flyout Archives

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Microsoft is speeding up and decluttering File Explorer in Windows 11

Microsoft is enhancing the File Explorer in Windows 11 with a preloading feature to improve startup speed, particularly on less powerful hardware like handhelds and tablets. Users will have the option to disable this feature if they prefer not to run File Explorer in the background. Additionally, the context menu is being refined to declutter the interface by moving less frequently used actions into submenus and introducing a new manage file flyout that consolidates various functions. Cloud file options will also be organized into a dedicated flyout. These updates are currently in testing in the latest Dev preview builds, with a broader rollout expected in early 2026.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Microsoft says it’s fixing a baffling way in which Windows 11 is much slower than Windows 10 – and it’s about time

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11 (build 26220.7271) in the Dev and Beta channels, focusing on improving File Explorer performance and the right-click menu. Key features include: - A preloading feature for File Explorer that allows it to load in the background during Windows 11 startup, reducing sluggishness when accessing folders for the first time. - A streamlined right-click menu in File Explorer, condensing options and relocating actions like 'Compress to ZIP' and 'Set as Desktop Background' to a new 'Manage file' flyout for better organization. Additionally, Microsoft is testing the Xbox Full Screen Experience for Windows 11 PCs, indicating potential future gaming feature integration. Users can opt to disable the preloading feature if desired.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft tests File Explorer preloading for faster performance

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that preloads File Explorer in the background to reduce launch times and improve user experience. Users can disable this feature by unchecking "Enable window preloading for faster launch times" in the Folder Options. The Windows Insider Program Team is seeking feedback on this development. This initiative follows the rollout of Startup Boost in May 2025, which enhances loading times for Office applications. Additionally, Microsoft is updating the File Explorer context menu to streamline user interactions by grouping similar tasks and repositioning commands for better accessibility. These enhancements are available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels running Windows 11 25H2 with the 26220.7271 (KB5070307) preview build.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders can switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel while both channels have the same updates. The Xbox full screen experience is now available for additional Windows 11 PC form factors, accessible through Task View, Game Bar settings, or the Win + F11 hotkey. Point-in-time restore is introduced for both channels, allowing users to revert their devices to a previous state. Fluid dictation is now available for voice typing users on NPU devices, enhancing the dictation experience. Vivo Android phone users can resume browsing activity from their phone to their PC, and users of Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and Vivo can continue working on M365 Copilot app files across devices. The context menu in File Explorer is being refined, and users can now uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Microsoft Store. Fixes include resolving taskbar issues, internet connectivity problems, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include the virtual keyboard not being visible for controller users and some applications exhibiting unexpected behavior with the Xbox full screen experience.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Microsoft Will Preload Windows 11 File Explorer to Fix Bad Performance

Microsoft is enhancing File Explorer in Windows 11 to address performance challenges. In the latest Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, they are exploring preloading File Explorer in the background to improve launch performance, with an option for users to disable this feature. Additionally, Microsoft is revamping the context menu to reduce clutter and improve accessibility of frequently used commands. A new Manage file flyout has been introduced, consolidating actions like compressing files and rotating images. Cloud-specific commands have been organized into individual provider flyouts, and the Send to My Phone option has been relocated. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on File Explorer's performance through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Windows 11’s Only New Useful Feature Has Nothing to Do With AI

Microsoft has introduced a range of artificial intelligence features in Windows 11, marking a departure from Windows 10. The Calendar flyout feature, which was absent since October 2021, will return, allowing users to access it by clicking the date and time stamp in the bottom right corner of the screen. The new Copilot chatbot will integrate AI capabilities into various text boxes across the operating system, utilizing the neural processing unit (NPU) of modern PCs to enhance efficiency. The taskbar will include the "Ask Copilot" function and a new Researcher app for facilitating research. Users can opt out of these taskbar apps if desired. The "Fluid dictation" tool will convert speech to text, while Microsoft 365 applications will use AI for email summaries and automatic alt-text for images. An "Agent Mode" will enable users to create documents and spreadsheets based on simple prompts. At the Ignite 2025 conference, Microsoft emphasized its vision of Windows 11 as an "agentic" operating system capable of executing complex tasks autonomously, although this raises concerns about data security.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11’s Taskbar calendar is finally gaining support for viewing upcoming events and meetings — the glow up we’ve been waiting for

Microsoft is enhancing the Taskbar calendar flyout in Windows 11 to include an "agenda view," allowing users to view and interact with upcoming events and meetings. This feature, previously available in Windows 10, will debut in a preview next month. The update will provide a chronological list of events integrated with the Calendar, enabling users to join meetings directly. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing new AI capabilities, including AI-generated text in any text box and an agentic workspace feature. A hardware-accelerated version of BitLocker for faster data encryption will also launch next year on new PCs running Windows 11. The general availability of the new calendar feature is anticipated in 2026.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Microsoft admits Windows 11’s right-click menu is cluttered, confirms fix with a new UI feature

Windows 11 is set to introduce a "Split Context Menu" update for WinUI 3-based applications, aimed at reducing menu clutter and improving usability. This update will implement context-aware nested menus that adapt based on file types, allowing for a more streamlined right-click experience. The new API, SplitMenuFlyoutItem, will enable a single menu entry to display both primary actions and secondary options in a smaller adjacent flyout. This redesign could reduce menu length by up to 38% in some cases. Currently, the Split Context Menu is intended for WinUI applications, with no confirmation on whether it will extend to the entire Windows shell. The update is still in early development and not available for public testing.

Winsage

October 25, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6982 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6982 (KB5067109) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key features include: - Copy & Search: Users can search for text copied to the clipboard by clicking a paste gleam that appears in the search box. - Voice Typing: A new setting allows users to set a delay before a voice command is executed, with options ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 seconds. - Proactive Memory Diagnostics: A notification prompts users to run a memory scan after an unexpected restart, with the scan scheduled for the next reboot. Improvements include revamped Device Cards in Settings for better clarity, an enhanced About section, and a scrollbar for search results in Settings. The Start menu flyout now aligns in size with the Windows Search flyout. Fixes address various issues across general functionality, the taskbar, input methods, File Explorer, widgets, administrator protection, and Task Manager. Known issues include problems with keyboard functionality for some users, the Start menu not opening on click, and display issues in dark mode. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, with features rolled out gradually. Users are encouraged to keep the toggle ON in Settings > Windows Update to receive features promptly.

Winsage

October 25, 2025

Microsoft Issues New Dev and Beta Builds with Copy & Search and Other New Features

Microsoft has released updates for the Windows Insider Program, providing new builds for the Dev and Beta channels. Dev channel users can upgrade to Windows 11 version 25H2, build 26220.6982, while Beta channel users will move to version 24H2, build 26120.6982. Key features of the update include: - Copy & Search: Users can search for text copied to the Clipboard directly from the Taskbar, with a Paste icon appearing next to the Search box. - Voice Typing Improvements: Users can customize the “Wait time before acting” option in Voice Typing for better accuracy. - Proactive Memory Diagnostics: Users will be notified if their PC experiences a blue screen and restarts, with a suggestion for a memory scan during the next reboot. Additional changes include enhancements to Device Cards in Settings, improved information in Settings > About, a scrollable Settings search flyout, and alignment of the search box in the new Start menu with the one in Search, along with various fixes and improvements.