Windows 11 build 26052 is full of new features, but it can wipe your data away if you step back

The recent release of build 26052 for the Dev and Canary channels introduces exciting new features but carries significant risks, particularly a critical data loss bug. Before installing or attempting to roll back from this build, it’s crucial to understand the potential consequences.

The most concerning aspect of build 26052 is a bug that can wipe data on your Dev Drive during a rollback to previous Dev, or Canary builds. While Microsoft acknowledged the issue and released an updated note emphasizing the risk, some users unfortunately learned the hard way before the warning was published. Here is the tweet.

If you’ve already installed the build and need to roll back, it is important to thoroughly back up your Dev Drive to avoid data loss. Backing up your data is paramount to ensure your critical data is safe and you can restore it if required. Therefore, it is suggested to always keep a backup of your data to mitigate the risks of data loss.

Furthermore, for those eager to explore new features, testing on a spare computer or virtual machine is safer than using a critical system for testing. Using a non-critical system for testing is a safer alternative, and it can help you avoid any potential risks involved with data loss. Hence, exploring new features on a testing system rather than on your primary device is recommended.

Windows Insider builds are pre-release software designed for testing and feedback. They inherently carry a higher risk of encountering bugs and unexpected behavior. While the potential benefits of early access to new features are enticing, always prioritize the safety and integrity of your data on your primary device.