Build 26220.7344 (KB5070316) for Windows 11 adds new App Update system and AI connectors (Dev, Beta)

The Windows 11 build 26220.7344 (KB5070316) introduces Model Context Protocol (MCP), Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP), and Windows MIDI Services.
This update also pushes improvements for existing features, such as Quick Machine Recovery and Open With, bug fixes, and known issues.

Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 26220.7344 as the update KB5070316 for version 25H2 through the Dev and Beta Channels of the Windows Insider Program. This preview rolls out new features, such as Model Context Protocol (MCP), Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP), Windows MIDI Services, and other interface changes.

In addition, this update introduces changes to the “Open With” menu to offer more app downloads from the Microsoft Store, Quick Machine Recovery will now be turned on by default on Windows 11 Pro, and Microsoft is also releasing the new Windows MIDI Services.

As per usual, this release pushes various fixes and improvements for Windows Search, File Explorer, Windows Hello, Graphics, Xbox Full Screen Experience for all PCs, and more.

It’s worth noting that the Beta Channel has been updated from version 24H2 to 25H2, meaning the builds available in the Dev and Beta Channels are now identical.

What’s new on Windows 11 KB5070316 for version 25H2

These are the latest changes that Microsoft has been working on for Windows 11 25H2.

Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Starting with build 26220.7344, Windows 11 is getting native support for the Model Context Protocol standard that opens universal communication between apps, tools, and services with AI agents.

In addition, through the open standard, AI agents can interact with other AI agents, and according to the company, this happens in a “secure, manageable Windows on-device registry (ODR).”

Furthermore, this update brings two agent connectors for File Explorer and the Settings app.

File Explorer Connector: Allows AI agents to manage, organize, and retrieve local files once the user gives their consent. On Copilot+ PCs, the connector can perform natural language search to retrieve exact file descriptions, content, metadata, and, for images, enhanced search based on image classification.
Settings Connector: Lets users check, change, or navigate directly to specific settings pages, such as display, mouse, keyboard, and sound, using natural language.

Update Orchestration Platform (UOP)

The Unified Update Orchestration Platform allows developers to connect their apps to make updates more consistent and predictable.

As a result of this implementation, on Settings > Apps, you’ll now find a new “App Updates” page that allows you to check and download updates for all supported applications.

App Updates settings / Image: Mauro Huculak

According to the company, no app currently uses this platform because it is a new technology, but eventually, apps will adopt it to receive updates.

If the developer integrates this new mechanism, the app will register with the Update Orchestration Platform, and the UOP will automatically check for updates based on the user activity. However, the app won’t be using the Windows Update services. Instead, they will use their own backend for downloading updates.

Windows MIDI Services

As part of the update KB5070316, the software giant is also rolling out the new Windows MIDI Services, which is a new MIDI API, Service, and SDK for Windows 11.

The new features include full support for WinMM MIDI 1.0 and WinRT MIDI 1.0 with in-service translation, enabling any API to use any MIDI 1.0 or MIDI 2.0 device.

In addition, it comes with a new loopback and app-to-app MIDI support, and performance improvements and bug fixes.

Microsoft also notes that the App SDK and Tools package is a separate download.

Open With menu improvements

The development team is also updating the “Open With” menu to allow the system to show apps from the Microsoft Store if there are no relevant apps to open a specific file format.

Open With with Microsoft Store option / Image: Microsoft

Other fixes and changes

In addition to the new features and improvements, Windows 11 build 26220.7344 ships various fixes, including:

Search: Fixed an issue where the search window could unexpectedly float above the taskbar.
File Explorer: The AI Actions section will no longer appear in the context menu if none are available or enabled, and a problem has been fixed where File Explorer might not search certain SMB shares after recent updates.
Windows Hello: Fixed fingerprint recognition not working for some Insiders after the latest flights.
Graphics: Fixed an issue that could prevent the Project pane from appearing after pressing “Windows key + P.”
Xbox Full Screen Experience for PC: The virtual keyboard now displays correctly for controller users on devices without a touch screen.
Other: Fixed a bugcheck with error DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL when using a controller, and resolved an underlying issue that could cause the computer to freeze when attempting to run Windows Terminal elevated from a non-admin account.

Microsoft also notes known issues with these updates, including:

Xbox Full Screen Experience for PC: Some apps may behave unexpectedly when using FSE, especially those locked to a specific size or launching additional windows.
Taskbar: Start menu may not open on click, and this issue may also affect Notification Center and quick settings. Additionally, some apps may not appear in the system tray as expected.
File Explorer: In dark mode, the copy dialog may show a white block instead of the scrollbar and footer when text is scaled. File Explorer may also show a white flash when navigating between pages after recent flights, and opening the context menu can cause explorer.exe to crash for some users.
Bluetooth: Battery levels for Bluetooth devices may not display for some users.

Download Windows 11 update KB5070316

To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your devices in the Dev or Beta Channels through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.