Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27868 Introduces Immersive Voice Access and Key Bug Fixes

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27868 is now available in the Canary Channel, introducing an immersive voice access experience and multiple bug fixes. Key updates include improved pen input, app launch fixes, and virtualization changes. Known issues remain under investigation. Unique :

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27868: What’s New in the Canary Channel

Microsoft just dropped Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27868 for the Canary Channel. This early-stage build offers fresh updates and bug fixes, but keep in mind it’s experimental. If you’re a tech enthusiast eager to test bleeding-edge features, this build is for you.

Voice Access Gets an Immersive Upgrade

One standout update is the revamped Voice Access feature. Now, it includes an immersive in-product experience that highlights new voice control improvements. This helps users quickly discover and try out new voice commands without hunting through menus.

“Voice access will now support an immersive in-product experience to announce new features and improvements.”

You can launch or dismiss this feature directly from the settings menu, making it easy to explore voice control enhancements.

Key Fixes You Should Know About

Build 27868 addresses several annoying bugs. Pen input issues on some devices have been fixed, restoring smooth inking and touch interactions. Additionally, Microsoft resolved a problem that prevented apps like Spotify from launching or installing, which was causing error 0x8007003

Group Policy Editor rendering glitches in languages like Chinese have also been fixed. Plus, the build tackles a SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED bugcheck that some Insiders encountered recently.

Known Issues Still in Play

Despite improvements, some bugs remain. For example, Copilot+ PC users switching to the Canary Channel might lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics temporarily. Also, the taskbar might not show acrylic effects, and high-sampling audio devices (192Hz+) could fail to produce sound.

Another heads-up: Task Manager’s search and filtering options don’t work yet. Plus, virtualization apps like VMware will need the “Windows Hypervisor Platform” optional component installed to run properly.

“If you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC… you will lose Windows Hello pin and biometrics.”

Why the Canary Channel Matters

The Canary Channel is where Microsoft experiments with new Windows features early in development. These builds don’t guarantee final release and may change or disappear based on feedback.

Features often roll out gradually using Control Feature Rollout technology, so not everyone gets them at once. Also, some features might appear first in the Dev or Beta Channels before hitting Canary.

Remember, switching out of Canary requires a clean Windows 11 install. The desktop watermark is normal for these pre-release builds.

Final Thoughts

Build 27868 offers exciting voice access improvements and important bug fixes, but it’s still rough around the edges. If you love testing new Windows tech and don’t mind occasional glitches, jump in. Otherwise, consider waiting for more polished releases in the Beta or Release Preview Channels.

Voice access now features an immersive in-product guide to highlight new capabilities.

Pen input responsiveness restored on select PCs supporting inking.

Fixes address app launch errors like Spotify’s 0x80070032 installation failure.

Virtualization Based Security requires the Windows Hypervisor Platform for apps like VMware Workstation.

Task Manager’s search and filter functions are currently non-functional in this build.

From the Windows Blog