Windows 11 Gets Better With Widgets Board Improvements

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26090 to the Canary and Dev Channels respectively. You should note that the Canary and Dev Channels receiving the same builds is only a temporary measure.

Widgets Board Improvements

Microsoft has started to deliver Widgets board improvements that were previously rolled out with Build 26058 to Canary Channel Windows Insiders. The new enhancements include a new navigation bar on the left side. You will be able to switch between a dedicated widgets dashboard and other integrated dashboards such as Discover. Microsoft has started to rollout this feature in a phased manner. Hence, it will take time for the feature to hit your devices.

SMB Protocol Changes

Microsoft recently introduced Server Message Block (SMB) protocol changes for QUIC, signing, and encryption. You can make use of GPMC.MSC or GPEDIT.MSC to disable SMB over QUIC using Group Policy. You will not be able to find the build watermark at the lower right-hand side of the desktop. However, the watermark could appear in the upcoming builds.

Microsoft attributes the reason to the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2 later this year. Microsoft is scheduled to release version 24H2 annual update but we don’t know when the build will be released.

Improved Copilot

Microsoft has enhanced the functioning of copilot in Windows. You can now interact with Copilot ten times when you sign in to Windows using a local account. After making 10 attempts, you should sign in using either a Microsoft account or a Microsoft Entra ID. You will not be able to work with advanced features of Copilot if you don’t sign in.

Delivery Optimization Dashboard Reverted

The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26090 has reverted the Delivery Optimization settings page introduced with Build 25987 to the previous design with Build 26085. The new redesigned settings page will be reintroduced in a future flight.

The flight has resolved an issue that caused video stutters in apps, explorer.exe crash, and the appearance of File Explorer in the old design without tabs. The update also resolved issues pertaining to Task Manager, secondary monitors, and explorer.exe crash while dragging windows.

You can migrate to the Dev Channel from Canary Channel when both are on the same builds. The migration window will be closed when the Canary Channel jumps to higher build numbers. You should note that some features could roll out to the Canary Channel before making them available in the Dev Channel.

Microsoft has revealed that the product team is working to resolve the Windows Insider stuck issue on Build 26040 and Build 23620. The company advises you to reinstall Windows 11 in case the problem persists. You will not be able to work with Windows Ink with the updated Copilot in Windows experience. The problem associated with the docking of Copilot can be resolved by resizing Copilot.