experimental features Archives

Winsage

May 12, 2026

Windows 11 Adds Feature Flags Page to Insider Program for Enabling Experimental Features Without ViveTool

Microsoft has introduced a new Feature Flags page in the Windows 11 Insider Program, allowing users to toggle experimental features on or off through Windows Settings, without needing third-party tools like ViveTool. This functionality is limited to officially announced features, while hidden or untested features still require ViveTool for activation. The Controlled Feature Rollout system has been phased out, and Insiders in the Beta channel will now receive announced features by default. Users can access the Feature Flags page by navigating through Windows Settings, ensuring their device is set to the Experimental experience, and confirming their operating system version. The Feature Flags page allows users to enable, manage, or disable experimental features, but features not publicly announced will not be listed and will still require ViveTool for activation. The update is available for users in the Windows 11 Insider Program running version 25H2 in the Experimental experience, with no current information on whether it will extend to the Beta channel or stable releases.

Winsage

May 10, 2026

How I access Windows 11’s newest experimental features before release and what it reveals about Microsoft’s roadmap

Microsoft has streamlined access to experimental features in Windows 11, allowing users to explore hidden features through a dedicated "Feature flags" page without third-party tools. To enable these features, users must open Settings, navigate to Windows Update, select the "Windows Insider Program" page, and set their device to the Experimental experience. They can then access the Feature flags page, choose to enable or disable specific features, apply changes, and restart their computer to activate the selected experimental feature.

Winsage

May 10, 2026

“I like where the program is going”: Microsoft’s Insider overhaul finally gives us a simpler path, but I had to dig in to understand what really changes next

Microsoft is transforming the Windows Insider Program to enhance user experience by streamlining the process for exploring new features in Windows 11. The Beta Track will now activate all features by default, eliminating the Controlled Feature Rollout method. Users can enroll in the Beta experience through Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. Changing tracks between Beta and Experimental experiences is simplified, allowing in-place upgrades while retaining personal files. The Release Preview Track is available but must be enabled through "Advanced Options." Users can enable experimental features directly in Windows settings without third-party tools. To unenroll from the Insider Program while keeping apps and files, users can toggle the "Unenroll Device" switch. Existing users will be transitioned to corresponding tracks based on their current enrollment: Dev Channel devices to Experimental for version 25H2, Canary Channel devices running 28000-series builds to Experimental for version 26H1, and those running 25900-series builds to the Experimental track for the Feature Platform version.

Winsage

May 9, 2026

Windows 11 is free of AI: Microsoft removes Copilot

Microsoft is refining its approach to artificial intelligence in Windows 11, particularly regarding the Copilot feature, which has been a source of user frustration. The company is removing intrusive aspects of Copilot due to user feedback highlighting issues like excessive resource consumption, system slowdowns, and privacy concerns. Features previously labeled as "Copilot" will be rebranded with simpler names to present them as optional tools. The Recall feature, designed to capture user activity, faced backlash over privacy risks, leading to its delayed launch and reassessment. Microsoft is now adopting a more selective and discreet approach to AI, focusing on integrating tools that genuinely enhance user experience while prioritizing user feedback to guide future developments.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Threads adds direct messaging access on desktop

Threads has rolled out its messaging feature on the desktop version of the app, allowing users to access DMs through the left sidebar. This feature aims to enhance communication on the platform and was the most requested upgrade since messaging was introduced in July. Threads Chief Connor Hayes emphasized the importance of facilitating private discussions. Initially, there were doubts about incorporating a DM feature due to Meta's strategy to unify its messaging platforms. After a legal victory, Meta shifted focus and introduced Threads DMs, allowing for new experimental features such as interactive elements and DM links.

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

Dial up the chaos in testing

Geysers are a new feature in Minecraft that create vertical jets of sulfurous water when a magma block generates beneath a sulfur block submerged under one to four blocks of water. Players can experience these geysers by enabling snapshots in Minecraft: Java Edition or activating experimental features in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. Feedback from players is encouraged to help shape the development of these features.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

Microsoft rolls out revamped Windows Insider Program

Microsoft is overhauling its Windows Insider Program to enhance the reliability of Windows 11 and improve user feedback responsiveness. The program will now consist of two channels: Experimental, which replaces the Dev and Canary channels for testing experimental features, and Beta, which will provide immediate access to all features listed in the release notes without gradual rollouts. The transition will occur in phases, starting with users in the Dev Channel moving to Experimental. Users from the Canary Channel will also be transitioned to specific versions of the Experimental channel. Beta Channel users will experience a new Beta setup, with minor adjustments possible. Microsoft is updating build details, with the latest builds including Build 26220.8283 for Beta, Build 26300.8289 for Experimental, Build 28020.1873 for Experimental 26H1, and Build 29576.1000 for Experimental Future Platforms. Additionally, a new Windows Update experience will allow users to pause updates and avoid unexpected reboots.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Minecraft Chaos Cubed update: Release date, features and more

Mojang Studios is releasing the Chaos Cubed update, version 26.2 of Minecraft, in mid to late June 2026. This update introduces the Sulfur Caves biome and the Sulfur Cube mob, enhancing the underground experience of the Overworld. The Sulfur Caves feature toxic gases, hot pools, and new building blocks, including vibrant yellow Sulfur and deep red Cinnabar. The Sulfur Cube is a passive mob that changes its properties based on absorbed blocks, enabling new gameplay mechanics. This update follows the Tiny Takeover update and is part of Mojang's quarterly release schedule.

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a native Feature Flags page, and it could make Vivetool obsolete

Microsoft is set to introduce a "Feature Flags" page in Windows 11 that will allow users to enable experimental features more easily. Currently, users rely on the third-party application Vivetool to access hidden functionalities in preview builds. The Feature Flags page is still in an experimental phase and not yet active. It was discovered by a user known as PhantomOfEarth, who has been using Vivetool. The page aims to provide a list of features under development, but it may only display features closer to completion, potentially keeping some tools hidden.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Slay the Spire 2’s team is already cooking on 3 ideas for new game modes, each offering ‘ways to interact with Slay the Spire that don’t exist right now’

Casey Yano, co-founder of Mega Crit, revealed that Slay the Spire 2 will enter early access in the next year or two and will feature three new modes, including a co-op mode. This addition aims to attract both seasoned players and newcomers. The team is exploring new gameplay dynamics, which may include collaborative gameplay, dynamic challenges, and experimental features that could surprise players.