Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1619 (Canary Channel)

February 20, 2026

Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1619 to the Canary Channel (KB 5077230).

What’s new in Canary Build 28020.1619

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*

[Cross Device Resume]

  • This update enhances the Cross‑Device Resume feature, initially introduced in the May 2025 Windows non-security update (KB5058499). Users can now seamlessly continue activities from their Android devices on their PCs, whether it’s resuming Spotify playback, working on Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or continuing a browsing session.
  • For Vivo Android phone users, the ability to continue browsing from Vivo Browser on their PC is now available.
  • If you own an Android phone from HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, or Xiaomi, you can pick up online files opened in the Microsoft Copilot app on your phone and continue working on them on your PC. These files will open in the corresponding Microsoft 365 app if installed; otherwise, they will default to your web browser. Note that offline files stored solely on your phone are not supported.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Linked Phone.

[Personalize what Narrator announces]

  • Narrator now offers greater control over how it announces on-screen controls. Users can select which details are spoken and adjust their order to align with their navigation style within apps. This enhancement aims to streamline the experience and make Narrator easier to follow.
UI showing the Narrator customization panel in Windows 11.
UI showing the Narrator customization panel adjustable announcement settings in Windows 11.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.

[Windows Hello]

  • Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security Now Supports Peripheral Fingerprint Sensors: Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) is now compatible with peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows 11. Previously limited to PCs with built-in biometric sensors, this update allows desktops and Copilot+ PCs to enjoy the most secure sign-in experience Windows Hello offers. Simply connect a supported ESS fingerprint reader, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, and follow the prompts to enroll.
Settings dialog showing where additional settings has an option outlined in red for “Enhanced sign-in security” with a button for “Set up”.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Security and Privacy > Windows Hello Fingerprint.

[Voice Typing]

  • A new ‘Wait time before acting’ setting in Voice Typing has been introduced, allowing users to configure the delay before a voice command is executed. This feature enhances flexibility for users with different speech patterns, ensuring more accurate recognition whether speaking slowly or quickly. (Update: This is rolling out for all desktop types, not just Copilot+ PCs.)
Voice typing settings supports “Wait time before acting” with timing options like “Instant – 0.1 seconds” to “Very Long – 3.0 seconds”.

[Voice Access]

  • A more streamlined setup flow for Voice Access has been introduced, simplifying the process for users to get started. The redesigned flow assists in downloading the appropriate speech model for the selected language, choosing the preferred input microphone, and highlighting the capabilities of Voice Access on the PC.

[Settings Agent Language Expansion]

  • Following last September’s announcement regarding the expansion of the Settings Agent experience to include French in Dev and Beta, this release further broadens language support. The following locales and languages are now available:

Current:

  • English: en-gb, en-us
  • French: fr-fr, fr-ca

New:

  • German: de-de
  • Portuguese: pt-br, pt-pt
  • Spanish: es-es, es-mx
  • Korean: ko-kr
  • Japanese: ja-jp
  • Hindi: hi-in
  • Italian: it-it
  • Chinese (Simplified): zh-cn

[General]

  • Some Windows Insiders may notice a refreshed SCOOBE screen (Second Chance Out of Box Experience) designed for reviewing recommended settings on their PCs. This redesigned interface aims to be more intuitive and streamlined, enabling users to select their preferred settings without navigating through multiple setup screens. Feedback on this new screen is welcome via the Feedback Hub.

<figure id="attachment178651″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-178651″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”><figcaption id="caption-attachment178651″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Refreshed SCOOBE screen for reviewing recommended settings.

Paint App update rolling out to Canary & Dev Channels

  • With Paint version 11.2601.391.0, we are thrilled to introduce freeform rotate, a highly anticipated feature that grants users enhanced control when editing artwork. Users can now rotate shapes, text, and any active selection to any angle. To utilize this feature, open Paint, select a shape, text, or selection, and use the rotate handle above it to rotate freely. For more precise adjustments, Custom rotate can be selected from the Rotate menu to enter a specific angle. This addition allows for greater flexibility in creative workflows.
Paint App GIF showing freeform rotate.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel

  • Features in the Canary Channel are rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and gradually expanding 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.
  • Some features may first appear in the Dev and Beta Channels before being introduced in the Canary Channel.
  • Active development features previewed with Windows Insiders may not be fully localized initially, with localization occurring over time as features are finalized. Please report any localization issues via the Feedback Hub.
  • To exit the Canary Channel, a clean install of Windows 11 is necessary. Insiders cannot switch to a channel receiving builds with lower build numbers without performing a clean installation due to technical setup requirements.
  • For a comprehensive overview of which build is in each Insider channel, please refer to Flight Hub.

Thank you,
Windows Insider Program Team

Winsage
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1619 (Canary Channel)