Windows Insider Preview Build 25947: Recent Updates

The Windows Insider Program consistently offers a peep into the future of Windows, thanks to its regular updates and new feature rollouts. Recently, we have seen some new updates aimed at enhancing user experience, boosting system performance, and expanding Windows reach.

This blog post provides a comprehensive look at these updates and their implications for both end-users and developers alike.

Table of Contents:

1. Understanding the Updates
2. Exploring the Microsoft Store Update
3. Information for Developers
4. Deep Dive into the Canary Channel
5. Important Insider links
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the Updates

In the recent flights, the Windows Insider Program addressed, and fixed, several known issues, thereby enhancing system reliability and performance. Some of the fixes include:

1. A resolution for a prominent issue causing the ctfmon.exe crash, which affected some users' typing abilities.
2. Various fixes to improve the reliability of explorer.exe, like the one which could cause File Explorer to crash when navigating to the Gallery, and the issue that was preventing explorer.exe from functioning in safe mode.
3. Performance enhancements when switching among different Task Manager pages.
4. Resolution of a problem that led to an unexpected pop-up for some users asking to “Select an app to open this ‘ms-screenclip’ link” following the recent Snipping Tool app update.

In addition, an important notice for Canary Channel insiders is that there might be compatibility issues with some popular games on the latest Insider Preview builds. Users experiencing such issues are encouraged to provide their feedback in the Feedback Hub.

Exploring the Microsoft Store Update

For all channels running version 22308.1401.x.x or higher of the Microsoft Store, a significant update has been rolled out. The highlight of this update is the New Game Pass page. This dedicated page allows you to explore and subscribe to PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate. It offers an easier way to discover and start playing your next favourite game, including Day One games, new games on Game Pass, Bethesda games, and more! Not to mention, it sheds light on the benefits of Game Pass, including exclusive games, deals, free perks, EA Play, and more.

New Game Pass page in the Microsoft Store.

Information for Developers

Developers can grab the latest Windows Insider SDK from aka.ms/windowsinsidersdk. Windows has now started flighting SDK NuGet packages at the NuGet Gallery, offering more granular access to the SDK and smoother integration in CI/CD pipelines. Developers are reminded to use adaptive code to ensure their apps run across all customer machines, particularly against the Dev Channel SDK. OS version checks are discouraged as feature detection is a much more reliable approach.

Deep Dive into the Canary Channel

The Canary Channel offers a platform to preview significant platform changes well ahead of customer release. The channel's philosophy is to release builds quickly after they are built, meaning very minor validation and documentation will be accomplished before being offered to Insiders. However, these fresh builds have the potential for unique issues, which, in sporadic cases, may necessitate a Windows reinstall. Limited documentation and irregular daily builds are some of the Canary Channel's characteristics.

Important Insider links

To learn more about the Windows Insider Program and the insider channels, visit the Windows Insider Program documentation or the Flight Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments from the Windows Insider Program and understand how you can participate in shaping the future of Windows.