Insider Archives

Winsage

March 23, 2026

Microsoft blocks registry trick that unlocked performance-boosting native NVMe driver on Windows 11 — workarounds still exist to enable support, however

Microsoft has disabled a registry modification that allowed Windows 11 users to activate native NVMe support. This change was noted in the latest Insider builds of Windows 11. The registry trick had previously improved random write performance by up to 85% and enhanced random I/O across various drives and CPUs. However, it caused compatibility issues with third-party SSD management tools and could trigger recovery prompts from BitLocker. Users can still enable native NVMe support using a third-party utility called ViVeTool, which requires an elevated command prompt and a system reboot. The timeline for official native NVMe support in Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 26H2 is uncertain.

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 22, 2026

Trust But Verify ⭐️

Pavan Davuluri has been appointed as the new leader of Windows development at Microsoft. The company has committed to enhancing the quality of Windows through 2026. Davuluri's recent blog post, primarily directed at Windows Insider Program participants, lacks an apology for past customer grievances and does not address several critical issues, including forced telemetry, bundled software, chaotic updates, forced Microsoft account sign-ins, and the mandatory use of Microsoft Edge. While he mentions plans to improve Windows Update and acknowledges the need for better reliability and transparency in the Windows Insider Program, many concerns remain unaddressed. The introduction of Copilot and its integration into Windows will continue, but users have expressed frustration over its implementation. Davuluri's approach to improving performance through the WinUI3 framework is met with skepticism.

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 21, 2026

Microsoft rolls back some of its Copilot AI bloat on Windows

Microsoft is reducing the number of entry points for its AI assistant, Copilot, in Windows 11, scaling back features in applications like Photos, Widgets, Notepad, and the Snipping Tool. This decision aims to create more meaningful AI experiences for users. Pavan Davuluri emphasized the importance of intentionality in AI interactions. A Pew Research study indicates that as of June 2025, half of U.S. adults are more concerned than excited about AI. Microsoft has previously abandoned plans for broader Copilot integrations and postponed the launch of the AI-powered memory feature, Windows Recall, due to privacy concerns. User feedback is influencing Microsoft's AI strategy, and additional enhancements to Windows 11 will include taskbar repositioning, improved control over system updates, faster File Explorer performance, and a better Widgets interface.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft announces major Windows 11 updates designed to fix biggest flaws

Microsoft has announced plans to enhance Windows 11, focusing on user feedback from the past two years. Key improvements will include better system performance, app responsiveness, and user interface adjustments. Users can expect enhancements in tools like File Explorer and the Windows Subsystem for Linux, with a goal of a more responsive and less resource-intensive operating system by year-end. The Taskbar will be repositionable, allowing customization, and the Windows UI framework, WinUI, will be expanded across more system areas. Windows Update will offer users greater control over updates, including the ability to pause them indefinitely. Microsoft aims to improve reliability by strengthening the Windows Insider Program, increasing OS and driver reliability, and enhancing Windows Hello biometric authentication. The focus areas for improvements are Performance, Reliability, and Craft, with specific goals outlined for each category, such as reducing resource usage, enhancing memory efficiency, and improving the search experience.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft Lays Out Next Windows Updates: Faster, Lighter and More Flexible

Microsoft announced a series of enhancements for Windows, including less intrusive Windows Update operations, improved Copilot integration, a streamlined start menu and taskbar, reduced notifications, a smaller memory footprint, and enhanced stability. The integration of Copilot will focus on creating useful experiences, while widgets will provide glanceable information with fewer interruptions. A significant performance update will reduce memory usage, allowing users to free up resources for applications. Users will also be able to pause updates for longer periods and restart or shut down devices without forced installations. New users will have the option to skip updates during initial setup, improving the out-of-the-box experience, especially for handheld gaming devices. Additionally, there will be support for controller-based navigation during setup. Microsoft aims for faster, more consistent performance, with improvements in File Explorer, Bluetooth, USB connections, and overall system stability.

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

Microsoft is ending the Windows Update nightmare — and letting you pause them indefinitely

Microsoft is making changes to its Windows operating system to restore user confidence by giving users more control over automatic updates. Users will soon be able to pause updates as needed, a shift from the previous mandatory update model that often caused disruptions. Microsoft assures that users will only need to reboot their systems once a month for updates, with options for quicker installations for those wanting the latest features. The company is also improving overall system performance, responsiveness, and stability, including faster application launches and a streamlined setup process for new devices. Users will have the option to use gamepad controls for PIN creation during setup. Microsoft is addressing user feedback to enhance the Windows experience, though it remains to be seen if they will fully move away from promoting their own products over competitors.