Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938 with several new features and enhancements to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel, including AI-powered actions within File Explorer that enable users to interact with files more efficiently. The build also includes a customizable clock option in the notification center, improved security features such as visibility into generative AI model usage by third-party apps, and bug fixes for issues related to reset & recovery, File Explorer, WMI, input, and Task Manager. 

New Features and Improvements in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938

Microsoft has made available the latest Canary build of Windows 11 (Build 27938) to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel, offering users several new features and enhancements. One of the most significant additions is the integration of AI actions within File Explorer, allowing users to interact with their files more efficiently.

Intelligent File Interactions with AI Actions

By right-clicking on a file in File Explorer, users can now access a range of AI-powered actions. These include:

1. Image Editing: Users can edit images directly from File Explorer using AI-driven tools such as Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background.
2. Document Summarization: The system will automatically summarize documents for easier comprehension.

These AI actions are easily customizable by adjusting the Blur Intensity or using the Brush Tool to modify areas being blurred.

Customizing and Accessing File Explorer

To access these new features in File Explorer, navigate to Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Files, Folders, and Online Story > File Explorer. Users can also customize their experience by adjusting settings within the Settings app.

New Clock Option in Notification Center

The option to display a larger clock with seconds above the date and calendar in the notification center is now available for all users. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time and toggle on "Show time in the Notification Center."

Enhanced Security Features and Improvements

This build includes several security-focused features and improvements:

1. Generative AI Model Visibility: Users can view which third-party applications have recently used generative AI models provided by Windows within Settings > Privacy & security > Text and image generation.
2. Control over Generative AI App Permissions: Users can now control which apps are permitted to use local Windows-provided generative AI models.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

This build addresses various issues across multiple components, including:

1. Reset & Recovery: The "Reset this PC" option in Settings > System > Recovery is now functional.
2. File Explorer: An issue causing the red color for low-space drives to appear light-colored has been resolved.
3. Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI): Performance improvements related to WMI Registry scanning have been implemented.
4. Input: Typing issues on the touch keyboard with Changjie, Bopomoji, or Japanese IME have been fixed.
5. Task Manager: An issue causing Task Manager to freeze when viewing performance data has been resolved.

Known Issues and Workarounds

Several known issues remain in this build:

1. Rollback Errors: Insiders may experience a rollback when installing a build with an 0xC1900101-0x20017 or 0xC1900101-0x30017 error.
2. Temporary File Issues: Temporary files can get stuck during file scanning, causing issues in Storage Settings.
3. PIX on Windows Issues: PIX on Windows is unable to play back GPU captures on this OS version. Developers are advised to send feedback or contact the company for private builds.

Graphics and Audio Issues

Users may experience screen flickers when using browsers in the latest Canary builds. Additionally, some Insiders have reported an issue where audio stops working and Device Manager shows one or more devices with a yellow exclamation mark. A workaround is provided to resolve this issue:

1. Update Driver: Right-click on the device with a yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager and select "Update driver."
2. Browse for Drivers: Select the most recent driver from the list.
3. Click Next

If the issue persists, it may be unrelated to this specific problem.

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938 (Canary Channel)

Hello Windows Insiders, today we are releasing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938 to the Canary Channel.

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938 (Canary Channel)