Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 27788 to the Canary Channel for Windows Insiders. This build brings a significant update to Windows MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) Services, introduces a new “Resume” feature, and includes improvements to File Explorer and the Settings app. Furthermore, this release addresses several crash issues found in the Taskbar, Windows Search, Settings, and Lock Screen.
Windows 11 Build 27788 (Canary)
Here are the key changes included in the Canary Channel build for Windows 11 users:
New File Explorer with Tab Recovery
This Windows 11 release in the Canary Channel features an updated File Explorer. If the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option is enabled in the “Folder Options” settings, your open tabs will now be restored upon restarting.
Additionally, the logic of the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” option in the “Sign in options” page has been updated. Enabling this feature will now automatically enable the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option.
The build also introduces the ability to snooze or disable the “Start backup” reminder in the File Explorer address bar.
New MIDI Services
Microsoft is introducing the first public preview of the new Windows MIDI Services, a substantial update to MIDI support. This release overhauls the MIDI system, enhancing functionality for musicians, music producers, and developers.
The new MIDI stack supports MIDI 2.0, improving speed, precision, and flexibility while ensuring compatibility across x64 and Arm64 devices. This update provides a modern and flexible platform for MIDI applications, with better performance and broader hardware support.
What is MIDI?
MIDI is a standard protocol introduced in 1983 that facilitates communication between electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices. It is commonly used for:
- Synchronizing synthesizers, drum machines, and stage lighting.
- Recording and playing back musical performances.
- Controlling audio equipment in live performances and studios.
- Enabling more expressive musical interactions with MIDI 2.0.
Windows MIDI Services’ Key Features
According to Microsoft, the new MIDI system includes these key features:
- Higher-fidelity messages and increased controller resolution.
- Bi-directional communication for smarter device interactions.
- Improved timing and reduced latency, especially over USB.
- New USB MIDI 2.0 Class Driver supports MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 devices and improves speed, reliability, and transfer mechanisms.
- Multi-client support allowing multiple apps to use the same MIDI device simultaneously.
- Automatic translation between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0.
Microsoft is also offering new tools as part of the Windows MIDI Services App SDK (available on GitHub), including:
- MIDI Console (
midi.exe) – Send/monitor messages, check system status. - MIDI Diagnostics (
mididiag.exe) – Troubleshooting tool. - MIDI Kernel Streaming Info (
midiksinfo.exe) – Hardware-focused tool. - MIDI Settings App – Manage endpoints, rename ports, and set up loopback devices.
Microsoft is also working on additional features:
- Network MIDI 2.0 transport for wireless MIDI connections.
- Virtual patch-bay for easier device routing.
- BLE MIDI 1.0 transport rewrite for better Bluetooth MIDI performance.
Windows MIDI Services is open-source (MIT-licensed), which means developers can contribute to and integrate it into their software, ensuring long-term support.
New Dynamic Cards for Settings’ Home Page
Build 27788 adds two cards to the Settings app’s home page, displaying enterprise-specific device information and accessibility preferences.
Also, managed computers logged in with a Microsoft account and a work account will see another card indicating the presence of the different accounts.
New Resume Feature
Windows 11 build 27788 introduces the “Resume” feature. Enabling this feature allows you to receive a notification on your desktop to pick up where you left off on a document, provided you started working on it from your OneDrive account on your phone and unlock your computer within five minutes of that activity.
This feature requires using the same Microsoft account across devices. It does not support work and school accounts and is only compatible with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and PDF files.
Enabling the Resume Feature
Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps.
Step 3: Select Resume.
Step 4: Toggle the Resume feature to the On position.
Other Fixes and Improvements
Microsoft has also implemented fixes for networking, stability, and peripherals:
- Addressed a crash loop affecting the Taskbar, Windows Search, Settings, and Lock Screen.
- Resolved a “SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION” bugcheck.
- Corrected the display of virtual NIC descriptions in “ncpa.cpl,” fixing garbled character issues.
- Fixed a problem preventing scanning apps from detecting connected scanners.
- Improved the color scheme for selected items in MMC, including enhancements for contrast modes.
Installation Process
To get this build, enroll your device in the Canary Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings, found in the “Update & Security” section of the Settings app.
Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security.
Step 3: Select Windows Insider Program.
Step 4: Choose the Canary Channel.
Step 5: Go back to the Windows Update section in Settings.
Step 6: Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option.
Step 7: Click the “Check for Updates” button.
The latest Windows 11 Insider build offers a range of improvements and new features for users in the Canary Channel. These updates enhance the overall user experience by improving MIDI functionality, file management, and system stability.