Overview
With the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26090 to the Canary and Dev Channels, Microsoft introduces a host of improvements, changes, and feature updates to enhance the overall Windows 11 user experience. This build showcases advancements in the Widgets board, Server Message Block (SMB) protocol adjustments, bug fixes, and more, signaling the evolution of Windows 11's development cycle.
Key Updates
- Build Features: Build 26090 offers Widget board enhancements, delivering a redesigned Navigation bar on the left for improved navigation between different dashboards and Discover.
- SMB Protocol Changes: Changes in the SMB protocol introduce configurations for disabling SMB over QUIC, connection auditing, SMB signing, and encryption.
- Watermark Removal: The build watermark on the desktop is temporarily absent, indicating ongoing preparations for the annual feature update, Windows 11, version 24H2.
- Copilot Enhancements: Copilot in Windows (preview) now limits local account usage to ten times before requiring sign-in with a Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra ID.
- Settings Page Reversion: The Delivery Optimization settings page reverts to the previous design temporarily due to reported bugs, with plans to reintroduce the redesigned page in a future update.
Bug Fixes and Known Issues
- Fixes address video stutters, explorer.exe crashes impacting taskbar reliability, unexpected File Explorer design displays, and Task Manager process handle issues.
- Investigation is ongoing for users stuck on previous builds, as well as reported shutdown issues following Build 26085 rollout.
Developer Focus
- Developers can access the latest Windows Insider SDK and NuGet packages, tailored for the Canary and Dev Channels, optimizing app compatibility and integration.
- Recommendations include utilizing adaptive code for new APIs and leveraging feature detection over OS version checks for enhanced app reliability.
Insider Engagement
- The Canary and Dev Channels serve as integral testing grounds for features, ensuring feedback shapes the final Windows experience for users.
- Control Feature Rollout technology is employed, gradually introducing features to a subset of Insiders before widespread deployment.
- In preparation for future updates, the annual feature update cadence for Windows 11 is emphasized.
Conclusion
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26090 offers an array of enhancements and protocol changes aimed at refining performance, user interaction, and functionality for Windows Insiders. Continuous user feedback and engagement play a vital role in shaping the future of Windows 11, ensuring a seamless and optimized operating system for all users.
Published Date
Thu, 28 Mar 2024 17:05:12 +0000