How To Explore Windows 11 25H2 Features in the Dev Channel (Build 26200.5670)

Jumping into the latest Windows 11 insider build can sometimes be a mixed bag. On one hand, you get cool new features, security tweaks, and performance boosts. On the other, there are bugs, weird quirks, and maybe some unexpected crashes. This version 25H2 (Build 26200.5670) is no different—Microsoft has added some neat stuff, but also threw in a few issues that might trip people up during install or daily use. If you’re updating from an earlier build, especially if you’re on 24H2, the process should be quick—just a restart and you’re good to go. But, naturally, some users have complained about strange bugs or features not working right out of the gate. Here’s a rundown of what’s new, what’s improved, and some tips if you hit snags along the way.

Quick Update Process for Existing Users

If you’re already running Windows 11 insider builds, upgrading to the 25H2 is pretty painless—Microsoft says it’s basically a restart away. Because both builds share a similar servicing branch, the update gets applied fairly smoothly. Just make sure to check Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. On some setups, the update might fail initially, but after a couple of reboots or a quick run of the troubleshooter (found in Settings > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters), it should install fine. This ease of update is kind of weird but welcome, given how Windows sometimes loves to make things more complicated than necessary.

Passwordless Authentication Enhancements

This build beefs up the passwordless login features, which is supposed to make signing in faster and more secure—assuming it works. To set it up, jump into Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, then look for the passkey section. Setting up a passkey usually requires you to have a Windows Hello PIN already configured (which is a good security step on its own). You can create passkeys tied to your Microsoft account, and the idea is that next time, instead of typing a password, you authenticate with your biometric or PIN. Seems simple, but not everyone might find it super seamless yet—some report issues pairing passkeys, especially on older hardware or with certain browsers. But on newer hardware, it’s generally smooth once set up.

Accessibility Improvements in Voice Access

This build temporarily disables Japanese in Voice Access due to bugs. Kind of frustrating if you rely on that language support, but it’s better than live with a crash every time you try to dictate. Microsoft’s rolling out fixes in the background, but for now, if you need voice commands in Japanese, you’ll have to wait. For most people, Voice Access still works well in supported languages, just keep an eye out for updates if you need that feature.

Default Apps Modification in the European Economic Area

If you’re in EEA, then you’ll find that choosing a default browser automatically pins it to your taskbar and start menu. This is part of the regulatory tweaks, making it easier to find your preferred app if you’re changing defaults. In Settings > Apps > Default apps, you can select your preferred browser, then notice the pinning behavior. It’s kind of handy—no more hunting through menus just to launch your favorite browser.

New Administrator Protection Feature

Microsoft is testing a security feature aimed at protecting admin accounts from hijacking—kind of like a new layer of hassle, but for security nuts. To enable or check this, you’ll probably need to go into Local Group Policy Editor or Device Security settings. Because this is still in testing, results can vary. On some setups, enabling it prevents some malware or unauthorized app installs, but on others, it might cause conflicts or false positives. Just a heads-up that tinkering with these options might break your current workflow if not careful.

Fixes and Improvements in File Explorer

File Explorer in this update is still a bit of a mixed bag. Microsoft claims to have fixed the crashes happening when opening the home page, which is good because that was annoying—especially if you rely on quick access. Also, thumbnails in quick access or pinned favorites would randomly vanish on some machines (meant to be fixed here), and view settings were sometimes not sticking after a restart. If File Explorer keeps acting up, try resetting its settings via ShellFolder cache resets or rebuild the index—sometimes it’s just Windows being weird and stubborn.

Start Menu and Input Enhancements

The Start menu got a little polish; duplicate entries caused by folder overlaps are gone (at least on most setups). The folder expand animation is smoother, and overall, it feels a tad more responsive. Typing issues—like crashes linked to CTF mod.exe—got fixed too. If you’re experiencing weird input crashes, check your language packs and keyboard settings, sometimes that helps clear things up.

General Performance Improvements

Performance-wise, the devs fixed some memory leaks, especially related to the slideshow on the lock screen. That was causing system slowdown after a few hours, like your PC was slowly crawling to a halt. Also, accessibility options are better now—more room for larger text without crashing or glitches. Honestly, it’s a step in the right direction, but still some hiccups here and there.

All in all, Windows 11 25H2 is a decent update—brings some solid features, security stuff, and bug fixes, but not without the usual quirks. If you’re willing to deal with some bugs for the latest goodies, it’s worth updating. Just remember to back up important stuff first, and maybe hold off if your system is important for critical work until a few patches roll in.