Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000 Focuses on New Chip Support
Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000 today, November 10, 2024, but the update is primarily geared toward supporting upcoming processor technology rather than delivering major user-facing changes.
According to a post on the Windows Blog, the 26H1 update “is not a feature update for version 25H2 and only includes platform changes to support specific silicon.” This means users won’t see significant alterations to the operating system’s core functionality or interface. Microsoft is concentrating on optimizing Windows 11 for new Windows-on-Arm platforms, including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite processors and NVIDIA’s N1 and N1x SoCs developed with MediaTek.
The company anticipates utilizing an enablement package (eKB) to activate the new functionality, similar to the approach taken with the 25H2 update. This method allows for smaller download sizes and faster installation times, streamlining the update process for users. This focus on hardware compatibility is crucial as the PC market shifts towards more diverse chip architectures, potentially impacting performance and software availability.
Microsoft previously prioritized security enhancements in the 25H2 update, removing deprecated features like PowerShell 2.0 and the Windows Management Instrumentation command-line tool due to security vulnerabilities. Officials stated that no action is required from current customers regarding the 26H1 build, and they will continue to monitor performance and stability as the new silicon becomes more widely available.
Microsoft is focusing on providing full support for the new Windows-on-Arm platforms, which are expected to be released soon. These platforms include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite processors and NVIDIA’s N1 and N1x SoCs, developed in collaboration with MediaTek. This new hardware requires optimization from Microsoft to ensure the best experience on Windows 11, so the company is dedicating most of the 26H1 work to this effort. It is anticipated that, similar to the 25H2 update, Microsoft will use an enablement package (eKB) to activate new functionality in 26H1. Although there is no confirmation yet on whether 25H2 and 26H1 share the same code base and servicing branch, it is assumed that they do, allowing Microsoft to simply deploy the 26H1 eKB to activate features for the new hardware. The eKB method reduces package size and installation time, making the transition to the new OS version as simple as a reboot.
If readers recall, the Windows 25H2 update was also relatively minor in terms of new functionality. With the 25H2 update, Microsoft did not focus on major behind-the-scenes changes or a visual redesign, which were common in previous updates. Instead, the emphasis was primarily on enhancing security. For example, Microsoft removed features like PowerShell 2.0 and the Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC) tool during installation, as these had been deprecated due to security vulnerabilities. Additionally, IT administrators now have the option to remove pre-installed Microsoft default apps using Group Policy or MDM CSP on Enterprise and EDU devices.
