design change Archives

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Microsoft just made Windows 11’s Drag Tray for sharing files less annoying, and it actually works now

Microsoft has introduced the Drop Tray in Windows 11, replacing the previous Drag Tray to enhance file sharing. The Drop Tray features a more compact design and aims to minimize accidental openings while being easily dismissible. It is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 PCs by May as part of a set of reliability fixes. The new design encourages users to engage with it intentionally for file sharing, improving usability for those with desktop folders. The option to enable or disable the Drop Tray can now be found under Settings > System > Multitasking > Drop Tray.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

Microsoft extends security patching for three Windows products at a price

Support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB will end on October 13, 2026, while Windows Server 2016 will reach its end of support on January 12, 2027. Organizations using these products will receive one final monthly security update on the specified dates, after which they will not receive security patches, updates, or technical support. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows organizations to purchase coverage for up to three years beyond the end of support, with pricing starting at a specified amount per device for the first year and doubling for each subsequent year. Windows Server 2016's ESU pricing has not been announced, and Microsoft recommends upgrading to newer Long-Term Servicing Channel releases. In the European Economic Area, Windows 10 users can access ESU until October 14, 2026, without payment or cloud account requirements due to advocacy from Euroconsumers.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Google Photos could finally fix one of its most frustrating sharing hurdles

Google Photos is introducing a "Copy" button in the share sheet, allowing users to copy images directly into other applications without prior downloads. This feature, available in version v7.63.0.867680147, enables users to paste full-resolution images with slight compression into existing messages. Users can only copy one image at a time, consistent with standard copy-paste behavior on Android. Additionally, Google Photos is receiving a Material 3 Expressive redesign for its Backup settings, with updates to the Album screen and the Updates section to enhance usability and aesthetics.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Microsoft Sounds Windows 11 And Server Update Failure Alarm

Microsoft has confirmed that users of Windows 11 and Windows Server are experiencing authentication failures due to updates released on or after August 29. This issue, detailed in Microsoft Support posting KB5070568, is linked to duplicate Security IDs (SIDs) on devices, affecting Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, as well as Windows Server 2025. The problem arises from new security protections that enforce checks on SIDs, which are necessary to maintain user account integrity and prevent unauthorized access. Duplicate SIDs typically result from unsupported cloning or duplication of a Windows installation without using the Sysprep tool. The recent update mandates SID uniqueness, blocking authentication handshakes between devices with duplicate SIDs. To resolve this, users must rebuild their devices using supported methods for cloning or duplicating a Windows installation to ensure unique SIDs.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733 (KB5062651) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the "describe image" action in Click to Do, which provides detailed descriptions of images and is currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices expected soon. An upcoming administrator protection feature will secure floating admin rights for users and is disabled by default. Improvements include updated privacy dialog designs for app permissions, activation of Smart App Control in evaluation mode, and various fixes for issues in File Explorer, taskbar, live captions, Dynamic Lighting, graphics, and settings. Known issues include potential rollback errors during installation, touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, Xbox Controller issues, and problems with the Microsoft Changjie Input method. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may be rolled out gradually.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702 (KB5062653) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. A new "describe image" action in Click to Do is now available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered PCs expected soon. An upcoming security feature called Administrator protection allows for just-in-time admin privileges and is disabled by default. The design of privacy dialogs for app permissions has been updated, and Smart App Control may be activated in Windows Security for Insiders in evaluation mode. Windows PowerShell 2.0 has been deprecated and removed in this build. Fixes include resolving issues with File Explorer, search animations, live captions, Dynamic Lighting, and graphics synchronization. Known issues include error pop-ups in Group Policy Editor, touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, and Xbox Controller bugs via Bluetooth. Windows Insiders may experience a rollback error (0x80070005) when installing this update.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 has been released to the Canary Channel, with downloadable ISOs available. This build introduces a new profanity filter setting for voice typing, allowing users to manage the transcription of profane words. A new feature called speech recap has been added to Narrator, enabling users to track spoken content and access live transcriptions. General improvements include security certificate updates, a redesigned needy state pill on the taskbar, enhanced accessibility features, and new image editing capabilities in the Windows share window. A new FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page, and various fixes have been implemented across different components. Known issues include problems with the taskbar display and the "Reset this PC" option not functioning after the upgrade. Users joining the Canary Channel on new Copilot+ PCs may experience loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft redesigns Windows 11 24H2’s BSOD, drops QR code, frowning face, blue colour

Microsoft is retiring the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in favor of a new Black Screen of Death in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 build. The new design features a black background and omits the frowning face, which has raised concerns about clarity. The Black Screen of Death indicates a significant issue requiring a restart but resembles the Windows Update screen, potentially causing confusion. It simplifies the message to “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” reducing the amount of technical information previously provided, which could hinder troubleshooting for IT administrators.