Microsoft releases Win11 25169 Dev version update, bringing "Theme Focus" and many other new features

Microsoft today released the latest version of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25169 to the development channel. This release includes some locked-down features and improvements for IT administrators, as well as a new Windows Spotlight focus theme.

Multi-App Kiosk Mode

Multi-App mode is a new locking feature designed by Microsoft for Windows 11. Simply put, you can select a group of running programs to "lock" while all other features are blocked, making it easier to use multiple different apps on one device.

Some of the "locking" features include:

Restricted access to Settings, except for selected pages (e.g., Wi-Fi and screen brightness)

Lock the Start menu to show only the apps you allow to be displayed.

Block unnecessary prompts and pop-ups.

Microsoft says Multi-App Kiosk Mode can ideally meet the needs of multiple people using the same device. This can mainly include some frontline workers and retail scenarios, education and exams, and other scenarios.

Currently, you can enable this mode via PowerShell and WMI Bridge, with support for Intune / MDM and Configuration Pack configuration.

Changes and Improvements

[General]

An update in the last update on how IT administrators can register devices in the Windows Diagnostic Data Processor configuration options has been included in this release (25169 and later). As a reminder, if you are unable to accept this change, Microsoft recommends suspending use of the beta version.

[Windows Theme Spotlight]

You can now enable Windows Spotlight on your desktop with the new Windows Spotlight theme, which is now included in Settings > Personalization > Themes in the Developer Channel. In addition, you can make your own custom themes with rotating images from Windows Spotlight.

The new Windows Spotlight theme.

▲ The new Windows Spotlight theme.

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