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Windows 11 gets a December Insider update packed with new features and AI upgrades — reveals Microsoft’s next big push. Here's everything that is new.
Winsage
December 21, 2025

Windows 11 gets a December Insider update packed with new features and AI upgrades — reveals Microsoft’s next big push. Here’s everything that is new.

Microsoft has slowed down the development of Windows 11 but released several preview builds through the Windows Insider Program in December 2025, showcasing various enhancements. Key updates include: - Model Context Protocol (MCP): Introduced in build 26220.7344, allowing AI agents to communicate with applications and tools via a secure on-device registry. It includes the File Explorer Connector for managing files through natural language searches and the Windows Settings Connector for navigating settings. - Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP): Provides a consistent update experience for developers through the Settings app. - Windows MIDI Services: Rollout of a new MIDI API, Service, and SDK, supporting MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 devices with enhancements like app-to-app MIDI support. - Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): Expanded to additional handheld gaming devices, replicating console gaming on PCs. - Settings app with AI agent: Enhanced navigation and modification of settings with an integrated AI agent. - File Explorer dark mode improvements: Extended dark mode to various elements and improved search functionality using AI. - Drag Tray disable option: Users can now disable the Drag Tray feature through Settings. - Mobile Devices settings integration: Features for managing mobile devices are now integrated within the Settings app. - Virtual Workspaces in Advanced settings: New access to manage virtualization features without using the legacy "Windows Features" page. - Keyboard and text cursor settings: New settings added for customizing keyboard and cursor behavior. - Quick Machine Recovery improvements: Now enabled by default on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. - Windows Studio Effects compatibility: Expanded to more camera hardware for improved user appearance. - Windows Spotlight for desktop changes: New context menu options for wallpaper changes and additional details. - Taskbar with Ask Copilot: A toggle to replace Windows Search with AI-driven searches. - Taskbar with AI agents: AI agents can function as apps in the Taskbar, providing real-time updates. - Windows 11 Agent Launchers: A framework for registering AI agents within the OS. - Narrator customization: Users can select which properties are announced while navigating applications. - Voice Typing animation: New animation for the dictation key in the Touch Keyboard and a "Discover Windows" widget added. - Voice Access streamlined setup: Simplified setup process for Voice Access. The Windows Insider Program will pause further builds until January.
Windows 3.1 going full ketchup & mustard wasn't inspired by any actual 'Hotdog Stands' — Veteran Microsoft designer calls it a garish choice with a catchy name
Winsage
December 11, 2025

Windows 3.1 going full ketchup & mustard wasn’t inspired by any actual ‘Hotdog Stands’ — Veteran Microsoft designer calls it a garish choice with a catchy name

Windows 3.1 featured a color scheme known as the 'Hotdog Stand,' characterized by a garish combination of red and yellow, which was not intended as a joke but rather as a bold design choice. Virginia Howlett, a designer at Microsoft since 1985, noted that the color themes in Windows 3.1 were a radically new feature, as prior versions had minimal customization options. The Hotdog Stand scheme gained notoriety partly due to its catchy name, although it was simply a choice made during development. Additionally, Microsoft used a miniature version of Windows 3.1 for the setup installation of Windows 95, as it was fully debugged and facilitated a smoother installation process.
Windows 3.1 included a red and yellow 'Hot Dog Stand' color scheme so garish it was long assumed to be a joke, so I tracked down Microsoft's original UI designer to get the true story
Winsage
December 9, 2025

Windows 3.1 included a red and yellow ‘Hot Dog Stand’ color scheme so garish it was long assumed to be a joke, so I tracked down Microsoft’s original UI designer to get the true story

Virginia Howlett, a pioneering interface designer at Microsoft since 1985, was part of the team that created the themes for Windows 3.1, including the vibrant "Hot Dog Stand" color scheme. This theme featured bright yellow and red and was one of several color palettes designed to allow user customization. Howlett noted that the user interface primarily used black lines on a white background with shades of gray for 3-D buttons. She expressed surprise at the continued interest in Windows 3.1 as it approaches late 2025. The Hot Dog Stand theme was not intended as a joke but rather as a memorable design choice in the history of Windows.
Grab a HyperX Cloud III for just $39, if you're quick - that's a saving of over $60 on our favorite wired gaming headset
AppWizard
November 29, 2025

Grab a HyperX Cloud III for just $39, if you’re quick – that’s a saving of over $60 on our favorite wired gaming headset

The HyperX Cloud III is a gaming headset known for its comfort, audio quality, and microphone performance, currently available at a 61% discount. It is ranked as the top wired headset and offers both analog and USB inputs, with the USB connection enabling DTS Spatial Audio virtual surround sound. The headset features cushioned earcups, a customizable headband, and 53mm drivers for balanced audio. It includes a removable boom mic with sound clarity and an LED indicator for mute status. The main cable has a 3.5mm analog jack and comes with adapters for USB-C and USB-A connections. The headset is priced at .99, frequently discounted to .99, making it an affordable option for gamers. The current deal is available only in light gray and red.
Darktide's new Hive Scum class can transform into a nigh-on immortal John Wick with infinite bullets—it's no wonder Fatshark's nerfed it before release
AppWizard
November 29, 2025

Darktide’s new Hive Scum class can transform into a nigh-on immortal John Wick with infinite bullets—it’s no wonder Fatshark’s nerfed it before release

The Hive Scum class in the Warhammer 40,000 universe is a formidable ranged class, initially deemed the most powerful before adjustments were made to its capabilities. It features enhanced dodges, melee immunity while sliding, and immunity to ranged critical hits. A key ability, Enhanced Desperado, allows players to become immune to all ranged attacks, gain increased sprint speed, and reload without consuming ammo, although its cooldown has been adjusted from 30 to 45 seconds. The class also has strong melee combat potential and support capabilities through abilities like Stimm Supply, which provides team-wide benefits. Each character can access a 'Stimm Lab' tree with various stimm options that have specific effects and cooldowns. The class includes customizable cosmetics reflecting different gangs from Tertium, though these designs are criticized for being basic and generic. Overall, the Hive Scum class offers significant build potential and mobility, contributing to an engaging gameplay experience.
LEGO Takes Zero-Profit Gamble on Minecraft Set, 40K Units Cleared Already at Pocket Change
AppWizard
November 26, 2025

LEGO Takes Zero-Profit Gamble on Minecraft Set, 40K Units Cleared Already at Pocket Change

The LEGO Minecraft Creeper set consists of 665 pieces and has sold over 40,000 units on Amazon since its release. The set is currently available at a reduced price for Black Friday, marking a record low. It features four poseable legs, a detachable head with a hidden compartment containing a mini-figure and a TNT element, and stands over 8 inches tall. The mini-figure represents early Minecraft designs, adding collectible value. The construction process is designed for builders aged 10 and up, with clear instructions to ensure a satisfying building experience. The set is noted for its color accuracy and quality, reflecting the Creeper's iconic appearance in gaming culture.
I grew up thinking Pyramid Head was one of the scariest video game villains ever, but thanks to cosplay, I no longer have to hide in fear
AppWizard
November 23, 2025

I grew up thinking Pyramid Head was one of the scariest video game villains ever, but thanks to cosplay, I no longer have to hide in fear

Pyramid Head, originally a figure of terror from Silent Hill 2, has been reinterpreted in cosplay, particularly through the trend of Pink Pyramid Head. Cosplayer u/Hannah-Vorhees incorporated cherry blossom flowers into the traditional design, creating a whimsical version that raises questions about its endearing qualities. This trend extends to other traditionally menacing characters, such as the Nazguls from The Lord of the Rings, which have also been reimagined in pastel hues. Another cosplayer, u/thatpikminguy, created a humorous version featuring pizza boxes instead of a metal helmet and a pizza sauce-stained apron. Additionally, u/TheYzzyPop presented a holiday-themed Pyramid Head with festive colors and a Santa hat. These reinterpretations showcase the creativity within the cosplay community, allowing characters like Pyramid Head to be seen in a new, more approachable light.
I gave Windows Command Prompt the "Pimp my Ride" treatment and it's so much fun now
Winsage
November 16, 2025

I gave Windows Command Prompt the “Pimp my Ride” treatment and it’s so much fun now

Oh My Posh is a customization tool for command-line interfaces that allows users to enhance their terminal experience by displaying relevant information, such as Git repository status and real-time updates from applications like Spotify. To set it up, users need to customize their Color Scheme in the Windows Terminal and install a Nerd Font for displaying glyphs. The installation of Oh My Posh can be initiated with the command PLACEHOLDER5dee3f180dc01d05, and users can verify the installation by running PLACEHOLDERc79b60db6f07f844. To further enhance the terminal, users can install Winfetch with the command Install-Script -Name pwshfetch-test-1 and add an alias for easy access to system stats. Overall, Oh My Posh provides flexibility for users to tailor their terminal to their workflows and preferences.
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