Hello Windows Insiders! Today marks the release of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27686 to the Canary Channel. For those migrating to the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC, whether coming from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, it is important to take note of the known issues highlighted below. Additionally, please be aware that SDKs for the 27xxx series builds are not set to be released at this time.
What’s New with Build 27686
Windows Sandbox Client Preview
One of the significant introductions in this build is the updated Windows Sandbox Client Preview, which can now be accessed and updated via the Microsoft Store. This enhancement aims to improve the user experience by introducing several new features:- Runtime Clipboard Redirection: This feature allows easier sharing of clipboard content between the host and the Windows Sandbox.
- Audio/Video Input Control: Users can now better manage audio and video input while using the Sandbox.
- Runtime Folder Sharing: There’s increased flexibility in sharing folders with the host during the session.
wsb.exe –help. Feedback
As always, your feedback is invaluable. Please send your comments and suggestions through the Feedback Hub (WIN + F), specifically under Security & Privacy > Windows Sandbox.
Changes and Improvements
General Improvements
With the arrival of Build 27686, there are some notable mitigations and enhancements:- Feature Rollback: Certain features previously deployed to Insiders in the Canary Channel may temporarily disappear as newer builds are released. These features are expected to return over time.
Battery Life Optimization: Enhancements have been made to improve battery life on devices running Build 27686 and later. If you’re not experiencing the anticipated battery performance, please communicate this via the Feedback Hub, utilizing the "Start recording" feature to capture additional diagnostic logs.
Settings Enhancements
Several user-requested additions have been integrated into the Settings menu:- Detach Virtual Hard Disk: A new option to detach Virtual Hard Disks (VHD/VHDx) has been added, improving accessibility. This option can be found under Settings > System > Storage > Disks & Volumes.
- Power & Battery Improvements: Changes are underway to enhance the Settings > System > Power & Battery page, allowing users to customize their power mode settings whether the PC is plugged in or running on battery.
HDR Video Streaming: For devices with HDR displays, there’s now an option to allow HDR video streaming even when HDR is turned off, find this under Settings > System > Display > HDR.
Networking Updates
To assess potential future enhancements in network performance, devices may conduct background network tests. This activity will use minimal data (up to 10 MB/day) and is limited to non-metered Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. This initiative exclusively applies to PCs in the Canary Channel running Build 27686 and above.
Storage Improvements
Significant changes have been made to command line functionalities related to disk formatting:The FAT32 file system size limit has been expanded from 32 GB to an impressive 2 TB, allowing for much larger storage devices to utilize this format effectively.
Fixes
This build also comes with a variety of bug fixes aimed at improving the overall user experience:- Dev Drive: Resolved an issue where Dev Drive virtual hard disks wouldn't automatically remount upon the underlying volume being dismounted and then reactivated.
- Lock Screen Battery Icon Synchronization: Adjustments have been made to address discrepancies between the lock screen battery icon and the actual battery level.
Windows Security App: Fixed a bug in the Windows Security app where browsing networks under Firewall and Network Protection displayed a broken glyph instead of a proper network icon.
Known Issues
While this release has brought many enhancements, some known issues still persist:- Important Note for Copilot+ PCs: Users transitioning to the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from other channels may encounter the loss of the Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for sign-in, with the error message “Something went wrong, and your PIN isn’t available.” Fortunately, users can reset their PIN by selecting “Set up my PIN”.
- dfrgui.exe Opening Error: There are reports of difficulties opening the defragmentation utility, dfrgui.exe, returning an error indicating that the SXSHARED_UCRT.dll file is missing.
Emoji Panel Issue: Efforts are underway to rectify the problem with the emoji panel prematurely closing while users switch to kaomoji and symbols sections or after selecting an emoji.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel
As a participant in the Canary Channel, please remember:- Builds released here represent the cutting edge of platform changes early in development and are not necessarily aligned with specific future Windows releases. Features in these builds might change, be removed, or never become publicly available.
- The Control Feature Rollout technology means that many features are initially tested with a small group of users, gradually ramping up after collecting feedback.
- Localization: As several features are still in active development, they might not be completely localized at this stage. Any localization issues should be reported via the Feedback Hub.
- Channel Transition: A clean installation of Windows 11 will be required for those wishing to exit the Canary Channel.
Desktop Watermark: The watermark at the bottom right corner of the desktop is a normal occurrence for these pre-release builds. To keep track of what’s happening in different Insider channels, check out the Flight Hub. Thank you for being a part of the Windows Insider community! Feel free to share your thoughts, and don't forget to provide your feedback on the latest changes. Your involvement helps shape future releases of Windows.
For more details, check the original announcement on the Windows Insider Blog: Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27686 (Canary Channel).