File Explorer improvements Archives

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 11’s March Optional Update is Now Available for Release Preview Insiders

The March optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, identified as KB5079387, has been released for Insiders on the Release Preview Channel. Key enhancements include: - Narrator improvements: Enhanced reliability for setting up Natural Voices, access to rich image descriptions via shortcuts, and instant on-device descriptions for Copilot+ PC users. - Settings improvements: Increased reliability for downloading updates in the Settings menu. - Smart App Control improvements: Users can toggle this security feature on or off without a clean installation. - Modern pen setting experience: Digital pen users can configure the pen tail button to launch the same application as the Copilot key. - Display improvements: Enhanced reliability of auto-rotation after sleep and external monitors connected via USB4 can operate at a low power level during sleep. - File Explorer improvements: Ability to rename files using Voice Typing and sort permissions entries in Advanced Security Settings by ‘Principal’. - Windows Recovery Environment improvements: x64 applications are expected to perform better on ARM64 devices. The update will be available to non-Insiders as an optional update in the last week of March, with a broader public rollout expected in April.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Microsoft’s year of fixing Windows 11 is off to a promising start, as latest update improves stability — but it still has a lot more work to do

Windows 11's March update includes several enhancements aimed at improving user experience, focusing on performance and reliability. Key features include: - File Explorer improvements allowing users to open new instances more reliably by holding the Shift key or using the middle mouse button. - Enhanced reliability in displaying network devices and improved search functionality across multiple drives. - An 'Extract all' command added for archived folders not in ZIP format. - Taskbar enhancements that prevent stacking of application instances, moving only overflow instances to a separate area for better organization. - Refined taskbar search functionality, allowing users to preview results by hovering and selecting 'Preview,' with group headers indicating the number of results. - Visual consistency improvements, particularly with the taskbar's auto-hide feature, print dialog box, and credential fields in the Windows Security panel. - Security enhancements for login and lock screens, the projection menu, and Nearby Sharing. - New features include updates to the emoji picker, a revamped widgets board, and an internet speed test feature in the taskbar, which received mixed reviews. - A new option in the Start menu's account menu directs users to a 'benefits' page, criticized as unnecessary promotion for Microsoft accounts.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft Releases March 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5079473, for all supported versions of Windows 11 (25H2 and 24H2). Key changes include: - A Network Speed Test Tool in the Taskbar for measuring Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular performance. - New pan and tilt options for supported cameras in the Settings menu. - Built-in System Monitor (Sysmon) available as an optional feature; users should uninstall previous versions before enabling it. - Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) support for Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - Quick Machine Recovery tool enabled for Windows Professional devices not domain-joined or enrolled in enterprise management. - Ability to use .webp image files for desktop backgrounds. - Introduction of new emojis from Emoji 16.0, including a face with bags under the eyes and a fingerprint. - BitLocker improvements for device responsiveness after entering a recovery key. - Enhanced reliability of search functions in File Explorer. Additionally, Microsoft is publishing patch notes for the upcoming version 26H1, which is currently available to Windows Insiders on the Canary Channel but not yet public. The KB5079466 patch for version 26H1 includes features already seen in earlier Windows 11 versions.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Windows 11 February 2026 Update Is Now Available With 3 New Features

Microsoft has released a non-security feature preview update for Windows 11, designated as version KB5077241, which introduces performance and visual enhancements. This optional update is available for all Windows 11 users and is not yet part of the stable channel, with a full release expected on March 10. Key features of the update include: 1. A built-in network speed test accessible via the taskbar, allowing users to evaluate their network connection's performance. 2. Improvements to the taskbar search function, enabling result previews without opening additional windows. 3. Minor system upgrades, including backup and restore options for select Windows Professional devices, new emojis, an updated accounts menu, a built-in system monitor, and a revamped widgets settings menu. 4. Enhancements to printing services, nearby sharing features, and Windows Update, along with new camera settings for supported devices. 5. Performance improvements in File Explorer, including more reliable window opening using shortcuts and the introduction of an "Extract All" option for non-ZIP archived folders. 6. Optimizations in the Network page of File Explorer for better device display and improvements in display responsiveness after sleep.