When deploying Windows 11 devices, you might need to install updates or drivers before handing them over to end users, without going through the entire Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup. This is where Audit Mode comes in handy.
What Is Audit Mode?
Audit Mode is a special Windows setup state that lets you boot into the OS without creating a user account or completing OOBE. It’s designed for IT admins and OEMs to customize, update, and prepare devices before finalizing the setup.
Why Use Audit Mode?
Skip OOBE: No need to create temporary accounts.
Install Updates: Apply Windows updates, drivers, or apps.
Run Scripts: Configure settings or apply customizations.
Capture Images: Ideal for creating reference images with Sysprep.
How to Enter Audit Mode
Start OOBE: Boot the device into Windows 11 setup.
Press Ctrl + Shift + F3: This key combo works at any point during OOBE.
Automatic Restart: The device reboots and logs in automatically as the built-in Administrator.
Audit Mode Desktop: You’ll see the Sysprep tool open by default.
What Can You Do in Audit Mode?
Install Windows Updates:
Connect to the network.
Run Settings > Windows Update
Add Drivers:
Use Device Manager or pnputil for bulk driver installs.
Use the OEM’s driver tool to update drivers and firmware
Install Applications:
Deploy required apps or scripts.
Debloat scripts can be used here too
Apply Custom Configurations:
Modify registry, set policies, or run PowerShell scripts.
Important Notes
Do Not Create User Accounts: Audit Mode uses the built-in Administrator account temporarily.
Exit Audit Mode:
When finished, run Sysprep with the option:
Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
Generalize (if creating an image, for single device leave unchecked)
Device Security: Keep the device secure while in Audit Mode since it auto-logs in as Administrator.
Hi all, Last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7344 (KB5070316) to the Dev & Beta Channels.
After a short break, a new build for Dev and Beta Channel, more AI options rolling out, while many online sources talk about AI in Windows as a bad thing, I can only see it as a next step in evolution and most of it is off by default and can be turned on if you like.
Not only the OS but also the hardware is getting smarter or capable of being smarter.
All smooth upgrades on my devices here, happy upgrades!
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
Public preview of native support for MCP on Windows
Windows now offers native support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard that gives AI agents a universal way to connect with apps, tools, and services. Agents can discover and connect to these tools and other agents via a secure, manageable Windowson-device registry (ODR). By default, all agent connectors in the Windows on-device registry will be contained in a secure environment with their own identity and audit trail. With OS level integration, MCP on Windows delivers secure discoverability, consistent controls, and enterprise grade manageability—empowering developers, IT professionals, and end users to build and deploy agentic workflows at scale.
MCP enables secure agent connections to Windows apps and services.
As part of this release, two agent connectors are built into Windows—File Explorer and Windows Settings.
File Explorer Connector Agents can use the File Explorer connector to manage, organize and retrieve local files on a user’s device with their consent. On Copilot+ PCs, the connector can also perform natural language search to retrieve the exact file based on descriptions, content, metadata, and, for images, enhanced search based on image classification.
Windows Settings Connector On Copilot+ PC devices, Windows Settings connector lets users check, change settings, or navigate directly to specific pages such as display, mouse, keyboard, and sound using natural language.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Developer Platform > All other issues.
Quick Machine Recovery
Quick machine recovery (QMR) will now be turned on automatically for Windows Professional devices that are not domain joined. These devices will get the same recovery features as Windows Home users. For enterprise computers that are domain joined, nothing changes—QMR will stay off unless your organization turns it on.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery and Uninstall > Quick Machine Recovery.
Update Orchestration Platform (UOP)
The Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP) is starting to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. UOP makes app updates more consistent and predictable, with fewer interruptions. Insiders will see a new page in Settings > Apps > App Updates, where they can check update progress and take action if needed.
How it Works
Apps will register with UOP via APIs.
UOP triggers a registered app to scan, download and install updates based on user activity and system state.
Apps continue to utilize their own backend for acquiring updates.
Apps report update status back to UOP, so users can see it in the App Updates page.
Availability
No apps utilize UOP yet because the feature is new, but apps will start using it over time. The feature is partially enabled for Dev and Beta Channel Insiders today and will reach full enablement in these channels soon. API documentation will follow.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Downloading, installing, and configuring Windows Update.
Windows MIDI Services
We’re excited to announce the highly anticipated production release of Windows MIDI Services, going to the Dev and Beta Windows Insider channels today, and then to retail Windows in the next few months. This is our update of MIDI on Windows with a focus on a great experience for musicians using MIDI 1.0 or MIDI 2.0.
Full support for WinMM MIDI 1.0 and WinRT MIDI 1.0, complete with in-service translation, enabling any API to use any MIDI 1.0 or MIDI 2.0 device. This means your existing applications will use the new service and gain important new features like the ability for more than one app to open a MIDI port at the same time, custom port names, and more.
New loopback and app-to-app MIDI support.
Lots of performance improvements and bug fixes thanks to our vibrant community. Thank you!
The App SDK and Tools package is a separate download, versioned outside of Windows. This enables applications to use the in-box MIDI 2.0 features and also provides the tools you need to manage your MIDI setup on Windows, including the MIDI Console and MIDI Settings app. Current releases are available on our GitHub repo releases page or via the main Windows MIDI Services landing page. Please note that these are unsigned releases at the moment and so will give you a warning when you download and install.
Windows MIDI Services Console Monitor
Windows MIDI Services Settings app
We look forward to having Windows Insiders who create music try out the Windows MIDI Services release especially with your current applications and devices. You can also join the discussion on Discord if you have questions or are looking to help or provide feedback! You will find a list of known issues documented here.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[“Open With” App Integration]
We’re updating Open With so that if you don’t have a relevant app you need installed, instead of having to open Microsoft Store to find it, it will now show directly in this list as available to install. This makes it faster and easier to find and install the app you need. [Update 12/8] This functionality originally rolled out to the Dev Channel and Beta Channel last spring.
Choose an app to open files—now with direct Microsoft Store integration.
Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Search]
Fixed a recent issue which could caused the search window to unexpectedly start floating above the taskbar.
[File Explorer]
If there are no available or enabled AI Actions, this section will no longer show in the context menu.
Fixed an issue where File Explorer might not search certain SMB shares after the latest updates.
[Windows Hello]
Fixed an issue resulting in fingerprint recognition not working for some Insiders after the latest flights.
[Display and Graphics]
Fixed an issue which could cause the Project pane to not appear after pressing WIN + P.
[Xbox full screen experience for PC]
For Insiders with the new Xbox full screen experience for PC, the virtual keyboard should now show properly when needed for controller users on devices without a touch screen.
[Other]
Fixed an issue in the previous flight which was leading to some Insiders seeing a bugcheck with error DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL when using a controller.
Fixed an underlying issue that could lead to your PC freezing where attempting to run Windows Terminal elevated from a non-admin account.
Known issues
[Xbox full screen experience for PC]
Some apps may behave unexpectedly when using FSE, particularly those that expect to be locked to a given size or launch additional windows.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
We’re working on the fix for an issue which is causing the Start menu to not open for some Insiders on click, although it will open if you press the Windows key. This issue may also potentially impact the notification center (which you can open with WIN + N) and quick settings (WIN + A).
We’re investigating an issue where for some Insiders apps aren’t showing in the system tray when they should be.
[File Explorer]
Scrollbar and footer are missing and showing a white block instead when text is scaled in dark mode version of the copy dialog.
We’re working on the fix for an issue where File Explorer has started showing a white flash when navigating between pages after the latest flights.
[NEW] We’re working on the fix for an issue where opening the context menu is causing explorer.exe to crash for some Insiders after the previous flight.
[Bluetooth]
We’re investigating an issue causing Bluetooth device battery level to not show for some Insiders.
Designed with console-style navigation in mind, the Xbox full screen experience delivers a clean, distraction-free interface for controller-first gaming. Pair a controller to your PC for smooth task switching and a streamlined gaming experience on your desktop, laptop, or tablet.
UI showing the Task View in Xbox full screen experience on PC.
How to enter Xbox full screen experience:
You can access Xbox full screen experience from Task View,Game Bar settings, or use Win + F11 hotkey to toggle FSE.
UI of the task view interface showing the option to access Xbox full screen experience.
The Xbox full screen experience begins as a gradual rollout to Windows Insiders on the Dev & Beta Channels, who are also registered Xbox Insiders. We expect to expand this later to all Insiders on the Dev & Beta Channels without requiring Xbox program registration. If you want to be among the first to try out these new features on your PC, join the Xbox Insiders Program and opt into the PC gaming preview through the Xbox Insiders Hub.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Gaming and Xbox > Gaming Full Screen Experience.
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
Point-in-time restore for Windows
We’re excited to introduce point-in-time restore for Windows, now available to Insiders in the Beta and Dev Channels! This flexible recovery feature empowers you to quickly roll your device back to a previous state—helping minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting when disruptions strike. Whether you’re dealing with a widespread outage or a one-off issue, point-in-time restore helps recover your system (including apps, settings, and user files) to get you back to productivity faster. For more details, check out our documentation.
Point-in-time restore shown in the Troubleshoot menu for Windows RE.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery and Uninstall > Point-in-time restore.
Introducing Fluid Dictation in Voice Typing
Following the introduction of Fluid dictation for voice access users, we’re also now introducing it for voice typing users on NPU devices. Fluid dictation makes voice-based dictation smoother and smarter by automatically correcting grammar, punctuation, and filler words as you speak, reducing the need for manual editing. Powered by on-device small language models (SLMs), it ensures fast and private processing.
To use it, set focus to a text field and launch voice typing by pressing the Windows key plus H and complete setup if you’re a first-time user. Fluid Dictation is enabled by default—you can check or toggle it via the settings flyout—so all you need to do is start talking!
UI showing the Fluid Dictation toggle in the voice typing launcher.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Input and Language > Voice Typing (Windows key plus H).
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Seamlessly resume more apps from your Android phone to your PC]
Following the ability to resume Spotify tracks from your phone onto your PC, we’re excited to share that:
vivo Android phone users can also now continue your browsing activity from vivo Browser on your phone, onto your default browser on your PC.
Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung and vivo Android phone users can also now continue online files opened on M365 Copilot app from your phone onto your PC. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files will open in the respective app on your PC if you have it installed, or if you don’t they’ll open in the default browser on your PC. Note – offline files (stored locally on the phone) are not currently supported.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Linked Phone.
[Click to Do]
We’re testing and refining the Click-to-Do top bar to determine the best experience for future updates. Functionality will vary by device and market.
[File Explorer]
We’re making a few refinements to the context menu aimed at reducing the space taken by less commonly used actions, while keeping them easy to access. We’ve also updated the ordering of actions to group similar tasks. This includes:
We’ve moved Compress to ZIP file, Copy as Path, Set as Desktop Background, and Rotate Right, and Rotate Left into a new Manage file flyout.
We’ve moved cloud provider options, like Always Keep on this Device and Free Up Space, into their relevant cloud provider flyout.
We’ve moved Send to My Phone next to the cloud provider options.
We’ve moved Open Folder Location to now be next to Open and Open with.
The image on the left shows the “before” experience before and the image on the right shows the “after” experience.
Note, the name Manage file may change in a future Insider update. If you have feedback, please file it in the Feedback Hub under Desktop Environment > Right-Click Context Menu
We’re exploring preloading File Explorer in the background to help improve File Explorer launch performance. This shouldn’t be visible to you, outside of File Explorer hopefully launching faster when you need to use it. If you have the change, if needed there is an option you can uncheck to disable this called “Enable window preloading for faster launch times” in File Explorer’s Folder Options, under View. Looking forward to your feedback! If you do encounter any issues, please file them in the Feedback Hub under Files Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer Performance, or Files Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer.
[Microsoft Store]
Based on user feedback, we have added support for uninstalling Store-managed apps from the Store’s library page. Simply find an installed app in your library, click the three-dot menu, and click uninstall. Please let us know what you think!
UI showing the uninstall functionality for Store-managed apps from the Store’s library page.
Windows Insiders across all channels running Microsoft Store version 22510.1401.x.x and higher will see this improvement.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.
Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Taskbar and System Tray]
Fixed an issue which could cause the taskbar to hang after receiving certain notifications.
Fixed an issue where the battery icon in the taskbar might unexpectedly show its own backplate when hovering over the icon in the system tray (instead of combined with wi-fi and volume).
[Internet]
Made some underlying improvements to help address an issue which could lead to not having internet after resuming from disconnected standby. Please don’t hesitate to file feedback under Network and Internet in the Feedback Hub if you continue experiencing issues.
[File Explorer]
Fixed an issue where if you opened the Recycle bin and had “Empty recycle bin” visible in the command bar, it might stay showing after you navigated away.
[Settings]
Fixed an issue where Settings might crash when navigating to Privacy & Security > Camera, Location, or Microphone.
[Display and Graphics]
Fixed an issue where recently certain games might show a message saying “Unsupported graphics card detected”, although a supported graphics card was being used.
[Task Manager]
If you’re using Die or CAMM memory form factor, Task Manager will now show that in Performance under Memory > Form Factor, instead of a blank.
[.NET Framework and Visual Studio]
The issue causing Insiders with ARM64 PCs to potentially observe crashes with Visual Studio or applications that depend on .NET Framework should be resolved if you have installed the latest .NET Framework update.
Known issues
[Xbox full screen experience for PC]
[NEW] The virtual keyboard is not shown for controller users on devices without a touch screen. Please use the physical keyboard as a workaround for now.
[NEW] Some apps may behave unexpectedly when using FSE, particularly those that expect to be locked to a given size or launch additional windows.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
We’re investigating an issue which is causing the Start menu to not open for some Insiders on click, although it will open if you press the Windows key. It’s believed this issue may also potentially impact the notification center (which you can open with WIN + N).
We’re investigating an issue where for some Insiders apps aren’t showing in the system tray when they should be.
[File Explorer]
Scrollbar and footer are missing and showing a white block instead when text is scaled in dark mode version of the copy dialog.
[NEW] We’re investigating an issue where File Explorer has started showing a white flash when navigating between pages after the previous flight.
[Bluetooth]
[NEW] We’re investigating an issue causing Bluetooth device battery level to not show for some Insiders.
Hi all, last Tuesday during Microsoft Ignite in San Francisco, Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000.1199 to the Canary Channel. (KB 5068860)
A quick and smooth update to the Canary channel
Happy upgrades!
What’s new in Build 28000.1199
[General]
This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.
Hi all, last week Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7262 (KB5070303) to the Dev & Beta Channels.
Flighted this build from San Francisco where Microsoft Ignite was on all week, great new tweaks and features in this build
Happy Flighting !
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
HD Voices in Narrator and Magnifier
Narrator and Magnifier now support high-definition voices for English (United States), powered by Azure’s latest on-device text-to-speech models. These voices use generative AI to adjust tone and pacing for more natural, expressive speech.
When reading with Narrator or listening to text in Magnifier, HD voices provide clearer audio and smoother flow. This helps reduce listening fatigue during long sessions and makes it easier to stay focused on the content. While natural voices are available in multiple languages, HD voices are currently offered in English (United States). Both Narrator and Magnifier allow you to personalize your experience by adjusting voice speed and switching between voices anytime.
To enable in Narrator
Open Settings → Accessibility → Narrator.
Navigate to “add a natural voice” button
Download your preferred HD voice.
Switch voices or adjust speed anytime in Narrator settings.
Currently, HD voices are available in English (United States), with one male (Andrew) and one female (Ava) option to choose from.
Magnifier also supports natural voices, including new HD options for even clearer, more lifelike speech. To enable:
Open Settings → Accessibility → Magnifier.
Navigate to “add a natural voice” button
Download your preferred voice.
Change voices or adjust speed anytime in Magnifier settings.
UI showing list of voices that can be downloaded in Magnifier.
FEEDBACK: Please share your feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator or Accessibility > Magnifier.
Narrator now supports math
We’re introducing the first phase of Math reading in Narrator, bringing clearer and more natural math experiences to users who are blind or have low vision. With this update, equations in Microsoft 365 apps such as Word can now be read in a structured way that reflects how they’re meant to be understood. Math is at the heart of STEM education and learning, and this improvement helps ensure that students and professionals can independently explore equations, formulas, and scientific notations with confidence.
To try out this experience, turn on Narrator (press Win + Ctrl + Enter) and open a Word document containing mathematical equations. Use any of the standard Narrator reading commands to hear equations read aloud in a more natural, structured way. We’re continuing to refine this experience and plan to expand it to more scenarios in the future.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.
AI Components Setting
New “Experimental agentic features” toggle in the Settings app. This setting, under System >AI Components, allows agents to use new Windows agentic features. More information can be found here: Experimental Agentic Features – Microsoft Support.
UI showing the Windows Settings app, specifically under System > AI components where users can activate the “Experimental agentic features” toggle.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Click to Do]
The Click to Do context menu is being updated with a streamlined design, making it simpler to locate what you need. Frequently used actions like Copy, Save, Share, and Open will now be easier to access directly from the context menu.
Whenever a large image or table appears on your screen, the context menu will automatically pop up, making it quicker and easier to access the actions and results you need.
UI showing the context menu automatically appearing to provide quick access to common actions.
Image Object Selection Update
We are temporarily turning off Image Object select as detailed here for Dev and Beta
Teaching Tip Updates
Teaching tips and introduction screen in tutorial mode have been improved.
A new “Launch Tutorial” button and refreshed instructions make it easier for users to start the tutorial.
[Input]
Pens that support haptic feedback will now deliver tactile responses during certain interactions with the system UI. For example, you may feel vibrations when hovering over the close button or when snapping and resizing windows.
[File Explorer]
We are reconfiguring the CFR that supported AI Actions in File Explorer – Insiders may see a temporary loss in image actions and Copilot summaryactions as this is relaunched and gradually rolled out to Insiders in the Dev & Beta Channels.
We’re temporarily stopping the roll out of the ability for newly launched File Explorer folders to open in tabs instead of windows, as it wasn’t working correctly. Appreciate your patience.
We’re working on consolidating the share options in the context menu into a single entry point. (Updated 11/17)
[Administrator Protection]
We’re temporarily stopping the rollout of administrator protection feature. Appreciate your patience. (Updated 11/17)
Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[General]
Fixed an issue resulting in mouse and keyboard not working for some Insiders in WinRE / Advanced Startup.
[Recall]
Fixed an issue recently causing some Insiders to see a message saying they don’t have an eligible camera for Recall when they did.
[Task Manager]
Fixed an issue where the Task Manager process wasn’t stopping correctly after closing Task Manager. As a result of this, you may have also seen Task Manager unexpectedly open on boot.
[Settings]
Fixed an issue where the Virtual Workspaces options weren’t working correctly in Settings > System > Advanced. As part of this fix, the option is now available again for Insiders.
Fixed an issue where the CPU information in Settings > System > About may be unexpectedly truncated.
Known issues
[Taskbar & System Tray]
We’re investigating an issue which is causing the Start menu to not open for some Insiders on click, although it will open if you press the Windows key. It’s believed this issue may also potentially impact the notification center (which you can open with WIN + N).
We’re investigating an issue where for some Insiders apps aren’t showing in the system tray when they should be.
[File Explorer]
Scrollbar and footer are missing and showing a white block instead when text is scaled in dark mode version of the copy dialog.
[.NET Framework and Visual Studio]
[NEW] Insiders using ARM64 PCs may observe crashes with Visual Studio or applications that depend on .NET Framework. To resolve the problem, scan for Windows Updates and install the latest .NET Framework update.
Hi all, Yesterday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (KB5070300) to the Dev & Beta Channels.
Dev & Beta currently have the same updates, allowing you to switch from Dev to Beta channel for a short while.
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
Widgets
Choose your default dashboard in an updated Widget Board Settings
Launching the Widget Board when it’s showing live weather content will now open the first dashboard in your navigation bar instead of your most recently used dashboard for a more predictable Widget Board experience.
To modify your default dashboard, navigate to the new full-page Widgets Settings experience by clicking the gear icon at the bottom of your Widget navigation bar and re-arrange your desired default dashboard to the top position.
Widgets board with a redesigned Widget Settings page that allows dashboard to be re-arranged
See numbered badges on the Widget Board navigation bar
Badges on the dashboard icons in the Widget navigation bar will now show numbers corresponding to the number of alerts from that dashboard. Navigation bar badges clear automatically when you leave a dashboard, making it easy to track what’s new.
Numbered badge on the Discover dashboard icon in the navigation bar.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Widgets
Changes and Improvements for everyone
[Recovery]
We’re updating Quick Machine Recovery in Windows – Microsoft Support make getting back to a working PC clearer and faster. The experience in both Windows Settings and the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) has been streamlined so options are easier to find and use. On PCs with the settings “quick machine recovery” and “automatically check for solutions” both enabled, QMR now runs a one‑time scan by default instead of repeating scans in a loop. If a fix isn’t available right away, you won’t be left waiting; QMR will quickly point you to the most appropriate recovery options to get you back up and running.
In Settings for Systems, Recovery, “Quick machine recovery” and “Automatically check for solutions” are enabled to run a onetime QMR scan by default.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Smart App Control]
We’re updating Smart App Control (SAC) so you will now be able to switch SAC off or on without any clean install requirement. To make changes, go to Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control settings.
We are re-enabling people icons under the “Activity” column in File Explorer Home detailed here.
We are temporarily turning off the integration supporting the StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers as detailed here.
We are temporarily turning off support for frequently used and recently downloaded recommended files in File Explorer as detailed here.
Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[General]
Fixed an underlying issue which was causing interacting with the desktop to unexpectedly open Task View recently for some people.
[File Explorer]
Fixed an issue where Shift + Click (or middle clicking) on File Explorer in the taskbar wasn’t opening a new File Explorer instance.
Fixed an issue where the File Explorer active tab title might not display bolded until you hovered your mouse over it.
[Taskbar]
Fixed an issue which could lead to the “Automatically hide the taskbar” setting unexpectedly turning off, after seeing a message saying “a toolbar is already hidden on this side of your screen”.
[Settings]
Fixed an issue which could lead to Settings hanging when trying to navigate to the Network & Internet section.
Known issues
[Taskbar & System Tray]
We’re investigating an issue which is causing the Start menu to not open for some Insiders on click, although it will open if you press the Windows key. It’s believed this issue may also potentially impact the notification center (which you can open with WIN + N).
We’re investigating an issue where for some Insiders apps aren’t showing in the system tray when they should be.
[File Explorer]
Copy progress might flash when clicking more or less details in dark mode version of the copy dialog.
Scrollbar and footer are missing and showing a white block instead when text is scaled in dark mode version of the copy dialog.
[Recall]
[NEW] We’re working on the fix for an issue causing some Insiders to see a message saying they don’t have an eligible camera for Recall when they do.
Hi all, Yesterday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000 to the Canary Channel.
This is the 1st build labeled 26H1 exciting to start testing the next phase of Windows evolution
What’s new in Build 28000
[General]
This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.
[Versioning]
With this build today, Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel will see the versioning updated under Settings > System > About (and winver) to Windows 11, version 26H1.
26H1 is nota feature updatefor version 25H2 and only includes platform changes to support specific silicon. There is no action required from customers.
As a reminder, in the Windows Insider Program, new experiences will continue to land first in the Dev and Beta Channels, with Canary primarily focused on platform changes.
Fixes
[General]
Fixed an issue causing live captions to crash in the previous flight for some Insiders.
Fixed an issue which could cause the credentials window to not be accessible when trying to login to Outlook in recent flights.
Known issues
[Start menu]
Insiders with the new Start menu may experience it unexpectedly scrolling to the top.
[Power and Battery]
We’re investigating reports that sleep and shutdown aren’t working correctly for some Insiders after the latest Canary builds.
A few months ago, I got my hands on the new 13-inch Surface Laptop for Business, one of the latest additions to Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC portfolio. I was intrigued by its promise of portability, performance, and AI-powered productivity. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say: this device has transformed how I work, travel, and stay connected.
From the moment I unboxed it, the Surface Laptop impressed me with its sleek, lightweight design. It’s thinner and lighter than any previous Surface I’ve used, yet it feels incredibly sturdy thanks to its aluminum chassis. Whether I’m commuting, working from a client site, or presenting, it slips effortlessly into my bag and never weighs me down.
Battery life has been a game-changer. With up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of active web browsing, I’ve stopped worrying about finding power outlets. It’s liberating to know I can go through a full day (or even two) without reaching for a charger.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon X Plus processor and integrated NPU deliver snappy responsiveness and seamless multitasking. I’ve noticed a significant boost in speed compared to my previous device, especially when running AI-enhanced features like Windows Studio Effects during Teams calls. The 1080p front-facing camera, Auto HDR, and AI noise reduction make every video meeting feel professional, even when I’m working from less-than-ideal environments.
The anti-reflective touchscreen is another standout feature. Whether I’m working outdoors or in bright conference rooms, the display remains crisp and easy to read. It’s clear that Microsoft designed this laptop with real-world scenarios in mind.
Over the past few months, the Surface Laptop 13 inch has become my ultra-portable companion – reliable, powerful, and ready for anything. It’s not just a device; it’s a productivity partner that adapts to my dynamic work life.
If you’re looking for a business laptop that blends mobility, performance, and AI innovation, the Surface Laptop for Business is worth serious consideration. It’s more than just a PC, it’s a Copilot+ experience that truly delivers.
Hi all, Last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) to the Dev & Beta Channels.
Both Dev & Beta are now on the same 25H2 builds, if you want to switch a device from Dev to Beta, this is now possible for a short while.
Share Bluetooth audio sounds like a great feature for sharing an audio or video stream on the same device.
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
Introducing Ask Copilot in taskbar
The Ask Copilot experience in the Windows taskbar demonstrating a query for ‘Out’ that shows apps, files, settings, and Copilot chat suggestions.
With the new Ask Copilot in taskbar, Copilot becomes a natural part of how you use your PC, ready to help, guide and collaborate the moment you need it.
This opt-in experience gives you one-click access to Copilot Vision and Voice, enabling more natural interaction in your flow. Whether through text, voice, or guided support with Copilot Vision, you can engage on your terms, in the way that works best for you. You’re always in control. As you type, results appear and update instantly, making it easier than ever to find what you need.
To get started go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot to enable the experience. You can also manage whether the Copilot app launches automatically at sign-in using the “Auto start on log in” toggle in the Copilot app settings.
Ask Copilot in taskbar complements the familiar Windows Search experience, so you can continue using Search as you always have from Start while trying out this new experience.
Ask Copilot uses existing Windows APIs to return apps, files, and settings—just like Windows Search—and does not grant Copilot access to your personal content. For more details, you can learn about privacy and control options for Microsoft Copilot here.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Ask Copilot in taskbar.
Designed with console-style navigation in mind, the Xbox PC app paired with the full screen experience delivers a clean, distraction-free interface for handheld gaming. You’ll get smooth task switching and optimized performance, with background processes minimized and non-essential tasks deferred—so gameplay stays responsive and uninterrupted.
A screenshot of the full screen experience with the Xbox PC app, with game selection shown.
Settings screen shot showing Gaming and full screen experience enablement options for startup.
How to enable FSE: On supported devices, go to Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience, then select Xbox as your home app. Once enabled, you can access FSE from Task View and Game Bar or configure your handheld to enter full screen experience on startup.
Additional OEMs enabling their handhelds in the coming months
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Gaming and Xbox > Gaming Handhelds.
Shared audio (preview)
In this update, we are beginning rollout of shared audio (preview), a new experience built on Bluetooth® LE Audio broadcast technology, for Copilot+ PCs. Shared audio allows two family members to watch movies together while traveling, or two students to share music while studying.
To get started, access the “Shared audio (preview)” tile in quick settings, select two supported paired and connected accessories and click “Share” to begin.
Shared audio (preview) settings showing two connected devices and the Share button to get started using the experience.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Prism]
We are enabling the feature update toPrism, our emulator for Windows on Arm, that makes it possible for more 64-bit x86 (x64) applications to run under emulation by adding support for more CPU features under emulation. This support will be made available to any 64-bit x86 (x64) application under emulation by default, and 32-bit x86 applications can be opted in to the support using the emulation settings in the Properties window.
Please submit any feedback on compatibility issues or performance regressions through the Feedback Hub (Win + F) under Apps and the specific app you’re seeing issues with (if you don’t see the app listed, use “All other apps”) to help us to ensure that this updated Prism provides a great experience.
Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on* [General]
Fixed an underlying issue leading to keyboards or other USB devices not working for a small number of Insiders after the latest flights.
[Start menu]
Fixed an issue where interacting with a folder or its contents in Start menu could result in the folder becoming invisible.
[File Explorer]
Made some underlying changes to help responsiveness of File Explorer when navigating in network locations.
Made some more underlying improvements to help reduce the launch time of File Explorer.
Fixed an issue where “Open” in File Explorer’s context menu wasn’t showing the right icon for .exe, .cmd & .bat files (was showing a generic executable icon, instead of the default app for that file type).
Fixed an issue where you might see your desktop icons move when interacting with files, such as opening or renaming them.
Fixed a couple issues where tooltips were not showing up as expected when using navigating Home with a keyboard.
[Lock and login screens]
Fixed a memory leak when your lock screen was set to slide show, which could lead to performance or reliability issues over time when unlocking your PC.
Fixed an issue which could cause logging into be very slow the first time when logging into a new account.
[Settings]
Fixed an issue where the search box in Settings could become overlapped with the minimum and maximize buttons in the title bar.
[Other]
Fixed an issue where after the latest updates, screen readers might unexpectedly say “legacy window” without reading out the window contents when interacting with certain apps.
Fixed an issue where after the latest updates, text might not render correctly when editing content within a multiline text box in certain apps.
Fixed an issue where protected content playback might fail on some machines after the latest updates.
Fixed an issue which could cause ethernet upload speeds to be significantly lower on some PCs after the latest updates.
Known issues
[Taskbar & System Tray]
We’re investigating an issue which is causing the Start menu to not open for some Insiders on click, although it will open if you press the Windows key. It’s believed this issue may also potentially impact the notification center (which you can open with WIN + N).
We’re investigating an issue where for some Insiders apps aren’t showing in the system tray when they should be.
[File Explorer]
Copy progress might flash when clicking more or less details in dark mode version of the copy dialog.
Scrollbar and footer are missing and showing a white block instead when text is scaled in dark mode version of the copy dialog.
