Canary Channel Archives

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29553.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29553.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. This update introduces platform changes and a new Feedback Hub with a modernized experience, including a simpler feedback submission flow, improved navigation, a new compliment feedback type, and enhanced screenshot capture tools. Users can choose to submit feedback privately or publicly and access a more compact feedback interface. The Canary Channel builds may exhibit instability, and features may evolve or be removed without public release. A desktop watermark is included in pre-release builds, and localization of features will occur over time. Exiting the Canary Channel requires a clean installation of Windows 11.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 has been released to the Canary Channel. New features include: - A shared audio feature that allows two users to share audio with individual volume sliders for each listener and a taskbar indicator for audio sharing. - The context menu now displays the “Open” verb that matches the icon of the file's default application when right-clicking on .exe, .bat, or .cmd files. - An updated Feedback Hub app with a simpler feedback submission flow, improved navigation, a new compliment feedback type, options for private or public feedback, and enhanced screenshot capture tools. Additional notes for Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel include that features are rolled out gradually, a desktop watermark is present in pre-release builds, some features may appear in other channels first, localization may be incomplete, and exiting the Canary Channel requires a clean installation of Windows 11.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Here’s everything new in Android Canary 2603: App lock, Bubbles, Wi-Fi & Mobile data toggles

Google has released Android Canary channel version 2603, which includes the March 2026 security patch for various Pixel devices. Key features of this update include a redesigned screen recording interface, enhanced system UI with increased blur effects, separate Quick Settings toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, and new options for App lock and Bubbles accessible through a long-press on apps. The screen recording feature allows users to record the entire screen or a single app, with options to manage audio and touch visibility. The update aims to improve usability and functionality for developers and users.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Windows 11 is quietly testing 10 upgrades you’ll actually notice

Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program in March 2026. Key updates include: - Users can now customize the profile folder name during the initial setup process. - The debloat policy for Enterprise and Education editions has been improved, allowing administrators to remove additional apps using MSIX and APPX packages. - The Point-in-time restore feature has been updated to allow users to view and edit restore point settings and specify reserved storage for restore points. - A new enforcement policy in the kernel will no longer trust cross-signed drives by default, enhancing security by ensuring only verified drivers are trusted. - An upgrade option for Microsoft 365 Family subscribers has been added to the Accounts page, which can be disabled if desired. - The Drag Tray feature has been renamed to "Drop Tray" and relocated within the "Multitasking" settings, with improvements to the peek view. - Pen settings now include an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the "Copilot" key. - The Administrator Protection feature has been re-enabled, creating a temporary, isolated account for elevation requests to enhance security. - File Explorer now supports Voice Typing for renaming files. - The "Cameras" settings have been updated in the Canary Channel to include new controls for pan and tilt, along with performance improvements.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29550.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29550.1000 has been released to the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. New features include: - Emoji 16.0 release with a curated set of new emojis. - Camera settings now allow control of pan and tilt for supported cameras. - Global power settings changes apply to all power plans. - Voice typing can be used when renaming files in File Explorer. - Improved performance and reliability in the Settings app and nearby sharing for larger files. Users are reminded that these builds can be unstable and may have limited documentation. Features may change or be removed and may not be released beyond Windows Insiders. A clean install is required to leave the Canary Channel.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft Releases March 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5079473, for all supported versions of Windows 11 (25H2 and 24H2). Key changes include: - A Network Speed Test Tool in the Taskbar for measuring Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular performance. - New pan and tilt options for supported cameras in the Settings menu. - Built-in System Monitor (Sysmon) available as an optional feature; users should uninstall previous versions before enabling it. - Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) support for Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - Quick Machine Recovery tool enabled for Windows Professional devices not domain-joined or enrolled in enterprise management. - Ability to use .webp image files for desktop backgrounds. - Introduction of new emojis from Emoji 16.0, including a face with bags under the eyes and a fingerprint. - BitLocker improvements for device responsiveness after entering a recovery key. - Enhanced reliability of search functions in File Explorer. Additionally, Microsoft is publishing patch notes for the upcoming version 26H1, which is currently available to Windows Insiders on the Canary Channel but not yet public. The KB5079466 patch for version 26H1 includes features already seen in earlier Windows 11 versions.

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows 11’s February Insider update adds new features — but which ones actually matter? Here are the 11 biggest.

Microsoft has released enhancements to Windows 11 in build 26300.7877, including: - Modern content menu improvements, showing application icons for specific file types when right-clicked. - Updates to File Explorer with dark mode improvements for the Folder Options dialog. - Changes to the Settings app for better clarity and usability. - A redesigned "About" settings page focusing on key hardware specifications. - Introduction of the Cross-Device Resume feature, allowing users to resume applications from Android devices on Windows 11. - New customization options for the Narrator tool, enabling users to select which properties are read aloud. - Windows Hello now supports external biometric fingerprint readers for enhanced security. - Voice Typing updates allowing users to set a wait time before executing voice commands. - Redesigned SCOOBE page for a streamlined setup process. - Expansion of the AI agent in the Settings app to support additional languages. - Quick Machine Recovery feature enabled by default on Windows 11 Pro editions. - Camera support for pan and tilt settings accessible from device properties. - A new network speed test feature available from the Taskbar. - Improvements to the Widgets dashboard with a new settings page. Additionally, changes from build 28020.1619 are related to version 26H1, designed for new ARM64 hardware expected in 2026, and the Canary Channel has been divided into two paths for different versions.

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key updates include: - Emoji 16.0 release with new emojis available in the emoji panel. - Introduction of a sign-in restore experience for Windows Backup for Organizations, reinstating user settings and Microsoft Store apps. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) is now automatically enabled for enterprise-managed Windows Professional devices. - A built-in network speed test accessible from the taskbar for measuring network performance. - Enhanced account menu in the Start menu directing users to Microsoft account benefits. - Pan and tilt controls for supported cameras available in the Settings app. - Widget Settings have been updated to a full-page experience. - Search function in the taskbar now displays group headers with the number of results and allows previewing results. - Support for Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - Improvements to dark mode in File Explorer and fixes for unexpected window behavior. - Reliability improvements in Settings for Bluetooth & Devices options. - Enhanced reliability for sending larger files via nearby sharing. Features are gradually rolled out, and a clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

February 25, 2026

Microsoft Releases February Optional Updates for Windows 11

Microsoft has released optional February updates for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, which include several enhancements: - A network speed test tool accessible from the taskbar for measuring Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections. - Enhanced camera settings with new pan and tilt options for supported cameras. - A built-in version of the System Monitor (Sysmon) tool, available as an optional feature. - Improvements to Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - A new automatic recovery tool for Windows 11 Professional devices not domain-joined. - Support for .webp images as desktop backgrounds. - Introduction of new emojis in the Emoji 16.0 release. - BitLocker improvements to prevent devices from becoming unresponsive after entering a recovery key. Additionally, Microsoft has shared release notes for an upcoming optional update for Windows 11 version 26H1, which is currently only available to Insiders on the Canary Channel and is expected to debut on new devices with advanced silicon.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

Windows 11 27H2: Microsoft splits the Canary channel – Is the big overhaul finally coming?

The software department in Redmond is preparing for a significant update named 27H2, set for 2027, aimed at addressing legacy issues from older Windows versions. The Windows Insider Program is currently testing the 28000 series, with a notable shift to the 29500 build series indicating a "platform lift" that includes enhancements to the kernel and hardware abstraction layer (HAL). Microsoft plans to phase out VBScript and WordPad, eliminate support for outdated printer driver architectures and certain legacy file systems, and adopt a "core OS" approach to optimize performance for AI technologies. This update is seen as a strategic retreat from the idea of "Windows 12," focusing on stability and a comprehensive overhaul of the underlying architecture while avoiding market fragmentation. However, there are concerns that substantial changes could render older hardware or specialized software obsolete.