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Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1685 (C…

by ailona•

Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1685 to the Canary Channel, improving storage cleanup reliability and adding voice typing for File Explorer renaming. Canary builds can be unstable, use controlled rollouts, may require a clean install to exit, and display a pre-release watermark.

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1685 arrived in the Canary Channel today. This build adds storage cleanup reliability and voice typing in File Explorer renames.

Main feature and impact

Build 28020.1685 improves removing Windows Update and windows.old files via Settings > System > Storage. The change reduces failed cleanup operations after major updates. This lowers disk usage retention risks and simplifies rollback scenarios. Administrators and power users will see fewer manual cleanup steps. The build also enables voice typing when renaming files in File Explorer.

Practical implications

Canary Channel delivery means early access with instability risk. Features are rolled out via Control Feature Rollout, starting with a subset of Insiders. Expect gradual ramp-up and limited documentation initially. Test systems should be nonproduction to avoid disruption. Report localization and functional issues through Feedback Hub to help finalize features for wider channels.
“Hello Windows Insiders, today we are releasing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1685 to the Canary Channel.” “Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on.”
These changes matter for testers and IT staff evaluating update cleanup reliability improvements. Monitor Insider feedback and diagnostic telemetry to validate behavior in your environments. If you need to exit the Canary Channel, plan a clean install of Windows 11 as required.

Key points from the article:

  • Canary release: Build 28020.1685 available to Insiders
  • Improved removal of Windows Update and windows.old files
  • Voice typing now works when renaming files in File Explorer
  • Features roll out gradually via Control Feature Rollout
  • Leaving Canary requires a clean install of Windows 11

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