All articles tagged with #dev channel
Microsoft is dividing Windows 11's Canary Channel into two sub-channels to begin testing a next-major OS core, enabling parallel testing of new core changes within the Windows Insider program while continuing Canary builds.
Microsoft says it’s beginning “behind-the-scenes platform changes” for Windows 11 and has started testing 26300-series builds in the Insider Dev Channel, ahead of the current 26220-based releases in Beta. The changes are not specified, but historically these platform updates tend to ship as version 26H2 this fall, with a 26H1 plan for spring on next-gen Arm devices (Bromine). For now, the Dev and Beta channels share features, and insiders can enroll to test the new builds, which may come with issues tied to the ongoing platform work.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 to the Dev Channel, introducing new features like mobile device management from Settings, a direct benefits link in the Start menu, updated Game Pass branding, and improvements to File Explorer and display performance. The update also includes fixes for various issues and outlines known problems, with some features being gradually rolled out and subject to change.
Microsoft is rolling out a new, customizable, scrollable Start menu for Windows 11 testers, featuring larger size options, new views, and additional personalization features, along with updates for mobile device integration and gaming support.
Microsoft is testing a change in Windows 11 that will automatically launch its AI-powered Copilot feature on "widescreen devices," with the company seeking feedback from Windows testers in the Dev Channel. The move is part of Microsoft's efforts to promote its AI technology, but it may face criticism from users and add to the list of features that need to be disabled. This change follows the recent introduction of a Copilot key for Windows PCs and laptops, and hints at potential customization options for Copilot with third-party plug-ins or chatbots.
Microsoft is testing a new Windows 11 preview build that automatically opens the Windows Copilot interface upon boot on PCs with wide screens, but it's not guaranteed to ship and users will have the option to disable it. The specific definition of "wide screen" is not provided, and the change is rolling out in waves to Insiders in the Dev Channel. This move may be laying the groundwork for a larger update to Copilot, rumored to enhance productivity across apps, files, and search, but currently, it may just annoy most users.
Microsoft has released build 23531 to Windows 11 Dev channel Insiders, bringing back the hover Search feature and allowing Windows system components to open via the default browser. The update also includes fixes for File Explorer crashes, Task Manager improvements, and a reminder about the build expiration date.
Microsoft has introduced Windows 365 Switch, a feature that allows users to seamlessly switch between a local desktop and a Windows 365 PC with a mouse-click, gesture, or keyboard command. This feature is available for Dev Channel and Beta Channel Insiders and coincides with the rollout of Windows 11 Build 23521. The update also includes new options for Windows Copilot and improvements to the taskbar, task manager, and Windows Spotlight.
Microsoft has backtracked on its decision to remove several File Explorer folder options on the Windows 11 Dev channel after receiving negative feedback from the community. The company had initially removed the options as part of an effort to modernize the OS, but has now rolled back the changes based on user feedback. The Dev Channel is where Microsoft tests new features and changes before making them available to the public.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 23486 to Insiders in the Dev Channel, which includes improvements to the passwordless experience on Windows 11. The update also backtracks on previous plans to remove select legacy File Explorer features, following feedback from Windows Insiders. The Dev Channel is a place for Microsoft to experiment with new ideas and feature sets. The update adds support for signing in with passkeys on apps and websites using the native Windows Hello experience, and users can now manage passkeys saved to their Windows device.