We’re moving forward with Build 25992 in the Windows Insider program on the Canary channel. This update is all about enhancing some complex and fascinating system components by modernizing and updating them. Let’s take a look at what’s been added this week.
What’s new in Build 25992
Changes in SMB
Starting with this build (build 25992), some changes are being made to the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, which is used for sharing files and printers on Windows.
1. SMB Firewall Rule Changes: When you create shared folders, there are changes in how the Windows Defender Firewall behaves. In the past, it automatically allowed certain network rules for sharing. Now, it will automatically configure a new rule called “File and Printer Sharing (Restrictive)” that doesn’t include some older and potentially less secure ports. This change aims to improve network security. If needed, administrators can still configure the older “File and Printer Sharing” rule.
2. SMB NTLM Lock Exception List: This is a feature to block the use of NTLM (a type of authentication) for security reasons. Now, this feature supports specifying exceptions. This means administrators can block NTLM for most situations but still allow it for specific servers that can’t use more secure methods like Kerberos.
3. Alternative SMB Client and Server Ports: The SMB client, the part of Windows that connects to shared folders, can now connect using different network ports than before. This is useful for various network configurations. The SMB server, the part of Windows that shares folders, does not have this capability by default, but some third-party software, like Samba, can use it.
4. Changes to SMB Client Access Control Certificate over QUIC: This change is related to how SMB works over a network protocol called QUIC. Now, SMB over QUIC supports using certificates with multiple endpoint names, making it more versatile and secure.
These changes are part of improving network security and flexibility for file and printer sharing in Windows.
For more information about this change, see about SMB over QUIC, see https://aka.ms/SMBoverQUIC.
Changes and improvements in Build 25992
File Browser
- Some work has been done that should help noticeably improve the performance of opening large .zip files in File Explorer.
- (ADDED) Added support for creating 7-zip and TAR archives in addition to ZIP.
Snap Layouts
- (ADDED) We’ll show tips in Snap Layouts to help you instantly snap together multiple app windows. When you mouse over an app’s Minimize or Maximize button (or WIN + Z) to open the layout box, you’ll see app icons displayed in various layout options to help you recommend the best layout option that works best.
Known issue fixes
- Fixed an issue where blank options appeared on the Personalization and Privacy & Security settings pages, where clicking would cause Settings to crash.
- It fixed an issue that caused the context menu to be drawn off-screen when invoked using touch or stylus on the side of the desktop.
- fixed an issue where Startup Settings could show a prompt to sign in to your Microsoft account and not sign you in if you tried to use it, even though Settings showed that you were already signed in.
- Crashes will no longer occur in Quick Settings and WIN + A was not working, it should now be resolved.
- Fixed an issue that caused taskbar icons to disappear when switching desktops.
Known issues
- Some popular games may not work properly in the latest Insider Preview versions of the Canary Channel. Please be sure to post feedback in Feedback Hub about any issues you see with the games in these versions.
- Reports that the print queue is no longer accessible are being investigated.
- Trying to navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad in this build will crash Settings.
