Dev Channel Archives

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.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

Microsoft vows to make “behind-the-scenes platform changes” as it begins testing next phase of Windows 11

Microsoft is testing new builds in the Insider Dev Channel, advancing to the 26300 series. These builds will include features from the 26220 series, which will remain in the Beta Channel. The 26300 builds are expected to be finalized as version 26H2 this fall, while version 26H1 is set to launch in the spring for next-generation Arm devices. The upcoming version 26H1 is based on a newer platform, codenamed Bromine, while 26H2 will be built on an older platform version. Insiders can test the 26300 series builds by enrolling in the Insider Dev Channel and checking for updates in Windows Update.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

Microsoft Issues Several Windows Insider Preview Builds

The Windows Insider Program has shifted significantly, with new builds released across the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview channels. The Dev channel has advanced to the 26300 series builds, moving away from the 26200 series of the Beta channel. Users on the Dev channel will upgrade to Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26300.7674 with the installation of build KB5074170, which focuses on fixes without new functionalities. The Beta channel will receive cumulative update KB5074169, upgrading to Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26220.7670, also centered on fixes. The Release Preview build KB5074105 introduces new features for both 25H2 and 24H2 versions, elevating them to builds 26200.7701 and 26100.7701, respectively. Key improvements include multi-language support for the Agent in Settings, cross-device resume capabilities, enhanced MIDI support, customizable Narrator options, a new Devices card in Settings, easier toggling of Smart App Control, improved Voice Access and Voice Typing features, and expanded support for external fingerprint readers in Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-In Security.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7535 Adds Narrator Copilot Features and Removal Policy

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) to the Dev and Beta Channels, focusing on accessibility enhancements and improvements for managing Copilot features. The update introduces Copilot-powered image descriptions via the Narrator feature, allowing users to generate detailed descriptions of images on all Windows 11 devices. This functionality is available on Copilot+ PCs without cloud data transmission and is also extended to non-Copilot+ systems, though it is currently unavailable in the European Economic Area. Additionally, a new Group Policy option titled Remove Microsoft Copilot App allows administrators to uninstall the Copilot app under specific conditions. The build also includes a refresh of the Windows Spotlight desktop icon and various bug fixes addressing issues in the Start menu, File Explorer, printing dialog, Snipping Tool, and Windows Update. Known issues remain, including interaction problems in the Start menu and crashes in Settings. The features in this build are being rolled out gradually and may change before general release.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7535 Adds Narrator Copilot Features and Removal Policy

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) for users in the Dev and Beta Channels, aligning both with Windows 11 version 25H2. The update includes accessibility enhancements, streamlined Copilot management, and various bug fixes. Notably, it integrates Copilot with Narrator, allowing users to generate descriptions of images and visual elements. This feature works on both Copilot+ and non-Copilot+ PCs, with image sharing initiated only upon user request, though it is unavailable in the European Economic Area. A new Group Policy option allows administrators to uninstall the Copilot app from managed devices under certain conditions. The update also refreshes the Windows Spotlight desktop icon and addresses several bugs, including issues in the Start menu and File Explorer. Some known issues remain, such as interaction difficulties in the Start menu and crashes in Settings. Features in this build are subject to controlled rollouts and may change before general release.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft’s first Windows 11 preview build of 2026 brings more Copilot+ PC features to everyone

Microsoft has released its first Windows 11 preview build of the year, featuring an enhancement to the Narrator app that allows it to use Copilot for detailed image descriptions. This capability, previously available only to Copilot+ users, is now accessible to all Windows 11 devices, aiding blind and low-vision users. Additionally, Microsoft has improved the Cross Device Resume capability by introducing a new integration path via the Windows Notification System (WNS). The latest preview build is 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and is available through Windows Update for Insiders in the Dev or Beta Channel. Users are advised to switch to the Beta Channel to remain on the current 25H2 release, as the Dev Channel will soon change to higher build numbers, removing the option to switch between channels.