Windows 11 build 22449

Windows 11 build 22449 is the first Insider Preview build of Nickel, which was released to the Dev Channel on 2 September 2021.

Shell

 * The boot spinner that was introduced in Windows 10 build 19587 is now used by default in the boot screen.
 * Notifications now have an acryllic background.
 * The Sign-in options button has been added to the shutdown menu.

Bugfixes

 * Explorer no longer crashes when using Alt.
 * The title in taskbar previews no longer uses the Arial font.

General

 * On certain configurations, this build refuses to install (when upgrading from build 22000.176) or installs in a broken state. The end result includes the taskbar not working, the Windows key crashing Explorer, File Explorer using the Ribbon, and Settings not opening.

Shell

 * The Widgets board may appear empty. This can be fixed by logging out and back in.
 * Widgets may be displayed in the wrong size on external monitors.
 * The options to open System and Windows Terminal may be missing from the Win menu.

Taskbar
The taskbar will sometimes flicker when switching input methods.

Search

 * After clicking the Search icon on the Taskbar, the Search panel may not open. This can be fixed by restarting Explorer and opening the search panel again.
 * The search panel may appear as black and not display any content below the search box.
 * Text may be unable to be inputted when using Search from Start or the taskbar. This can be fixed by pressing Win to open the Run dialog box and then closing it.

Miscellaneous

 * Some Surface Pro X devices with this build may bugcheck with a.
 * Devices with this build installed may continuously bugcheck if WDAG is enabled.