Feedback Hub Archives

Winsage

May 19, 2026

Windows 11 Insiders Can Now Move the Taskbar to Any Screen Edge

Microsoft is updating Windows 11 to allow users to reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen and resize it. This feature is currently available to Windows Insider program members. The taskbar's icons, text, menus, and other elements will automatically adjust when moved. The resizing option benefits users with widescreen monitors. The movable taskbar feature, first introduced in Windows 95, was absent at Windows 11's launch in October 2021, leading to user backlash. Microsoft has been reinstating features missing from Windows 11, including drag-and-drop functionality in 2022 and improvements to the Start menu in 2023 and 2024. The rollout of the movable taskbar is ongoing for Windows Insider Dev and Beta channels, with no timeline for general availability announced.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Improving Windows quality: Making Taskbar and Start more personal

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows experience by focusing on performance, reliability, and craftsmanship, with a commitment to transparency about updates. The Start menu and taskbar are receiving particular attention, with new customization options being introduced for users in the Experimental channel. Users can now reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen, customize icon alignment, and view every window at a glance with ungrouped icons. A more compact taskbar option will also be available for smaller screens. The Start menu will feature section-level toggles for easier customization, separate controls for file recommendations, size settings, and the option to hide user names for privacy. The Recommended section will be renamed Recent to better reflect its purpose. These features will be gradually rolled out, with user feedback being encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

New Windows Insider Experience Starts Rolling Out to Some Canary Testers

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has transitioned Dev Channel testers to the new Experimental Channel and is expanding this initiative to include Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, who will also move to the Experimental (26H1) Channel. The new Windows Insider experience introduces feature flags in Windows Update settings, allowing testers to toggle features on and off. Microsoft plans to roll out new features through Controlled Feature Rollouts (CFRs) and has stopped gradual feature rollouts on the updated Beta Channel. Recently, Microsoft released four new builds available via downloadable ISOs. Canary testers on 29500 series builds will soon transition to the "Experimental (Future Platforms)" Channel and can currently download build 29580.1000, which includes a revamped Feedback Hub with a 500 MB file upload limit and design improvements. For Canary testers on the 28000 series, the transition to the "Experimental (26H1) Channel" follows the installation of build 28020.1921, which enhances the Task Manager app. Insiders who moved from the Dev Channel to the Experimental Channel can download build 26300.8346, featuring improvements such as a Widgets board that remains closed by default, a redesigned Run dialog, promotional app recommendations in Windows Share for Microsoft Entra account users, sharper file thumbnails in File Explorer, and enhanced Windows Magnifier functionality. The Beta Channel build 26220.8340 includes similar Windows Share improvements and minor UI enhancements for Task Scheduler. The Beta Channel is set to transition to a new experience that will eliminate Controlled Feature Rollouts.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows quality update: Progress we’ve made since March

The Windows Insider Program is undergoing changes to improve transparency and user control. Two main channels, Experimental and Beta, are being introduced, with the Beta channel eliminating controlled feature rollouts. Users will have the ability to select features in the Experimental channel and switch between channels more easily. Updates to the Feedback Hub are aimed at enhancing user experience. Windows updates will now be consolidated into a single monthly restart, providing users with more flexibility. AI features are being refined, with a focus on intentional integration. File Explorer is receiving architectural improvements for better performance, and there will be more control over widgets and notification settings. System performance enhancements include memory optimization and improved app launch responsiveness. Upcoming features include Taskbar customization, and the team is engaging with Insiders in various cities for feedback.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

Windows K2 tracker: Keeping tabs on Microsoft’s promises to fix Windows 11

Microsoft has outlined a roadmap for Windows 11 as part of its Windows K2 initiative, focusing on enhancements to user experience by addressing longstanding issues and responding to user feedback. A table detailing Microsoft's commitments includes the following: - Taskbar Repositioning: Allow taskbar at top, left, and right - Status: Preview expected imminently. - Taskbar Customization: More personalization options including smaller taskbar - Status: Preview expected this year. - AI Integration: Reduce unnecessary Copilot entry points in various tools - Status: Copilot in Snipping Tool removed; Notepad Copilot button replaced with AI writing tools. - Windows Update Control: Skip updates during setup; restart/shutdown without forced updates; pause longer - Status: Rolling out now. - File Explorer: Faster launch, reduced flicker, smoother navigation - Status: Work in progress; faster launch times already in testing. - Widgets: Quieter defaults, more control, better personalization - Status: No preview yet. - Windows Insider Program: Simpler channels, clearer definitions, higher-quality builds - Status: Rolling out now. - Feedback Hub: Largest redesign yet - Status: Rolling out now. - System Performance: Reduced resource usage, improved responsiveness - Status: Work underway; some early improvements noted. - WinUI 3 Migration: Move more Windows experiences to WinUI 3 - Status: In progress; Start menu migration confirmed but not yet shipping. - File Explorer Fundamentals: Lower latency for search, navigation, context menus - Status: Committed, not yet being previewed. The Windows K2 initiative aims to improve performance, reliability, and craftsmanship in Windows 11, addressing user feedback to enhance competitiveness against macOS and Linux. The project seeks to reshape internal perspectives on product development to be more user-centric. Regular updates will reflect the latest progress.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

How Microsoft hopes to win back enthusiasts: A deep dive into the Windows Insider reboot

Microsoft is making significant changes to the Windows Insider Program to address user feedback and improve community engagement. Key changes include: - A simplified channel strategy with clearer purpose-driven channels: an Experimental track for early feature flags and a Beta track for more predictable releases. - Introduction of a feature-flags page in Experimental builds, allowing testers to opt into visible features. - Easier movement between channels without needing complete reinstalls. - Assignment of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) to oversee specific areas based on community feedback. Upcoming features for Windows 11 include new taskbar positioning options, improved integration of Copilot, enhanced File Explorer functionality, and a redesigned Feedback Hub. Microsoft aims to rebuild trust by focusing on quality in Beta builds and publicly acknowledging community contributions. The company is prioritizing refining Windows 11 over launching a new version, Windows 12.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

How Microsoft hopes to win back enthusiasts: A deep dive into the Windows Insider reboot

Microsoft is revamping the Windows Insider Program in response to community feedback, acknowledging past shortcomings such as confusing channels and lack of transparency in feature rollouts. Key changes include a simplified channel strategy with an Experimental track for early features and a Beta track for more stable releases, a feature-flags page for testers, easier transitions between channels, and the introduction of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) for accountability in specific areas. The company aims to improve Windows 11's quality and user experience, focusing on community engagement and measurable goals to rebuild trust. Concerns about the shift to web view apps are acknowledged, with a commitment to optimizing performance. Microsoft is prioritizing enhancements to Windows 11 over launching a new version, emphasizing a collaborative approach with the community.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

I got an inside look at the plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11 — Microsoft’s bet on quality, community, and making the OS feel human again

Microsoft is implementing significant changes to the Windows Insider Program and Windows 11 to enhance user engagement and address feedback from the community. Key changes include: - A simplified channel strategy with clearer purpose-driven channels: an Experimental track for early feature flags and a Beta track for a more predictable experience. - Introduction of a feature-flags page in Experimental builds, allowing testers to opt into visible features. - Easier transitions between channels without the need for complete reinstalls. - The appointment of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) for each priority area to synthesize feedback and telemetry for improvements. Upcoming enhancements for Windows 11 include new taskbar positioning options, improved integration of Copilot, updates to File Explorer, and better user control over updates and widgets. A redesigned Feedback Hub will streamline the feedback submission process. Microsoft acknowledges the need for accountability and aims to rebuild trust within the community by ensuring quality in Beta builds and publicly recognizing community contributions. The focus will remain on refining Windows 11 rather than launching a new version like Windows 12. The company is committed to reengineering the Windows experience to provide users with more control and flexibility.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29565.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29565.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. Key updates include improved performance for the Bubbles screensaver on high refresh rate monitors, refinements to the drag tray based on user feedback, and enhancements to the Windows Security app, which now features color-coded icon badges for Secure Boot status. The Feedback Hub has also received updates, including a new default window size that remembers dimensions, mouse back button navigation, and improved visibility for community feedback. Canary Channel builds may be unstable and are subject to change. Users can enable a toggle in Settings to access new features gradually. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (KB 5083635) has been released to the Beta Channel, featuring several updates: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large volumes in Storage settings. - Reduced frequency of UAC prompts on the Storage page. - Resolution of unrealistic data usage values in Network settings. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app's Secure Boot experience, including color-coded icon badges and updated certificates. - A revamped Feedback Hub with a modernized experience, simpler feedback submission, easier navigation, a new compliment feedback type, and improved screenshot capture tools. - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - A desktop watermark appears in Insider pre-release builds. - Features may not be released beyond Windows Insiders and may evolve or be removed.