Microsoft has been treating Windows 11 users to plenty of new features recently. Updates such as live captions, improved Quick menu, and File Explorer are just some of the incredible new features. Updates (including improvements and new features) are typically first released to the Windows Insider Program by Microsoft and then rolled out to everyone else.

However, the Windows Insider Preview Build 22567 asked users to reset their Windows 11 PC. And when the update arrives on the main branch, it'll ask the same of every Windows 11 user. So why does Build 22567 require a Windows 11 reset?

Windows 11's New Security Feature, Smart App Control

The Windows 11 Build 22567 comes with the all-new Smart App Control (SAC) security feature. Smart App Control offers enhanced protection for your system against untrusted applications and services.

smart app control

To get Smart App Control on Windows 11, you’ll have to perform a clean install when installing Build 22567 or higher. This is because the tool needs to be installed at an operating system level to work, and doing a fresh reset allows SAC to protect your PC with a fresh slate with no malicious apps running in the background.

SAC will initially function in evaluation mode and automatically turn on if it detects a possible threat to protect your system against. You can configure Smart App Control through the App & browser control settings of Windows Security.

What Other Features Are in Build 22567?

Because you need to reset your PC for Build 22567, it's understandable if you want to delay this update for later. As such, it's worth checking out the other features in this update to see if it's worth putting off or not.

1. Windows Update Goes Green

Microsoft has consistently played its part as an eco-friendly organization and continues to help reduce climate change. Build 22567 takes another step in helping Windows 11 become eco-friendly by scheduling updates at specific times throughout the day that will cause lower carbon emissions.

Blue Windows update screen on a laptop

Windows 11 updates will automatically be installed in the background at times when renewable sources of energy are available at a higher rate. The new eco-friendly feature will utilize carbon intensity data for your region obtained through Microsoft partners.

Windows Update will use this new feature only if your PC is plugged in and you’re in an eligible regional location. However, you can still install the latest Windows updates immediately through Check for Updates in the Settings app.

2. An Easier-to-Manage Microsoft 365

Windows 11 allowed users to manage Microsoft 365 straight through the Settings app until 2021. Users could view recurring billing information and glance at their OneDrive storage by navigating to Settings > Account > Your Microsoft account.

Microsoft Account

Build 22567 takes this a step further by introducing Online Service Experience Packs and providing you with more options to manage your Microsoft 365 subscription on Windows 11. In addition to existing features, you can now directly launch Microsoft Office Web Apps and access OneDrive from the Windows 11 Settings app.

If you have Build 22567 or later installed on your system, you should be able to view and update payment details straight through the Settings app. But if you’re not subscribed to Microsoft 365, Microsoft will try to entice you by focusing your attention on all the benefits of a regular Microsoft 365 subscription.

closeup of a smart phone displaying phone apps

One of the significant features of Windows 11 was its seamless integration with Android smartphones. With Build 22567, users can link their phone while setting up Windows 11 on their device for the first time as part of the Windows Out of Box Experience (OOBE).

Once you’ve successfully linked your device, you will instantly be able to send and receive text messages, make calls, and even use your favorite apps, all on Windows 11.

If you want to unlink your Android smartphone in the future, you can easily do it through the Windows 11 Your Phone app.

Will You Reset for Windows 11's 22567 Build?

Windows 11 has been a treat so far, and Microsoft is keen on keeping its users satisfied with the new features and improvements through the Windows Insider Channel. And while Build 22567 has thrown a wrench in the otherwise-smooth update process, some users may find it worth the effort for the new SAC tool.

If you haven't been keeping track of Windows 11's Insider build, you're missing out. Some of the main staples of Windows 11 made their debut on the Insider build, including live captions, improved accessibility options, changes to the File Explorer, and much more.