Windows Insider Canary Channel

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1611 (Canary Channel)

Note:  the desktop watermark is showing the wrong build number and will be addressed in a near term build). (KB 5077221).

What's new in Canary Build 28020.1611

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Built-in Sysmon]
Previously announced here, Windows now brings Sysmon functionality natively to Windows. Sysmon functionality allows you to capture system events that can help with threat detection, and you can use custom configuration files to filter the events you want to monitor. The captured events are written on the Windows event log, enabling them to be used with security applications and a wide range of use cases.

Built-in Sysmon is disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled.

• Go to Settings > System > Optional features > More Windows features > checking Sysmon or in PowerShell or command prompt:
• Dism /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:Sysmon
• To complete the installation, from PowerShell or command prompt run:
• sysmon -i

Note: If you've already installed Sysmon from the website, it must be uninstalled before enabling the built-in Sysmon.

Documentation will be added to Windows soon. The functionality of Sysmon remains unchanged, learn more https://learn.microsoft.com/sysinternals/downloads/sysmon.

[Windows Share]

• When you share a OneDrive cloud file by right-clicking to share on the file – new options for sharing that link through other apps will be provided under "Share using" when the "Copy link" button is clicked. This experience is rolling out to Windows Insiders signed in with their Microsoft accounts not in the EEA.

[General]

• Fixed the desktop watermark to show the correct build number.

[Corrine]

Announcing New Optional Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29531.1000

As part of this ongoing development, Canary Channel will move forward on two update paths. This will help validate platform changes at different stages while continuing to deliver new features and experiences to Insiders in the Canary channel.

Available starting today, Insiders can take an optional update under Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates which will move your device to a new active development Build 29531.1000. Once you opt in to this path, future builds will be identified as 29500 series builds and newer. Please note, because of the focus on platform development for this path, you may notice a temporary loss in some features that you have today. These features will return to this new active development build.

Going forward, each Canary Channel build will be announced in its own blog post, so you'll always know exactly what's new—and what to expect—based on the build you're receiving. You can always confirm which build you're running by typing winver into the Windows search box and selecting About Windows. This will show your exact build number and version.

Choosing the right path for you
We generally recommend that Insiders continue on the update path they're already on, as this helps maintain stability and predictability within each build population.

That said, some Insiders—especially those who prefer getting the newest platform changes as early as possible—may choose to move to a newer development path when available.

This flexibility allows us to experiment, learn quickly, and incorporate feedback before changes move further along in development.

As a reminder – Insiders can't switch to a channel that is receiving builds with lower build numbers without doing a clean installation of Windows 11 due to technical setup requirements. This means Insiders can't go back to 28000 series builds after taking the optional update.

What's new in Canary Build 29531.1000

Changes and Improvements

• This update includes platform changes in moving to a new active development build.

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1619 (Canary Channel)

What's new in Canary Build 28020.1619

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Cross Device Resume]

• This update expands the functionality of Cross‑Device Resume, which Microsoft first introduced in the May 2025 Windows non-security update (KB5058499). You can continue activities from your Android phone on your PC based on the apps and services you use, including resuming Spotify playback, working in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or continuing a browsing session.
  
• Vivo Android phone users can continue browsing from Vivo Browser on their PC.
• If you use an Android phone from HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, or Xiaomi, you can resume online files that you opened in the Microsoft Copilot app on your phone and continue working on them on your PC. Files open in the corresponding Microsoft 365 app on your PC if it is installed. If the app is not installed, the files open in your default web browser. This feature does not support offline files stored only on your phone.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Linked Phone.

[Personalize what Narrator announces]

• Narrator now gives you more control over how it announces on‑screen controls. You can choose which details are spoken and adjust their order to match how you navigate apps. These settings apply throughout the app to help reduce extra speech and make Narrator easier to follow.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.

[Windows Hello]

• Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security Now Supports Peripheral Fingerprint Sensors: Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) is expanding to support peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows 11. Previously, ESS was only available on PCs with built-in biometric sensors, but now Windows 11 PCs, including desktops and Copilot+ PCs, can benefit from the most secure sign-in experience Windows Hello has to offer. Just plug in a supported ESS fingerprint reader, head to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and follow the prompts to enroll.
  

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Security and Privacy > Windows Hello Fingerprint.

[Voice Typing]

• We are introducing a new 'Wait time before acting' setting in Voice Typing, allowing users to configure the delay before a voice command is executed. This provides greater flexibility for users with varying speech patterns, enabling more accurate recognition whether speaking slowly or quickly. (Update: This is rolling out for all desktop types, not just Copilot+ PCs.)

[Voice Access]

• We're introducing a more streamlined setup flow to make it even easier to get started with Voice Access. The redesigned flow helps download the right speech model for your language of choice; select your preferred input microphone & highlights what Voice Access can help you do on your PC.

[Settings Agent Language Expansion]

• Last September, we announced that Agent in Settings experience was expanded to include French in Dev and Beta Now, the languages supported by the Settings Agent continue to be expanded. The following locales and languages are supported with this release:

Current:

• English: en-gb, en-us
• French: fr-fr, fr-ca

New:

• German: de-de
• Portuguese: pt-br, pt-pt
• Spanish: es-es, es-mx
• Korean: ko-kr
• Japanese: ja-jp
• Hindi: hi-in
• Italian: it-it
• Chinese (Simplified): zh-cn

[General]

• Some Windows Insiders will see a refreshed SCOOBE screen (Second Chance Out of Box Experience) for reviewing recommended settings on your PC. This redesigned screen is meant to be more intuitive and streamlined, allowing you to choose the recommended settings you want for your PC without having to navigate through multiple setup screens. If you see this screen, let us know if you have any feedback via Feedback Hub.

Paint App update rolling out to Canary & Dev Channels

• With Paint version 11.2601.391.0, we're excited to introduce freeform rotate, a highly requested feature that gives you more control when editing your artwork. You can now rotate shapes, text, and any active selection to any angle. To get started, open Paint and select a shape, text, or selection. When the object is active, use the rotate handle above it to rotate freely in any direction. For more precise control, you can also choose Custom rotate from the Rotate menu and enter a specific angle. Try using freeform rotate in your artwork to adjust elements exactly the way you want and add more flexibility to your creative workflow.
  

• FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Paint.
  

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 (Canary Channel)

What's new in Canary Build 28020.1673

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Emoji]

• The Emoji 16.0 releaseintroduces a small thoughtfully curated set of new emojis, one from each major category. Each emoji carries timeless symbolism and practical versatility. These new emojis now appear in the emoji panel.
  

[Backup & Restore]

• The first sign-in restore experience is now part of Windows Backup for Organizations, bringing this restore capability to more device types. This experience restores user settings and Microsoft Store apps automatically at first sign-in on Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, Cloud PCs, and multi‑user environments. This capability helps create a consistent setup process during device refreshes, upgrades, or migrations.

[Quick Machine Recovery]

• Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) now turns on automatically for enterprise managed Windows Professional devices, as well as Windows Professional devices that are not domain-joined. These devices receive the same recovery features available to Windows Home users. For domain-joined devices, QMR stays off unless it is enabled by the organization.
  

[Taskbar & System Tray]

• A built‑in network speed test is now available from the taskbar. You can open it from the Wi‑Fi or Cellular Quick Settings, or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. The speed test opens in the default browser and measures Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, and cellular connections. This feature helps check network performance and troubleshoot issues.

[Accounts]

• The account menu on the Start menu now includes a new option that directs you to the benefits page, making it easier to explore and manage your Microsoft account benefits.
  

[Camera Settings]

• You can control pan and tilt for supported cameras in the Settings app. The controls appear under Settings> Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, in the "Basic settings" section for your selected camera.
  

[Widgets]

• Widget Settings now open as a full‑page experience in the Widgets app instead of opening in a dialog.

[Search on Taskbar]

• Group headers now show the number of results, so you can quickly see when more results are available. Select a group header to see all results for that group and hide results from other groups.
• You can preview search results by hovering over a result and selecting Preview to see the content without opening it.
  

[Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT)]

• This update adds support for Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. IT administrators can now install and use tools such as Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools, Active Directory Certificate Services Tools, Server Manager, Group Policy Management Tools, DNS Server Tools, and DHCP Server Tools. These tools are available as optional features and can be installed through Settings > System > Optional Features or from Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.

[File Explorer]

• We're continuing to make improvements to the dark mode experience in File Explorer. You will now see a consistent dark mode experience in the Folder Options dialog.

• Addressed an issue where all File Explorer open windows and tabs might unexpectedly jump to Desktop or Home.

[Settings]

• Improved reliability of configuring options in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Wheel.

[Nearby Sharing]

• Improved the reliability of sending larger files using nearby sharing.
  

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 (Canary Channel)

What's new in Canary Build 28020.1673

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Emoji]

• The Emoji 16.0 releaseintroduces a small thoughtfully curated set of new emojis, one from each major category. Each emoji carries timeless symbolism and practical versatility. These new emojis now appear in the emoji panel.
  

[Backup & Restore]

• The first sign-in restore experience is now part of Windows Backup for Organizations, bringing this restore capability to more device types. This experience restores user settings and Microsoft Store apps automatically at first sign-in on Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, Cloud PCs, and multi‑user environments. This capability helps create a consistent setup process during device refreshes, upgrades, or migrations.

[Quick Machine Recovery]

• Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) now turns on automatically for enterprise managed Windows Professional devices, as well as Windows Professional devices that are not domain-joined. These devices receive the same recovery features available to Windows Home users. For domain-joined devices, QMR stays off unless it is enabled by the organization.
  

[Taskbar & System Tray]

• A built‑in network speed test is now available from the taskbar. You can open it from the Wi‑Fi or Cellular Quick Settings, or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. The speed test opens in the default browser and measures Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, and cellular connections. This feature helps check network performance and troubleshoot issues.

[Accounts]

• The account menu on the Start menu now includes a new option that directs you to the benefits page, making it easier to explore and manage your Microsoft account benefits.
  

[Camera Settings]

• You can control pan and tilt for supported cameras in the Settings app. The controls appear under Settings> Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, in the "Basic settings" section for your selected camera.
  

[Widgets]

• Widget Settings now open as a full‑page experience in the Widgets app instead of opening in a dialog.

[Search on Taskbar]

• Group headers now show the number of results, so you can quickly see when more results are available. Select a group header to see all results for that group and hide results from other groups.
• You can preview search results by hovering over a result and selecting Preview to see the content without opening it.
  

[Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT)]

• This update adds support for Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. IT administrators can now install and use tools such as Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools, Active Directory Certificate Services Tools, Server Manager, Group Policy Management Tools, DNS Server Tools, and DHCP Server Tools. These tools are available as optional features and can be installed through Settings > System > Optional Features or from Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.

[File Explorer]

• We're continuing to make improvements to the dark mode experience in File Explorer. You will now see a consistent dark mode experience in the Folder Options dialog.

• Addressed an issue where all File Explorer open windows and tabs might unexpectedly jump to Desktop or Home.

[Settings]

• Improved reliability of configuring options in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Wheel.

[Nearby Sharing]

• Improved the reliability of sending larger files using nearby sharing.
  

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1685 (Canary Channel)

What's new in Canary Build 28020.1685

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Storage]

• Improved reliability of removing Windows Update files / windows.old files via Settings > System > Storage.

[File Explorer]

• You can now use voice typing (Windows key plus H) when renaming files in File Explorer.

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1685 (Canary Channel)

What's new in Canary Build 28020.1685

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Storage]

• Improved reliability of removing Windows Update files / windows.old files via Settings > System > Storage.

[File Explorer]

• You can now use voice typing (Windows key plus H) when renaming files in File Explorer.

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1737 (Canary Channel)

What's new in Canary Build 28020.1737

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Input]

• Pen settings: we have made refinements to the Pen settings page including small changes to the options for the pen tail button. A new option, "Same as Copilot key", enables the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key.
  

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Keyboards, Mice, and Pens.

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29550.1000

Releasing Windows Insider Preview Build 29550.1000 to the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel on the optional 29500 build series.

What's new in Canary Build 29550.1000

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

• This update includes platform changes in moving to a new active development build.

[Emoji]

• The Emoji 16.0 release introduces a small thoughtfully curated set of new emojis, one from each major category. Each emoji carries timeless symbolism and practical versatility. These new emojis now appear in the emoji panel.
  

[Camera Settings]

• You can control pan and tilt for supported cameras in the Settings app. The controls appear under Settings> Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, in the "Basic settings" section for your selected camera.
  

[Power]

• Changes to global power settings (for example, Display, Sleep, Hibernate timeouts, Power/Sleep button, and lid close actions) from Settings are now applied to all power plans. This should help improve persistence of chosen settings.

[File Explorer]

• You can now use voice typing (Windows key plus H) when renaming files in File Explorer.

[Settings]

• Improved performance of loading Settings Home.
• Improved Settings reliability when navigating to Privacy & Security.
• Improved reliability of updating necessary components when prompted under System > Advanced > File Explorer.
• Improved reliability of configuring custom tools in Bluetooth & Devices > Wheel.

[Nearby Sharing]

• Improved the reliability of sending larger files using nearby sharing.
  

[Other]

• Improved reliability of running sfc/scannow.
  

[Corrine]

From X:

UPDATE 3/18/26: We are rolling out standalone Update Build 28020.1738 (KB5084491). This update does not include anything new and is designed to test our servicing pipeline for builds in Canary Channel. A restart will be required; device build version will not change post update.

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 (Canary Channel)

What's new in Canary Build 28020.1743

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Shared audio (preview) gets more control]

• Shared audio (preview) was first announced last fall, and allows 2 people to share audio between their two capable Bluetooth LE Audio headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids. With this update Windows now provides individual sliders for each listener which adjusts their volume without affecting the other. You can continue to adjust volume for both listeners at the same time through the main volume controls available through Quick Settings or on-device and keyboard controls.
  
• You'll also see a new taskbar indicator while you're sharing, giving a quick reminder that audio is still being shared. Clicking the indicator is a fast path to open sharing settings to change volume or stop sharing.
• The LE Audio accessory ecosystem also continues to grow. In addition to the accessories announced before, we're excited to share that the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, Sony WF‑1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset all have support for shared audio!
  

• Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F)under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Audio quality, glitches, choppiness and stuttering.
  

[Context Menu]

• When right clicking on a .exe, .bat, or .cmd file, the context menu's "Open" verb will now match the icon associated with the file's default app.

• Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under File Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer.
  

[File Explorer]

• Improved reliability of unblocking files downloaded from the internet in order to preview them in File Explorer.
  

[Feedback Hub]
Introducing the new Feedback Hub, bringing a refreshed, modernized experience available as an app update today for Insiders in Dev and Canary.
What's new in Feedback Hub

• Simpler feedback submission flow: Feedback is now submitted using a single unified template, with the added ability to search categories. The feedback form itself has been modernized enabling for faster iteration and future improvements.
  
• Simpler navigation: My Feedback now lives directly in the navigation pane, and Community feedback (formerly All feedback) makes it easier to discover and engage with feedback from others. The Announcements page has been removed to focus more on giving and exploring feedback. You can still find announcements on the Windows Insider Blog.
  
• New compliment feedback type: Call out what's working well.
  
• Private or public feedback: Choose whether your feedback is visible to the Insider community.
  
• New focused feedback experience: a new smaller Feedback Hub surface, making it easier to provide quick, in-the-moment feedback. You can expand to the full Feedback Hub experience by pressing the button in the upper right corner.
  
• Improved screenshot capture and review tooling: making it easier to capture and include visuals when sharing feedback.
  

Feedback: Your feedback helps shape what comes next, so try out the new experience and share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Feedback Hub

[Corrine]

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29553.1000

What's new in Canary Build 29553.1000

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

• This update includes platform changes in moving to a new active development build.

[Feedback Hub]
Introducing the new Feedback Hub, bringing a refreshed, modernized experience available as an app update today for Insiders in Dev and Canary.

What's new in Feedback Hub

• Simpler feedback submission flow: Feedback is now submitted using a single unified template, with the added ability to search categories. The feedback form itself has been modernized enabling for faster iteration and future improvements.
  
• Simpler navigation: My Feedback now lives directly in the navigation pane, and Community feedback (formerly All feedback) makes it easier to discover and engage with feedback from others. The Announcements page has been removed to focus more on giving and exploring feedback. You can still find announcements on the Windows Insider Blog.
  
• New compliment feedback type: Call out what's working well.
  
• Private or public feedback: Choose whether your feedback is visible to the Insider community.
  
• New focused feedback experience: a new smaller Feedback Hub surface, making it easier to provide quick, in-the-moment feedback. You can expand to the full Feedback Hub experience by pressing the button in the upper right corner.
  
• Improved screenshot capture and review tooling: making it easier to capture and include visuals when sharing feedback.