On December 15, 2025, Microsoft released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 to the Canary Channel, ushering in a series of enhancements and new features aimed at improving user experience across various devices. This build is particularly noteworthy for gamers, developers, and anyone looking to streamline their interaction with Windows 11. In this article, we will delve into the significant changes and improvements introduced in this build, providing a comprehensive overview of what users can expect.
Gaming Enhancements: Full-Screen Experience
One of the standout features in Build 28020.1362 is the expanded availability of the Full Screen Experience (FSE) for handheld devices. Initially launched on ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, FSE is designed to offer a console-style interface through the Xbox app, significantly enhancing the gaming experience on Windows 11 handhelds.
Key Features of Full-Screen Experience:
- Performance Optimization: FSE minimizes background tasks, ensuring that gameplay remains smooth and responsive, which is crucial for competitive gaming.
- Easy Access: Users can activate FSE from the Task View or Game Bar, or set their handheld devices to enter FSE upon startup. This flexibility allows gamers to dive straight into their favorite titles without unnecessary distractions.
- Settings Customization: To enable FSE, users can navigate to Settings > Gaming > Full Screen Experience and designate Xbox as their home app, making it simple to configure their gaming environment.
Copilot+ PCs: Streamlined User Experience
The introduction of Copilot+ PCs brings significant updates to the user interface, particularly with the Click to Do context menu, which has been redesigned for easier access to commonly used actions.
Click to Do Context Menu Updates:
- Streamlined Design: The context menu now features a more intuitive layout, allowing users to quickly locate essential actions like Copy, Save, Share, and Open.
- Automatic Pop-Up: When large images or tables appear, the context menu automatically pops up, enhancing usability and speeding up workflows.
Agent in Settings Improvements
- Recommended Settings: Users can now modify settings more rapidly with inline actions for recently changed settings. This feature reduces the time spent navigating through menus.
- Enhanced Search Functionality: The search feature has been improved to display more results, making it easier to find and adjust settings. If a setting cannot be modified, a dialog box provides feedback and options for further action.
Windows Studio Effects: Broader Camera Support
Microsoft is expanding the capabilities of Windows Studio Effects to include a wider range of camera hardware. Previously limited to integrated laptop cameras, this feature now supports additional cameras, enhancing video quality across various setups.
Key Features:
- AI-Powered Enhancements: Users can leverage AI-driven camera effects to maintain a professional appearance during video calls, regardless of the camera used.
- Settings Navigation: To enable this feature, users can go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras and select their preferred camera, making it easy to switch and customize settings.
File Explorer: Dark Mode Enhancements
The File Explorer has also seen significant improvements, particularly in its dark mode experience. Users will now enjoy a consistent dark mode across various dialogs and actions.
Notable Improvements:
- Consistent Dark Mode: Key actions such as copy, move, and delete dialogs now feature a unified dark mode experience, enhancing visual coherence and user comfort during extended use.
- Enhanced Quick Actions: Hovering over files in File Explorer Home now reveals quick actions like Open file location and Ask Copilot, streamlining file management.
Mobile Device Management
Windows 11 Build 28020.1362 introduces a new feature that allows users to manage their mobile devices directly from their Windows PC. This capability is particularly useful for those who rely on mobile devices for productivity.
Features of Mobile Device Settings:
- Device Management: Users can view, add, and manage mobile devices through the Bluetooth & Devices section, making it easier to connect and utilize mobile features like using a device as a connected camera.
Additional Features and Improvements
Desktop Spotlight Enhancements
- Users can now access options like “Learn more about this background” and “Next desktop background” directly from the desktop context menu, enriching the personalization experience.
Keyboard Settings Migration
- More keyboard settings have been migrated from the Control Panel to the Settings app, including character repeat delay and cursor blink rate adjustments. This consolidation simplifies user access to keyboard configurations.
Game Pass Branding Updates
- The Settings Home page now reflects updated branding and benefits for Game Pass plans, aligning with Microsoft’s broader branding strategy.
Conclusion
The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 represents a significant step forward in enhancing user experience across gaming, productivity, and device management. With a focus on streamlining interactions and improving performance, Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, making it a robust platform for both casual users and professionals alike. As always, feedback from the Insider community will be crucial in shaping the future of Windows 11, and users are encouraged to share their experiences through the Feedback Hub.
For those eager to explore these new features, the Canary Channel offers a glimpse into the future of Windows 11, setting the stage for further innovations ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates from Microsoft as they continue to develop and enhance their flagship operating system.
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