Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26220.7070 (KB5070300) is rolling out to the Dev and Beta Channels on version 25H2. With both channels aligned on the same 25H2 branch, there’s a short opportunity to switch from Dev to Beta before Dev advances to a higher build. The release emphasizes a more predictable Widgets experience, updates to recovery, and changes to Smart App Control, alongside a handful of known issues you should be aware of.
What’s new in KB5070300 (build 26220.7070)
| Area | Change | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Widgets | Default dashboard behavior and new settings page | Opening the board from live weather now goes to the first dashboard in your nav bar. You can set that default in a full‑page Widgets Settings view by reordering dashboards. |
| Recovery | Recovery experience updates | System recovery receives improvements in this build. Details may vary by device as features roll out gradually. |
| Smart App Control | Protection and policy changes | Smart App Control gets updates that refine how it evaluates and controls untrusted apps. |
Note: New features in this build may be staged. If you don’t see them immediately, enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle in Windows Update and check again.
Widgets: choose which dashboard opens by default
The Widgets board is moving to a predictable start point. When you launch from live weather on the taskbar, the board now opens to the first dashboard in your navigation bar—not the last one you used. That makes the opening view consistent across sessions.
- To change the default, open Widgets and select the gear icon at the bottom of the navigation bar to enter the full‑page Widgets Settings.
- Reorder dashboards so your preferred one is at the top. The top position becomes the default landing dashboard.
This change is rolling out gradually and may require the “latest updates” toggle in Windows Update.
Turn on staged features with one toggle
Some features in 26220.7070 use a controlled rollout. To get them as soon as they’re available for your device, turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option in Settings.
- Open Windows Update directly: ms-settings:windowsupdate
- Enable the “Get the latest updates” toggle and check for updates.
If you keep the toggle off, features will arrive later once Microsoft expands the rollout. Either way, you’ll continue to receive security and quality updates.
Known issues in build 26220.7070
| Component | Issue | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Start menu | May not open on mouse click for some users. | Press the Windows key to open Start while a fix is in progress. |
| Notification Center | May be impacted by the same issue above. | Use WIN+N as an alternative shortcut. |
| System tray | Some apps may not appear when they should. | No temporary fix; apps continue to run. Monitor upcoming builds. |
| File Explorer (copy dialog) | In dark mode, copy progress can flash when toggling more/less details. | Cosmetic only; copying proceeds normally. |
| File Explorer (copy dialog) | In dark mode with text scaling, scrollbar/footer may be missing or show a white block. | Reduce text scaling or switch to light mode as a temporary workaround. |
| Recall | Some devices show “no eligible camera” even when hardware is eligible. | Feature availability will resume after a fix; no user action needed. |
To report a problem with this build, use the Feedback Hub: feedback-hub:
Dev ↔ Beta channel switching window
Because Dev and Beta are currently receiving the same 25H2-based builds, Insiders have a limited-time window to move from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel. Once Dev advances to a higher build, the switch window closes and Dev may become less stable. If you prefer a steadier cadence, consider moving to Beta while both channels are aligned.
Rollout model and 25H2 baseline
This build sits on the Windows 11, version 25H2 baseline and uses an enablement package to light up features on top of 26220.xxxx. Many experiences ship via controlled feature rollout, so you might see features at different times from other Insiders. Some previewed features can change, be replaced, or never ship broadly; localization may also lag during development.
Quick checklist before you update
- Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle in Windows Update if you want features immediately.
- If your Start menu doesn’t open on click after updating, use the Windows key until a fix lands.
- If you rely on system tray app icons, be aware some may not appear in this build.
- Expect visual quirks in the File Explorer copy dialog in dark mode; these do not affect file operations.
Build 26220.7070 is a small but useful: Widgets open where you expect, recovery gets attention under the hood, and Smart App Control tightens its guardrails. With the channels in lockstep for now, it’s also the easiest time to choose where you want to test from—just don’t wait until Dev moves ahead.
