Microsoft has recently launched Windows 11 build 25992 for Insiders on the Canary channel. This new version includes a variety of updates for the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, as well as enhancements for File Explorer, the Settings app, and more.

For IT professionals, here are the important SMB changes to take note of:
– SMB firewall rule changes: Windows now configures the new “File and Printer Sharing (Restrictive)” group automatically when creating an SMB share, omitting inbound NetBIOS ports 137-139 for enhanced security.
– SMB NTLM blocking exception list: The SMB client now allows the specification of exception lists for NTLM usage, after adding support for blocking NTLM for remote outbound connections in the Canary build 25951.
– SMB alternative client and server ports: The SMB client now supports connection to an SMB server over TCP, QUIC, or RDMA using alternative network ports.
– SMB over QUIC client access control certificate changes: File Explorer performance should now be improved, and an issue causing the Personalization and Privacy & Security settings pages to display blank options or crash the app if clicked has been fixed.

In addition to these changes, there is also a new update for the Snipping Tool being released to all Insiders on the Canary Channel. It brings improved support for HDR displays, resulting in better quality screenshots and screen recordings in HDR.