Dev Channel Insiders Archives

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Microsoft Extends Dark Mode to File Explorer, Revamps Start Menu in Windows 11 Preview

Microsoft has released an update to the Dark Mode feature in Windows 11, identified as Build 26220.6772, which enhances the dark theme across various File Explorer interactions. This update aligns dialogs for file operations, context menus, progress bars, and file-selection windows with the dark theme, addressing previous inconsistencies. However, some legacy components, such as certain Properties windows, the Run dialog, and parts of the Control Panel, still display in light mode. The update is aimed at Dev Channel insiders to gather feedback for further refinements before broader rollout.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft adds quick machine recovery to Windows 11 settings

Microsoft is piloting a new dedicated page within Windows Settings under System > Recovery to enhance machine recovery processes. This feature allows users to toggle recovery options, configure automatic solution searches, set check frequencies, and determine restart timings for fixes. It is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel using Windows 11 24H2 and will soon be accessible to Dev Channel Insiders. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative in November, allows IT administrators to address boot issues remotely. When activated, QMR boots devices into the Windows Recovery Environment to initiate the Quick Machine Recovery Tool if Windows fails to start. Microsoft plans to enable QMR by default in Windows 11 Home editions, while enterprise customers can customize it in Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

I’m not sure why Microsoft waited this long to add this Windows 11 feature, but the option is finally on the way

Microsoft has introduced two new Insider builds for Windows 11: Build 22635.4445 for the Beta Channel and Build 26120.2222 for the Dev Channel. The updates include a new folder option in the context menu for the Beta Channel and the ability to launch applications with administrative privileges by holding Shift and CTRL while selecting an item from a jump list in the Start menu for the Dev Channel. A known issue in Build 26120.2222 is that the Narrator tool may crash upon launch if users select one of the natural voices, such as Jenny. Users are advised to pause updates temporarily or switch to a different voice to mitigate the problem.

Winsage

November 9, 2024

Windows 11 Dev build 26120.2222 adds new jump list features, File Explorer fixes, and more

Microsoft has released two new preview builds for Windows 11, identified as 26120.2222 under KB5046746, for Beta and Dev Channel insiders. Key updates include the ability to launch applications as administrators from the Start menu or taskbar using Shift and CTRL keys, a fix for the "See More" menu direction in File Explorer, resolution of mouse unresponsiveness in games on multi-monitor systems, correction of window shifting issues after sleep, and a fix for the Registry Editor becoming unresponsive. Known issues include a crash of the Narrator when using natural voices and ongoing problems with desktop background display on multiple monitors.

Winsage

October 18, 2024

KB5044400: Microsoft fixes Windows 11 Mica bug, brings Start menu changes, in Dev channel

Microsoft has released Build 26120.2130 for Windows 11 Dev channel Insiders, addressing bugs and introducing enhancements. Key changes include: - The Start menu's "All apps" section is now simply labeled "All." - A new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard allows Xbox controller navigation and typing. - A new shortcut for Narrator copies the last spoken content to the clipboard, and Narrator now reads email contents in the new Outlook app. - Users can view UTF-8 encoded SSIDs in the netsh wlan show networks command. Fixes include: - Resolved login screen loading issues after sleep. - Fixed clipboard history display problems. - Corrected taskbar cycling issues with multiple open windows. - Addressed Narrator performance issues and fixed text scaling problems. - Fixed a crash issue with live captions. - Rectified Mica functionality during desktop slideshow presentations. Known issues involve explorer.exe crashes when hovering over specific apps in the taskbar and problems with the Start menu's All apps list.

Winsage

September 21, 2024

KB5043185: Microsoft adds media controls to Windows lock screen, improves account switching

Microsoft has released Build 26120.1843 for Windows 11 Dev channel Insiders under KB5043185, introducing several enhancements and features. Key updates include: - Shared Content in File Explorer Home: Users can access files shared with them via the ‘Shared’ tab in File Explorer Home. - Windows Sandbox Client Preview: Updated with clipboard redirection, audio/video input control, and folder sharing capabilities. - Microsoft 365 App: Newly pinned to the taskbar for quick access to Copilot on new PCs or user accounts on managed devices. - Lock Screen Media Controls: Repositioned to the lower center for better visibility. - Start Menu Enhancements: Right-clicking pinned apps reveals jump lists, and the Account Manager now displays a visible sign-out option and a list of signed-in users. - Taskbar and System Tray Simplifications: Focused on a concise date and time display with toggle options for views. - General Fixes: Resolved issues in File Explorer, Task Manager, and high CPU usage by Windows Modules Installer. - Snipping Tool Update: Users can change the default folder for saving screenshots and screen recordings in app settings. Known issues include potential installation errors and problems with the Start menu’s All apps list.

Winsage

June 15, 2024

Windows 11 Insider Dev Channel Build 26120.961 (KB5038575) is yet another minor update

Microsoft has released a Windows 11 update for members of the Insider program in the Dev Channel. The update includes general improvements and fixes to enhance the overall experience for users.