Microsoft released cumulative update KB5079481 (Build 28020.1743) for Windows 11 version 26H1, available to insiders on the Canary channel. This build belongs to the br_release development branch and is activated using the feature enablement package KB5073122. The Canary channel is intended for early preview of the latest changes: builds are released immediately after creation, with limited documentation and without thorough testing, so they may be unstable. Some tested changes will never be released, while others may appear in future versions of Windows.
- Joint audio listening (preview) — new control features. This feature allows two users to listen to audio simultaneously through compatible devices supporting Bluetooth LE Audio. This update adds separate volume sliders for each listener, allowing independent volume adjustment without affecting the other user. The overall volume can still be changed through quick settings, the device, or the keyboard. A new indicator also appears on the taskbar during joint listening: clicking it opens options to change volume or stop playback. The device ecosystem has expanded: Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset are now supported.
- Context menu. When right-clicking .exe, .bat, or .cmd files, the Open item in the context menu now uses the same icon as the default application for that file type.
- File Explorer. Improved reliability of unlocking files downloaded from the internet so they can be viewed in File Explorer.
- Updated Feedback Hub. A modern interface and redesigned user experience are introduced. Simplified feedback submission: a single template with category search. Simplified navigation: My Feedback section in the navigation pane, and Community Feedback instead of All Feedback. The Announcements page has been removed — news is now in the Windows Insider Blog. A new feedback type Appreciation has been added to note what works well. The ability to choose public or private feedback is now available. A compact feedback submission mode is also available for quick on-the-fly submission with the option to switch to the full version.
Installation via Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.
To exit the Canary channel, a clean installation of Windows 11 is required, as insiders cannot switch to a channel with lower build numbers without it for technical reasons. The watermark in the lower-right corner of the desktop is normal for these preview builds.
| Feature / Change | Performance Impact | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint audio listening (preview) | ⚪ No impact (audio subsystem only) | 🟡 Medium (adds dual-stream audio control) | ⚪ No measurable impact | 🟢 High (two-player local audio without mixers) |
| Context menu icon for .exe/.bat/.cmd | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Low (cosmetic consistency) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ Not applicable |
| File Explorer unlocked file reliability | 🟢 Low (faster access to downloaded files) | 🟢 Medium (fewer failed opens) | 🟡 Low (reduces retries) | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Updated Feedback Hub | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Medium (faster feedback submission) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ Not applicable |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Joint audio listening volume controls | Quick Settings > Bluetooth devices > Paired Bluetooth LE Audio device | Connect a compatible Bluetooth LE Audio device. During joint listening, individual volume sliders for each listener appear in Quick Settings. Adjust each slider independently to change volume for only that listener. The overall volume can still be changed via Quick Settings, the device itself, or the keyboard. A taskbar indicator appears during joint listening; click it to open options for changing volume or stopping playback. |
| Context menu icon for executable files | File Explorer > Right-click .exe, .bat, or .cmd file > Context menu | Right-click any .exe, .bat, or .cmd file. The "Open" item in the context menu now uses the same icon as the default application associated with that file type. No manual configuration is required. To change the icon, change the default application for that file type in Settings > Apps > Default apps. |
| File unlock reliability in File Explorer | File Explorer > Downloaded file properties | Download a file from the internet. Right-click the file and select Properties. If the file is blocked, check "Unblock" and click OK. The update improves reliability of this unlock process so the file can be viewed normally in File Explorer. You can also run the command "Unblock-File -Path <file path>" in PowerShell. |
| Updated Feedback Hub experience | Feedback Hub app | Open Feedback Hub. The interface is now modernized. To submit feedback, use the simplified single template and search for the category. Use "My Feedback" in the navigation pane to view your submissions. "Community Feedback" replaces "All Feedback". The Announcements page has been removed; news is available in the Windows Insider Blog. To leave positive feedback, select the new "Appreciation" feedback type. You can choose to make feedback public or private. For quick submission, use the compact feedback mode and switch to the full version when needed. |
Official announcement on the Microsoft website.
The last 10 Windows updates:
| Update | Build | Version | Windows | Channel | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5121157 | 28020.2818 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-31 |
| KB5121158 | 28120.2824 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-31 |
| KB5121794 | 26300.9278 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Preview | 2026-08-27 |
| KB5121132 | 28120.2760 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124040 | 26220.9223 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124042 | 26340.9233 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5121106 | 28020.2731 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5121109 | 28120.2738 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124036 | 26220.9202 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124038 | 26340.9212 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |