Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 (Canary Channel)

February 28, 2026

Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 to the Canary Channel (KB 5077240).

What’s new in Canary Build 28020.1673

The latest Emoji 16.0 release brings a carefully selected array of new emojis, one from each major category. Each emoji is designed with timeless symbolism and versatile application, now accessible within the emoji panel.

Introducing the first sign-in restore experience as part of Windows Backup for Organizations, this feature enhances restore capabilities across various device types. It automatically reinstates user settings and Microsoft Store apps during the initial sign-in on Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, Cloud PCs, and multi-user environments, ensuring a seamless setup process during device refreshes, upgrades, or migrations.

Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) is now automatically enabled for enterprise-managed Windows Professional devices, including those not domain-joined. These devices will enjoy the same recovery features available to Windows Home users, while QMR remains off for domain-joined devices unless activated by the organization.

A new built-in network speed test is now accessible directly from the taskbar. Users can launch it from the Wi-Fi or Cellular Quick Settings or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. This speed test opens in the default browser, measuring Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections, aiding in network performance checks and troubleshooting.

The Start menu’s account menu has been enhanced with a new option that directs users to the benefits page, simplifying the exploration and management of Microsoft account benefits.

Users can now control pan and tilt settings for supported cameras directly within the Settings app. These controls can be found under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, in the “Basic settings” section for the selected camera.

Widget Settings have transitioned to a full-page experience within the Widgets app, moving away from the previous dialog format.

Group headers in the search function now display the number of results available, allowing users to quickly identify when additional results can be accessed. By selecting a group header, users can view all results for that category while hiding those from others.
Additionally, users can preview search results by hovering over a result and selecting Preview, providing a glimpse of the content without the need to open it.

This update introduces support for Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. IT administrators can now install and utilize tools such as Active Directory Domain Services, Lightweight Directory Services Tools, Active Directory Certificate Services Tools, Server Manager, Group Policy Management Tools, DNS Server Tools, and DHCP Server Tools. These tools are available as optional features and can be installed via Settings > System > Optional Features or through Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.

Improvements to the dark mode experience in File Explorer continue, with a consistent dark mode now visible in the Folder Options dialog.

Updates to the Folder Options dialog in dark mode.

Additionally, an issue where all File Explorer open windows and tabs might unexpectedly jump to Desktop or Home has been addressed.

Reliability improvements have been made for configuring options in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Wheel.

The reliability of sending larger files via nearby sharing has been enhanced, ensuring smoother file transfers.

Features in the Canary Channel are gradually rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology, initially reaching a subset of Insiders and expanding over time as feedback is monitored.
The desktop watermark displayed in the lower right corner of the desktop is a standard feature for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
Some features may debut in the Dev and Beta Channels prior to their appearance 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. Users are encouraged to report any localization issues via the Feedback Hub.
To exit the Canary Channel, a clean installation of Windows 11 is required. Insiders cannot switch to a channel receiving builds with lower build numbers without performing a clean install due to technical setup requirements.

For a comprehensive overview of which build is in which Insider channel, please visit Flight Hub.

Thank you,
Windows Insider Program Team

Winsage