Hi all, yesterday Microsoft released Windows Insider Preview Build 29550.1000 to the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel on the optional 29500 build series.
A few glitches spotted on my Surface 13inch for Business:
Wifi disappearing caused by the ‘WLAN AutoConfig’ service crashing, causing wifi to disappear from the action center if you run into this just start the service again to restore wifi for now (Feedback Hub: https://aka.ms/AA108g1p)
One of my favorite features on Copilot+, Recall is having a hard time to get started after a reboot, patience is key here it does start after a while of showing ‘something went wrong, please try again later’ (Feedback Hub: https://aka.ms/AA1088m1)
Happy Upgrades! Don’t forget to file any issues using the Feedback Hub!
What’s new in Canary Build 29550.1000
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
This update includes platform changes in moving to a new active development build.
[Emoji]
The Emoji 16.0 release introduces a small thoughtfully curated set of new emojis, one from each major category. Each emoji carries timeless symbolism and practical versatility. These new emojis now appear in the emoji panel.
[Camera Settings]
You can control pan and tilt for supported cameras in the Settings app. The controls appear under Settings> Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, in the “Basic settings” section for your selected camera.
[Power]
Changes to global power settings (for example, Display, Sleep, Hibernate timeouts, Power/Sleep button, and lid close actions) from Settings are now applied to all power plans. This should help improve persistence of chosen settings.
[File Explorer]
You can now use voice typing (Windows key plus H) when renaming files in File Explorer.
[Settings]
Improved performance of loading Settings Home.
Improved Settings reliability when navigating to Privacy & Security.
Improved reliability of updating necessary components when prompted under System > Advanced > File Explorer.
Improved reliability of configuring custom tools in Bluetooth & Devices > Wheel.
[Nearby Sharing]
Improved the reliability of sending larger files using nearby sharing.
Hi all, yesterday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1737 to the Canary Channel. (KB 5079452)
A quick and smooth update for the Canary Channel devices on the 28020 builds
What’s new in Canary Build 28020.1737
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Input]
Pen settings: we have made refinements to the Pen settings page including small changes to the options for the pen tail button. A new option, “Same as Copilot key”, enables the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Keyboards, Mice, and Pens.
Hi all, yesterday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) to the Dev Channel.
This upgrade went smoothly, no issues detected so far, some nice new features to test out, point in time restore looks great!
Happy upgrades!
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps]
We have updated the “Remove Default Microsoft Store packages” policy for Windows ENT/EDU to include a dynamic app removal list. IT administrators can now remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their app package family name (PFNs) to a dynamic list.
To access the policy in Group Policy settings, open the local Group Policy Editor (gedit.msc) and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment > Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system.
To remove an app via the dynamic list, add its app family package name to the multi-text list under “Specify additional package family names to remove.”
To find app family package names, run the Get-AppxPackage command in a terminal. For example, here’s a command to get the package family name for Notepad.
IT Administrator view of removing preinstalled Microsoft Store packages.
The dynamic list is currently unavailable in the corresponding Intune CSP. When this feature becomes generally available, you can search for Remove Default Microsoft Store packages settings in the Settings picker.
Known Limitation – OMA-URI and Multi-Entry Validation: OMA-URI cannot be used to validate multi-entry ADMX multi-Text policies; therefore, validation for the dynamic list must be done via Settings Catalog in Intune or Group Policy. Given that the Intune setting is not yet available in WIP, you will need to test using Group Policy.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Developer Platform > App Deployment.
[Windows Setup Experience]
Expanding on our work which started rolling to Insiders last fall, you can now choose a custom name for your user folder on the Device Name page when going through Windows setup. This most recent update now makes it easier to choose a custom name. The naming option is available during setup only. If you skip this step, Windows will use the default folder name and continue setup as usual.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Install and Update > Initial out of box setup.
[Windows Driver Policy update]
The Windows kernel has historically allowed 3rd party kernel drivers from the now- deprecated cross-signed root program and the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). The WHCP program is a major step up in security compared to the cross-signed driver program, requiring driver compatibility testing, identity vetting and verification and virus scanning.
Starting with this update, the Windows kernel will enforce a new policy removing default trust for cross-signed drivers. The policy allows 3rd party drivers from the WHCP program by default, with an allow list of trustworthy publishers and drivers from the cross-signing program.
The feature is enabled in audit mode for a minimum of 100 hours and 3 reboots. If Windows determines that the drivers loaded during this time are compatible with the new policy, the feature is enabled. Otherwise, the system stays in audit mode.
After enablement, while unlikely, some users running in enforcement mode may see cross-signed drivers blocked:
Driver block toast notification.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Security and Privacy > Application Control.
[Point-in-time restore updates]:
When you launch point-in-time restore, local admins will see a settings dialog (behind a User Account Control (UAC) prompt) where they can view or change the default restore settings.
This experience also now shows a list of restore points available on the device.
Updated messaging in the WinRE restore experience:
Added a recommendation to plug your device into a power source during the restore.
The OS version number is now shown in a 4-part format (instead of 2-part).
Point-in-time restore updated messaging.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery and Uninstall > Point-in-time restore.
[Account Settings]
Microsoft 365 Family subscribers will find an option to upgrade to a different 365 plan on the Accounts page within the Settings app. You can also remove the upgrade option by turning off suggested content in settings.
New upgrade prompt on the Accounts page.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Settings > Settings Homepage.
[Drag Tray > Drop Tray]
Expanding on our work last week, Drag Tray has been now renamed to Drop Tray. We’re also moving the corresponding settings for Drop Tray from Nearby Sharing to now be under System > Multitasking.
[Input]
Pen settings: we have made refinements to the Pen settings page including small changes to the options for the pen tail button. A new option, “Same as Copilot key”, enables the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Keyboards, Mice, and Pens.
[File Explorer]
We are stopping the rollout of refinements to the context menu to work on some further improvements. We will bring this back in a future release.
[Other]
Improved reliability of setting and using preferred display language.
Removed extraneous unexpected error from sfc/scannow.
Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7965 (KB 5079385) to the Dev Channel.
Flighted this build from the hotel lobby waiting for my ride back to the airport after attending ZTW26 (https://www.ztw.com) very interesting conference on Zero Trust organized by Threatlocker in Orlando.
A few tweaks for this build and even on the hotel wifi fast and smooth experience. Happy to see Administrator protection to be back!
Happy Upgrades!
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Administrator Protection]
Administrator protection is being re-enabled and aims to protect free floating admin rights for administrator users, allowing them to still perform all admin functions with just-in-time admin privileges. This feature is OFF by default and can be enabled via OMA-URI in Intune or via group policy.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Sharing]
Based on feedback we’re making some refinements to drag tray, using a smaller peek view to reduce accidental invocation and make it easier to dismiss when interacting near the top of the screen.
[File Explorer]
You can now use voice typing (Windows key plus H) when renaming files in File Explorer.
Removed white flash when launching new File Explorer windows or tabs when File Explorer was set to open to This PC. Also removed white flashes when resizing elements of File Explorer.
Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 to the Canary Channel. (KB 5077240)
QMR (Quick Machine Recovery) is here, I was in the private preview for this feature, one of the great new resiliency features.
What’s new in Canary Build 28020.1673
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Emoji]
The Emoji 16.0 release introduces a small thoughtfully curated set of new emojis, one from each major category. Each emoji carries timeless symbolism and practical versatility. These new emojis now appear in the emoji panel.
[Backup & Restore]
The first sign-in restore experience is now part of Windows Backup for Organizations, bringing this restore capability to more device types. This experience restores user settings and Microsoft Store apps automatically at first sign-in on Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, Cloud PCs, and multi‑user environments. This capability helps create a consistent setup process during device refreshes, upgrades, or migrations.
[Quick Machine Recovery]
Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) now turns on automatically for enterprise managed Windows Professional devices, as well as Windows Professional devices that are not domain-joined. These devices receive the same recovery features available to Windows Home users. For domain-joined devices, QMR stays off unless it is enabled by the organization.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
A built‑in network speed test is now available from the taskbar. You can open it from the Wi‑Fi or Cellular Quick Settings, or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. The speed test opens in the default browser and measures Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, and cellular connections. This feature helps check network performance and troubleshoot issues.
[Accounts]
The account menu on the Start menu now includes a new option that directs you to the benefits page, making it easier to explore and manage your Microsoft account benefits.
[Camera Settings]
You can control pan and tilt for supported cameras in the Settings app. The controls appear under Settings> Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, in the “Basic settings” section for your selected camera.
[Widgets]
Widget Settings now open as a full‑page experience in the Widgets app instead of opening in a dialog.
[Search on Taskbar]
Group headers now show the number of results, so you can quickly see when more results are available. Select a group header to see all results for that group and hide results from other groups.
You can preview search results by hovering over a result and selecting Preview to see the content without opening it.
[Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT)]
This update adds support for Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. IT administrators can now install and use tools such as Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools, Active Directory Certificate Services Tools, Server Manager, Group Policy Management Tools, DNS Server Tools, and DHCP Server Tools. These tools are available as optional features and can be installed through Settings > System > Optional Features or from Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
[File Explorer]
We’re continuing to make improvements to the dark mode experience in File Explorer. You will now see a consistent dark mode experience in the Folder Options dialog.
Updates to the Folder Options dialog in dark mode.
Addressed an issue where all File Explorer open windows and tabs might unexpectedly jump to Desktop or Home.
[Settings]
Improved reliability of configuring options in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Wheel.
[Nearby Sharing]
Improved the reliability of sending larger files using nearby sharing.
Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (KB 5077243) to the Dev Channel.
I really like the share audio functionality, works nicely !
Happy upgrades!
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Enhanced security and performance for batch files]
We are giving administrators and Application Control for Business policy authors additional controls over the processing of batch files and CMD scripts. Starting with this release, administrators may enable a more secure mode for processing batch files that ensures they do not change during execution by adding a value to the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor named LockBatchFilesWhenInUse (DWORD, value 0 or 1). Policy authors may also use the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse application manifest control documented here to enable this mode.
This enhances the performance and security of batch file processing when code integrity is enabled, as signature validation will only required to be performed a single time, instead of per statement executed in the batch file.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Developer Platform > Command Line.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Shared audio (preview) gets more control]
Shared audio (preview) was first announced last fall, and allows 2 people to share audio between their two capable Bluetooth LE Audio headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids. With this update Windows now provides individual sliders for each listener which adjusts their volume without affecting the other. You can continue to adjust volume for both listeners at the same time through the main volume controls available through Quick Settings or on-device and keyboard controls.
You’ll also see a new taskbar indicator while you’re sharing, giving a quick reminder that audio is still being shared. Clicking the indicator is a fast path to open sharing settings to change volume or stop sharing.
The LE Audio accessory ecosystem also continues to grow. In addition to the accessories announced before, we’re excited to share that the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, Sony WF‑1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset all have support for shared audio!
Independent sliders for each listener.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F)under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Audio quality, glitches, choppiness and stuttering.
[Narrator]
Narrator users can now use a new command Narrator key + \ to read contents of status bar in Apps such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. For example, in Microsoft Word, users can use this to read count of pages or words in a document. In Microsoft Excel, users can select a few data cells and hear sum or average of the data in the selected cells without having to change your focus.
[Taskbar]
We temporarily paused the rollout of the improved animations when your taskbar is set to autohide, and improved reliability of loading taskbar components in safe mode. Thanks, Insiders, for sharing feedback!
[Storage]
Improved reliability of removing Windows Update files / windows.old files via Settings > System > Storage.
[Input]
Improved reliability of typing when using the ADLaM keyboard.
Most people think of the Pause button in Windows Update as a temporary freeze: stop installing updates for a while, resume later, nothing more.
But under the hood, pausing triggers a subtle but powerful side effect: Windows discards its current update evaluation state.
That means:
Any previously queued updates are treated as no longer authoritative.
The device is forced to re-check with Windows Update for what is currently applicable.
Superseded or outdated updates are dropped from the queue.
The update stack effectively gets a clean slate. This is especially useful for devices that have been offline for a long time—laptops in storage, lab machines, loaner devices, or systems that were imaged months ago.
The real-world scenario: a device from storage Imagine this situation:
You pull a laptop out of storage.
It was last updated six months ago.
The moment it boots, Windows Update sees an old cumulative update pending.
That update is already outdated—there are newer cumulative updates that include everything it contains.
But Windows Update still tries to install the old one first.
After rebooting, it will then install the newer one.
That means two full update cycles, two reboots, and a lot of wasted time. This happens because Windows Update initially works with whatever metadata it already has cached. It doesn’t immediately discard old update plans unless something forces it to. That “something” is Pause.
How pausing and resuming fixes the problem When you hit Pause updates, Windows Update:
Cancels the current update plan.
Clears the cached applicability state.
Marks the device as intentionally out of the update cycle. When you then Resume updates, Windows Update:
Performs a fresh scan against Microsoft Update.
Re-evaluates which updates are required right now.
Downloads only the latest cumulative update (LCU) and servicing stack update (SSU).
Skips the outdated update entirely. The result:
The device installs only the newest update.
You avoid the “install old update → reboot → install new update → reboot” loop.
The whole process is faster, cleaner, and more predictable.
Why this hidden behavior exists Windows Update is designed to be resilient, not aggressive. It assumes that if an update is already staged, the user or admin intended it. Pausing is the one action that clearly signals:
This makes Pause a surprisingly powerful troubleshooting and optimization tool.
When this trick is especially useful
Devices coming out of long-term storage
Lab or classroom machines that are updated infrequently
Loaner laptops that sit unused for months
Systems restored from old images
Devices that show a long list of pending updates that don’t make sense anymore In all these cases, a quick pause–resume cycle can save you from unnecessary update churn.
A simple workflow you can rely on
Open Settings → Windows Update.
Click Pause for 1 week.
Wait a few seconds.
Click Resume updates.
Let Windows perform a fresh scan and install only what’s truly needed. It’s a tiny action with a surprisingly big impact.
Hello Windows Insiders, today we are releasing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1619 to the Canary Channel (KB 5077230)
Kept a few devices on the 28020 builds of the Canary Channel, all upgraded smoothly to this build.
Have fun Upgrading!
What’s new in Canary Build 28020.1619
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Cross Device Resume]
This update expands the functionality of Cross‑Device Resume, which Microsoft first introduced in the May 2025 Windows non-security update (KB5058499). You can continue activities from your Android phone on your PC based on the apps and services you use, including resuming Spotify playback, working in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or continuing a browsing session.
Vivo Android phone users can continue browsing from Vivo Browser on their PC.
If you use an Android phone from HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, or Xiaomi, you can resume online files that you opened in the Microsoft Copilot app on your phone and continue working on them on your PC. Files open in the corresponding Microsoft 365 app on your PC if it is installed. If the app is not installed, the files open in your default web browser. This feature does not support offline files stored only on your phone.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Linked Phone.
[Personalize what Narrator announces]
Narrator now gives you more control over how it announces on‑screen controls. You can choose which details are spoken and adjust their order to match how you navigate apps. These settings apply throughout the app to help reduce extra speech and make Narrator easier to follow.
UI showing the Narrator customization panel in Windows 11.
UI showing the Narrator customization panel adjustable announcement settings in Windows 11.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.
[Windows Hello]
Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security Now Supports Peripheral Fingerprint Sensors: Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) is expanding to support peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows 11. Previously, ESS was only available on PCs with built-in biometric sensors, but now Windows 11 PCs, including desktops and Copilot+ PCs, can benefit from the most secure sign-in experience Windows Hello has to offer. Just plug in a supported ESS fingerprint reader, head to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and follow the prompts to enroll.
Settings dialog showing where additional settings has an option outlined in red for “Enhanced sign-in security” with a button for “Set up”.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Security and Privacy > Windows Hello Fingerprint.
[Voice Typing]
We are introducing a new ‘Wait time before acting’ setting in Voice Typing, allowing users to configure the delay before a voice command is executed. This provides greater flexibility for users with varying speech patterns, enabling more accurate recognition whether speaking slowly or quickly. (Update: This is rolling out for all desktop types, not just Copilot+ PCs.)
Voice typing settings supports “Wait time before acting” with timing options like “Instant – 0.1 seconds” to “Very Long – 3.0 seconds”.
[Voice Access]
We’re introducing a more streamlined setup flow to make it even easier to get started with Voice Access. The redesigned flow helps download the right speech model for your language of choice; select your preferred input microphone & highlights what Voice Access can help you do on your PC.
[Settings Agent Language Expansion]
Last September, we announced that Agent in Settings experience was expanded to include French in Dev and Beta Now, the languages supported by the Settings Agent continue to be expanded. The following locales and languages are supported with this release:
Current:
English: en-gb, en-us
French: fr-fr, fr-ca
New:
German: de-de
Portuguese: pt-br, pt-pt
Spanish: es-es, es-mx
Korean: ko-kr
Japanese: ja-jp
Hindi: hi-in
Italian: it-it
Chinese (Simplified): zh-cn
[General]
Some Windows Insiders will see a refreshed SCOOBE screen (Second Chance Out of Box Experience) for reviewing recommended settings on your PC. This redesigned screen is meant to be more intuitive and streamlined, allowing you to choose the recommended settings you want for your PC without having to navigate through multiple setup screens. If you see this screen, let us know if you have any feedback via Feedback Hub.
Refreshed SCOOBE screen for reviewing recommended settings.
Paint App update rolling out to Canary & Dev Channels
With Paint version 11.2601.391.0, we’re excited to introduce freeform rotate, a highly requested feature that gives you more control when editing your artwork. You can now rotate shapes, text, and any active selection to any angle. To get started, open Paint and select a shape, text, or selection. When the object is active, use the rotate handle above it to rotate freely in any direction. For more precise control, you can also choose Custom rotate from the Rotate menu and enter a specific angle. Try using freeform rotate in your artwork to adjust elements exactly the way you want and add more flexibility to your creative workflow.
Hi all, Yesterday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 (KB5077232) to the Dev Channel.
Quick and smooth upgrade experience on DevChannel devices, Happy upgrading!
Changes in Dev Channel builds and updates are documented in two buckets: new features, and improvements (including notable fixes) that are being gradually rolled out for Insiders who have turned on the toggle to get the latest updates as they are available (via Settings > Windows Update*) and then new features, and improvements (including notable fixes) rolling out to everyone in the Dev Channel.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Context Menu]
When right clicking on a .exe, .bat, or .cmd file, the context menu’s “Open” verb will now match the icon associated with the file’s default app.
The context menu’s “Open” verb matches the icon in the default app.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under File Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer.
[Settings]
Device Cards:
Previously released to WIP channels June 2025, the ‘Device info’ Card on the Settings Home page has been refined based on early learnings. This update simplifies key device specifications and improves consistency across the end to end flow from the Home Card to the Settings > System >About page, making information easier to scan and understand. This consumer experience is currently rolling out to Insiders in the United States.
A version of the Device info Card intended for enterprise users on IT managed devices continues to be available.
Device card with simplified device specifications.
In Settings > System >About, based on early customer feedback, key device hardware details are once again prominently displayed at the top of the page, making it easy to understand your device at a glance. The Device information section now brings together additional system details such as graphics and storage information in a single location, with easy copy/paste support to simplify sharing or support scenarios. Device related frequently asked questions are not currently surfaced as we continue iterating the best way to deliver contextual help across Settings.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under the Settings category.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
We have improved the animations for mousing over app groups on the taskbar.
Improved reliability of showing app icons in the system tray when the taskbar was set to autohide.
[File Explorer]
Addressed an issue where all File Explorer open windows and tabs might unexpectedly jump to Desktop or Home.
[Nearby Sharing]
Improved the reliability of sending larger files using nearby sharing.
Paint App update rolling out
With Paint version 11.2601.391.0, we’re excited to introduce freeform rotate, a highly requested feature that gives you more control when editing your artwork. You can now rotate shapes, text, and any active selection to any angle. To get started, open Paint and select a shape, text, or selection. When the object is active, use the rotate handle above it to rotate freely in any direction. For more precise control, you can also choose Custom rotate from the Rotate menu and enter a specific angle. Try using freeform rotate in your artwork to adjust elements exactly the way you want and add more flexibility to your creative workflow.
