Insider build Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Windows’ Iconic Blue Screen of Death Is No Longer Blue

Microsoft is changing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to a Black Screen of Death (BSOD) in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. This change is currently being tested in the Beta, Dev, and Canary channels. The new message during a crash will state, “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” along with an error code for troubleshooting. A temporary Green Screen of Death (GSOD) was introduced in recent Insider builds, but the stable release will feature the Black screen. This change aims to modernize Windows' error messaging. Users in the Insider program can test the new feature with build 26120.3653 by triggering a BSOD.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 PC won’t boot? Microsoft’s new tool tries to fix it before you even panic

Microsoft is introducing a new tool called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to address boot-up issues in Windows PCs, currently available for testing in the latest Windows 11 Insider build. QMR, designed for both IT administrators and home users, automates the recovery process by entering the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) when a critical boot-up error occurs. The PC will connect to the internet, send diagnostic data to Microsoft, and receive a tailored fix via Windows Update, allowing it to boot normally without further user intervention. QMR is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative and aims to simplify the recovery process for users.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a secret weapon for boot failures

Microsoft has introduced a new tool called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to address boot-up issues in Windows PCs, currently available for testing in the latest Windows 11 Insider build. QMR automates the recovery process by utilizing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), allowing PCs to automatically enter recovery mode, connect to the internet, and send diagnostic data to Microsoft. Based on this data, a tailored fix is sent to the device through Windows Update. QMR is designed for both IT administrators and home users, with the latter having it enabled by default. It is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative, and the company is encouraging feedback from testers.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Microsoft has disabled the popular ‘bypassnro’ Windows 11 sign-in workaround in the latest Insider build, but there exists another

The Windows 11 Insider Preview build version 26200.5516 (KB5054687) has removed the bypassnro.cmd script, a tool used to bypass the requirement for a Microsoft account during initial setup. Users can still use alternative methods to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, such as the Rufus method, which allows the creation of a bootable USB installation drive that disables account requirements. Another method involves accessing a hidden local account setup screen via the developer console by entering a specific command after the initial installation. The removal of the bypassnro script raises concerns about a potential crackdown on workarounds for mandatory Microsoft accounts.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

New Windows 11 build makes mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in even more mandatory

Microsoft has released a new Windows Insider build of Windows 11 in its Dev Channel, which includes the removal of the bypassnro command prompt script. This script previously allowed users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in during the setup of new installations. The change is intended to enhance security and user experience, ensuring that all users complete setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account. This decision complicates the setup process for users who prefer local accounts or who lack internet access.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Copilot+ PCs’ first must-have feature is just around the corner

Copilot+ PCs will receive an upgrade to the Windows Search feature, which uses AI and dedicated hardware for improved document, image, and settings search capabilities. This enhanced feature is currently exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices expected soon. The new search allows natural language queries and integrates semantic indexing, enabling users to find content without exact file names. Users can also search for cloud-stored photos using personalized phrases, with results from OneDrive. The improved Windows Search will be available through the Windows Insider Program by early 2025, with a consumer-focused AI event planned for April 4, 2025, where new features will be unveiled.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

New Windows 11 feature aims to help more users understand their PC’s performance

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Windows 11 that provides users with insights into how their hardware affects overall performance. This feature, found in the 'About' section of the 'System' settings, includes a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to a user's PC specifications, such as the impact of GPU and RAM on system capabilities. While the FAQs offer basic information, they lack depth and could benefit from additional resources about hardware upgrades. The feature is currently part of an Insider Build and may evolve before its official release. Despite these efforts, many users still prefer Windows 10, as indicated by recent statistics from the Steam Hardware Survey.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

The latest Windows Insider build is crashing games, and Nvidia might be the culprit

Build 27808 of Windows Insider, released on March 7, has caused crashes in applications using DirectX 9, particularly affecting the d3d9.dll file. Microsoft is investigating this issue, which primarily impacts users in the Canary channel. There are indications from users that Nvidia GPUs may be related to the crashes, although Microsoft has not confirmed this. Some users have found a workaround by replacing the d3d9.dll file from a previous build, but this requires disabling the Nvidia GPU in Device Manager. The problems seem to be associated with recent RTX 50-series graphics cards. Users in the Canary channel are advised to consider reverting to a previous build or switching to a more stable channel, while the broader user base remains unaffected.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

You can ‘Press to Talk’ to Copilot via a Windows hotkey now

Microsoft Copilot now offers complimentary unlimited access to its top two features for all users. A new feature called Press to Talk has been introduced in the latest Windows 11 Insider build, allowing users to initiate voice chat by holding down the Alt key and the Spacebar for two seconds. If there is a pause in conversation, the AI will automatically conclude the chat, and pressing the Esc key will end the interaction. Users can customize Copilot's voice and settings through the Copilot web page. The update (version 1.25024.100.0 and higher) is being gradually rolled out to Windows Insiders, with a potential transition to the production version of Windows expected based on user feedback.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

Windows 11’s app store has a solution for gigantic PC game downloads

Microsoft is testing a new feature called modular downloads for games on the Microsoft Store, currently available in the Canary Channel as part of Windows Insider Build 27888. This feature allows users to select which components of a game they wish to download, enabling them to manage their installations based on hardware capabilities and preferences. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users of Microsoft’s Game Pass service and those with data limits, as it offers a more flexible approach to managing game content.