- Microsoft makes available the Windows 11 build 25982 in the Canary Channel.
- This flight finally brings Copilot to this channel.
- The update also rolls out SMB client encryption and changes for various features.
Microsoft is now rolling out Windows 11 build 25982 for participants of the Windows Insider Program for devices enrolled in the Canary Channel with some new features, fixes, and improvements.
According to the official changes, Windows 11 build 25982 brings Copilot to the Canary Channel and supports requiring encryption for outbound SMB client connections.
This flight also introduces the Discovery of Network-designated Resolvers (DNR), which enables you to use encrypted DNS protocols on your computer without requiring manual configuration. As part of the Dev Drive feature, ReFS now supports Block Cloning in the operating system copy engine. The Remote Desktop Connection app now supports additional zoom options and more.
Windows 11 build 25982 new changes
These are the new features and everything that build 25982 brings to the Canary Channel:
Copilot
Starting on build 25982, Windows 11 starts rolling out the first preview of Copilot to Insider in the Canary Channel. The AI chatbot will be available gradually in select markets, including North America, the United Kingdom, and parts of Asia and South America, meaning that the feature won’t appear immediately to everyone.
SMB client encryption
The Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol now supports encryption requirements for outbound SMB client connections, allowing network administrators to force the use of SMB 3 and encryption.
DNR protocol support
Windows 11 is also getting support for the Discovery of Network-designated Resolvers (DNR) protocol, a new internet standard to discover encrypted DNS servers.
This implementation will allow you to use encrypted DNS protocols (such as DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS) on the computer without requiring manual configuration.
Dev Drive with Block Cloning
As part of the Dev Drive feature, Microsoft is adding Block Cloning support to the operating system copy engine for Resilient File System (ReFS). Although the file system already supports “Block Cloning,” this new implementation brings native support to copy actions and APIs.
The company says that this support improves the performance of the file system volumes, including for build scenarios or any other copy-intensive scenarios in Dev Drives.
Other changes
In this release, the legacy Remove Desktop Connection app is getting more support options, including 350, 400, 450, and 500%.
In addition, in the “Colors” settings page, when using the “Light” mode, the Settings app will disable the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” option and explain that the accent feature is only available in the “Dark” mode.
Bug fixes
This flight also introduces a few fixes for build 25982, including:
- Fixed an issue causing voice access to crash for Insiders in the Canary Channel when dictating text.
- Fixed a few issues which could lead to hangs when launching File Explorer.
- Fixed an issue causing the print queue to be inaccessible and show an error if you tried to open it.
As part of the known issues, the company notes problems with some games not working properly.
Installing builds
To download and install the Windows 11 build 25982, 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.