Key Points
– Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 to the Beta Channel with new policy-based removal of preinstalled Microsoft apps, improved setup experience, and updated Windows driver security.
– The build adds a new dynamic list option for IT administrators to remove Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy, plus custom user folder naming during Windows setup and stricter cross-signed driver enforcement.
– Additional changes include refinements to point-in-time restore, a renamed Drag Tray feature (now Drop Tray), and updates to pen settings and input device controls.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) to the Beta Channel, bringing several new capabilities and adjustments. The update applies features and improvements in two phases: immediately to Insiders who have enabled the toggle for latest updates in Settings > Windows Update, and gradually to the rest of the Beta Channel.
A key addition is an updated policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store packages on Windows ENT/EDU. This new dynamic list allows IT administrators to remove specific MSIX/APPX apps by adding their app package family names to a multi-text list in Group Policy. These changes are made through the Group Policy Editor, where administrators can find the option under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment > Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system. The updated dynamic list feature is not yet available in the Intune CSP, so testing must occur via Group Policy until it is generally released.
The Windows setup experience has also been enhanced. Users can now assign a custom name for their user folder during setup on the Device Name page. This update makes it easier to set a preferred name before Windows installation completes. If not changed, the folder defaults to the standard name. User folder names must follow Windows naming requirements.
In the area of security, Windows has implemented a new driver policy that removes default trust for cross-signed third-party drivers. Moving forward, the Windows kernel will default to allowing only drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP), which includes more rigorous testing and verification than the now-deprecated cross-signed program. The system starts in audit mode, running for at least 100 hours across three reboots to check compatibility. If drivers are compatible, enforcement begins; otherwise, the system remains in audit mode. After enforcement, cross-signed drivers may be blocked.
Other improvements include changes to point-in-time restore. Local administrators now see a User Account Control (UAC)-prompted settings dialog where they can view or modify restore settings. This dialog also shows available restore points. The WinRE restore experience has been updated to recommend plugging in the device during restore and now displays the OS version in a 4-part number format.
Another notable change is the renaming of Drag Tray to Drop Tray, with settings now moved from Nearby Sharing to System > Multitasking. Pen settings have been refined, including a new option to set the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key.
Other features in this update include improved reliability for setting preferred display language and the removal of an extraneous error message from the sfc/scannow tool.
For Windows Insiders who want early access to new features, enabling the toggle in Windows Update allows gradual rollout of features as they are available. Without the toggle enabled, new features will be delivered over time once they are ready. It’s important to note that features included in these pre-release builds may change, be replaced, or never be released. Some features may also lack full localization at first and will be translated as they are finalized.
The build is delivered via an enablement package based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and is part of the ongoing testing process for future public releases. Insiders are encouraged to provide feedback on new changes and experiences through the Feedback Hub under the relevant categories.
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