KB5074176 (build 28020.1546) for Windows 11 26H1 fixes annoying apps problems (Canary)

Another Canary build lands with fixes only, leaving Insiders questioning Microsoft’s direction.

Windows 11 KB5074176
Windows 11 KB5074176 / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • Windows 11 build 28020.1495 (KB5074176) rolls out in the Canary Channel.
  • This update only includes fixes and under-the-hood improvements.
  • In addition, this release doesn’t introduce any new features.

Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 28020.1546 (KB5074176) to the Canary Channel, delivering another incremental update focused on under-the-hood improvements rather than visible feature changes.

According to the official changelog, “Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (28020.1495)” includes a small set of general improvements and fixes designed to improve the overall experience for Insiders running Canary builds. As with recent Canary releases, the changes are gradually rolling out and require the toggle to be enabled.

What’s new on Windows 11 build 28020.1495 

Microsoft’s official changelog in the latest preview of Windows 11 is notably brief, but the company confirms the following:

  • General reliability improvements and fixes aimed at improving system stability.
  • A fix for an issue affecting apps when working with files stored on OneDrive or Dropbox.

That is the full scope of the available changes. No new features, interface updates, or platform-level enhancements have been disclosed for this release.

Community reactions come with frustration over thin notes

As expected, the lack of detail has sparked pushback from the Windows Insider community, especially from Canary users who expect frequent experimentation and meaningful platform changes.

Several Insiders questioned the purpose of releasing a new build with such limited documentation.

On X, @cdorf17 summed up the sentiment bluntly: Would love a little more on the release notes. That really doesn’t say anything and it says the fixes are gradually rolling out. So why a new build?

Others continue to report installation issues that appear unresolved across multiple Canary releases. For example, @CrazyCatsGot2 reported: As with the last build this update is also hanging at 15% Installing.

Also, on X, @AndreaMortarino called for clearer communication and a sharper distinction between Insider channels: Clearer and more complete change logs would be needed. In addition to making you better understand the difference between beta and dev. Finally: wouldn’t it be appropriate to use the canary to solve current problems? Performance first of all…?

Canary Channel continues its unclear direction

The update KB5074176 continues a recent trend in the Canary Channel where releases arrive with minimal details and little insight into long-term platform changes.

While Canary builds are expected to be unstable and experimental, many Insiders increasingly question whether the channel is being used to meaningfully test future capabilities or simply to ship minor servicing updates ahead of other channels.

It’s important to clarify that Windows 11 26H1 is not a feature update for existing devices. The software giant has explicitly confirmed that version 26H1 is not an upgrade path for computers running Windows 11 25H2 or any earlier release.

This release is designed exclusively for new ARM64 hardware and will ship only on next-generation computers, starting with devices powered by Snapdragon X2 Plus, Elite, and Extreme processors. Systems based on Intel or AMD platforms will never receive Windows 11 26H1 through Windows Update or any other supported upgrade channel.

Preview build download

To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your devices in the Canary Channel 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.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].