Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Microsoft began rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25951.1010 (KB5031089) to Canary Channel testers on September 15, 2023. Microsoft said the update included nothing new: its purpose was to test the servicing pipeline. The SMB changes sometimes associated with this release arrived in the underlying Build 25951, announced two days earlier—not in KB5031089.
What Microsoft released
Build 25951 was announced for the Windows Insider Canary Channel on September 13, 2023. On September 15, Microsoft updated its announcement to say that Canary Insiders would receive cumulative update Build 25951.1010, KB5031089. That makes .1010 a servicing revision of the 25951 flight, not a separate public Windows 11 feature release. Microsoft’s announcement describes the update as a test of the servicing pipeline and says it “does not include anything new.” The Windows Insider Flight Hub records the original 25951 Canary release on September 13.
Why test an update with no visible changes?
Windows servicing is the process of delivering and installing updates on an existing Windows build. Testing that pipeline can help validate the update path even when the update is not intended to add a user-facing feature. In general, that process involves such things as whether an update is offered to eligible devices, installs, and completes its restart and versioning steps. Microsoft identified servicing-pipeline testing as the purpose of KB5031089; it did not publicly enumerate the individual checks performed.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
So “no new features” should be read as a statement about documented user-facing content, not proof that nothing changed internally. The value of this release for Microsoft was exercising delivery and servicing on Canary builds.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
The SMB features belong to Build 25951, not KB5031089
The original Build 25951 release did contain changes. Keeping the two version numbers distinct matters: those features were part of the base Canary flight, not additions attributed to the .1010 servicing update.
- Block NTLM for outbound SMB connections: Build 25951 added controls for blocking NTLM when an SMB client connects to a remote server. Microsoft described management through Group Policy and PowerShell. Limiting NTLM exposure over SMB can reduce the risk of sending challenge-response data to a deceptive or malicious server. This is an SMB-specific control; it should not be taken to mean that the feature disables every use of NTLM across Windows.
- Manage SMB server dialects: Administrators gained controls for choosing which SMB 2 and SMB 3 dialects the server negotiates. This can help organizations restrict older protocol versions, with the trade-off that older or less capable devices may no longer connect.
- Adjust the lock-screen network flyout: Microsoft made it more closely resemble the network flyout available from taskbar Quick Settings.
These changes are detailed in Microsoft’s Build 25951 notes. They are not a feature list for KB5031089.
Rank #2
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
Who could get KB5031089?
The update was for devices receiving the relevant Canary Channel Insider flight through Windows Update. It was not a general cumulative update for stable-release Windows 11 PCs, and ordinary stable-channel users should not expect to find KB5031089 offered to them.
Microsoft’s Insider enrollment guide gives the Settings path: Settings → Windows Update → Windows Insider Program. Enrollment and channel availability depend on the device and account; joining Insider is not a reason to put a Canary build on a machine that needs to remain dependable.
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Install and verify it on an enrolled Canary PC
- Open Settings → Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates and install the Insider update offered for the device.
- Restart when prompted.
- Run
winver, or open Settings → System → About, and check that the OS build is 25951.1010. You can also check Windows Update history to confirm the update entry.
If it does not appear, first confirm that the PC is still enrolled in Canary and that the correct Microsoft account is associated with the Insider settings. Check again in Windows Update after a restart, and consider whether organization policies or device management restrict preview updates. Microsoft’s Insider troubleshooting guidance covers enrollment, account, channel, and update-availability checks. The original Build 25951 announcement also listed an ISO for that flight; that does not establish that a separate ISO was available for the later .1010 revision.
Canary risks and known issues
Canary builds are experimental, not routine previews for a production PC. Microsoft warned that they receive limited validation and documentation and may contain serious problems; in rare cases, resolving them may require reinstalling Windows. It also cautioned that some popular games might not work correctly. The Build 25951 announcement said Microsoft was investigating reports that the print queue was inaccessible on that build. That was a reported issue under investigation—not a fix delivered by KB5031089.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Before installing a Canary build, back up important files and have a recovery plan. A secondary test device is a better fit than a computer needed every day for work, school, business, or gaming. If installation fails, verify the build in winver and review update history before retrying. A failed download, an installation rollback, and a system that becomes unstable after a successful update can have different causes. Do not assume a rollback will always be available; use backups or Windows recovery options where appropriate, and submit reproducible problems through Feedback Hub. Microsoft’s warning means a full reinstall may sometimes be necessary.
Should you install it?
If you were already testing Canary on a secondary device and wanted to help validate preview servicing, installing the offered update was reasonable. If you expected visible improvements, KB5031089 had none documented. If you depend on the PC, need reliable game compatibility, or want a stable supported Windows release, Canary is a poor fit. Do not enroll solely to obtain this historical servicing test.
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Does Canary point to a specific future Windows release?
No. Microsoft cautioned that Canary builds are not matched to a specific Windows release. A feature tested in Canary could change, be dropped, or appear in another release later; Build 25951 is not evidence of a guaranteed preview of a particular numbered Windows version.
Leaving a high-risk Insider channel can also require care. Channel changes are subject to build and eligibility constraints, and a clean installation may be necessary to move to a lower or stable branch. Back up your data first; Microsoft notes that a clean install removes files, settings, and applications. See its Insider setup guidance and build-expiration guidance before changing course.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
