Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (Beta Channel) brings several fixes and improvements. Key changes include resolving an explorer.exe crash, improving Narrator performance with large amounts of text, fixing an issue affecting the reliability of Start menu badges, and addressing problems with app defaults and searchindexer.exe crashes. This build also removes the previously available live captions settings within Quick Settings, directing users to the full settings page instead. While this build doesn't introduce new features, it focuses on stability and bug fixes for a smoother user experience.
This blog post details how to set up a network bootable Windows 11 installation using iSCSI for storage and iPXE for booting. The author outlines the process of preparing a Windows 11 image for iSCSI, configuring an iSCSI target (using TrueNAS in this example), and setting up an iPXE boot environment. The guide covers partitioning the iSCSI disk, injecting necessary drivers, and configuring the boot process to load the Windows 11 installer from the network. This allows for a centralized installation and management of Windows 11 deployments, eliminating the need for physical installation media for each machine.
Hacker News users discuss the practicality and potential benefits of netbooting Windows 11 using iSCSI and iPXE. Some question the real-world use cases, highlighting the complexity and potential performance bottlenecks compared to traditional installations or virtual machines. Others express interest in specific applications, such as creating standardized, easily deployable workstations, or troubleshooting systems with corrupted local storage. Concerns about licensing and Microsoft's stance on this approach are also raised. Several users share alternative solutions and experiences with similar setups involving PXE booting and other network boot methods. The discussion also touches upon the performance implications of iSCSI and the potential advantages of NVMe over iSCSI for netbooting.
Despite Windows 10's approaching end-of-life in October 2025, nearly half of Steam users are still using the operating system, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. While Windows 11 adoption is slowly growing, it still sits significantly behind Windows 10, leaving a large portion of PC gamers potentially facing security risks and a lack of support in the near future.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of nearly half of Steam users still running Windows 10, despite its approaching end-of-life. Some questioned the statistic's accuracy, suggesting the data might include Windows Server instances or older, unsupported Windows builds lumped in with Windows 10. Others pointed out the apathy many users feel towards upgrading, especially gamers who prioritize stable systems over new features. Several commenters mentioned the potential security risks of staying on an unsupported OS, while others downplayed this, arguing that games often run in sandboxed environments. The cost of upgrading, both in terms of hardware and software, was also a recurring theme, with some suggesting Microsoft's aggressive upgrade tactics in the past have led to distrust and reluctance to upgrade. Finally, some users speculated that many "Windows 10" users might actually be running Windows 11 but misreported due to Steam's detection methods.
Summary of Comments ( 69 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43239948
Hacker News users discuss the new features in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, mostly focusing on practical improvements rather than revolutionary changes. Several commenters express appreciation for the return of ungrouped taskbar icons, viewing it as a positive step back from a less popular design choice. Some discuss the new screen recording feature in Snipping Tool, noting its basic functionality and comparing it to existing third-party options. Others mention the addition of a native VPN status indicator in the system tray, considering it a welcome, if overdue, feature. A few comments also touch on more technical aspects, such as the performance improvements and changes to Windows Ink. Overall, the sentiment seems to be one of cautious optimism, with users appreciating the iterative improvements but remaining somewhat reserved about the overall direction of Windows 11.
The Hacker News post titled "Windows 11 Insider Preview Build" linking to a Windows Insider blog post about build 22635 has a moderate number of comments, discussing various aspects of the update and Windows 11 in general.
Several commenters express fatigue and frustration with Windows 11's frequent updates and changes. One commenter mentions the constant UI changes as disruptive and questions the benefit, stating a preference for stability over frequent, seemingly minor updates. Another echoes this sentiment, expressing a desire for a longer release cadence with more significant improvements rather than a constant stream of small tweaks.
A thread discusses the removal and subsequent return of the "never combine" option for taskbar buttons. This feature allows users to see labels for all open windows, even when multiple windows of the same application are open. Commenters express relief at its return, highlighting its importance for productivity and usability. They also criticize Microsoft for removing it in the first place and question the decision-making process behind such changes.
Some comments touch upon the performance of Windows 11. One commenter notes improved performance with the update, while another mentions ongoing issues with File Explorer performance, specifically slowdowns and crashes.
There's a brief discussion about the development cycle of Windows. One commenter speculates that Microsoft is preparing for a larger feature update, given the focus on bug fixes and minor UI adjustments in recent Insider builds.
A few commenters express general dissatisfaction with Windows 11, criticizing its UI changes, performance, and overall direction. One commenter even states they switched to Linux due to frustration with Windows 11.
Finally, some comments focus on specific features mentioned in the blog post, such as HDR wallpaper support and improvements to voice access. These comments are generally positive, welcoming the additions and improvements.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixed reception to Windows 11 and its ongoing development. While some appreciate the new features and performance improvements, others express frustration with the frequent updates, UI changes, and lingering performance issues. The discussion around the "never combine" taskbar option exemplifies the tension between user preferences and Microsoft's design choices.