- Microsoft rolls out new preview builds of Windows 11 in the Canary Channel.
- Starting on build 25381, SMB sign-in will be required for all connections.
- The update will also open the Get Help app automatically when the system detects camera problems.
Microsoft releases Windows 11 build 25381 for devices enrolled in the Canary Channel of the Windows Insider Program. The update is not significant, but it includes some new changes and improvements.
Build 25381 for Windows 11, according to the official changes, now requires a sign-in by default for all Server Message Block (SMB) connections but only for the Enterprise editions of the operating system. This changes legacy behavior, where the system required authentication by default only when connecting to shares named SYSVOL and NETLOGON and where Active Directory domain controllers required SMB signing when any client connected to them. The company explains that this is part of a new campaign to enhance security on the client and server versions of the operating system.
Microsoft also points out that every version of Windows supports authentication with SMB, but if you connect to a third-party SMB server that doesn’t require sign-in, then you may end up with an error (0xc000a000, -1073700864, STATUS_INVALID_SIGNATURE, or The cryptographic signature is invalid) message. The only way to resolve this issue is to enable sign-in support on the third-party SMB server.
Furthermore, the company advises against disabling the authentication option in the operating system or switching to the unsecured SMB1 as these options will make Windows 11 vulnerable.
As part of the improvements, the “Get Help” app will open automatically to troubleshoot and resolve camera streaming issues, such as a camera failing to start or a closed camera shutter.
Installing builds
To download and install the Windows 11 build 25381, you must enroll your device 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 clicking the “Check for Updates” button.
Update June 6, 2023: Microsoft is now rolling out build 25381.1200 as update KB5027849. However, the update does not include anything new. Instead, it’s only another test for the update mechanism service.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].