Microsoft has announced the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25951 in the Canary Channel. This build introduces significant changes and improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience and security features in Windows 11.
Noteworthy Updates Include
SMB NTLM Blocking: The SMB client now supports blocking NTLM for remote outbound connections, adding a layer of protection against potential security threats. This change restricts NTLM data from being sent over the network, enhancing enterprise security without entirely disabling NTLM usage.
SMB Dialect Management: The SMB server now enables the control of negotiated SMB 2 and 3 dialects, providing administrators with the ability to manage and configure SMB client and server dialects.
Network Flyout Enhancement: The Lock screen network flyout has been refined to match the UI of the network flyout in the system tray quick settings on the taskbar, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Improved Search Box Experience: Users will notice an upgraded search box experience on the taskbar, facilitating easy access to apps, files, settings, and web searches. Additional features like search highlights enhance the search functionality.
Animations on News and Interests Taskbar Button: Icons on the news and interests taskbar button now exhibit animations when new announcements appear or when interacted with, providing a more engaging experience.
Known Issues and Investigation
Users may encounter issues with popular games on recent Insider Preview builds in the Canary Channel. Feedback on game performance is encouraged for further optimization.
Investigations are ongoing regarding the accessibility of the print queue, with reports indicating that it may no longer be accessible.
Developer Resources
Developers can access the latest Windows Insider SDK for .NET and C++ packages via NuGet Gallery, providing comprehensive support for app development and integration in CI/CD pipelines. The Canary Channel serves as a platform for previewing significant system changes before wider release. Builds in this channel undergo limited validation and documentation before being offered to Insiders. While major issues may arise, these builds help test new functionalities and improvements for future Windows releases.