Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) across both the Dev and Beta Channels. This dual offering allows Insiders to experience the same builds on Windows 11, version 25H2.
For those in the Dev Channel, a unique opportunity arises: you can switch to the Beta Channel while the same 25H2-based updates are available in both channels. This window for transition will close once the Dev Channel advances to a higher build number. As the Dev Channel progresses, stability may become a concern, so we encourage you to carefully consider your channel preference during this transition period.
Updates and changes in the Dev and Beta Channel builds are categorized into two segments: new features, improvements, and fixes that are gradually rolled out for Insiders who have opted to receive the latest updates (via Settings > Windows Update), as well as those rolling out to all Insiders in these channels. For additional details, please refer to the Reminders section at the end of this communication.
Introducing the Xbox full screen experience for PC
In conjunction with today’s launch of the Xbox full screen experience (FSE) on various Windows handhelds, we are excited to announce its expanded availability for additional Windows 11 PC form factors. This interface, designed with console-style navigation, offers a clean and distraction-free environment tailored for controller-first gaming. By pairing a controller with your PC, you can enjoy seamless task switching and an enhanced gaming experience across desktops, laptops, or tablets.
How to access the Xbox full screen experience: You can enter the Xbox FSE through Task View, Game Bar settings, or by using the Win + F11 hotkey.
The rollout of the Xbox full screen experience begins with Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels who are also registered Xbox Insiders. We anticipate a broader release to all Insiders in these channels without the need for Xbox program registration. If you wish to be among the first to explore these new features on your PC, consider joining the Xbox Insiders Program and opting into the PC gaming preview via the Xbox Insiders Hub.
For further information regarding the Xbox full screen experience, please visit the dedicated page on its expansion to more Windows 11 PC form factors.
Feedback: We welcome your insights in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Gaming and Xbox > Gaming Full Screen Experience.
New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
Point-in-time restore for Windows
We are thrilled to introduce point-in-time restore for Windows, now accessible to Insiders in both the Beta and Dev Channels. This versatile recovery feature allows users to revert their devices to a previous state swiftly, minimizing downtime and simplifying troubleshooting during disruptions. Whether facing a widespread outage or a singular issue, point-in-time restore aids in recovering your system—including apps, settings, and user files—so you can return to productivity more quickly. For comprehensive details, please consult our documentation.
Feedback: Share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery and Uninstall > Point-in-time restore.
Introducing Fluid Dictation in Voice Typing
Following the successful introduction of Fluid dictation for voice access users, we are pleased to extend this feature to voice typing users on NPU devices. Fluid dictation enhances the voice-based dictation experience by automatically correcting grammar, punctuation, and filler words as you speak, thereby reducing the need for manual editing. Powered by on-device small language models (SLMs), it ensures rapid and private processing.
To utilize this feature, focus on a text field and initiate voice typing by pressing the Windows key plus H, completing the setup if you are a first-time user. Fluid Dictation is enabled by default; you can verify or adjust this setting via the settings flyout—simply start speaking!
Feedback: Please share your experiences in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Input and Language > Voice Typing (Windows key plus H).
Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Seamlessly resume more apps from your Android phone to your PC]
- Building on the ability to resume Spotify tracks from your phone to your PC, we are excited to announce that:
- vivo Android phone users can now continue browsing activity from the vivo Browser on their phone to their default browser on their PC.
- Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and vivo Android phone users can also continue working on online files opened in the M365 Copilot app from their phones to their PCs. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files will launch in the respective app on your PC if installed; otherwise, they will open in the default browser. Note that offline files stored locally on the phone are currently unsupported.
Feedback: Please provide your feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Linked Phone.
[Click to Do]
- We are currently testing and refining the Click-to-Do top bar to ascertain the optimal experience for future updates. Functionality may vary based on device and market.
[File Explorer]
- We are implementing refinements to the context menu to reduce the space occupied by less frequently used actions while ensuring easy accessibility. Updates include:
- Moving Compress to ZIP file, Copy as Path, Set as Desktop Background, and Rotate Right/Left into a new Manage file flyout.
- Reorganizing cloud provider options, such as Always Keep on this Device and Free Up Space, into their relevant cloud provider flyout.
- Positioning Send to My Phone adjacent to the cloud provider options.
- Aligning Open Folder Location next to Open and Open with.
Note that the name Manage file may change in future Insider updates. We welcome your feedback in the Feedback Hub under Desktop Environment > Right-Click Context Menu.
- We are exploring the preloading of File Explorer in the background to enhance launch performance. This improvement should be subtle, with File Explorer launching faster when needed. If you encounter any issues, please report them in the Feedback Hub under Files Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer Performance or Files Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer.
[Microsoft Store]
In response to user feedback, we have introduced the capability to uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Store’s library page. Simply locate an installed app in your library, click the three-dot menu, and select uninstall. We look forward to your thoughts on this enhancement.
Windows Insiders across all channels running Microsoft Store version 22510.1401.x.x and higher will benefit from this improvement.
Feedback: Please submit your feedback in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.
Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on*
[Taskbar and System Tray]
- Resolved an issue that could cause the taskbar to hang after receiving certain notifications.
- Addressed a problem where the battery icon in the taskbar might unexpectedly display its own backplate when hovering over the icon in the system tray.
[Internet]
- Implemented underlying improvements to address an issue that could result in a lack of internet connectivity after resuming from disconnected standby. Please report any ongoing issues under Network and Internet in the Feedback Hub.
[File Explorer]
- Fixed an issue where the “Empty recycle bin” command might remain visible after navigating away from the Recycle Bin.
[Settings]
- Resolved a crash issue occurring in Settings when navigating to Privacy & Security > Camera, Location, or Microphone.
[Display and Graphics]
- Corrected an issue where certain games displayed a message indicating “Unsupported graphics card detected,” despite a supported graphics card being in use.
[Task Manager]
- For users with Die or CAMM memory form factors, Task Manager will now accurately display this information under Performance > Memory > Form Factor.
[.NET Framework and Visual Studio]
- The issue causing potential crashes for Insiders with ARM64 PCs using Visual Studio or applications reliant on .NET Framework should now be resolved with the latest .NET Framework update.
Known issues
[Xbox full screen experience for PC]
- [NEW] The virtual keyboard is not currently visible for controller users on devices lacking a touch screen. A physical keyboard is recommended as a temporary solution.
- [NEW] Some applications may exhibit unexpected behavior when utilizing FSE, particularly those that expect a fixed size or launch additional windows.
[Taskbar & System Tray]
- We are investigating an issue preventing 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).
- We are looking into reports of certain apps not appearing in the system tray as expected.
[File Explorer]
- Scrollbar and footer may be missing, displaying a white block instead when text is scaled in the dark mode version of the copy dialog.
- [NEW] We are investigating a new issue where File Explorer displays a white flash when navigating between pages following the previous flight.
[Bluetooth]
- [NEW] We are examining an issue causing Bluetooth device battery levels to not display for some Insiders.
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, starting with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding as we monitor feedback.
- For those who wish to be the first to receive features gradually rolled out to you, you can enable the toggle to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, we will increase the rollout of features to everyone with the toggle activated. 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 never be released as we experiment with different concepts and gather feedback. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced and may not be released beyond Windows Insiders. Some features 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 via the Feedback Hub.
- For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please check out Flight Hub.
Thank you for your continued engagement,
Windows Insider Program Team
