administrator protection Archives

Winsage

August 17, 2026

Windows 11 movable taskbar edges closer to general release

Windows 11 has introduced a movable taskbar in the Release Preview Channel, allowing users to position it at the top, left, or right of the screen, in addition to the bottom. This feature returns after being removed from Windows 11 and follows testing in the Windows Insider Program. The Release Preview also includes a compact taskbar option with smaller icons and reduced height, customization options for the Start menu (small and large layouts), and updates to Windows Search that enhance reliability by filtering out Microsoft Store and web suggestions. Additionally, Administrator protection is now available for elevated tasks using just-in-time privileges, which can be activated through Intune or Group Policy. Microsoft has officially retired the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC), which has been deprecated and absent in new installations of Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users are advised to use PowerShell as the preferred alternative.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Windows 11 is dangerously close to letting you move the taskbar

Windows 11 users can now reposition the taskbar to the top or either side of the screen in the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, with a broader rollout expected with the September Patch Tuesday update. Additional enhancements include a more customizable Start menu, improved Windows Search, and a faster File Explorer. Users can choose between small or large Start menu sizes, recent items are highlighted, and search functionality has been refined for better clarity. File Explorer now launches more quickly and supports touch scrolling. Updated progress indicators and enhanced security features for administrators are also included in the updates.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

After years of requests, Windows 11 is dangerously close to bringing back full taskbar freedom — top, left, right, or bottom

Windows 11 users can now relocate the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen with the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature will be included in the September Patch Tuesday update, but is available immediately to those in the Release Preview Channel. The update also allows for a smaller taskbar option, enhancing screen space for smaller devices. Key features in Build 26100.9267/26200.9267 include: - Taskbar customization with new positioning options and a smaller taskbar option. - Enhanced Start menu with size options, renaming of the Recommended section to Recent, and a redesigned settings page. - Improvements to Windows Search, including a simplified interface and automatic indexing of frequently used folders. - Updates to File Explorer for faster launch times and touch scrolling support. - General design updates with modernized progress indicators. - New Windows Share feature for discovering apps from the share window. - Enhanced security with just-in-time privileges for administrative tasks. - Improved responsiveness when switching between virtual desktops. - Updates for display settings and brightness reliability. - Reliability improvements for Task Manager and Windows Update behavior. - Network improvements for VPN-related issues. - Enhanced typing reliability with the Japanese IME. - Introduction of the ML-KEM algorithm for TLS key exchange. - Removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line utility in future versions.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft Issues New Release Preview Channel Builds

The Windows Insider Program has released two new builds in the Release Preview Channel, introducing several enhancements for Windows 11. Key updates include: - Taskbar: Users can position and resize the Taskbar on any side of the screen. - Start Menu: The Start menu is now resizable and features a Recent section, replacing the Recommended section, with independent toggles for Pinned, Recent, and All items. - Windows Search: A streamlined home view allows users to choose whether to display web and Store results. - File Explorer: Improvements focus on performance and touch scrolling for smoother navigation. - Design: Updated progress indicators appear during startup, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installations. - Windows Share: A suggested app interface has been introduced for improved sharing options. - Administrator Protection: This feature returns but is disabled by default. - Additional Minor Updates: Enhancements have been made across multiple desktops, display settings, Task Manager, Setup, Windows Update, and more. Further refinements include: - File Explorer: Improvements in file size displays, middle-click support, and enhanced file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Adjustments for better accommodation of typos and partial app names, with results based on user Settings. - Additional Minor Changes: Updates across Start, Widgets, Touchpad, Windows Hello, and other components.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Ships as an Enablement Package With Movable Taskbar, Local Search, and Default Cloud Recovery

Windows 11 version 26H2 is expected to launch around October 2026 as a small enablement package using the same Germanium platform as versions 24H2 and 25H2. Key enhancements include a movable taskbar, expanded Start menu controls, deeper Copilot integration, and new default cloud recovery settings for managed PCs. Users on versions 24H2 or 25H2 will experience a quick upgrade process requiring only one reboot. The taskbar will allow repositioning and smaller icon sizes, and the Start menu will have new configuration options and privacy settings. Search functionality will prioritize local content, with an option to disable web results. The update will enhance cloud-assisted setup and recovery for eligible Microsoft Entra devices, enabling automatic backup of settings and app lists. Copilot will be integrated into Search and File Explorer, and Windows Security will improve Administrator Protection. The support timeline for 26H2 will reset, offering 24 months for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Hardware requirements remain unchanged, and Arm devices on Windows 11 26H1 will not receive the 26H2 update.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 is a small update with big quality-of-life improvements, expected around October 2026

Windows 11 will undergo a significant transformation with the upcoming annual update, version 26H2, which introduces enhancements to the interface, search functionality, backup processes, and AI integration. The update will allow users to reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen and adopt a smaller layout with reduced icon sizes. The Start menu will have new configuration options and a privacy feature for hiding account details during screen sharing. Search functionality will prioritize local content over web results, with an option to disable web results entirely. Cloud-assisted setup and recovery will become a default setting for eligible Microsoft Entra devices, automatically saving configuration settings and app lists. Copilot will be more integrated into daily operations, including a dockable side panel in File Explorer. Updates will also be made to traditional system tools, including a modernized Run dialog and enhanced security for administrator-level operations. The support timeline for Windows 11 installations will reset, with Home and Pro editions receiving 24 months of support and Enterprise and Education editions receiving 36 months. The hardware requirements remain unchanged, and the rollout of 26H2 is anticipated in the latter half of 2026, likely around October.

Winsage

July 17, 2026

GOG veterans thank Microsoft and Windows 11 for finding “spectacular ways” to break classic games they’re trying to preserve

Video game preservation faces challenges due to publisher indifference and Sony's decision to discontinue physical PlayStation games. The introduction of Windows 11 has created obstacles for classic game releases, as Microsoft is changing user permissions, complicating how games request necessary permissions. Michał Obuchowski from GOG notes that Windows updates have caused regressions in Directshow, affecting classic game videos and legacy drivers. GOG has successfully restored older games, including titles like Ecstatica and Clive Barker's Undying, despite the complexities introduced by outdated technology and Windows changes. GOG highlights the advantages of PC gaming, emphasizing that players do not need a storefront's permission to play their purchased games.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Windows 11 version 26H2 is packed with surprising upgrades, and these 7 features might change how you use your PC

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2 will be released in the latter half of 2026, transitioning to a streamlined servicing model with a small enablement package instead of a full installation. Key features expected in this update include: 1. A revamped Copilot that enhances search experiences with AI assistance. 2. Customization options for the Taskbar, allowing repositioning and size adjustments. 3. An option to disable web results in Windows Search for a more focused experience. 4. Improved control over Windows Update, including the ability to pause updates for up to 35 days. 5. An Administrator Protection feature that creates temporary accounts for administrative tasks to enhance security. 6. A modern design refresh for the Run dialog box, featuring rounded corners and a "recent commands" section.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Windows Insider Program Adds New Beta (26H1) Channel

Microsoft's Windows Insider Program is facing challenges with the introduction of Windows 11 version 26H1, which is available for testing across three Insider Channels: Release Preview, Experimental (26H1), and Beta (26H1). The Release Preview Channel saw the unveiling of build 28000.2176 on May 19, classified as an optional update, while users can continue with versions 24H2 or 25H2. Windows 11 version 26H1 will not support upgrades to the next feature update (26H2) scheduled for late 2026. The Experimental Channel recently transitioned to the 28100 series with build 28120.2242, introducing a feature for enabling Administrator Protection. The Beta Channel now offers an optional upgrade path with the new Beta (26H1) Channel, which includes the optional 26H1 build 28020.2236 with minor fixes. Insiders can switch between the Experimental and Beta Channels without a clean installation. No new builds were released for the Experimental or Experimental (Future Platforms) Channels. The complexity of the new Insider Channel system has raised concerns among users due to its intricate naming conventions and structures.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

The March Windows 11 Insider Update adds 9 fresh features and improvements worth knowing

- Microsoft has introduced several enhancements for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program, including previews for versions 25H2, 26H1, 26H2, and anticipated version 27H2. - The Pointer Indicator feature, starting with build 26300.8085, helps users with low vision locate the mouse pointer by overlaying a crosshair effect and offers customizable color options. - A redesigned Feedback Hub app aligns with Windows 11 aesthetics and improves user experience for feedback submission, including Bluetooth LE Audio device connections and main volume controls in Quick Settings. - The File Explorer context menu now displays application icons alongside the "Open" option for certain file types, available in the Canary Channel with build 28020.1743. - The Administrator Protection feature, introduced in builds 26300.8142 and 26220.8138, prompts an authorization dialog for unsigned or untrusted applications seeking privilege elevation, enhancing security. - Windows 11 now allows customization of the right-click zone size on touchpads, available under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad, for touchpads with a pressable surface. - Task Manager updates include new columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" on various pages, as well as columns for "NPU Dedicated Memory" and "NPU Shared Memory" on the Details page. - A new icon in printer settings indicates which printers support Windows Protected Print mode, enhancing printing security. - The Windows Console is undergoing significant changes, merging improvements from Windows Terminal, including an optional Direct3D rendering path and enhanced Find dialog functionality.