Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25992 with Key SMB Enhancements

Introduction​

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25992 in the Canary Channel, showcasing significant changes in the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol as well as several improvements and fixes.

Build 25992 Updates​

The key highlights of this release include:

• SMB Changes: Introduces critical SMB protocol modifications such as firewall rule adjustments, SMB NTLM blocking exceptions, alternative client and server ports, and support for SMB over QUIC client access control certificates.
• File Explorer Enhancements: Improves performance when opening large .zip files and adds support for creating 7-zip and TAR archives in addition to ZIP.
• Snap Layouts Recommendations: Offers suggestions in Snap Layouts to efficiently snap multiple app windows together by displaying different layout options when hovering over the Minimize or Maximize button.
• Known Issue Fixes: Resolves multiple issues including context menu drawing off-screen, Settings prompting to sign into a Microsoft account, Quick Settings crashes, disappearing taskbar icons, and more.

Known Issues and Updates​

- Highlights a known problem with navigating to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad on this build resulting in Settings crash.
- A Snipping Tool update (version 11.2310.49.0) in the Canary and Dev Channels improves HDR display support for better color display in screenshots and screen recordings on HDR-enabled displays.

For Developers​

Developers can access the latest Windows Insider SDK at aka.ms/windowsinsidersdk, offering .NET TFM packages, C++ packages for Win32 headers and libs, and BuildTools package for essential tools.

About the Canary Channel​

- The Canary Channel serves as a preview platform for major Windows kernel changes and new APIs, providing early access to platform modifications.
- Builds in the Canary Channel are experimental and may contain significant issues that could impact PC usage, requiring caution when installing.
- Regular documentation may be limited for Canary Channel releases, focusing on essential known issues and significant updates.

Conclusion​

The deployment of Build 25992 to the Canary Channel showcases Microsoft's commitment to enhancing network security, improving user experience, and gathering valuable feedback from Windows Insiders.

Published Date: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:04:01 +0000.