New Windows 11 Dev Build Out with Update Improvements & Insider Channel Transition

Microsoft is wrapping up this week with multiple builds for Windows 11 Insiders. Those in the Dev channel are getting Build 26300.8289 with a few changes around Windows Insider channel movement, improvements around Windows Update experience, and more. Meanwhile, some of the Dev channel changes and improvements will be identical for those in the Beta channel who are receiving Build 26220.8283 today.

The Dev update allows trying overhauled Windows Insider channel system

In the changelog for the update, Microsoft has confirmed that users in the Dev Channel will soon begin moving to a new Experimental channel, marking a shift in how early features are tested. Not to mention, this transition is happening in phases. Speaking of which, users who do not immediately see the new Experimental channel can manually enable it through feature flags in settings.

As part of the Dev update, Microsoft is also expanding control over Windows Update as it starts rolling out some improvements. As part of the rollout, the company is adding the ability to skip updates during the initial setup process, extend update pauses multiple times, and access clear shutdown or restart options without being forced into installing updates.

There is also more clarity being added to updates themselves. Users will now see better insights into what is being installed, helping them make more informed decisions before proceeding. You can read our detailed article around all the improvements here.

Smaller system tweaks and fixes also included

Besides Windows Update, Microsoft is making a few under-the-hood changes with the rollout of Build 26300.8289. The Start menu is getting improved edge detection, making it easier to open when taskbar icons are left-aligned. There are also updates to print drivers, with new hardware IDs being introduced ahead of broader changes to how printer drivers are handled in Windows. Additionally, Times New Roman has been updated to better support certain Unicode characters, especially across Greek and Cyrillic text. Notably all of the changes we just discussed are also rolling out to Insiders in the Beta channel with Build 26220.8283.

Do note that there’s a known issue related to feature flags in the Dev channel update. Microsoft notes, “Insiders who use Feature flags to enable the new WIP experience may see the feature state incorrectly marked as current, however changing state and applying changes will work as expected.”