Insider Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Windows 11’s “fast” File Explorer is slower than ever and hogs more RAM

Microsoft has introduced a background-preloading update for File Explorer in Windows 11 Insider builds to enhance application speed and smoothness. Initial tests indicate that the preloaded version opens more slowly than the standard Explorer in Windows 10, particularly on devices with limited RAM (4-8 GB), leading to sluggish performance during multitasking. Users have reported slower context menus and folder navigation, despite the intended improvements. Preloading is enabled by default in the Insider build, but Microsoft has not confirmed plans for a broader rollout. The update raises concerns about the efficiency of Windows 11's design, as the combination of older Win32 components with newer WinUI elements may compromise core performance. Users relying on File Explorer may experience delays and unresponsiveness, particularly if their systems have limited resources. Microsoft may reconsider its approach to the preloading feature in future Insider builds, and users experiencing slowdowns might consider disabling it or reducing visual effects to improve performance.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

I’m fed up with gaming on Windows 11 — here’s how Valve’s Steam Machine can fix PC gaming

Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was rolled out to all Windows-based handhelds on November 21, followed by a broader release for gaming rigs and laptops for Windows Insider members. The update process on Windows 11 was slow, causing frustration for users. Accessing the Xbox FSE through various shortcuts was unsuccessful, and the experience was marred by instability and frequent updates. A recent system update (KB5066835) resulted in a significant drop in gaming performance. The author expressed a preference for Linux and SteamOS due to their stability and user-friendly interface compared to Windows. The upcoming Steam Machine is anticipated for its compact design and potential for a hassle-free gaming experience.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Hooray, Microsoft is making File Explorer faster, but it’s still slower than Windows 10 and consumes more RAM. Boo

Microsoft is testing a preloading feature for File Explorer in Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, available on the Dev and Beta channels. Feedback on this new functionality has been mixed, indicating that while improvements are being made, they have not yet met user expectations. Further refinements are needed for Windows 11, with hopes that the preloading feature will enhance performance when it officially launches in the regular Windows Update scheduled for 2026.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

We’ve been waiting for Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia Sands of Time remake for four years, and now it might be round the corner

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake was initially announced in 2020 with a release date set for January 2021. The project has since moved from Ubisoft Mumbai to Ubisoft Montreal and faced significant development challenges. Industry insider Tom Henderson has indicated that the game may be released on January 16, 2026. The remake has generated excitement among fans, although enthusiasm has waned due to development hurdles.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Windows 11 trials AgentWorkspace agent amid privacy fears

Microsoft Corp is testing a new feature called AgentWorkspace on Windows 11, aimed at creating an “agentic operating system” where AI operates autonomously on behalf of the user. The tool allows AI agents to open applications, read files, organize documents, and navigate the interface, enhancing automated workflows. However, it raises privacy concerns due to the extensive permissions required, including access to sensitive directories like Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and Videos. Microsoft claims the AI operates in a controlled space with strict logging and limitations, but critics highlight the reliance on user consent for access to private data.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

Windows update makes sign-in password icon invisible — Microsoft says you can still click on empty space to enter your password

Microsoft has acknowledged a minor issue in the non-security preview update KB5064081, which may complicate the login process for users by causing the password icon to be missing or invisible on the lock screen. Users can still log in by clicking on the empty space where the button typically resides. This issue primarily affects the Windows user interface and is expected to impact only users within the preview channel. Microsoft is actively working to resolve this issue. Additionally, Microsoft previously issued an emergency patch for a different update that rendered users unable to use their keyboard and mouse in the Windows Recovery Environment and released a driver update that improved performance in certain games by 50%. Windows Insider channels are in place to catch most bugs before they reach the general user base, but some glitches still occur in wider releases.

Winsage

November 29, 2025

Preloading File Explorer in Windows 11 Doubles RAM Usage, Offers Minimal Speed Boost

Microsoft has initiated background preloading of File Explorer to improve accessibility, but this has led to increased RAM usage without significant performance gains. Testing shows that the standard launch of File Explorer uses approximately 35 MB of RAM, while the preloaded version consumes about 67.4 MB due to additional background processes. Despite preloading, File Explorer remains sluggish, with no substantial enhancements in functionality or user experience. Visual tweaks may create an illusion of faster launches, but core performance issues persist, exacerbated by the transition to Windows 11's modern UI elements.

Winsage

November 29, 2025

Tested: Windows 11’s ‘faster’ File Explorer (preloaded) is still slower than Windows 10, and uses additional RAM

Microsoft is testing a new feature for Windows 11's File Explorer that involves preloading the application in the background to improve performance. This preloading aims to address user complaints about File Explorer's sluggishness compared to Windows 10. Preloading involves pre-caching necessary data to facilitate quicker launches. Testing showed that RAM usage increased slightly from 32.4MB to 35MB with preloading enabled, resulting in a total of 67.4MB during background preloading. While there was a slight improvement in launch times, it was not significant without close examination. Under full load conditions, preloading demonstrated clearer advantages in launch speed. However, the overall sluggishness of File Explorer, particularly with context menu interactions, remains an issue. Users can optimize their experience by disabling transparency and animation effects and changing default folder settings. The performance disparity between Windows 10 and Windows 11 File Explorers is attributed to additional rendering layers in Windows 11. The preloading feature is available for testing in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307), with a broader rollout expected in early 2026.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

See all the Windows 11 features that Microsoft has been testing so far in November — before the next big update

Microsoft has begun rolling out new features for Windows 11, including previews for versions 25H2 and 26H1, specifically build 28000.1199. Key updates include: 1. Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): This feature is being tested for all PCs with build 26220.7271, transforming the desktop into a console-like interface and reducing memory consumption by approximately 2GB. Users can activate it via Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience, and it requires enrollment in the Xbox Insider program. 2. Point-in-time Restore: This feature allows users to revert their computer to a previous state, recovering from issues like buggy updates or malware. It uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service to create restore points and is enabled by default on devices with a minimum of 200GB storage running Home and Pro editions. Users can manage it via Settings > Recovery > Point-in-time. 3. Voice Typing with Fluid Dictation: The Fluid Dictation feature is now integrated into Voice Typing, automatically correcting grammar and punctuation. It is enabled by default on Copilot+ PCs. 4. Microsoft Store App Uninstall Option: An "Uninstall" option for apps is now available in the Microsoft Store through the app's context menu on the "Library" page.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Updating and removing your Windows 11 apps is about to get a lot less frustrating

Microsoft is testing two significant upgrades for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider channels: 1. A dedicated App Updates page in Settings that allows users to update installed applications without going through the Microsoft Store. 2. Enhanced support for uninstalling Store-managed apps directly from the Store Library with a single click. The new App Updates page will enable updates for Store apps, standalone applications, and enterprise tools from the same interface, potentially reducing fragmentation in app management. However, early testing revealed that the "Check for updates" button did not yield results. These updates are currently limited to Windows Insider builds, with broader availability expected as Microsoft refines the features. Additionally, Windows 11 is evolving with enhancements such as Copilot-powered features, a more efficient right-click menu, and a streamlined copy-paste experience.