Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4291 (KB5043166) to the Beta Channel, introducing significant updates to the Snipping Tool and Task Manager, along with various performance improvements and security fixes.

Snipping Tool Enhancements

A standout feature in this build is the ability to customize the default save location for screenshots and screen recordings in the Snipping Tool. Users can now select their preferred folder for saving captures, streamlining file organization and accessibility. To change the default save location:

  1. Open the Snipping Tool.
  2. Click on the three-dot menu and select "App settings."
  3. Choose your desired default folder for saving captures.

This enhancement addresses previous limitations, offering users greater flexibility in managing their screenshots and recordings. (blogs.windows.com)

Task Manager Updates

The Task Manager has received several improvements in this build:

  • Dark Mode Support: The Disconnect and Logoff dialogs now support dark mode and text scaling, providing a more cohesive and visually appealing experience for users who prefer dark themes. (blogs.windows.com)
  • Disk Type Identification: In the Performance section, listed disks are now labeled with their type (e.g., NVMe or SATA), offering users clearer insights into their system's storage configuration. (blogs.windows.com)

Additional Improvements

Beyond the Snipping Tool and Task Manager updates, KB5043166 includes several other enhancements:

  • Personalized Offers: The "Tailored Experiences" feature has been rebranded to "Personalized Offers" in the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE). Located under Settings > Privacy & Security > Recommendations and Offers, this setting allows users to opt out of allowing Windows to use information about their devices and usage patterns to enhance the operating system. (blogs.windows.com)
  • Bug Fixes: The update addresses several issues, including sporadic explorer.exe crashes when using Alt + Tab, and problems with the Start menu's All Apps list not displaying correctly when clicking or tapping on a letter. (blogs.windows.com)

Known Issues

Users should be aware of the following known issues in this build:

  • Start Menu Spacing: After installing this build, there may be unexpected spacing between items in the Start menu's All Apps list.
  • Live Captions: The live captions feature may crash when attempting to use it. (blogs.windows.com)

Conclusion

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build KB5043166 brings valuable enhancements to the Snipping Tool and Task Manager, along with other improvements that refine the user experience. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub to assist Microsoft in further refining these features. (blogs.windows.com)