Microsoft releases a new Windows 11 preview build that does not require a system restart

Following the release of Windows 11 build 27982 in the Canary Channel on Tuesday, Microsoft dropped a new build for Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. Unlike typical Dev/Beta builds, 26220.7052 is an unconventional release. Installing it does not require a system restart. You can just head to Windows Update, check for updates, and get it without any interruptions. However, there is one downside, though: no changes or new features.

Windows Insider Program's official X account posted the announcement, stating that today's update is just to test the program's pipelines. In other words, it is a minor update with nothing new. There is no announcement blog post either.

Microsoft is currently releasing identical updates to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. This gives users an opportunity to change channels without reinstalling Windows. Microsoft warns that the Dev Channel will soon move to higher-number, less stable builds, so those who do not want to risk it should switch from Dev to Beta.

There are speculations that the Dev Channel will soon be used as a testing ground for Windows 11 version 26H1, the first Windows 11 26H1 release since the initial launch in late 2021. We have already seen version 26H1 in the official code, and rumors say that the update will be exclusive to Snapdragon X2-based devices that are coming in 2026. Microsoft usually confirms new Windows 11 versions closer to their corresponding releases, so we will have to wait a little more for this one.

Source

Hope you enjoyed this news post. Feedback welcome.

Posted Thursday 6 November 2025 at 1:01 pm AEST (my time).

News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ | 2025 (till end of October): 5,009

RIP Matrix