Experimental Channel Archives

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has released seven Insider builds across all Channels, including two builds on the Beta and Release Preview Channels and three builds for the new Experimental Channel. The updates focus on the Experimental (25H2), Beta (25H2), and Release Preview (25H2) Channels. The new 26H1 builds mainly feature elements from the 25H2 builds and are intended for new ARM-based PCs. Key features include: - A less disruptive Windows Update experience requiring only one monthly restart. - Improved Windows Search capabilities for better typo handling. - A new screen tint accessibility feature to reduce eye strain. - Quieter Widgets that do not open on hover and have a smaller memory footprint. - Magnifier tool enhancements with preset zoom increments and direct input options. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements for better compatibility with select devices. - Voice Access and Voice Typing now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Customizable right-click settings for touchpads. The Release Preview Channel is testing an optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, set for release in late June.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Windows 11 Beta Build 26220.8575: Microsoft fixes audio, Settings, and annoying freezes

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8575 on June 8, 2026, focusing on stability rather than new features. This build introduces the ability to extend update pauses indefinitely, which is important for maintaining system integrity in test environments. It also fixes an audio malfunction affecting some users and improves the reliability of the “Settings > Apps > Installed apps” feature. Additionally, the build addresses freezing issues in core applications like Search and Notepad. The Beta channel has been restructured to provide more stability and predictability, with features no longer rolled out gradually. Overall, this build enhances update management, resolves audio issues, stabilizes app handling, and addresses freezes in essential components.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Windows Insider Program Adds New Beta (26H1) Channel

Microsoft's Windows Insider Program is facing challenges with the introduction of Windows 11 version 26H1, which is available for testing across three Insider Channels: Release Preview, Experimental (26H1), and Beta (26H1). The Release Preview Channel saw the unveiling of build 28000.2176 on May 19, classified as an optional update, while users can continue with versions 24H2 or 25H2. Windows 11 version 26H1 will not support upgrades to the next feature update (26H2) scheduled for late 2026. The Experimental Channel recently transitioned to the 28100 series with build 28120.2242, introducing a feature for enabling Administrator Protection. The Beta Channel now offers an optional upgrade path with the new Beta (26H1) Channel, which includes the optional 26H1 build 28020.2236 with minor fixes. Insiders can switch between the Experimental and Beta Channels without a clean installation. No new builds were released for the Experimental or Experimental (Future Platforms) Channels. The complexity of the new Insider Channel system has raised concerns among users due to its intricate naming conventions and structures.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Microsoft launches new Windows 11 Beta channel for next-gen Arm PCs powered by Snapdragon X2 and RTX Spark chips

Microsoft has launched a new Beta channel for Windows 11 version 26H1 devices, allowing differentiation between experimental and beta features, similar to the existing setup for version 25H2. This Beta channel is the first to fully support Snapdragon X2 and RTX Spark PCs. Previously, only version 25H2 had access to the Beta channel, while version 26H1 users were limited to the Experimental Channel, which features less stable and early-stage developments. Currently, Windows 11 versions 25H1 and 26H1 are coexisting, with efforts to achieve feature parity between them, particularly to enhance support for next-generation Arm System on Chips from Qualcomm and NVIDIA.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Microsoft is bringing 10 new features to Windows 11’s taskbar and Start menu

Microsoft is planning to introduce several new features and improvements to the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu in response to user feedback. Users will soon have the ability to reposition the taskbar to the top, left, or right of the screen, with options for icon alignment. A new “Show smaller taskbar buttons” toggle will reduce the physical height of the taskbar, providing more screen space. These features are currently available in the Insider Experimental channel and are expected to roll out to all PCs soon. The Widgets board will also see changes, with the MSN feed being disabled by default and the “Open on hover” behavior eliminated. In the Start menu, users will gain section-level toggles to hide or show the Pinned, Recent, and All Apps sections. The Start menu can be resized to either Small or Large, and a new privacy mode will hide account names and profile pictures. The “Recommended” section will be renamed to “Recent,” and improvements will be made to file relevancy. Additionally, the Start menu will transition to a new modular engine, enhancing responsiveness and addressing previous criticisms regarding performance.

Winsage

June 1, 2026

Hands-On: The New Windows 11 Start Menu

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 through significant updates in the Windows Insider Program, particularly focusing on the Start menu. The Start menu, which originated from the abandoned Windows 10X project, faced criticism at its launch in October 2021 for its simplistic design and lack of customization options. Initial updates introduced some layout options, but issues like wasted space persisted. The upcoming version 25H2 integrates the All apps section into the main Start UI and introduces responsive design features. In March, Microsoft President Pavan Davuluri promised improvements to the Start menu, including enhanced reliability, flexibility, and personalization, more consistent access to apps and files, a refined Recommended section, standardized search functionality, and performance improvements through WinUI 3. Recent updates in the Insider Program include rebranding the Recommended section to Recent, allowing users to toggle visibility of sections, simplified size options for the Start menu, the option to hide user account profiles, and a redesigned settings interface. These changes aim to enhance user experience by streamlining navigation and providing greater control over the Start menu's appearance.

Winsage

May 30, 2026

Tested: Windows 11’s new Start menu lets you fully customize it, and it works surprisingly well

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.8553, featuring a redesigned Start menu that addresses user complaints about customization and performance. The update introduces section-level toggles for managing the visibility of Pinned, Recent, and All sections. The Recommended section has been rebranded as Recent, allowing users to display recently accessed files and customize its visibility. Users can also disable Pinned apps and All apps, leading to a minimalist Start menu. Three size options for the Start menu are available: Automatic, Small, and Medium. The All apps section can be viewed in Grid or List format. Users can hide their name and profile picture from the Start menu. A native Start menu is in development, with plans to use native WinUI 3 frameworks for improved performance. Additionally, a new Low Latency Profile CPU boost is being rolled out to enhance responsiveness.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

Windows quality update: May

Recent visits to Hyderabad and Taipei have reinforced Windows' commitment to improving user experience, with insights from local Windows Insiders informing preparations for the upcoming Build event. This month focuses on momentum in performance and refinement, with advancements in core functionalities like File Explorer and search capabilities, supported by architectural enhancements. New personalization features for the Taskbar and Start menu have been rolled out, allowing users to reposition the taskbar, choose icon alignment, and utilize app labels. The Start menu has been updated to better align with workflows, offering controls to show or hide sections and adjust size for privacy. The Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) was unveiled at WinHEC 2026 to improve driver quality, reliability, and security, along with Cloud Initiated Driver Recovery for better driver maintenance. Significant updates to File Explorer include improved reliability, readability, and usability, such as support for specific path formats and enhanced dropdown functionality. Accessibility enhancements include Voice Isolation in Voice Access to improve command recognition in noisy environments, expanded personalization options like screen tint adjustments, and new gesture controls for precision touchpads. The Microsoft Build keynote is scheduled for 9:30 AM PT on Tuesday, and a new podcast series, Inside Windows, has been launched to provide insights into ongoing work in Windows.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

Start Menu Improvements Are Available for Testing on the Experimental Channel

The Start Menu enhancements have entered the Insider testing phase with build 26300.8533, introducing a revamped settings page and options to hide personal information. Insiders can choose between small or large Start menu sizes and toggle the visibility of the ‘All’, ‘Pinned’, and ‘Recent’ sections. Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds across various channels, advising Insiders testing 26H1 to consider reverting to version 25H2 before June 5, 2026. Windows 11 version 26H1 will only support devices with new silicon, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 2 chips, and an upgrade to version 26H2 will not be possible. Reverting to 25H2 requires a clean installation, complicating the testing process for users.

Winsage

May 25, 2026

Windows 11 New Build Adds Screen Tint, Voice Isolation, and Plug-and-Play Braille Display Support

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8497, introducing new accessibility features including a Screen Tint option, Voice Isolation in Voice Access, and upgrades to Magnifier and Narrator. The Screen Tint setting allows users to apply a color overlay to reduce screen brightness, beneficial for those with eye strain. It can be accessed in the Settings menu under Accessibility and operates independently of the Night Light feature. The update also enhances Narrator by adding support for plug-and-play braille displays that comply with the HID standard, allowing immediate connection via USB without additional drivers. Compatible braille models include Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. The build addresses several bugs, including a crash in explorer.exe, duplicate Energy Saver quick settings, and issues with audio muting on certain devices. Build 26300.8497 is being rolled out to the Windows 11 Insider Experimental channel, with no announcement yet on availability for the broader user base.