KB5043186 to Windows 11 Beta Channel hugely improves the way Android users can transfer files to PCs

After a relative silence, Microsoft unveiled the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4225 (KB5043186) for the Beta Channel in the Insider Program. This latest update brings various new features, changes, and bug fixes for Insiders testing the OS.

One of the best new features being gradually rolled out to some Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel is the ability to share content to an Android device directly from the context menu in File Explorer and on the desktop.

In the Insider Program, the Redmond-based tech giant has been teasing the streamlining of Android devices with Windows 11 for quite a while now, so it’s nice to see that the company wants users to transfer files between these devices quickly. The Phone Link app must be installed and configured to use the feature on the PC. Users are also encouraged to leave feedback.

KB5043186 allows you to configure the Microsoft Copilot key. According to Microsoft, you can choose to have the Copilot critical launch an app that’s MSIX packaged and signed, meaning that the app meets security and privacy requirements.

The setting can be found in Settings > Personalization > Text input. Microsoft notes that adjusting the setting will not affect your keyboard if it doesn’t have a Copilot key.

KB5043186 also includes several fixes for everyone in the Beta Channel. For example, Microsoft says it fixed an issue that caused some Insiders to experience a bug check when closing Notepad during the last flight.

It’s also worth mentioning that after installing the latest build to the Beta Channel, Windows Installer will prompt for your credentials every time you need to repair an application with it.

There are three known issues. If you click or tap on a letter in the Start menu’s All Apps list, it may break. If you encounter this issue, Microsoft recommends rebooting or restarting explorer.exe to fix it.

Some Insiders might notice the system tray appearing unexpectedly in the wrong location after upgrading to the build, and some might see the volume icon in the system tray appearing unexpectedly in the wrong location after upgrading to the build.

You can read KB5043186’s full changelog here.