Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) to the Beta Channel. This update introduces a variety of changes and improvements, which are categorized into two main buckets: new features and enhancements, including notable fixes. These updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who have opted in to receive the latest updates via Settings > 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 for Windows ENT/EDU has been enhanced to include a dynamic app removal list. IT administrators can now 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 find app family package names, run the Get-AppxPackage command in a terminal. For instance, to obtain the package family name for Notepad, use the appropriate command.
- Currently, the dynamic list is not available in the corresponding Intune CSP. Once this feature 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 Settings Catalog in Intune or Group Policy. As the Intune setting is not yet available in WIP, testing should be done 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]
- Building on our previous updates, users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. This enhancement simplifies the naming process, which is available only during setup. If skipped, Windows will default to the standard folder name and proceed accordingly.
- Note: User folder names must adhere to standard Windows naming conventions.
Feedback: Your insights are valuable; please share them 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 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, while maintaining an allow list for trustworthy 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 Windows confirms that the drivers loaded during this period comply with the new policy, the feature will be enabled. Otherwise, the system will remain in audit mode.
- Once enabled, users operating in enforcement mode may encounter blocked cross-signed drivers, though this is unlikely:
Feedback: We welcome 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 now see 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.
Feedback: Please share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery and Uninstall > Point-in-time restore.
[Drag Tray > Drop Tray]
- Continuing from our previous work, Drag Tray has now been rebranded as Drop Tray. Additionally, the corresponding settings have been relocated from Nearby Sharing to System > Multitasking.
[Input]
- Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including minor adjustments to the options for the pen tail button. A new option, “Same as Copilot key,” allows the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key.
Feedback: Your feedback is appreciated; please share it in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Keyboards, Mice, and Pens.
[File Explorer]
[Other]
- Enhancements have been made to improve the reliability of setting and using the preferred display language.
- Extraneous unexpected errors from the sfc/scannow command have been removed.
Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel
- Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26220.8062).
- Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, beginning with a subset of Insiders and gradually increasing as feedback is monitored.
- The desktop watermark displayed 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, enable the toggle to get the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, we will expand the rollout of features to all users with the toggle activated. If you choose to keep this toggle off, new features will be rolled out to your PC over time once they are ready.
- Features and experiences included in these builds may not be released as we explore different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced, and may not extend beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features could 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. If you encounter localization issues in your language, please report them via the Feedback Hub.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please refer to Flight Hub.
Thank you,
Windows Insider Program Team
