Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) to the Dev Channel. This update introduces a variety of changes and improvements that will be gradually rolled out to those who have opted in to receive the latest updates through the Settings menu under Windows Update.
Changes and Improvements Gradually Being Rolled Out with Toggle On*
[Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps]
- The “Remove Default Microsoft Store packages” policy has been enhanced for Windows ENT/EDU, now featuring a dynamic app removal list. IT administrators can efficiently remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their app package family names (PFNs) to this list.
- To access this policy, navigate through the local Group Policy Editor (gedit.msc) to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment > Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system.
- To utilize the dynamic list for app removal, simply add the app family package name to the multi-text list under “Specify additional package family names to remove.”
- To discover app family package names, execute the Get-AppxPackage command in a terminal. For instance, you can find the package family name for Notepad using this command.
- The dynamic list feature is not yet available in the corresponding Intune CSP. Once it becomes generally available, you will be able to search for Remove Default Microsoft Store packages settings in the Settings picker.
- Known Limitation – OMA-URI and Multi-Entry Validation: OMA-URI cannot validate multi-entry ADMX multi-Text policies; hence, validation for the dynamic list must be conducted via the Settings Catalog in Intune or Group Policy. As the Intune setting is not yet available in WIP, testing should be performed using Group Policy.
- For further details on the generally available policy, please refer to Policy-based in-box app removal.
Feedback: We encourage you to share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Developer Platform > App Deployment.
[Windows Setup Experience]
- This update enhances the Windows setup process by allowing users to select a custom name for their user folder on the Device Name page. This option simplifies the naming process during setup. If skipped, Windows will default to the standard folder name and continue with the setup.
Note: User folder names must adhere to standard Windows naming conventions.
Feedback: We welcome your insights in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Install and Update > Initial out of box setup.
[Windows Driver Policy Update]
- The Windows kernel has historically permitted third-party kernel drivers from the now-deprecated cross-signed root program and the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). The WHCP program significantly enhances security by requiring driver compatibility testing, identity verification, and virus scanning.
- This update introduces a new policy that removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the WHCP program by default, alongside a whitelist of trusted publishers and drivers from the cross-signing program.
- The feature will initially operate in audit mode for a minimum of 100 hours and three reboots. If the drivers loaded during this period comply with the new policy, the feature will be enabled; otherwise, the system will remain in audit mode.
- Post-enablement, while rare, some users in enforcement mode may experience blocked cross-signed drivers.
Feedback: Share your feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Security and Privacy > Application Control.
[Point-in-Time Restore Updates]
- Upon launching point-in-time restore, local administrators will encounter a settings dialog (behind a User Account Control (UAC) prompt) that allows them to view or modify the default restore settings.
- This experience now includes a list of available restore points on the device.
Updated Messaging in the WinRE Restore Experience:
- A recommendation to connect the device to a power source during the restore process has been added.
- The OS version number is now displayed in a four-part format instead of the previous two-part format.
<figure id="attachment178721″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”><figcaption id="caption-attachment178721″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Point-in-time restore updated messaging.
Feedback: We invite your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery and Uninstall > Point-in-time restore.
[Account Settings]
Microsoft 365 Family subscribers will now find an option to upgrade to a different 365 plan directly on the Accounts page within the Settings app. Additionally, users can disable the upgrade option by turning off suggested content in settings.
<figure id="attachment178609″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”><figcaption id="caption-attachment178609″ class=”wp-caption-text”>New upgrade prompt on the Accounts page.
Feedback: We encourage you to share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Settings > Settings Homepage.
[Drag Tray > Drop Tray]
- In line with our previous updates, Drag Tray has been rebranded as Drop Tray. Corresponding settings have also been relocated from Nearby Sharing to System > Multitasking.
[Input]
- Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including updates to the options for the pen tail button. A new feature, “Same as Copilot key,” allows the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Keyboards, Mice, and Pens.
[File Explorer]
[Other]
- Enhanced reliability for setting and utilizing preferred display language.
- Extraneous unexpected error from sfc/scannow has been removed.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel
- Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26300.8068).
- Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding as feedback is monitored.
- The desktop watermark at the lower right corner of the desktop is a standard feature for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
- For those eager to receive features gradually rolled out to you, activate the toggle to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, we will increase the rollout of features to all users with the toggle enabled. If you choose to 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 various concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced during this process.
- Some features in active development may not be fully localized initially, with localization occurring over time as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues you encounter via the Feedback Hub.
- For a comprehensive overview of the current build in each Insider channel, visit Flight Hub.
Thank you,
Windows Insider Program Team
