Feedback Hub Archives

Winsage

March 23, 2026

Microsoft announces changes to Windows 11: movable taskbar, less Copilot and improved update control

Microsoft is rolling out enhancements for Windows 11 in test builds for Windows Insider members during March and April of 2026. Key updates include: - Users can now reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of their screens and access more personalization settings. - The integration of the Copilot feature will be reassessed across applications like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad, focusing on specific use cases. - Windows Update will allow users to skip updates during initial setup, shut down or restart without mandatory updates, pause updates for extended periods, and reduce the frequency of automatic restarts and notifications. - File Explorer will see performance upgrades, including faster startup times, fewer visual artifacts, and enhanced stability. - The Feedback Hub will have an updated interface for easier feedback submission and improved visibility of user messages. - Future developments for Windows 11 will focus on enhancing system performance, stability, and predictability, reducing resource consumption, boosting application speed, improving driver stability, minimizing crashes, enhancing peripheral connectivity, and ensuring reliable updates. - There will be ongoing improvements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux to enhance file operations between Windows and Linux environments.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Windows users are angry, and Microsoft is finally doing something about it

Microsoft is addressing user dissatisfaction with Windows 11 by implementing several changes. These include enhanced taskbar customization, allowing users to reposition the taskbar; a more selective integration of AI features, reducing unnecessary AI entry points in applications; greater control over updates, enabling users to skip or pause updates; performance improvements aimed at reducing sluggishness in File Explorer and enhancing memory efficiency; and increased reliability by focusing on reducing crashes and improving app stability. Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance various functionalities, including Bluetooth and USB connectivity, printer support, and search functionality, while also making widgets less intrusive.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8079 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8079 (KB 5079482) has been released to the Beta Channel, featuring improvements in explorer.exe reliability and voice typing settings. An issue with the Network and Sharing Center displaying two active Wi-Fi connections has been resolved. The updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who have opted in through Settings > Windows Update. Features may not always be released and could change based on feedback. The desktop watermark is standard for pre-release builds, and users should ensure the toggle for updates is ON to receive new features promptly. Localization of features may improve over time, and feedback on localization issues is encouraged.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29553.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29553.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. This update introduces platform changes and a new Feedback Hub with a modernized experience, including a simpler feedback submission flow, improved navigation, a new compliment feedback type, and enhanced screenshot capture tools. Users can choose to submit feedback privately or publicly and access a more compact feedback interface. The Canary Channel builds may exhibit instability, and features may evolve or be removed without public release. A desktop watermark is included in pre-release builds, and localization of features will occur over time. Exiting the Canary Channel requires a clean installation of Windows 11.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Our commitment to Windows quality

- Enhanced Taskbar Customization: Users will be able to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. - Intentional AI Integration: Copilot will be integrated thoughtfully across Windows, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad. - Streamlined Windows Updates: Users will have more control over updates, including options to skip updates during setup, restart without installing updates, and pause updates. - Improved File Explorer: Enhancements will lead to quicker launches, smoother navigation, and more reliable performance. - Widget Control and Personalization: Widgets will have quieter defaults and improved personalization options. - Simplified Windows Insider Program: The program will be made more accessible with clearer channel definitions and enhanced engagement opportunities. - Revamped Feedback Hub: The Feedback Hub will be updated to streamline the process for submitting feedback and engaging with the community. - System Performance Improvements: Resource usage will be reduced to enhance performance, resulting in faster app launches and improved memory efficiency. - Fluid App Interactions: Core experiences will transition to the WinUI3 framework to minimize interaction latency. - File Explorer Optimization: Efforts will be made to lower latency for search and navigation. - Elevating the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Performance and integration for developers using Linux tools will be enhanced. - Windows Insider Program Enhancements: Expectations for each Insider channel will be clarified, and the quality of builds will be raised. - OS, Driver, and App Reliability: Improvements will be made to system stability and driver quality. - Windows Update Experience: Updates will be streamlined to minimize disruptions and provide clearer control over timing. - Windows Hello Improvements: Biometric authentication will be enhanced for a more reliable sign-in experience. - Start and Taskbar Enhancements: These areas will be made more reliable and personalized. - Focused User Experience: Distractions will be reduced to help users maintain focus. - Search Enhancements: Faster, more accurate search results will be delivered across Windows surfaces. - Commitment to security enhancements aligned with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 has been released to the Canary Channel. New features include: - A shared audio feature that allows two users to share audio with individual volume sliders for each listener and a taskbar indicator for audio sharing. - The context menu now displays the “Open” verb that matches the icon of the file's default application when right-clicking on .exe, .bat, or .cmd files. - An updated Feedback Hub app with a simpler feedback submission flow, improved navigation, a new compliment feedback type, options for private or public feedback, and enhanced screenshot capture tools. Additional notes for Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel include that features are rolled out gradually, a desktop watermark is present in pre-release builds, some features may appear in other channels first, localization may be incomplete, and exiting the Canary Channel requires a clean installation of Windows 11.

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 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29550.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29550.1000 has been released to the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. New features include: - Emoji 16.0 release with a curated set of new emojis. - Camera settings now allow control of pan and tilt for supported cameras. - Global power settings changes apply to all power plans. - Voice typing can be used when renaming files in File Explorer. - Improved performance and reliability in the Settings app and nearby sharing for larger files. Users are reminded that these builds can be unstable and may have limited documentation. Features may change or be removed and may not be released beyond Windows Insiders. A clean install is required to leave the Canary Channel.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. 1. Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps: IT administrators can now use a dynamic app removal list to remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their package family names through Group Policy. The dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP. 2. Windows Setup Experience: Users can select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process, which must adhere to standard naming conventions. 3. Windows Driver Policy Update: A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default. The feature will initially operate in audit mode for at least 100 hours. 4. Point-in-Time Restore Updates: Local administrators will see a settings dialog to view or modify default restore settings, including a list of available restore points. Updated messaging has been added to the restore experience. 5. Drag Tray Rebranding: The Drag Tray has been rebranded as Drop Tray, with settings relocated to System > Multitasking. 6. Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key. 7. File Explorer and Other Enhancements: Improvements have been made to the reliability of setting the preferred display language, and unexpected errors from the sfc/scannow command have been removed. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

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.