📢 Windows 11 Dev Build 23424 brings larger canvas support to Widgets Board, CABC improvements, and more

What's new and improved in Windows 11 Build 23424?

Revamped widgets board experience with a larger canvas

Microsoft has begun to preview an improvement to the widgets board experience with a broader canvas (3 columns, if the device permits), separate sections for widgets and feed material with a clear separation between them, and more. This will give users quick access to glanceable content from their apps and services as well as the option to take a high-value break with personalized news content.

Do note that this feature was recently released to the Windows Insiders in the new Canary Channel, with Windows 11 Build 25324.

Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) on plugged-in devices including desktop PCs

The feature known as Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) is already well-known to consumers. The purpose of this function in Windows 11 is to strike a compromise between lower power usage and visual experience to prolong battery life. It will dip or brighten portions of a display or monitor depending on the material being displayed.

With this release, Microsoft makes it possible for this capability to function on both desktop PCs and plugged-in devices like laptops and 2-in-1s. The majority of consumers won't notice the change, which should lower energy usage.

The "Brightness & color" section of Settings > System > Display offers a drop-down menu with three settings for this feature: Off, Always, and "On Battery Only". The default settings for battery-operated devices like laptops and 2-in-1s are "On Battery Only". This is normally turned off on desktop PCs.

Other Changes and Improvements in Windows 11 Dev Build 23424

• Microsoft made a change with this release to aid in improving performance while using a high-polling mouse when gaming.
• Insiders will start to notice a new toggle for "getting the latest updates as soon as they are available" under Settings > Windows Update. Insiders will be able to access the enablement package more easily in the Beta Channel with the help of this new toggle. However, as the Dev Channel does not employ an enablement package, nothing will happen for Insiders in the Dev Channel if this option is turned on.
• The latest build Improved the performance of search within Settings.
• To better adhere to the design guidelines of Windows 11, the settings page for wheel devices like the Surface Dial has been changed.