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Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26252 added richer Lock screen cards, a way to drag Start-menu apps onto the taskbar, and an HDR energy recommendation. Microsoft announced the Canary Channel flight on July 10, 2024, as “Build 26252”; a same-day Microsoft Q&A report identifies the installed OS build as 26252.5000 and Windows version 24H2. These were staged preview changes, not guaranteed features for every Insider or a promise about a future public Windows release.
What changed in Build 26252?
Richer Lock screen cards
Microsoft began rolling out an expanded “Weather and more” experience on the Lock screen, with dynamic finance, traffic, and sports updates alongside weather. The company said it had updated the card design with acrylic blur and changes to card size, spacing, and fonts. Look under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen to configure the Lock screen. The rollout was gradual, so the updated cards might not have appeared for every Canary Insider immediately. Microsoft’s Build 26252 announcement
Drag pinned Start apps to the taskbar
You could drag an app from the pinned section of the Start menu directly onto the taskbar to pin it there. This provides a direct alternative to navigating through an app’s context menu.
HDR energy recommendation
On PCs with HDR displays, Microsoft began rolling out an energy recommendation to turn HDR off to conserve energy. Find it at Settings > Power & battery > Energy recommendations. This is a recommendation, not evidence that the build automatically disabled HDR.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Evaluation-copy expiry information
Evaluation copies of Windows displayed expiry-date information under Settings > System > About.
Fixes included in the flight
Microsoft listed fixes across input, Settings, Task Manager, and Windows Update:
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
- Voice Typing errors affecting certain languages, including Chinese.
- Duplicate Pinyin input methods appearing after Windows Setup.
- Task Manager Performance-page colors in dark mode.
- Oversized icons for startup apps in Settings.
- Duplicated text in the slow-charger warning.
- A Windows Update page that showed no text for some Insiders after the previous flight.
Microsoft said the Windows Update page fix should still arrive automatically for affected users, though they might need to wait. The official release notes contain the full list of fixes and rollout details.
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Known issue: some Insiders were stuck on older builds
Microsoft said some Canary and Dev Insiders remained on Build 26040 or Build 23620 and that its investigation was ongoing. For an affected user who wanted the latest build immediately, Microsoft’s suggested workaround was to download the latest ISO, perform a clean Windows installation, then opt the device back into Canary or Dev flighting. This was a conditional workaround for the stuck-build issue, not a routine way to install Build 26252; a clean install can remove files and apps, so back up important data first.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
What Canary means for this build
Build 26252 was an experimental Canary Channel flight, not a release tied to a specific future Windows version. Microsoft cautioned that Canary features can change, be removed, or never ship beyond Windows Insiders. Some features use Controlled Feature Rollout, which starts with a subset of Insiders and may expand based on feedback; consequently, two devices on the same build could show different features. The desktop watermark is normal on these prerelease builds. Microsoft’s Canary guidance
Changing to a lower-build channel
Microsoft warned that moving from Canary to a channel receiving lower build numbers requires a clean Windows installation. Channel changes are therefore not equivalent to switching a simple setting: plan for a reinstall rather than assuming you can downgrade in place.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Build 26252 versus a public Windows release
The announcement establishes the preview features, fixes, and stated issue, but it does not provide performance benchmarks or a direct comparison with a generally available Windows build. There is no basis in the release notes for claiming that Build 26252 is faster, more stable, or better for everyday use than a retail release. Its defining trade-off is access to experimental features in exchange for staged availability and the possibility of changes or removal.
Sources and build identification
Microsoft’s release post is titled “Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26252 (Canary Channel)” and dates the announcement July 10, 2024. A same-day Microsoft Q&A report identifies an installed OS build as 26252.5000 and version 24H2. That distinction explains why the official flight name is Build 26252 while users may search for 26252.5000 24H2.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
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