Insider Archives

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Microsoft Issues New Prerelease 24H2 Builds to Dev and Beta Channels

A significant update for Windows 11 version 24H2 is available for participants in the Windows Insider Program’s Dev and Beta channels. The cumulative update KB5060824 is rolling out for the Dev channel, upgrading systems to build 26200.5641, while the Beta channel receives cumulative update KB5060820, upgrading to build 26120.4250. Key features of the update include: - A redesigned Start menu with in-place scrolling, two new views (Category and Grid), dynamic resizing for "Pinned" and "Recommended" sections, and improved customization options. - An optimized Phone companion pane that integrates with the Phone Link feature, featuring an expand/collapse button. - Customization options for the Lock screen, allowing users to select and order displayed widgets. - A new Screen Curtain feature in Narrator that blackens the display for privacy, along with a modernized onboarding experience. - Consolidation of all Windows Search settings into a single location within the Settings app under Privacy & security > Search. - Enhancements to the Windows Touch Keyboard, including a refined Gamepad layout, flyout menus, word suggestions, language switching, and a new PIN sign-in option for the Lock screen tailored for gaming controllers.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

You can now try Microsoft’s new Start menu for Windows 11

Microsoft has released an updated Start menu for Windows 11, now available in the Dev Channel. The new menu features a larger, customizable interface with a scrollable design that displays all applications at the top level, simplifying app access. Users can disable the recommended section for a personalized view and choose between category view and grid view for app organization. The Start menu size adjusts based on screen dimensions, with larger monitors showing up to eight columns of pinned apps, while smaller devices display six columns. A mobile device button has been added for expanding or collapsing the Phone Link interface. Users can also customize their lock screen widgets and a Gamepad keyboard update allows signing into PCs with a PIN via a controller.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Windows 11 tests Android screen mirroring from the Start menu

Microsoft has introduced a feature in Windows 11 that allows users to mirror their Android phone screens directly from the Start menu. Users can now access this functionality by clicking on their device's icon in the Start menu's phone companion panel, eliminating the need to open the Phone Link app. To use this feature, users must first link their Android phone to their Windows 11 computer using the Phone Link app. This connection also enables file transfers and the use of the phone as a webcam. Currently, the feature is available only to testers in the Windows 11 Insider Program and is compatible with a limited number of Android devices, with plans for a broader rollout by June.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft is finally tidying up the Search options in the Windows 11 Settings page

Microsoft is updating the Settings page in Windows 11 by merging the "Search permissions" and "Searching Windows" settings into a single page to improve navigation and visual appeal. This change, discovered by a user known as PhantomOfEarth, is currently in development and not yet available on the main Windows 11 branch, but can be previewed by users on Insider builds 26200.5622/26120.4230 by enabling feature ID 57471391. An official rollout is expected soon.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Windows 11 Is Getting A Cool Trick That Could Boost Your Laptop’s Battery Life

The latest development build of Windows 11, Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488), introduces a feature called "User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management," which enhances laptop battery life by automatically shifting the CPU to a lower-power state when user activity is not detected. This feature operates independently of the user's selected power plan and utilizes traditional CPU C-States and manufacturer-provided Processor Power Management (PPM). It is enabled by default in the preview build and is expected to be included in the upcoming Windows 25H2 release.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

AI-powered Relight and Search now available in Microsoft Photos

The Microsoft Photos app has been updated on Windows 11, introducing new features for Copilot+ PCs. The Relight feature allows users to adjust lighting in images by positioning up to three light sources, changing light color, and setting a focus point, with additional brightness and intensity controls. Built-in presets are also available for quick application. This feature will initially be available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered devices coming soon. The app now includes improved photo search using natural language, enabling users to find images by descriptive phrases. For commercial users signed in with Microsoft Entra ID, access to Restyle Image and Image Creator is now available. Users should update their Photos app to version 2025.11060.5006.0 or higher to access these features.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

The Microsoft Store is now faster, more personalized… and injected with AI

Microsoft has updated the Microsoft Store app, introducing a personalized home page and improved performance, with start times reportedly twice as fast as six months ago. Users can now install individual game components, and there is a new feature for launching Windows search to quickly find and install apps or games from the Store. Additionally, app suggestions for opening file extensions are being tested for Windows Insiders in the US and China. Copilot AI features have been added, allowing users in the US to ask questions while browsing product pages. Other enhancements include better search capabilities and improved labeling and discovery options.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Windows Weekly 935: Don’t Spritz Yourself

Leo and Paul discuss various topics on the latest episode of Windows Weekly, including Notepad, updates in Windows 11, Microsoft 365, artificial intelligence, and Xbox gaming. A new free newsletter offers time-saving tips and complimentary Field Guides for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Microsoft is reorganizing its AI initiatives and phasing out password management features in the Microsoft Authenticator app. The upcoming June 2025 update for Outlook will introduce new features, and Microsoft 365 Copilot now has general availability for Research and Analyst AI agents. The New York Times has licensed its content to Amazon, and Samsung is reconsidering its partnership with Gemini. Microsoft has delayed the launch of its first-party Xbox and Windows gaming handheld and has secured its first agreement with a game studio union. J Allard, a former Microsoft executive, is among many ex-Microsoft leaders now at Amazon. A tip suggests replacing OneDrive/Google Drive with a NAS, and Microsoft Edge 137 is highlighted as a significant update. Photoshop for Android is now available for free during its beta phase.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Sonic’s Upcoming Kart Racer Will Include Minecraft And SpongeBob Characters

Sonic Racing Crossworlds is the latest installment in Sega's kart racing franchise, featuring characters such as Sonic, Tails, and Dr. Robotnik, along with SpongeBob SquarePants as a crossover addition. Leaks suggest the inclusion of characters from Minecraft and Avatar: The Last Airbender through downloadable content (DLC), with tracks inspired by franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants. The game is set to launch later this year on multiple platforms, including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Expect more ‘Chicken Jockey’ moments in movies. At least, if traditional brands start taking advice from Minecraft

The 'Chicken Jockey' easter egg in A Minecraft Movie highlights the connections between gaming culture and film. Harry Elonen, associate brand director of Minecraft, discussed this at SXSW London, noting that many casual players struggle to explain what a chicken jockey is due to its rarity in the game. The movie has grossed 8 million worldwide, making it the second most successful video game adaptation after The Super Mario Brothers Movie from 2023. A Minecraft Movie will be available for streaming on Max starting June 20.