Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27871 Update Released
Microsoft has recently announced the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27871 to the Canary Channel, marking a significant update for early adopters. This build introduces several new features, improvements, and fixes aimed at enhancing the Windows 11 experience. However, it is important to note that the company has clarified there will be no SDK releases for the 27xxx series builds for the time being.
One of the standout features in this build is the integration of energy-saving management into Microsoft Intune. IT administrators now have the ability to control the energy-saving settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and Mobile Device Management (MDM) configurations. This feature aims to optimize battery life by reducing background activity, lowering screen brightness, and managing system processes efficiently. The energy saver is designed to help devices consume less power while maintaining optimal performance. With sustainability in mind, this feature not only extends battery life but also contributes to reducing overall energy consumption.
Administrators can activate this energy-saving policy through the Local Group Policy Editor or Microsoft Intune Admin Center. For those looking to configure it manually, the policy path can be found under “Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Energy Saver Settings” in the Local Group Policy Editor. This new feature is expected to significantly help organizations reduce costs and enhance device longevity, especially in enterprise environments.
Another notable update in this build is the continued improvement of the Phone Link feature. The Phone Link app now allows users to view notifications from their mobile apps directly within the Start menu. These notifications are grouped by app for easy viewing, ensuring users stay up to date with their mobile activity while using their Windows device. Additionally, Android users can now mirror their phone’s screen with a single click from the Start menu. This feature also extends to iPhone users, who can access their iCloud photos directly from the Start menu if they are using iCloud for Windows.
While the Phone Link feature is a valuable addition, it should be noted that screen mirroring is currently only supported on specific Android devices. Microsoft has included detailed instructions for users to set up and use phone screen mirroring on their supported Android devices, making it easier for users to connect their mobile experience with their desktop environment.
On the taskbar, Windows Insiders will notice an improvement in the visibility of the “needy state pill,” which indicates when an app needs attention. The pill is now wider and more visible, making it easier for users to spot apps that require interaction, particularly with applications like Microsoft Teams. This adjustment aims to streamline the user experience, allowing for quicker responses to app notifications.
In terms of fixes, Build 27871 addresses several issues that have plagued previous builds. For instance, the update mitigates a problem where applications relying on Virtualization Based Security, such as VMware Workstation, would fail to run unless the “Windows Hypervisor Platform” component was installed. In addition, File Explorer has seen fixes for issues related to disconnected network drives and crashes that occurred when tapping the View button with touch input.
The taskbar also received improvements, including the resolution of issues with keyboard shortcuts like WIN + CTRL + Number, which previously failed to switch windows. Additionally, keyboard focus issues on the taskbar that affected screen readers have been resolved. These fixes are part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to refine the Windows 11 user interface and enhance accessibility for all users.
The Settings app has also seen improvements, including the correction of UI issues in the System > About section. Specifically, hovering over the cards at the top of the page now correctly displays the corner radius, and the storage card now shows the correct disk size, rather than a “garbage character.”
Another notable fix addresses issues with Task Manager, where search functionality and filtering options were previously non-functional. The audio subsystem has also received attention, with fixes for high-sampling audio devices that were not producing sound, and for issues that prevented the startup sound from playing, despite being enabled.
Despite these improvements, the build comes with a few known issues. For users with Copilot+ PCs, upgrading to the Canary Channel from other Windows channels may cause problems with Windows Hello and biometrics, resulting in error codes like 0xd0000225. However, users can resolve this issue by reconfiguring their PIN. Additionally, some users have reported problems with the taskbar’s acrylic material not appearing after upgrading to the latest Canary builds. Microsoft is working on a fix for this, along with other UI-related issues that have led to unexpected black or white elements in certain parts of the interface.
It is also important to note that while the Canary Channel provides early access to new features and changes, it is not guaranteed that all features will make it to the final public release. The Canary builds are experimental and represent the bleeding edge of development, meaning that some features might be removed, replaced, or altered based on user feedback and testing. As such, Windows Insiders should expect frequent changes and potential instability.
As always, those using the Canary Channel are reminded that the builds released are intended for testing purposes and may not reflect the final version of Windows 11. Feedback from Insiders is crucial in helping Microsoft refine these features before they are included in more stable releases. Insiders who wish to move away from the Canary Channel will need to perform a clean installation of Windows 11, as downgrading to previous builds is not supported.
