Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (KB5070300) to both the Dev and Beta Channels. This update continues to unify the experience across these channels, as both are now offering the same builds for Windows 11, version 25H2.
For those in the Dev Channel, an opportunity has arisen to switch to the Beta Channel if you so choose. This window will remain open only while we continue to release the same 25H2-based updates across both channels. Once the Dev Channel progresses to a higher build number, the option to switch will close. As the Dev Channel advances, stability may vary, so we encourage you to carefully consider your channel preference during this transition period.
Changes in the builds and updates for both channels are categorized into two main sections: new features, improvements, and fixes that are being gradually rolled out to Insiders who have opted to receive the latest updates (accessible via Settings > Windows Update), and those that are available to all users within the Dev and Beta Channels. For additional details, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this post.
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
Widgets
Choose your default dashboard in an updated Widget Board Settings
- When launching the Widget Board displaying live weather content, it will now direct you to the first dashboard in your navigation bar, enhancing predictability in your Widget Board experience.
- To customize your default dashboard, access the new full-page Widgets Settings by clicking the gear icon at the bottom of your Widget navigation bar, allowing you to rearrange your preferred dashboard to the top position.
See numbered badges on the Widget Board navigation bar
Dashboard icons in the Widget navigation bar will now display numbered badges indicating the number of alerts from each dashboard. These badges will automatically clear when you navigate away from a dashboard, simplifying the process of tracking new updates.
FEEDBACK: Please submit your feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Widgets
Changes and Improvements for everyone
[Recovery]
- We are enhancing Quick Machine Recovery in Windows. Microsoft Support aims to make the process of returning to a functioning PC clearer and faster. The experience in both Windows Settings and the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) has been streamlined for easier navigation. With both “quick machine recovery” and “automatically check for solutions” settings enabled, QMR will now perform a one-time scan by default, eliminating repetitive scans. If an immediate fix is unavailable, QMR will promptly guide you to the most suitable recovery options.
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Smart App Control]
- Smart App Control (SAC) has been updated to allow you to toggle it on or off without needing a clean install. Adjustments can be made through Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control settings.
- When enabled, SAC assists in blocking untrusted or potentially harmful applications. More information on SAC App & Browser Control can be found in the Windows Security App – Microsoft Support.
[File Explorer]
- We are reintroducing people icons under the “Activity” column in File Explorer Home.
[File Explorer]
- Support for the StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers has been temporarily disabled.
- Support for frequently used and recently downloaded recommended files in File Explorer has also been temporarily turned off.
Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[General]
- Addressed an underlying issue that caused unexpected interactions with the desktop to open Task View for some users.
[File Explorer]
- Resolved an issue where Shift + Click (or middle-clicking) on File Explorer in the taskbar did not open a new instance.
- Fixed a problem where the active tab title in File Explorer might not appear bold until hovered over.
[Taskbar]
- Corrected an issue that could lead to the “Automatically hide the taskbar” setting being unexpectedly disabled after a message indicating that “a toolbar is already hidden on this side of your screen” appeared.
[Settings]
- Fixed an issue that could cause Settings to hang when navigating to the Network & Internet section.
Known issues
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- We are currently investigating a problem that prevents the Start menu from opening for some Insiders upon click, although it remains accessible via the Windows key. This issue may also affect the notification center (accessible with WIN + N).
- Another issue under investigation involves certain Insiders not seeing apps in the system tray when they should be visible.
[File Explorer]
- Copy progress may flicker when selecting more or fewer details in the dark mode version of the copy dialog.
- In dark mode, the scrollbar and footer may be missing, displaying instead as a white block when text is scaled.
[Recall]
- [NEW] We are addressing an issue that causes some Insiders to receive a message stating they lack an eligible camera for Recall, despite having one.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev & Beta Channels
- Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26220.xxxx).
- Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, beginning with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding as feedback is monitored.
- For those who wish to be the first to receive features gradually rolled out to you, enable the toggle to access the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update*. Over time, feature rollouts will increase for those with the toggle activated. If you keep this toggle off, new features will be rolled out to your PC over time as they become ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may not be released beyond Windows Insiders as we explore different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced, and some may appear in future Windows releases when they are ready.
- Some features currently in development may not be fully localized, with localization occurring over time as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues in your language through the Feedback Hub.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please visit Flight Hub.
Thanks,
Windows Insider Program Team
