Microsoft is now rolling out Windows 11 build 27788 in the Canary Channel for the Windows Insider Program. This build includes a complete overhaul of the Windows MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) Services, introduces the Resume feature in the channel, and rolls out improvements to File Explorer and the Settings app.
This release also rolls out several fixes for crashes occurring in the Taskbar, Windows Search, Settings, and Lock Screen.
Windows 11 build 27788 (Canary)
These are the most important changes rolling out in Canary Channel for Windows 11 users:
New MIDI Services
Microsoft is introducing the first public preview of the new Windows MIDI Services, marking the most significant update to MIDI support for the operating system in years. This release features a complete rewrite of the MIDI system, enhancing functionality for musicians, music producers, and developers.
The new MIDI stack is designed to support MIDI 2.0, improving speed, precision, and flexibility while ensuring compatibility across x64 and Arm64 devices. This update delivers 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 allows communication between electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices. It is often 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 the company, these are the key features of the new MIDI system:
- 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 that allows multiple apps to use the same MIDI device at the same time.
- Automatic translation between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0.
Microsoft is also offering several 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.
Alongside these improvements, Microsoft is actively working on additional features, including:
- 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.
Additionally, Windows MIDI Services is open-source (MIT-licensed), which means developers can contribute to and integrate it into their software and ensure long-term support.
New Resume feature
Windows 11 build 27788 introduces the “Resume” feature. When you enable the feature, if you start working on a document from your OneDrive account on your phone after you unlock your computer within five minutes of working with the file, a notification will appear on the desktop to pick up where you left off on your computer.
You must be using the Microsoft account across devices. It doesn’t work for work and school accounts, and it’s only supported for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and PDF files.
You can turn on the feature on Settings > Apps > Resume.
New File Explorer with tab recover
In addition, this release of Windows 11 in the Canary Channel ships an updated version of File Explorer that will now restore your open tabs if the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option is turned on in the “Folder Options” settings.
In addition, Microsoft is updating the logic of the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” option in the “Sign in options” page, so when you turn on this feature, the system will also turn on the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option.
Furthermore, Windows 11 build 27788 also rolls out the option to snooze or turn off the “Start backup” reminder in the File Explorer address bar.
New dynamic cards for Settings’ Home page
Build 27788 adds two additional cards to the Settings app’s home page, which shows enterprise-specific device information and accessibility preferences.
Also, managed computers logged in with a Microsoft account in addition to a work account will also see another card indicating the presence of the different accounts.
Other fixes and improvements
Microsoft is also pushing some fixes regarding 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 the garbled character issue.
- Fixed a problem that prevented scanning apps from detecting connected scanners.
- Improved the color scheme for selected items in MMC, including enhancements for contrast modes.
Installation process
To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your device in the Canary Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.