Microsoft is releasing Windows 11 Preview Build 25252 to the Dev Channel Insiders today, and it introduces a new look to Search on the taskbar with a first hidden vpn indicator,
Another neat hidden change in the 25247, albeit a minor one – there will soon be a small ‘shield’ overlay on the network icon to indicate when you’re connected using a VPN. (Plus, it respects your accent color!)
Left: Enabled
Right: Disabledvivetool /enable /id: 38113452 pic.twitter.com/smYqizgUOy
\endgroup – Phantommotion 3 ?? (@PhantomOfEarth) November 20, 2022
vpn The indicator was first discovered by some Insiders in Windows 11 Dev Build 25247, where it has been hidden. Twitter users are among the first to report the feature phantom ocean3, who stressed that the indicator has a limit. It only works through a VPN configured through the built-in Windows 11 client. Additionally, it does not work with WiFi or applications from commercial VPN services.
PhantomOcean3’s tweet read, “This *seems* to only work when you’re connected to a VPN from the Quick Settings or Network & Internet > VPN page.” “Also, *apparently* doesn’t show with Wi-Fi. The feature is still early, so it’s likely it will be updated.
Given that the feature was previously hidden, some used ViveTool to enable it in earlier builds. However, this should no longer be needed as the feature officially arrives in Build 25252. Once devs receive the Insider build, the “Observable VPN status” will appear on their taskbar whenever they connect to a recognized VPN profile. The icon can be recognized for its distinctive shield icon placed over an active network connection. Additionally, it follows the system accent color, allowing it to blend in with the current Windows elements on the taskbar.
On the other hand, Microsoft is also introducing a new search on the taskbar. The new treatment shows a longer search bar. The change isn’t really a big deal and is barely noticeable, so it’s no surprise that some not happy By and large it seems unnecessary to consider it the highlight of the construction.
As always, the build comes with different fixes on different sections of the Windows 11 system, including the taskbar and Start menu.
