Dev Channel Archives

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Windows Insider Feedback Hub Gets a New Design and Simpler Submission Flow

Microsoft is rolling out a revamped Feedback Hub app to Windows Insiders on the Canary and Dev Channels, featuring a redesigned Home page with a "give a compliment" feedback option. The feedback submission process has been simplified with a unified template and searchable categories. Enhanced editing tools allow users to edit screenshots before submission, and privacy options let users choose between private or public feedback. A streamlined interface is dedicated to filing suggestions, problems, or compliments. The redesigned Feedback Hub is accessible to Canary Insiders with build 28020.1743 and optional build 29553.1000, while Dev Channel users can access it with build 26300.8085. The Beta Channel build 26220.8079 does not include the new Feedback Hub.

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Windows 11 uses five letters of your email for the user folder, but Microsoft is fixing it

A recent update in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 allows users to customize their User folder name during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). This feature enables users to input a folder name of their choice on the Device Name page, with names allowed up to 16 Unicode characters. If users do not select a name, the system will revert to the default naming scheme derived from the first five letters of their Microsoft email address. Previously, changing the User folder name required using the Command Prompt, which was not user-friendly. The update is aimed at improving the setup experience for new Windows users.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - Enhanced policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps for Windows ENT/EDU, allowing IT administrators to use a dynamic app removal list via Group Policy. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. - A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default, initially operating in audit mode. - Point-in-time restore now includes a settings dialog for local administrators and displays available restore points. - Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade their plan directly from the Accounts page in Settings. - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded to Drop Tray, with settings relocated. - Updates to Pen settings include a new option for the pen tail button. - Enhanced reliability for preferred display language settings and removal of an unexpected error from sfc/scannow. Updates are gradually rolled out to users who opt in through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Microsoft is Rebranding Windows 11’s Drag Tray Feature to ‘Drop Tray’

Microsoft has released three new preview builds of Windows 11 for Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels. - Canary Build 28020.1737: Introduces a feature allowing male users to configure their pen tail button to launch the same application as the Copilot keyboard key, also present in the 25H2 build 26100.8106 and the 24H2 build 26200.8106. - Dev Channel (26300.8068) and Beta Channel (26220.8062) Updates: - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded as the Drop Tray, with settings moved to System > Multitasking. - Pen users can set their pen tail button to launch the same application as the Copilot keyboard key. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during Windows setup, adhering to standard naming conventions. - A new interface for point-in-time restore allows local administrators to view or modify default restore settings and see available restore points.

Winsage

March 7, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7965 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7965 (KB 5079385) has been released to the Dev Channel, featuring new updates and improvements. Key changes include the reintroduction of administrator protection for safeguarding admin rights, refinements to the drag tray in response to user feedback, voice typing for renaming files in File Explorer, and the elimination of white flashes when launching or resizing File Explorer windows. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opted in through Settings > Windows Update, and some features may not reach public release. The desktop watermark is a standard feature for Insider pre-release builds.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (KB 5077243) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include enhanced security and performance for batch files through a new secure mode, individual volume sliders for shared audio between Bluetooth LE Audio devices, a new Narrator command to read status bar contents in applications, improved reliability for removing Windows Update files, and enhanced typing reliability with the ADLaM keyboard. The rollout of improved taskbar animations has been temporarily paused. Updates are gradually being rolled out to Insiders who have opted in through Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Will the Control Panel Ever Die? Rare Feature Migration to Settings Spotted in Windows 11, But Don’t Get Your Hopes Up for More.

Microsoft is migrating the functionality to rename a user account from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11's latest preview build (26300.7877). This feature is currently non-functional and users will need to wait for future updates to access it. The migration reflects Microsoft's effort to modernize the user interface, although the transition from the Control Panel to the Settings app is progressing slowly. Microsoft is prioritizing addressing fundamental issues within Windows 11, making significant acceleration in the migration effort unlikely in the near future. The Control Panel is expected to remain part of the operating system for the foreseeable future.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Microsoft moves yet another feature to Settings as it plans to scrap the Control Panel

Microsoft is testing the relocation of the user account name change feature to the Settings panel in Windows 11, as part of its transition away from the Control Panel. This update is currently available in the Dev channel.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 (KB5077232) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. Key updates include: - The "Open" option in the context menu for .exe, .bat, or .cmd files now aligns with the icon of the default application. - The Device info Card on the Settings Home page has been refined for easier comprehension, displaying key device specifications prominently. - Enhanced animations for hovering over app groups on the taskbar and improved reliability of app icons in the system tray. - An issue with File Explorer where open windows and tabs might jump to Desktop or Home has been resolved. - Reliability improvements for sending larger files using nearby sharing. - The Paint app has been updated to version 11.2601.391.0, introducing a freeform rotate feature that allows users to rotate shapes, text, and selections to any angle. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

Microsoft is finally fixing Windows 11 under the hood — but new stats suggest it could be too little, too late

Microsoft is introducing significant platform changes with Windows 11, specifically the 26300 series in the Dev channel. Recent statistics from Statcounter indicate a decline in Windows 11's market share from 55.18% in October 2025 to 50.73% in December, a decrease of approximately 4.5%. In contrast, Windows 10's user base has increased by 3%, while Windows 7 has seen a 1.3% uptick. Microsoft is launching the Bromine platform to support Arm-based laptops, separating its development from existing Windows 11 systems. The upcoming Windows 11 26H1 will specifically cater to Arm devices, while non-Arm PCs will receive updates based on the Germanium platform. The company aims to improve stability and rebuild consumer trust amid ongoing concerns about bugs and AI integration.