Microsoft has rolled out the newest Windows 11 build for Insider program members in the Canary channel. The latest build number is 26227 and introduces support for Emoji 15.1. Additionally, it allows users to pin Copilot to the taskbar as an app.
Here’s the changelog:
Changes and Improvements
[Copilot in Windows]
As part of this update, we’re also evolving the Copilot experience on Windows as an app that will be pinned to the taskbar. This enables users to get the benefits of a traditional app experience, including the ability to resize, move, and snap the window – feedback we’ve heard from users throughout the preview of Copilot in Windows. This model also allows Microsoft to more agilely develop and optimize the experience based on user feedback.
As part of the Copilot experience’s evolution on Windows to become an app that is pinned to the taskbar, we are retiring the WIN + C keyboard shortcut. For new devices that ship with a Copilot key, this key will open Copilot. For existing devices without that key, using the WIN + (number position for Copilot pinned to your taskbar) is a great way to open Copilot.
[Emoji]
We’re adding support for Emoji 15.1 which introduces a small number of brand-new emoji such as head shaking horizontally and vertically, phoenix, lime, brown mushroom and broken chain. Other changes for Emoji 15.1 include Unicode’s decision to revert family combinations to symbol-like shapes. Windows has chosen to stay with our existing style that use people in family combinations. We are also supporting the new directionality updates for person/man/woman walking, kneeling, with cane, running, manual wheelchair and motorized wheelchair. You can now select right facing or the original left facing orientation for these emoji.
[Settings]
We are introducing a new Linked devices page under Settings > Accounts that allows you to manage PCs and Xbox consoles that you are signed in to with your Microsoft account. This settings page will only show on the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 and if you’re signed into Windows with your Microsoft account.
Fixes for known issues
[General]
- Fixed an issue believed to be the underlying cause of some Insiders noticing stutters in some animations recently (dropping frames), particularly with Task View.
- Fixed an underlying issue which could lead to some apps not starting on startup even though they were enabled as startup apps in Settings. It would show as Suspended in Task Manager, but not appear in the taskbar.
- Fixed an underlying issue which could lead to the pop up asking for permission to use location not appearing, which could lead to app issues without location access.
[Windowing]
- Fixed an issue related to showing tabs in Alt + Tab, which could lead to frequent explorer.exe crashes if you had a very large number of tabs.
[Widgets]
- Fixed the issue causing the WIN + W keyboard shortcut to not work correctly and open the Widgets board.
[Other]
- Fixed explorer.exe crashes impacting live captions and voice access.
Known issues
Gizchina News of the week
[General]
[IMPORTANT NOTE] We are investigating reports that some Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels are stuck on Build 26040 or Build 23620. The investigation is ongoing, however if you are impacted by this and really want to get onto the latest build in the Canary or Dev Channel today – you can download the latest ISO here and do a clean install and opt your device back into flighting in the Canary or Dev Channels.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features in build 26227
-
Copilot as a Taskbar App: Copilot, a feature currently in preview, is evolving into a dedicated app that can be pinned to the taskbar. This allows users to resize, move, and snap the Copilot window, providing a more traditional app experience based on user feedback. Additionally, the WIN + C keyboard shortcut for Copilot is being retired. New devices with a Copilot key will use that key to launch Copilot, while existing devices can use the WIN key shortcut corresponding to the taskbar position of the pinned Copilot app.
-
New Emoji Support: Build 26227 introduces support for Emoji 15.1, including new emoji like head shaking, phoenix, lime, and more. It also allows selecting the directionality (left or right facing) for certain emoji like walking figures and wheelchairs. While Unicode recommends reverting family emoji to symbol-like shapes, Windows keeps its current style using people in family combinations.
-
Linked Devices Management: A new “Linked devices” page is now available under Settings > Accounts. This page, exclusive to Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, allows you to manage PCs and Xbox consoles linked to your Microsoft account.
Bug Fixes:
This update addresses several known issues, including:
- Stuttering animations, particularly in Task View.
- Apps failing to launch despite being set as startup apps.
- Missing location permission pop-up, causing app issues.
- Explorer.exe crashes related to Alt + Tab and live captions/voice access.
Known Issues:
Some Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels might be stuck on previous builds (26040 or 23620). Microsoft is investigating the issue. As a workaround, a clean install using the latest ISO is available for those who want to proceed to the newest build.
Overall, Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26227 offers a glimpse into potential future features for the OS. The dedicated Copilot app and new emoji options provide more user control and customization. Remember, as a Canary channel build, it’s for early adopters who are comfortable with potential bugs and instabilities.
Conclusion
Windows Insider Preview Build 26227 for Canary channel testers brings a taskbar Copilot app for better user control, new emoji, and linked device management. Bug fixes address animation stutters and app launch issues. Remember, it’s a preview build with potential instability.
