Insider build Archives

Winsage

March 6, 2026

A buggy Windows 11 update locked my Xbox Ally X for 12 hours

The author experienced frustration with the Xbox Ally X handheld, which, despite its impressive hardware, feels unfinished and struggles due to limitations of Windows 11. An update intended for the device led to a critical failure, displaying a message that the device couldn't be repaired, potentially due to corrupted boot files from the update. This incident raises concerns about the reliability of future Xbox devices built on PC architecture, especially if simple updates can result in system failures.

Winsage

January 22, 2026

Windows 11 backgrounds are finally joining the modern era.

The latest Windows Insider build, 26220.7653, allows users to set .webp images as their desktop background on Windows 11 through the Beta Channel. The design of dialogs in "Accounts > Other Users" has been updated to use the modern WinUI framework and support dark mode, contingent on having a domain-joined work or school account. The Click to Do feature now loads Copilot prompt suggestions instantly, although this is not available to Insiders in the European Economic Area or China. Various fixes have been implemented, including resolving issues with the taskbar, Bluetooth device battery level display, login screen password icon, and Settings crashing when interacting with audio devices. Additionally, issues related to Notepad, explorer.exe, and msinfo32 have been addressed.

Winsage

January 17, 2026

A bright idea: Latest Windows Insider build addresses file explorer’s ‘flash bang’ bug

Windows Insiders are receiving an update with Windows 11 build 28020.1371, which addresses a 'flash bang' effect in dark mode that has been troubling users, particularly on large OLED monitors. The update resolves an issue causing File Explorer to show a white flash when navigating between pages. It also introduces features such as Bluetooth LE audio support for two pairs of headphones and an internet speed check from the taskbar. Additionally, the Copilot app has been updated to version 1.25095.161. There are discussions about the reluctance of Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 due to stringent system requirements, although tools like Rufus allow some to bypass these limitations.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7535 Adds Narrator Copilot Features and Removal Policy

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) to the Dev and Beta Channels, focusing on accessibility enhancements and improvements for managing Copilot features. The update introduces Copilot-powered image descriptions via the Narrator feature, allowing users to generate detailed descriptions of images on all Windows 11 devices. This functionality is available on Copilot+ PCs without cloud data transmission and is also extended to non-Copilot+ systems, though it is currently unavailable in the European Economic Area. Additionally, a new Group Policy option titled Remove Microsoft Copilot App allows administrators to uninstall the Copilot app under specific conditions. The build also includes a refresh of the Windows Spotlight desktop icon and various bug fixes addressing issues in the Start menu, File Explorer, printing dialog, Snipping Tool, and Windows Update. Known issues remain, including interaction problems in the Start menu and crashes in Settings. The features in this build are being rolled out gradually and may change before general release.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Microsoft releases 2026’s first Insider build of Windows 11

The latest Insider build of Windows 11, KB5072046, updates the operating system to build 26220.7535 and is available to Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. A significant enhancement is the new Narrator feature powered by Copilot, which allows users to generate AI-driven descriptions for images. This feature is not available in the European Economic Area due to regulatory restrictions. Users can press Narrator key + Ctrl + D to describe a focused image or Narrator key + Ctrl + S for a full screen description. Microsoft has also introduced a policy for system administrators to uninstall the Microsoft Copilot App under specific conditions, applicable to Enterprise, Pro, and EDU SKUs. Various fixes have been implemented, including resolving issues with the Start menu, File Explorer, input using the Snipping Tool, print dialogs, and Windows Update settings.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7535 Adds Narrator Copilot Features and Removal Policy

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) for users in the Dev and Beta Channels, aligning both with Windows 11 version 25H2. The update includes accessibility enhancements, streamlined Copilot management, and various bug fixes. Notably, it integrates Copilot with Narrator, allowing users to generate descriptions of images and visual elements. This feature works on both Copilot+ and non-Copilot+ PCs, with image sharing initiated only upon user request, though it is unavailable in the European Economic Area. A new Group Policy option allows administrators to uninstall the Copilot app from managed devices under certain conditions. The update also refreshes the Windows Spotlight desktop icon and addresses several bugs, including issues in the Start menu and File Explorer. Some known issues remain, such as interaction difficulties in the Start menu and crashes in Settings. Features in this build are subject to controlled rollouts and may change before general release.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices

Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to completely uninstall its Copilot AI assistant from managed Windows devices. This policy, named “RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp,” is being deployed through management tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and addresses concerns about data privacy, resource consumption, and unwanted software in commercial settings. The feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and reflects feedback from IT professionals who prefer controlled environments. While this option is exclusive to enterprise-tier Microsoft 365 subscribers, smaller businesses and individual users have limited options for removal. The policy aims to balance innovation with risk management, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, where data privacy is critical.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Windows 11’s Point-in-Time Restore: A Quiet Safety Net for When Things Go Wrong

Windows 11 Point-in-Time Restore is a recovery feature that captures snapshots of the system's state, including system files, applications, settings, and user data, allowing users to revert to a recent stable state when issues arise. It operates automatically once activated, using Volume Shadow Copy technology for comprehensive backups. The feature can quickly reverse changes made within the last 72 hours, addressing problems like faulty driver installations without requiring a complete reinstallation of Windows. However, it has limitations, such as storing restore points locally for a maximum of 72 hours, not recovering long-deleted files, and requiring significant storage space. To enable it, users must use ViveTool to unlock the feature, configure settings for snapshot frequency and retention, and access restore options through the Windows Recovery Environment if needed. It is particularly useful for casual users who frequently modify their systems but may not suffice for power users needing comprehensive backup solutions.

Winsage

December 28, 2025

Microsoft Optimizes Windows 11 File Explorer to Slash RAM Usage

Microsoft is addressing criticism regarding Windows 11's File Explorer performance, particularly its excessive RAM consumption during searches. The company is testing optimizations aimed at reducing memory usage while maintaining speed, originating from an Insider Preview build. These changes involve eliminating duplicate indexing tasks, which could lead to a 20-30% reduction in RAM usage during intensive search sessions. Additionally, the update includes a streamlined context menu in File Explorer to enhance usability. Insider feedback has been positive, with users reporting smoother performance across various devices. The optimizations may also improve system stability and scalability in enterprise environments. However, some users express skepticism about whether these fixes are temporary solutions to deeper architectural issues. The full benefits of the update are expected to materialize once it reaches general availability, anticipated in early 2026.

Winsage

December 22, 2025

Insider build focuses on further AI integration in Windows 11

Microsoft has released a new preview version of Windows 11 for Windows Insider Program members, featuring builds 26220.7522 and 26220.7523 in the Dev and Beta channels. The update focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, particularly enhancing the Copilot feature for quicker access to contextual actions via the taskbar. New agents are being tested to assist with tasks within the Windows environment. Usability improvements include updates to the Narrator screen reader, touch keyboard, and voice typing functionalities, along with a new Discover Windows widget to help users find features. The release also includes various bug fixes related to the taskbar, Windows Search, Bluetooth connectivity, and File Explorer, while cautioning users about known issues. Insiders can temporarily switch between the Dev and Beta channels, but this option will end as higher build numbers are released.