- A revamped Start menu features a scrollable layout, Category and Grid views, and access to All at the top.
- Responsive behavior: Up to 8 columns of docked apps on large screens and dynamically collapsible sections.
- Phone Link integration directly from Home, with a button to expand/collapse mobile content.
- .NET Framework 3.5 moves away from FoD and introduces the 'Edit' command-line editor; fixes to the taskbar and video playback.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 27965 to the Canary channel., a delivery focused on a Redesigned Start menu, usability improvements, and various fixes that affect everyday life. It's a further step in the evolution of the system within a channel designed to experiment with features in the early stages.
The most visible change comes at the start: it is now scrollable, reorganize its sections and add new views to find apps with fewer clicks. Along with this, the company is introducing mobile device compatibility adjustments through Phone Link, minor system-level tweaks, and the launch of the console text editor 'Edit'.
New Start menu: structure and views
The Home has been reorganized so that the 'All' section is accessible at the top, making it easier to direct access to the entire catalog of installed applications without jumping to secondary pages. The main grid continues to differentiate between pinned apps and recommendations.
In 'All' there are two exploration modes: view by categories, which automatically groups according to the type of app and prioritizes the ones you use the most, and the grid view, which displays apps alphabetically with more horizontal space. When a category doesn't have at least three apps, its contents remain in 'Other'.
The system remembers the last view used, so you can use it next time. reopen 'All' just as you left it, without having to reconfigure anything.
Bigger and more flexible: columns and sections
On computers with large displays, the Start window grows by default: 8 anchor columns, 6 recommendations, and 4 category columns. On more compact devices, the layout automatically adapts to 6 anchor columns, 4 recommendations, and 3 category columns.
The sections are now really dynamic: if you barely have any pinned apps or suggestions, the areas contract to make more room for what's important. Even the pinned area can be reduced to a single row if your library is small.
If you prefer a suggestion-free Start, you can turn them off in Settings > Personalization > Start by unchecking the options 'Show recently added apps', 'Show recommended files on Start…', 'Show websites from your browsing history', and 'Show tip recommendations…'. With all those toggles off, the recommendations section disappears.
Phone Link, integrated into Home itself
Integration with the mobile phone takes a leap forward with the incorporation of a device-specific button next to the Start search box. From there, you can expand or collapse the content on your linked phone on the fly.
This multi-device experience is generally available for Android and iOS in most markets. Microsoft indicates that its arrival in the European Economic Area is planned for later in 2025.
Changes for developers and administrators: .NET 3.5 and the new 'Edit'
With this compilation, .NET Framework 3.5 is no longer available as a Feature on Demand (FoD) of the system. The company recommends migrating to modern versions of .NET whenever possible.
Those who still rely on mission-critical applications that require .NET 3.5 will be able to install it via a standalone packageIt is not already integrated as an optional component of the system, so you will need to use that installer to enable it.
In addition, Windows incorporates 'Edit', a text editor for the command lineIt's launched from the Terminal by typing 'edit' followed by the file name, and it's an open-source project with specific documentation for consulting all its functions.
Bugs fixed in this build
Several recent bugs have been resolved. The most visible, that of the taskbar not hiding properly In auto-hide mode, it should have disappeared after the update.
Also fixes a playback issue that caused Videos and games appear with a reddish tint on some devices. Protected playback (Blu-ray, DVD, and digital TV) is restored in apps that use Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP support.
Known issues
- File Browser: May crash when transferring files to a network drive under certain circumstances.
- Configuration: : Accessing drive information in System > Storage may fail; this also affects drive properties from Explorer.
- Lock screen: Media controls may not display in this build.
- Sustainable- There are reports of sleep and shutdown not working correctly on some Insider devices.
Availability and what to expect from the Canary channel
Build 27965 is distributed to the Canary Channel Insiders via Windows Update. As usual with this ring, Functions may change or not make it into stable releases, and you are more likely to encounter errors or inconsistent behavior.
The new Scrollable Home is rolling out gradually, so Not all users will see it at the same timeIf you participate in this channel, please check back frequently for updates and build notes.
The compilation focuses on A more agile and adaptable Start, it solves problems that were bothering you daily and reorganizes parts of the system such as .NET 3.5, while adding utilities such as 'Edit' and boosting the bridge with the mobile phone through Phone Link, reinforcing the experience without stridency.
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