Windows 11 testers received simultaneous updates to both the operating system and its classic Paint application this week, signaling Microsoft's commitment to modernizing legacy tools alongside core platform improvements.
New Insider Preview builds delivered to Canary and Dev Channels include a built-in network speed test accessible directly from system tray icons. The feature measures Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections through the default browser according to Microsoft's Windows Blog.
Taskbar search now displays exact result counts instead of approximations, while File Explorer's Folder Options dialog finally matches the system's dark theme consistency users have requested for years.
Shared audio controls received individual volume sliders for each listener when using two sets of Bluetooth LE Audio headphones.
Microsoft also tightened batch file security by introducing execution locks that prevent modification during runtime. The change improves performance by requiring signature validation only once instead of per statement executed.
Alongside ongoing OS updates, Paint continues to offer AI-powered capabilities including background removal with single-click operation (introduced in 2023) and a dark mode interface (added in 2023) that reduces eye strain during extended creative sessions.
The Sticker Generator tool creates custom stickers from text descriptions using DALL-E integration, while Object Select uses AI to isolate and edit specific elements within images.
Both setup and recovery updates arrived via KB5079271 and KB5079270 dynamic packages for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. These Safe OS Dynamic Updates improve the Windows Recovery Environment and will install automatically through Windows Update channels.
Paint's new features require Copilot+ PCs for full functionality, with Sticker Generator additionally needing Microsoft account sign-in.
The classic drawing application now includes a Welcome Experience pop-up that introduces users to recent additions when launching the app.
Canary Channel builds carry standard warnings about potential instability and limited documentation, with Microsoft noting that leaving this testing channel requires a clean Windows 11 installation. Many features roll out gradually starting with subset user groups before broader deployment.
