beta build Archives

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Windows Insider Preview improves taskbar

Microsoft has released new preview versions in the Windows Insider channels, focusing on refining the taskbar in Windows 11. The latest Insider Preview versions include a new option called “Taskbar size” in the “Experimental” release channel (Build 26300.8758), with early screenshots indicating a default setting of “Small.” Users can also dock the taskbar on any side of the monitor. Improvements to system sounds in dark mode and more reliable thumbnail previews for cloud files in File Explorer's preview panel are also included in the Beta Preview (Build 26220.8754). Microsoft has restructured the Insider Preview Program, reducing it from four channels to two: Experimental and Beta, with the Release Preview channel remaining. Switching between Insider Preview channels has been simplified, allowing users to change channels more flexibly.

Winsage

June 21, 2026

Windows 11 version 26H2 is now available for testing in the latest preview build

Windows 11 preview builds 26300.8697 and 26220.8690 have been rolled out for Insiders in the Experimental and Beta Channels. The Experimental Channel has been upgraded to version 26H2. Key improvements include: - The versioning for Insiders in the Experimental channel now reflects version 26H2. - The Copy dialog in Dark mode has been enhanced for visual consistency and reliability. - The Start menu now accurately reflects newly installed or removed applications without requiring a sign-out or restart. - An issue with the smaller taskbar option has been resolved, preventing the system tray from being cut off or pushed off-screen. - Reliability enhancements have been made to Settings > Apps > Startup. - A critical issue causing bugchecks (HYPERVISORERROR and KMODEEXCEPTIONNOTHANDLED) during system restarts, virtual machine operations, or specific gaming applications has been addressed.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Windows 11 Beta Build 26220.8575: Microsoft fixes audio, Settings, and annoying freezes

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8575 on June 8, 2026, focusing on stability rather than new features. This build introduces the ability to extend update pauses indefinitely, which is important for maintaining system integrity in test environments. It also fixes an audio malfunction affecting some users and improves the reliability of the “Settings > Apps > Installed apps” feature. Additionally, the build addresses freezing issues in core applications like Search and Notepad. The Beta channel has been restructured to provide more stability and predictability, with features no longer rolled out gradually. Overall, this build enhances update management, resolves audio issues, stabilizes app handling, and addresses freezes in essential components.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Microsoft has been trying to fix Windows 11’s annoying white flash bug in File Explorer for over 2 years: Has it finally done it?

Microsoft has addressed the white flash issue in File Explorer when using dark mode in the latest Release Preview build of Windows 11. This problem, which has persisted for over two years despite previous claims of fixes, has now been resolved with the latest changelog stating that the white flash is removed when launching File Explorer in dark mode if set to launch to This PC or when resizing the details pane. The complexity of File Explorer, which combines modern and legacy UI frameworks, has contributed to these graphical glitches. Although the white flash issue has been fixed, some areas, like File Properties, still do not support dark mode, but improvements are planned for future updates.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Windows 11’s New Xbox Mode is Now Available for More Insiders

Microsoft is expanding the Xbox Mode, previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, to more Insiders, including those on the Canary and Release Preview Channels. The new Xbox Mode can be activated through the Xbox app, Game Bar settings, or by pressing Win + F11, providing a full-screen interface for PC games. The Canary build 29570.1000 also introduces a new Touchpad setting for adjusting the right-click zone size and expands lock screen widget personalization options. For Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, the build 28020.1863 addresses a sign-in issue without introducing new features. The Dev and Beta Channels are receiving updates focused on reliability, including improvements to File Explorer and Windows Hello. The Release Preview Channel is previewing an upcoming optional April update that includes the new Xbox Mode, File Explorer enhancements, haptic feedback for certain pens, a rebranded Drop Tray, taskbar monitoring for AI agents, and revamped voice typing features. Additional reliability enhancements are included for various Windows components.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Windows 11 is finally removing the 32GB FAT32 capacity limit

Microsoft has released new test builds for Windows Insiders, specifically Dev Build 26300.8170 and Beta Build 26220.8165, which remove the 32GB limit on FAT32 formatting for external drives. Users can now format external drives up to 2TB using FAT32 through the Command Prompt. This change, which has been anticipated by users, is a shift from the long-standing restriction that required third-party applications or specialized commands for larger drives. The enhancement applies only to the Command Prompt, as the graphical interface remains unchanged, and the 4GB file size limit for individual files on FAT32 drives still applies. This feature is currently available only in preview versions for Windows Insiders, with a broader rollout planned for future standard Windows 11 updates.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

“This is exactly the kind of thing driving me away from Windows”: even Edge users don’t want this new feature

Recent polling data shows that Microsoft Edge users dislike the browser's automatic launch upon logging into Windows 11. Microsoft is testing a feature that would have Edge open automatically at startup, which has sparked significant discussion and frustration among users. A banner notifying select users of this change has been observed, and the behavior has been confirmed in the latest Edge Beta build. User reactions on Reddit include strong negative sentiments, with some users threatening to abandon Windows 11 if this feature is enforced. Despite the backlash, Microsoft Edge is viewed as a competent browser, though its aggressive promotion tactics may alienate potential users.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Microsoft wants Edge to automatically open by default every time you turn on your Windows 11 PC

Microsoft is testing a new feature for its Edge browser on Windows 11 that allows the browser to launch automatically upon startup. A banner in the latest Edge Beta build informs users that the app "now launches when you sign into Windows." If users do not select "No thanks," Edge will open automatically each time the PC starts. This feature operates on an opt-out basis and may be available even if Edge is not the default browser. Additionally, Edge is increasingly integrated with Copilot, which has transitioned to an Edge-powered web experience.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

ChatGPT Android App Hints At Sora Video Integration

OpenAI's generative video model, Sora, is likely to be integrated into the ChatGPT Android app, as indicated by discoveries in the beta version 1.2026.076. Testers found in-app text suggesting end-to-end video generation capabilities, allowing users to convert text and images into videos with dialogue, soundtracks, and customizable styles. The language used in the app is polished and consumer-ready, indicating a transition towards user-facing integration. Previous reports have indicated OpenAI's intention to incorporate Sora's video capabilities into ChatGPT, consolidating multimodal creation within a single platform. If integrated, users could transform text prompts and images into short videos, with options for voiceovers and music, facilitating easy sharing on social media. OpenAI's demonstrations have shown Sora's ability to create intricate 1080p videos, potentially redefining ChatGPT into a mobile video studio. The integration would likely handle intensive tasks in the cloud, with possible limitations on file size and resolution for free users. The integration of Sora into ChatGPT's Android app would provide access to a large user base, enhancing the mainstream adoption of AI video creation. The competitive landscape includes rivals like Runway and Google, all developing video capabilities. The introduction of mobile video generation raises challenges such as misinformation and copyright issues, prompting OpenAI to emphasize safety measures and content provenance strategies. While the beta strings do not confirm a launch date, features typically undergo final refinements late in development. Indicators to watch for include a new “Video” option in input modes and prompts for camera roll access. If Sora is launched in ChatGPT for Android, it will mark a significant shift for the app, making video creation an integral part of the user experience.

AppWizard

February 27, 2026

Android 17 Beta 2 gives apps a way to access contacts, display color securely

Google has released Android 17 Beta 2, which includes features aimed at enhancing user privacy. The update introduces a limited-access contacts picker that allows apps to access specific contacts based on user-selected data fields, employing a temporary, session-based read access model. This reduces the need for broad READ_CONTACTS permissions and allows users to choose which contacts to share. Additionally, the EyeDropper API is introduced, enabling apps to collect display color data without requiring screen capture permissions, thus enhancing security. Both features are designed to give users greater control over their personal information.