active development Archives

Winsage

April 8, 2025

WSUS Driver Synchronization: Microsoft postpones end

Microsoft has postponed the discontinuation of driver distribution via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), originally set for April 18, due to substantial user feedback. WSUS Driver Synchronization, initially marked as “deprecated,” will continue to be supported and operational, although it will not receive active development. Microsoft acknowledged the needs of users in disconnected environments and will maintain the service for synchronizing driver updates from the Windows Update Service and importing updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The company is also developing a new roadmap to streamline services and promote alternative technologies like Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch for Windows 11 devices.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5160 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5160 (KB5053654) has been released for the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 23H2. Windows 11, version 24H2 is also available as an optional upgrade for Insiders in the Beta Channel. New features include: - A speech recap feature in Narrator that allows users to track and reference spoken content, with a history of the last 500 strings spoken. Users can access this feature using keyboard shortcuts. - Copilot on Windows can now be launched with Win + C, and users can customize their Copilot key. It includes a press-to-talk feature for voice interaction. - The Windows share window has been enhanced to allow quick editing options for images, including cropping and applying filters. - A new FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page to provide users with quick answers about their PC. Fixes include resolving delays in app icons appearing in the Start menu and updating the logic for desktop app icons to enhance visibility. Known issues include a flashing context menu in the Start menu and a crash issue with Narrator that can be resolved by restarting the PC. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2 through an enablement package, and features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (KB5054687) has been released to the Dev Channel. The Dev Channel has transitioned to the 26200 series builds, closing the opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel. The 26200 series is based on Windows 11, version 24H2. Enhancements to Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs include semantic indexing for more intuitive searches, allowing users to find documents, photos, and settings using natural language. Users can manage indexed locations in Settings and the feature supports multiple languages and document formats. The improved Windows Search can also locate cloud-stored photos, with users needing to sign into OneDrive for access. A new feature called speech recap has been introduced in Narrator, allowing users to track what has been spoken and providing quick access to the last 500 strings spoken. A streamlined UI for unexpected restarts is being previewed. The Copilot can now be launched with Win + C, and users can personalize their experience through Settings. Click to Do is available from the Start menu and supports intelligent text actions in multiple languages. The Windows share window now includes a visual preview for shared links and image editing capabilities. Several fixes have been made to improve performance and address issues in Taskbar, File Explorer, Login and Lock, Windowing, and Settings. Known issues include problems with Recall and File Explorer crashes for some users. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and feature rollouts are monitored for feedback.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27823 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27823 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. The update includes general enhancements and fixes, a new feature called "top cards" under Settings > System > About that displays essential PC specifications (processor, RAM, storage, GPU), and various bug fixes across File Explorer, Input, Login and Lock, Settings, Printing, and other areas. Known issues include a potential loss of Windows Hello PIN for users transitioning from other channels and a visual issue with the update toggle in Settings. A fix is being worked on for taskbar icon sizing in tablet mode. Insiders are reminded that Canary Channel builds may change and are not aligned with specific Windows releases.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Microsoft begins testing next phase of Windows 11 — Dev Channel to flight new platform changes

Microsoft is testing platform changes in Windows 11 for Insiders in the Dev Channel, introducing new builds in the 26200 range as a precursor to version 25H2, expected later this year. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 SoC requires platform modifications previously exclusive to the Windows Canary Channel, which Microsoft is backporting to the Dev Channel to support devices with the X2 chip on Germanium-based Windows 11. Germanium is the platform for version 24H2, and while it is unclear if version 25H2 will use the same platform, the backporting suggests a strong possibility. This initiative aims to enhance performance, security, and user experience while streamlining servicing processes for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft is working to minimize fragmentation among its Windows platforms, currently supporting Vibranium, Nickel, and Germanium. With Windows 10 support ending in October, Microsoft may consolidate users onto a single platform, likely Germanium, as version 25H2 is anticipated in the latter half of the year, coinciding with the expiration of support for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 10 version 22H2.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3585 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3585 (KB5053644) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2. The build introduces improved Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs, featuring local semantic search that allows users to find documents, photos, and settings using natural language. Users can search for local files and cloud-stored photos by describing their content. This feature is available for personal OneDrive accounts and will support third-party cloud services in the future. Fixes include enhanced performance for extracting zipped files in File Explorer, adjustments to the web sign-in icon, and resolution of issues causing slow closure of File Explorer. Known issues include difficulties with Recall and crashes in Settings and File Explorer for some users. A reboot may be necessary to activate the improved Windows Search features.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Windows 10 KB5053606 issues, install fails, printer spooler buggy and more

Windows 10 KB5053606 update, released on March 11, has caused installation issues for users, including failure to install and bypassing user-set upgrade blocks. Reports indicate that the update attempts to install automatically, leading to frustration among users. Common error messages, such as 0x80070020, have been reported, with some systems stuck on the logo screen. The update has also resulted in disappearing taskbar icons, reverted desktop personalization settings, and sluggish system performance. Additionally, printer spooler problems have been noted by system administrators after the update, causing slow loading and program crashes. There are speculations that Microsoft may be destabilizing Windows 10 to encourage users to switch to Windows 11, which has its own issues.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

I tried Android Auto’s latest global radio streaming app, but it’s not quite ready for drive time

Non Stop Radio is an app that launched in November 2024, providing access to international radio stations, including those from the US. It features a straightforward interface on Android and Android Auto, with two main screens for current stations and favorited stations. Users can manage favorite stations easily and explore content by genre or country, although sorting can be inconsistent. The app has a colorful interface but suffers from navigation challenges, a lack of a master search function, and UI issues like light gray text on a white background. Some stations may not work, which can be disappointing for users. Non Stop Radio is ad-free and is actively being developed, with plans for future updates to improve functionality and add more stations.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

Windows 10 security risks are now more of a reality for users

As of February 2025, the proportion of Windows 10 users has fallen to 58.7%, while Windows 11's user base has risen to 38.2%. Many businesses are adopting Windows 11 during hardware refresh cycles rather than upgrading existing machines. Microsoft has introduced a 12-month security extension option for Windows 10 users, requiring enrollment, as the operating system will no longer receive security updates after October 14. There are concerns about Microsoft's enforcement of end-of-life directives and the possibility of providing free security updates for outdated software in response to severe cybersecurity incidents.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27808 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27808 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. A significant update to the Task Manager has been initiated, aligning CPU utilization metrics with industry standards, and a new optional CPU Utility column is available on the Details tab. Several fixes have been made, including resolving issues with popular games, printing bugs, blank search windows, Settings app crashes, inaccurate battery icon colors, and BitLocker performance. Known issues include a d3d9.dll crash affecting application launches and a warning for Copilot+ PCs transitioning to the Canary Channel regarding the loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics. Enhancements to the Microsoft Store include a new spotlight design and updates to the Downloads page. Insiders in the Canary Channel are reminded that builds may not correspond to specific releases and may evolve or be removed. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel.