Key Points
- Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev Channel are receiving a new preview build (26300.8170) with updates focused on storage, network fixes, and improved user feedback tools.
- Changes include raising the FAT32 volume size limit via command line and refining the Windows Security app’s Secure Boot status display.
- The Feedback Hub app has received design improvements based on user input, such as better window sizing and navigation features.
Microsoft recently released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8170 to the Dev Channel, introducing a mix of technical upgrades and user experience enhancements. This build, part of the ongoing Windows 11, version 25H2, rollout via an enablement package, aims to test new features and address issues with a small group of Insiders before wider distribution. Many updates are rolled out gradually using controlled feature rollout, meaning some changes may not be available to all Dev Channel users immediately.
The most notable changes in this build focus on three key areas: storage, network performance, and feedback tools. In storage, Microsoft increased the FAT32 volume size limit that can be formatted through the command line from 32GB to 2TB. This adjustment helps users manage larger storage drives more efficiently. Additionally, the settings interface for storage management has been updated. Navigating to the storage section now avoids an immediate User Account Control (UAC) prompt, which previously disrupted workflows. Users will only encounter the prompt when attempting to view temporary files. The update also improves performance when viewing storage on large volumes, making it smoother to access details like disk and volume information.
On the network side, a critical bug has been fixed. Previous Insider builds occasionally displayed unrealistically high data usage values in the Network & Internet settings. This issue, which could mislead users about their actual bandwidth consumption, has been resolved in Build 26300.8170, ensuring more accurate reporting.
The Windows Security app received enhancements related to Secure Boot, a security feature that prevents unauthorized software from running during device startup. The app now displays icons in green, yellow, or red, along with text describing the device’s Secure Boot status and certificate state. Microsoft is also updating Secure Boot certificates on consumer and some business PCs, allowing users to check their certificate’s validity directly through the app. However, this feature is disabled by default for enterprise-managed devices and servers. Users can provide feedback about Secure Boot changes via the Feedback Hub app.
The Feedback Hub app, a platform for collecting user suggestions and input, has seen version 2.2604.101.0 rolled out to Dev and Canary Insiders. This update includes design tweaks based on user feedback, such as improved default window sizes that persist across sessions and a “back” button for navigating between pages. Another fix addressed cases where users reported receiving fewer community comments than usual. The update also ensures upvote buttons work correctly for users with Chinese display languages. Microsoft encourages continued participation in Feedback Hub (accessible via the keyboard shortcut WIN + F) to help shape future updates.
For Dev Channel Insiders, the build follows a phased release strategy. New features and fixes are first tested with a subset of users before being gradually rolled out to the broader Insider group. A desktop watermark indicating the build’s status remains visible in pre-release versions. Insiders who enable the “get latest updates” toggle in Settings > Windows Update will receive these changes sooner. Those who keep the toggle off will still see updates over time as Microsoft tests and refines them. Some features in this build may never reach mainstream Windows versions, as they are experiments meant to gather feedback. For example, certain concepts might be replaced or removed entirely, while others could evolve for future releases. Users encountering localization issues should report them through Feedback Hub.
The rollout of Build 26300.8170 underscores Microsoft’s reliance on Insider programs to test and validate changes before they reach all users. By prioritizing Insider feedback, the company aims to refine new features and resolve problems in a controlled environment. However, the gradual rollout process means some updates may take time to reach all users, even within the Dev Channel. Those usingInsider builds should monitor their systems for available updates and engage with Feedback Hub to share observations.
This build represents a step forward in improving storage management, network accuracy, and user interaction with system tools. While many changes are incremental, they collectively enhance the Insider experience. As Microsoft continues to iterate on Windows 11 through Insider programs, future builds may build on these updates or introduce new directions based on user input.
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