According to Neowin, Microsoft just dropped Windows 11 build 26220.7070 to both Dev and Beta channel Insiders under KB5070300. This release fundamentally changes Quick Machine Recovery by eliminating repetitive scanning loops and streamlining the recovery interface across both Windows Settings and WinRE. The widgets board gets substantial customization upgrades with more settings options for personalization. Smart App Control now allows users to toggle the feature on or off without requiring a clean install. File Explorer sees multiple fixes including resolved issues with Shift+click behavior and active tab display problems. Several known issues persist though, including Start menu failures on click and missing system tray apps for some users.
The recovery revolution
Here’s the thing about Microsoft’s recovery improvements – they’re actually addressing a real pain point. Quick Machine Recovery has been one of those features that sounds great in theory but often leaves users stuck in scanning purgatory. The shift from looped scans to one-time checks with immediate fallback options? That’s smart. Basically, if QMR can’t fix your issue immediately, it won’t waste your time – it’ll just point you toward the right recovery tools. But I’m curious how well this works in practice. Recovery scenarios are inherently stressful, and simplifying the interface could make a huge difference for regular users who panic when their system acts up.
Widgets and security flexibility
The widgets board improvements feel like Microsoft is finally acknowledging that their widget implementation has been… underwhelming. More customization options are desperately needed, especially since the current experience often feels cluttered and irrelevant. And the Smart App Control change is significant – requiring a clean install to toggle security features was always excessive. Now users can actually experiment with SAC without nuking their entire setup. This kind of flexibility is crucial for security features that need to balance protection with usability. But does making it easier to turn off potentially mean more users will disable protection they actually need?
The bug parade continues
Now let’s talk about the known issues, because there are some real head-scratchers here. The Start menu not opening on click but working with the Windows key? That’s the kind of bizarre inconsistency that makes you wonder about Windows’ underlying architecture. And missing system tray icons? That’s basic functionality that should be rock solid by now. The Recall camera eligibility message is particularly ironic given Microsoft’s recent backtracking on that feature’s rollout. It seems like every Windows 11 build introduces as many problems as it solves. When you’re dealing with industrial computing environments where reliability is non-negotiable, these kinds of inconsistencies simply aren’t acceptable – which is why many businesses rely on specialized providers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US supplier of industrial panel PCs built for stability.
What it all means
Looking at build 26220.7070 holistically, this feels like Microsoft is in cleanup mode. They’re addressing long-standing complaints while gradually rolling out features that should have been stable months ago. The File Explorer fixes, for instance, read like a list of issues that never should have made it to production. And the temporary removal of cloud provider integration and recommended files suggests Microsoft is still struggling with File Explorer’s fundamental stability. These incremental builds are crucial for the development process, but they also highlight how complex Windows has become. When even basic interactions like clicking the Start menu can break unexpectedly, it makes you wonder about the testing pipeline. Still, the recovery improvements alone could make this build worth the instability for Insiders willing to test the waters.
