Explore Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27718: New Features & Updates

Hello Windows enthusiasts! A thrilling new adventure is here for those of you who love being at the bleeding edge of technology. Microsoft has just unleashed Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27718 to the Canary Channel, and it's packed with features, improvements, and of course, the typical quirks of early software testing.

What's New in This Build​

The release not only brings an update in the form of ISOs (which you can snag for a clean install) but also includes a variety of enhancements and fixes. While SDKs for the 27xxx series are not currently part of this roll-out, let's dive into what you can expect.

Key Features and Improvements​

1. Lock Screen Enhancements: The media controls on the lock screen have been redesigned! They now elegantly appear at the lower center of the screen while media is playing. It's a chic touch that promises easier access.
2. Taskbar Navigation: A nifty new feature allows users to navigate the taskbar using the keyboard. By pressing a letter, you can jump to the corresponding pinned app. Multiple presses will cycle through apps starting with that letter. Handy, right?
3. Notifications Management: You can now opt-out of suggestions to disable app notifications. Just click the "..." on any notification to take charge of your settings.
4. Windows Share Window: There are some minor UI tweaks to the Windows Share dialog, removing the search box for a cleaner look.
5. Narrator Upgrades: The Narrator's scan mode has received a performance boost, particularly useful for reading lengthy documents in Microsoft Edge.
6. New Clock Widgets: How about some fresh functionality in a corner of your desktop? The Clock app has been updated to include countdown and timer widgets. Just a few clicks, and they can be added to your widgets board!

Microsoft Store Upgrade​

For Insiders running version 22409 or higher of the Microsoft Store, a revamped App Categories section is now available. This allows you to explore apps more easily, under curated categories, making the shopping experience more intuitive.

Bug Fixes and Known Issues​

In true Microsoft fashion, this release comes with a list of fixes intended to improve your experience:

• Resolved a boot hang that led to rollbacks in the previous flight.
• Fixed several instances of explorer.exe crashes.
• Addressed issues that could affect the emoji panel's operation.

Notable Known Issues​

However, not everything is smooth sailing. For instance, if you're using a Copilot+ PC and you join the Canary Channel from a different channel, you may lose your Windows Hello PIN and face some biometric sign-in challenges.
Additionally, users might encounter playback issues in the Movies & TV app. Thankfully, these are set to be resolved in upcoming builds.

What’s Next?​

The Canary Channel often serves as a proving ground for new features, which may or may not find their way into final releases. Each build offers a glimpse into the potential future of Windows. However, this is crucial – if you plan to switch channels or move out of the Canary Channel, expect to perform a clean installation of Windows 11.
And remember, persistence is key! Feedback is always welcomed at Microsoft, so if you stumble upon bugs or have suggestions, don't hesitate to voice them using the Feedback Hub.

Wrapping It Up​

Insider builds can be like a wild rollercoaster—current thrills, a few spills, and the promise of many exciting things to come. So whether you're a veteran Insider or dabbling in the Canary Channel for the first time, preparation and feedback can make the journey smoother and more beneficial.
Stay eager, keep testing, and let us know what new features you most look forward to in the comments below! Happy Insiding!
Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27718 (Canary Channel)