Windows 11 Build 25231 Brings Phone’s Hotspot Instant Access

Windows 11 Insider UpdateWindows 11 Insider Update

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 25231 to the Dev channel . If you are an insider, you can download this update from Windows Update and update your system to the latest dev build.

This build enables users to access the phone’s hotspot instantly, without touching the phone, using the Phone Link app. (See PhoneExperienceHost.exe)

Since dev builds are released almost every week, we don’t expect many features in a single build release. Windows 11 Build 25231 brings the touch optimized taskbar to all insiders. If you use a touch device or tablet PC, you’ll love this update.

Let’s discuss more about the features, fixes and improvements in Build 25231.

Windows 11 Build 25231 Summary

Here are some of the important details about this build for Windows 11.

Complete Release BuildWindows 11 Insider Preview Build 25231.1000
ChannelDev (Flight Hub)
Release DateWednesday, October 27th, 2022
Official Announcementhttps://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2022/10/27/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-25231/
System Requirementshttps://www.itechtics.com/windows-11-requirements-check/
Download and installFirst Download the stable version of Windows 11 22H2 (2022 Update)
Then join the Windows Insider program
Windows 11 Build 25227 Summary

Here is the list of the latest Windows 11 builds and versions for each channel for your information:

Windows 11 Latest Versions Numbers

Windows 11 ChannelRelease DateBuild/Version Information
Windows 11 (22H2) Stable25-Oct-22Windows 11 22H2 Build 22621.755
Windows 11 (21H2) Stable17-Oct-22Windows 11 21H2 Build 22000.1100
Windows 11 22H2 Release Preview19-Oct-22Windows 11 22H2 Build 22621.754
Windows 11 21H2 Release Preview18-Oct-22Windows 11 21H2 Build 22000.1163
Windows 11 Beta20-Oct-22Windows 11 22H2 Build 22623.870/22621.870
Windows 11 Dev27-Oct-22Windows 11 Build 25231
Windows 11 latest versions and builds summary

Windows 11 Build 25231

Touch optimized taskbar

The touch optimized taskbar was introduced in Windows 11 Build 25197 but was not available to all insiders. Build 25231 brings this update to all users. If you are using a Tablet PC and disconnect or fold your screen, Windows will automatically bring the optimized taskbar.

The optimized taskbar will be easier to use with finger taps. You can also easily switch between the two states by swiping up and down on the bottom of your device.

Trouch optimized taskbar in Windows 11 Build 25231
Trouch optimized taskbar in Windows 11 Build 25231

Tablet optimization is enabled by default. You can turn it on or off as per your needs. To turn it on or off, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and toggle on or off the “Optimize taskbar for touch interactions when this device is used as a tablet” option.

Use mobile hotspot using Phone Link app

Microsoft is enhancing the functionality of the Phone Link app and making it possible to manage all interactions with the phone using the app. Another step in the right direction is the availability of the phone’s hotspot right inside the computer without even touching the phone.

This makes it super easy for users who are always on the move and use their phones to connect to the internet.

Since this feature is in its early phases of development, only a select number of handsets are supported. There are a few requirements to use this feature on your computer:

  • Samsung device with One UI 4.1.1+
  • PC must have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters
  • Sim card with hotspot capable plan
  • Windows 11, version 22H2 Build 22621 and higher
  • Phone Link desktop app in version v1.22082.111.0 or greater
  • Link To Windows phone app (pre-installed on Samsung devices) in version v1.22082.142.0 or greater. Please ensure that your app is up to date on your Samsung device.

To read more about the changes made in Build 25231, you can go through the complete changelog here.

How to Install Windows 11 Build 25231

To install this update, you either need to be running Windows 11 and subscribed to the Dev channel, or perform a clean install using the ISO image provided by Microsoft.

Windows Update

If you have enabled Windows updates, you will automatically get a “New features are ready to install” prompt.

Follow the steps below to upgrade to this build:

  1. Navigate to the Settings app and then click Windows Update on the left.

  2. Here, click Check for updates on the right side of the window.

    check for updates Windows 11
    Check for pending updates
  3. You will now see the following update available under “Updates available to download”:

    Windows 11 Insider Preview 25231.1000
    
    
    
     (rs_prerelease)
    

    Click Download and install in front of it.

    Download and install 3
    Download and install the update
  4. The update will now be installed. Once complete, click Restart Now.

    Restart computer 8
    Restart computer

Once the computer restarts, you can verify the OS has been updated by typing in winver in the Run Command box.

Rollback/Remove Windows 11 Insider Preview Update

If you do not wish to keep the installed preview update for some reason, you can always roll back to the previous build of the OS. However, this can only be performed within the next 10 days after installing the new update.

To roll back after 10 days, you will need to apply this trick.

Cleanup After Installing Windows Updates

If you want to save space after installing Windows updates, you can run the following commands one after the other in Command Prompt with administrative privileges:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
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Usman Khurshid
Usman Khurshid is a seasoned IT Pro with over 15 years of experience in the IT industry. He has experience in everything from IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. He is also certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

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