Microsoft has just released the Windows 11 insider build 25217 for Dev Channel testers. This build brings support for 3rd party widgets, and some Insiders will also discover a new built-in video calling experience powered by Microsoft Teams.

First of all, app developers can use today’s build to start creating and testing Windows 11 widgets for their packaged Win32 apps. The Windows Insider team noted that testing widgets locally requires enabling Developer Mode by going into Settings > Privacy & security > For developers.

“Once WinAppSDK 1.2 GA is out, users on released versions of Windows 11 can begin acquiring 3rd party widgets via the Microsoft Store for shipped versions of their app, the Windows Insider team explained. “Support for 3rd party PWA widgets will also be coming as part of a future Microsoft Edge release.”

Starting with today’s build 25217, select Insiders will also see a new video calling experience when they open the built-in Chat app on Windows 11, which is powered by the Teams for consumers experience. In addition to seeing a preview of your webcam, Insiders will be able to create an invite link right from the app.

Lastly, Microsoft is rolling out an update to the Microsoft Store app to all Dev Channel Insiders today. This update shows when games in the store are “available with Game Pass” along with their current price. It also introduces a new button design and a revamped library experience with simplified options.

In case you missed it earlier this week, Microsoft also brought File Explorer tabs, a redesigned Taskbar overflow area, and other new features to the Release Preview channel. All these features will roll out to users running Windows 11 version 22H2 next month.

Tagged with Windows 11, Windows Insider