Microsoft has unveiled its latest update for the Windows 11 Beta Channel and Dev Channel Insider programs. The release, designated build 26220.7344, comes under the identifier KB5070316. This update introduces a host of new features, enhancements, and bug confirmations, aiming to enhance the user experience for participants in these channels.
A significant enhancement in this build is the automatic activation of the Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature on professional devices, following the precedent set for home PCs. Additionally, the Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP) is being implemented to streamline app updates, making them faster and more reliable.
The update also includes improvements to the Open with functionality, enhancing user accessibility. Furthermore, the public preview of support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) has been introduced, letting developers leverage new capabilities. Below, you’ll find detailed information about these changes.
Native Support for Model Context Protocol (MCP)
The latest version of Windows now natively supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard that provides AI agents a unified method to interact with various applications, tools, and services. This framework enables agents to seamlessly discover and engage with compatible tools through a secure Windows on-device registry (ODR).Within this environment, agent connectors maintain their unique identities and audit logs, ensuring security and manageability. The integration of MCP at the OS level delivers enhanced discoverability and control while empowering developers, IT professionals, and users to create and manage agent-based workflows efficiently.
This release features two built-in agent connectors:
- File Explorer Connector: This allows agents to manage, organize, and retrieve local files with user consent. On Copilot+ capable PCs, it enhances file search capabilities using natural language processing.
- Windows Settings Connector: This connector enables users on Copilot+ PCs to check and modify settings, or navigate to specific pages using natural language commands.
Enhancements in Quick Machine Recovery
The Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature is now enabled by default for non-domain joined Windows Professional devices, granting them features previously exclusive to home users. For enterprise systems that are domain-joined, QMR remains inactive unless activated by the organization.
Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP)
The rollout of the Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP) is now underway for Windows Insiders in both the Dev and Beta Channels. This platform aims to provide a more coherent and predictable experience for app updates, minimizing disruptions. Users will notice a new section within Settings > Apps > App Updates to monitor update progress and manage actions as needed.
How UOP Works
- Applications will register with UOP through APIs.
- UOP will prompt registered apps to scan, download, and install updates based on user activity and the current state of the system.
- Apps will continue to leverage their own systems for fetching updates while reporting their status back to UOP, which is visible on the App Updates page.
While no apps currently utilize UOP, it is partially enabled for Dev and Beta Channel Insiders and is expected to achieve full functionality soon, with API documentation forthcoming.
Launch of Windows MIDI Services
We are pleased to announce the formal launch of Windows MIDI Services, reaching the Dev and Beta Windows Insider channels today and set to roll out to retail Windows users in the upcoming months. This update focuses on enhancing the MIDI experience for musicians, supporting both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 standards.
We appreciate the invaluable feedback from Insiders who participated in the February 5, 2025, preview. The notable additions in this release include:
- Comprehensive support for WinMM MIDI 1.0 and WinRT MIDI 1.0, allowing any application to connect seamlessly to MIDI devices while enabling functionalities such as multiple applications accessing a single MIDI port.
- Enhanced loopback and app-to-app MIDI connections.
- Numerous performance upgrades and bug resolution thanks to our engaged community.
The MIDI App SDK and Tools package will be available independently of Windows, allowing access to new MIDI 2.0 capabilities and essential management tools.
For musicians, we encourage you to experiment with Windows MIDI Services, connecting with your existing applications and devices. Join our discussions on Discord for assistance or to provide feedback! Known issues related to this service can be accessed here.
Updates on the “Open with”Feature
The Open With feature has been upgraded so that if a necessary application is not installed, users will see an option to install it directly instead of needing to search the Microsoft Store. This enhancement provides a more efficient way to locate and install required applications.
Bug Fixes and Improvements
Key fixes with this release include:
- Search: Resolved an issue causing the search window to float above the taskbar.
- File Explorer: Fixed issues with AI Actions and improved search performance for certain SMB shares.
- Windows Hello: Addressed fingerprint recognition failures encountered by some users.
- Display and Graphics: Fixed an issue that prevented the Project pane from appearing correctly.
- Xbox Full Screen Experience: The virtual keyboard now functions properly for controller users on non-touch devices.
Known Issues
- Xbox Full Screen Experience: Some applications may exhibit unexpected behavior within this mode.
- Taskbar & System Tray: Users may experience issues with the Start menu failing to open on click, yet it remains accessible via the Windows key.
- File Explorer: Ongoing work to address the appearance of missing scrollbars in dark mode and navigation-related issues.
To read the complete official blog post, visit here on Microsoft’s website.
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