Exploring Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788: MIDI, OneDrive, and More

Hello Windows enthusiasts! Today we’re excited to dive into the details of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788, now available on the Canary Channel. This new build isn’t just another routine update—it brings a host of new features, improvements, and fixes designed to push the boundaries of the Windows experience, especially for those who like to be on the cutting edge.
In this article, we’ll explore the most significant changes, including enhancements in MIDI support, file handling improvements, and a seamless OneDrive resume feature. Let’s break down what’s new and what these changes mean for you.

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A Revolutionary Leap in MIDI Services​

One of the headline features in Build 27788 is Windows MIDI Services Public Preview. This major update completely overhauls the existing MIDI platform in Windows, introducing a robust foundation that supports both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 protocols. Whether you’re a professional musician, producer, or a hobbyist tinkering with electronic music, the new MIDI stack is set to redefine your musical workflow.

What’s New with MIDI?​

• MIDI 2.0 Full Support: The updated service provides high-speed data transmission and higher-fidelity messages, critical for modern musical applications. With increased resolution for controller values, real-time negotiation between instruments, and in-service endpoint discovery, this update ensures that your performances are smoother and more dynamic than ever.
• Enhanced USB MIDI Functionality: A fresh take on the USB MIDI Class Driver now supports both USB MIDI 2.0 devices and legacy USB MIDI 1.0 devices. This driver, courtesy of industry experts and the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan, delivers reduced jitter and faster response times.
• Multi-Client Endpoint Support: Imagine multiple apps interacting seamlessly with a single MIDI device—that’s precisely what the new multi-client approach brings to the table.
• Backward Compatibility and Open Source: Not only is the new service backward compatible with the classic WinMM MIDI API, but it’s also open source under the MIT license. This encourages community contributions and innovation, enriching the musical ecosystem further.

The reimagined MIDI services open up exciting prospects, allowing musicians to leverage cutting-edge technology without abandoning existing workflows. Additionally, new tools like the Windows MIDI Services Console and MIDI Diagnostics provide a robust toolkit for developers and musicians alike, helping to troubleshoot and fine-tune their setups.

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A Smoother Workflow with OneDrive Resume Integration​

Another standout improvement is the enhanced OneDrive experience. Windows 11 now offers a one-click resume feature that allows you to seamlessly pick up where you left off on your mobile device when switching to your Windows 11 PC.

How It Works:​

• Cross-Device Continuity: When you’ve been editing a document on your phone (be it a Word doc, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentation, OneNote, or PDF) and then unlock your PC within the next 5 minutes, a notification pops up allowing you to resume work with just one click.
• Simple Setup: To take advantage of this feature, make sure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account across your devices. Note that it currently supports only personal Microsoft accounts—not work or school accounts.
• Intuitive Integration: The file automatically opens in your default browser on the PC, ensuring a seamless continuation of your workflow without the hassle of digging through file directories or apps.

This upgrade reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to productivity and connectivity, providing an experience that echoes the convenience of cloud-based work environments.

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Enhanced File Explorer and Settings Improvements​

Build 27788 doesn't stop at productivity enhancements; there are numerous refinements enhancing overall usability:

File Explorer Wins:​

• Enhanced Session Restoration: For those who prefer restoring their previous File Explorer sessions, the update now brings back all additional tabs aside from just the main window. This is a boon for users working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Backup Reminders: A newly added option to snooze or disable the “Start backup” reminder gives users more control over their file management, especially for folders like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop.

Settings Overhaul:​

• Enterprise-Friendly Interface: For commercial customers, the Settings homepage now includes new cards that surface recommendations, Bluetooth device info, and enterprise-specific device details. This tailored approach ensures smoother management for IT administrators and enterprise operations.
• Integrated Microsoft Account Data: If you’re using Microsoft accounts in your enterprise environments, expect a cohesive experience balancing both work and personal data management.

These refinements, though subtle, collectively contribute to a more polished and intuitive Windows 11 experience.

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Fixes and Known Issues​

No update package is complete without addressing known issues, and Build 27788 is no exception:

• General Stability Fixes: Issues causing cyclic crashes and SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION bugchecks in previous builds have been addressed.
• Settings and File Explorer: Some glitches with File Explorer minimization and the Settings homepage may still affect certain systems, so be mindful if you’re on older or non-typical hardware configurations.
• Copilot+ PCs: Important for users in the Canary Channel on new Copilot+ PCs—there’s a known issue leading to Windows Hello PIN loss, which can be reconfigured manually.

Microsoft encourages testers to report feedback via the Feedback Hub, ensuring that these early builds evolve into robust and user-friendly releases in future updates.

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A Look Ahead​

Insiders will note that not every feature introduced in the Canary Channel is destined for a mainstream release; some aspects might remain experimental as Microsoft gauges community feedback. This fluid development process is integral to the Insider Program, where early user insights shape the ultimate direction of Windows 11.
Whether you’re a coder, a musician, or simply a Windows aficionado, Build 27788 offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Windows—merging high-fidelity audio production with streamlined productivity and enterprise-level management.
So, if you’re running the Canary Channel build, dive in and experiment with the latest MIDI services, enjoy the seamless OneDrive file continuity, and explore the plethora of improvements across File Explorer and Settings. Your feedback will help shape the next generation of Windows, ensuring that it meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
What are you most excited to try in Build 27788? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on the forum!

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Source: Microsoft - Windows Insiders Blog Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788 (Canary Channel)

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft’s latest insider update, Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788, is turning heads among both tech enthusiasts and musicians alike. Delivered exclusively to users in the Canary Channel, this build marks a significant upgrade with its complete overhaul of MIDI support—ushering in the long-awaited full MIDI 2.0 support—and a host of performance improvements, promising a smoother, faster, and more versatile computing experience.

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A Milestone for Musical Technology​

For those who have ever tinkered with MIDI—the foundational protocol dating back to 1983 that revolutionized digital music creation—this update is nothing short of exciting. MIDI, short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, has long been the backbone of electronic music production, enabling various instruments and devices to communicate seamlessly. Now, nearly 40 years after the original standard was introduced, MIDI 2.0 makes its mature debut on Windows.

Key Enhancements in MIDI Support​

• Full MIDI 2.0 Integration: The new Windows MIDI Services project, an open-source initiative by Microsoft, has undergone a total rewrite. It now supports both legacy MIDI 1.0 and the advanced MIDI 2.0 standard.
• Improved Data Transmission: MIDI 2.0 brings high-speed data transfer, ensuring that musical messages are transmitted with far greater fidelity and reduced latency—ideal for live performances and studio recordings.
• Endpoint Discovery and Negotiation: With enhanced features for endpoint recognition, devices now effortlessly communicate their capabilities, paving the way for richer musical expression.
• Automatic API Translation: This clever feature allows older MIDI 1.0 devices to work in concert with newer MIDI 2.0 equipment, ensuring a smooth transition for musicians upgrading their gear.
• Optimized for Modern Architectures: The update is tailored for 64-bit systems, including Arm64-based Copilot+ PCs, meaning compatibility is robust across modern Windows architectures.

This comprehensive integration not only simplifies the workflow for musicians and producers but also highlights Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing creative tools within the Windows ecosystem.

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Beyond MIDI: Performance and Productivity Boosts​

Though the MIDI enhancements steal much of the spotlight, Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788 is not solely for music lovers. Microsoft has packed additional features that cater to everyday users and power users alike:

• OneDrive’s “Seamless” 1-Click Resume: Forget the hassle of reopening applications or files; this feature allows users to quickly resume work on OneDrive across different devices. Ideal for busy professionals who work on multiple systems throughout the day.
• Selective Installation in the Microsoft Store: Gamers and software enthusiasts can now choose which components to install. For instance, titles like Call of Duty or Halo can be trimmed down by excluding unnecessary parts like single-player modes or high-resolution assets for a more space-efficient installation.

These updates reflect Microsoft’s broader trend of fine-tuning Windows 11 to cater not just to productivity, but also to the nuanced needs of creative professionals and gamers.

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What Does This Mean for Windows Users?​

For musicians and producers, the integration of MIDI 2.0 can dramatically improve the precision and reliability of musical interfaces—reducing jitter and latency during live sessions and recording. It opens up new possibilities in terms of real-time sound processing and dynamic control of instruments, potentially redefining the workflow in digital audio production.
For the broader Windows community, the update hints at more behind-the-scenes optimization maneuvers. Enhanced performance, refined system responsiveness, and tailored features like selective installation suggest that Microsoft is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to refine the Windows experience.

Putting the Updates Into Perspective​

• For Creators: The enhanced MIDI stack means your digital audio workstation (DAW) might handle instrument inputs with less lag and more fidelity, allowing for an even more expressive performance.
• For Gamers: With improved Microsoft Store options, you can quickly deploy only the parts of your games you need, saving precious SSD space—a boon for ultrabooks and compact PCs.
• For Everyday Users: Productivity features such as OneDrive’s 1-click resume make multi-device work scenarios smoother and more efficient.

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Technical Deep Dive: How MIDI 2.0 Transforms Music​

MIDI 2.0 is not just an upgrade in speed or resolution; it’s a comprehensive enhancement of the protocol. Traditional MIDI (MIDI 1.0) was designed in an era when computing resources were limited, meaning it couldn’t fully leverage today’s digital capabilities. In contrast, MIDI 2.0 supports richer, higher-fidelity data exchange and extended channels of communication, fundamentally changing how digital instruments interact. The built-in API translation ensures that legacy devices still operate flawlessly, bridging the gap between the old and the new without forcing an immediate hardware overhaul.
For Windows users, the promise of a robust MIDI stack means that creative software—ranging from complex digital audio workstations to live performance setups—will become more reliable, reducing the risk of hiccups that can happen during high-stakes performances.

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Conclusion​

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788 represents a forward-thinking leap in how the operating system supports both creative and performance tasks. By embedding full MIDI 2.0 support, Microsoft is not only modernizing one of the most historic protocols in music but also delivering tangible performance improvements that impact a wide range of user experiences. Whether you're a musician producing your next hit, a gamer optimizing your storage, or a professional relying on seamless multi-device workflows, this build offers compelling updates that could redefine your relationship with Windows 11.
Stay tuned for further insights and updates as Microsoft continues to refine and expand the capabilities of Windows 11. Your feedback as a user is invaluable—so don't hesitate to share your experiences and join the conversation here on WindowsForum.com.

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Source: TechSpot Latest Windows 11 build adds full MIDI 2.0 support and improved performance