, a change that Microsoft first introduced for select Insiders in the build 22509.
You can learn more about the rest of the changes, bug fixes, and known issues in the build 22518 below:
Please note that today's Windows 11 build 22518 won't be offered to ARM64 PCs due to an issue that causes these devices to rollback when attempting to update to this build, but Microsoft is already working on a fix. In case you missed it yesterday, all Insiders in the Dev Channel can also try the redesigned Notepad app, which now comes with a cool dark theme.