Canary build Archives

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Windows 11 Canary build 27808 is out with better CPU monitoring in Task Manager and more

Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel can download build 27808, which includes enhancements to CPU monitoring in Task Manager and various fixes for gaming, printing, search, graphics, BitLocker, and more. Notable updates include a change in how Task Manager calculates CPU utilization, aligning it with industry standards, and the introduction of an optional CPU Utility column on the Details tab. Fixes include: - Resolved a bug causing games like Roblox to crash upon launch. - Corrected a printing issue that triggered crashes in certain applications. - Fixed a glitch resulting in a blank search window in the taskbar. - Addressed a crash issue in Settings when adding a color profile. - Rectified inaccurate color displays in the battery icon. - Improved performance for loading BitLocker UI elements and fixed a looping issue with BitLocker. - Resolved an error with the Get-BitLockerVolume command. Known bugs include issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning from other channels, and ongoing investigations into a d3d9.dll crash affecting application launches.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft Store will soon let you specify what parts of games you want to download

Microsoft has released an update for the Microsoft Store app, version 22501.1401, which allows users to selectively download specific parts and components of games. This feature is similar to the functionality in the Xbox app and is designed to help gamers optimize storage space and installation times. Users can choose to install or not install high-resolution textures or campaign missions, providing greater control over their gaming experience. After installation, users can return to the game's product page to modify installed components. This update is available for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels running version 22501.1401.xx and higher.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Windows 11 and MIDI 2.0: The Biggest OS Update Since 1983 is Coming Soon!

Microsoft is releasing Windows 11, which includes a significant update to the MIDI system, introducing native support for MIDI 2.0. This is the first major update to the MIDI standard since 1983. The new Windows MIDI Services enhance MIDI 1.0 functionality on ARM-based devices and improve communication between electronic instruments and computers. MIDI 2.0 offers increased speed, better transmission quality, more precise control, and advanced two-way communication capabilities. Microsoft collaborated with the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan (AMEI) to develop a robust MIDI class driver and introduced a new networking protocol for MIDI 2.0. Extensive SDK support will facilitate integration of third-party software and hardware. The MIDI architecture is currently being tested and will be included in upcoming Windows updates. Additionally, the latest Canary build of Windows 11 features improvements such as new OneDrive functionality, optimized File Explorer, and options to disable backup reminders.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Windows 11 is getting some nice changes for people who enjoy making music

MIDI 2.0 is debuting on Windows 11, as noted in the latest updates from the Windows 11 Canary patch notes. MIDI 2.0 was officially introduced in 2020, and its rollout on Windows 11 signifies a significant advancement in accessibility for musicians. Key features of MIDI 2.0 include: - Full support of the MIDI 2.0 Standard with high-speed data transmission, enhanced message fidelity, increased resolution for controller values, and complete endpoint discovery and protocol negotiation. - Faster transports that improve timing and minimize jitter. - Enhanced USB MIDI driver compatible with both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0. - Multi-client endpoints allowing multiple applications to access a device simultaneously. - Improved endpoint and port management. - In-service scheduling for timestamped messages tailored for the new Windows MIDI Services App SDK. - Integrated loopback and app-to-app MIDI functionalities. - Automatic translation between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 based on specific API, application, and device requirements. - Expanded device metadata accessible to applications. - Enhanced notifications for device addition, updates, and removals. - Backwards compatibility with the WinMM (MME) MIDI 1.0 API. - Open source components developed in collaboration with global hardware and software partners. Additionally, Windows 11 introduces a new OneDrive feature for seamless transitions between mobile and PC work.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

Hands on: Microsoft is building an AI Shell for Windows 11 command line

Microsoft has launched the public preview of AI Shell, a command-line utility that integrates generative AI capabilities into Windows PowerShell. It features two AI agents: Azure OpenAI and Copilot in Azure, with the option to add more. The installation requires Windows 10 or later and PowerShell version 7.4.6, using the script: Invoke-Expression “& { $(Invoke-RestMethod ‘https://aka.ms/install-aishell.ps1’) }”. Configuration involves adding API keys after executing the Start-AIShell command. AI Shell can execute commands, provide explanations for cmdlets, assist in writing PowerShell scripts, and generate Python code. It includes commands like /code post to send generated code to the terminal, /code copy to copy code, resolve-error to send errors for resolution, and Invoke-AIShell to send queries.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Microsoft Edge is getting really faster on Windows 11. Menus, elements load instantly

Microsoft Edge has introduced WebUI 2.0, a new framework that improves the browser's speed and responsiveness by addressing performance issues related to JavaScript and code sharing. The migration to WebUI 2.0 is ongoing, with some settings already transitioned. The Browser Essentials feature now loads 42% faster, and the Favorites bar has a 40% increase in loading speed. The msInlineComposeWebUI feature has significantly reduced loading time, allowing the Copilot compose box to open almost instantly. The msPdfWebui2 feature also shows improved launch speed. Microsoft is gradually integrating these components into Edge, with many still not in the stable version. The company is seeking user feedback for future updates and is experimenting with methods to streamline the user experience by decluttering the interface.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Windows 11 will make it easier to change your webcam resolution

Recent iterations of Windows 11 allow users to personalize webcam settings through Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Cameras, enabling adjustments for brightness, contrast, and sharpness. Upcoming updates will expand these customization options. A hidden feature in the latest Windows 11 Canary builds (ID 52142480) enables users to modify webcam image resolution, allowing for automatic or manual selection of preferred resolution and frame rate. This feature can be enabled on Windows 11 build 27744 or newer using the ViVeTool app. Additionally, the Canary builds include an advanced camera option for selecting specific camera resolutions and improvements in File Explorer, Task Manager, and the taskbar, along with updates to the Microsoft Store for easier Win32 application updates.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Windows 11 Canary build 27758 is out with several fixes for taskbar, File Explorer, and more

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11 for Canary users, specifically build 27758, which includes several enhancements: - File Explorer: The search box has been adjusted to prevent it from extending beyond the window's edge. - Taskbar: A fix has been made to prevent crashes of explorer.exe when right-clicking app icons. - Input: An issue with the mouse cursor becoming invisible over text fields in certain applications has been resolved. - Desktop: Improvements ensure desktop backgrounds display correctly across multiple monitors. - Task Manager: Work is ongoing to correct the alignment of the Mica background when resized with settings open. - Narrator: A crash issue at launch when using natural voices has been addressed. - Audio: Fixes prevent USB audio devices from going to sleep after one minute of inactivity and address unexpected mute/unmute sounds in certain headsets. - Settings: Crashes when selecting a default audio device have been rectified. - Other: An issue causing an unexpected black line along the top border of windows has been resolved. Known bugs include: - Users on Copilot+ PCs may experience issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics, leading to error 0xd0000225. - Rollbacks during installation of the latest Canary builds are under investigation. - Microsoft is addressing issues related to accent-colored window borders, shadows, and animations. - A new bugcheck issue with error PAGEFAULTINNONPAGEDAREA has been identified.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Windows 11 Canary build 27749 brings fixes for File Explorer, taskbar, Task Manager and more

Windows build 27749 is being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel, focusing on fixes rather than new features. Key updates include: - Narrator: A new shortcut for copying the last spoken phrase to the clipboard and automatic reading of email contents in the new Outlook app. - File Explorer: Resolved excessive spacing in the navigation pane and fixed incorrect display of portrait mode RAW images. - Taskbar & System Tray: The taskbar now shows a search box instead of an icon when set to "Search box." - Input: Updated mouse pointer location visibility for high DPI monitors. - Task Manager: Fixed an issue showing zero apps and processes. - Audio: Prevented certain audio devices from setting volume to 100% upon boot or waking from sleep. - Other Fixes: Addressed issues affecting Git functionality on Arm PCs, KERNELMODEHEAP_CORRUPTION bugcheck, domain joining, and DirectAccess connectivity. Known bugs include an error affecting Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning to the Canary Channel on Copilot+ PCs, installation rollbacks, crashes in remote access applications, policy application issues for the Digital Markets Act in EEA regions, and desktop background display problems on multiple monitors.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 in the Canary Channel, providing a unified experience and eliminating the previous dual-experience model. This build enhances the Prism emulator for Windows on Arm, allowing a wider range of 64-bit x86 applications to run, including support for additional CPU features. The update enables previously incompatible games and creative software to function on Arm devices. Key changes include the simplification of the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and updates to Task Manager and Settings. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various graphics and app-related bugs. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and desktop background display across multiple monitors. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience.