Gamers rejoice! Windows 11 will soon let you keep HDR off for games, but have it enabled for streaming videos.

What you need to know

Microsoft shipped Windows 11 Build 27686 to Insiders in the Canary Channel recently.
The tech giant then rolled out several additional features to the build.
One notable change is that you can now set your Power Mode for when your PC is plugged in or on battery through the Settings app.
The build also adds the option to allow HDR video streaming when you have HDR disabled.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast who’s spent countless hours tinkering with Windows operating systems, I can’t help but be excited about the latest developments with Windows 11 Build 27686. The ability to manage my PC’s power mode directly from the Settings app is a game-changer, making it easier and more intuitive for users like me.

In the latest Windows 11 Build (27686), now available for Insiders in the Canary Channel, the Settings app has been updated to allow you to customize your PC’s power settings based on whether it’s plugged in or running on battery power. This update also introduces a new High Dynamic Range (HDR) option and includes numerous bug fixes and enhancements.

Previously, adjusting a PC’s power settings for when it was connected or running on battery required using the Control Panel, but this new development brings the option into the Windows 11 Settings app, making it more accessible and demonstrating Microsoft’s ongoing initiative to transfer features into that centralized platform.

On August 15, 2024, Microsoft unveiled all the latest updates in their build. The day after, they introduced more new features. One of the features rolled out on August 16, 2024, was a new power mode setting within the Settings app. Another change that followed was the ability to stream HDR videos even when HDR is turned off. This feature is convenient for those who prefer HDR while watching videos but not during other activities like gaming. It’s refreshing to see this option, especially since many top PC games don’t look as good with HDR enabled.

Windows 11 Build 27686

Windows Sandbox Client Preview

This build includes the new Windows Sandbox Client Preview that is now updated via the Microsoft Store. As part of this preview, we’re introducing runtime clipboard redirection, audio/video input control, and the ability to share folders with the host at runtime. You can access these via the new “…” icon at the upper right on the app. Additionally, this preview includes a super early version of command line support (commands may change over time). You can use ‘wsb.exe –help’ command for more information.

General

Some features that were previously rolled out to Insiders in the Canary Channel may disappear as we flight newer 27xxx series builds. These features should begin rolling out again to Insiders over time.

Settings

In response to feedback, we have added a detach virtual hard disk (VHD/`VHDx) button to Settings making it much simpler to detach your VHD/VHDx as needed. This option is available under Settings > System > Storage > Disks & Volumes, in the properties for your VHD/VHDx.
We’re beginning to roll out improvements to Settings > System > Power & battery including the ability to set your Power Mode for both when your PC is plugged in when it’s on battery along with a few other UI improvements to the page.
On PCs with HDR displays, we have added the option to allow HDR video streaming even when HDR is off under Settings > System > Display > HDR.

Networking

To help us evaluate future improvements in network performance, your device may periodically run network tests in the background to collect diagnostic data. These tests will use a small amount of data (up to 10MB/day) and will only run on Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections that are not marked as metered. This will only occur on PCs in the Canary Channel running Build 27686 and higher.

2024-08-19 16:09