Insider builds Archives

Winsage

August 6, 2025

How to set up Windows 11 with a local account

Redmond prefers users to log into Windows 11 using a Microsoft account, particularly during installation. This can be problematic for those valuing privacy. A local account, which is stored solely on the device, offers benefits such as keeping preferences off the cloud and avoiding OneDrive. There are methods to set up Windows 11 with a local account: 1. Method 1: During installation, boot from a USB drive with the Windows 11 installer. After reaching the country selection screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt and type PLACEHOLDER5199f62cf80342e3. After rebooting, disconnect from the internet using PLACEHOLDERf8cfa33cc93b6e53 in the command prompt. You can then create a local username and password. 2. Method 2: Use Rufus to prepare a USB installation drive. Select the option to "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account" during setup. After booting from the USB, repeat the process of disconnecting from the internet and creating a local account. To add a local account to an existing Windows 11 setup, go to Settings > Accounts > Other Users, then select "Add account" and choose "Add a user without a Microsoft account." Enter the required information to create the local account.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Microsoft nixes Vista boot chime in Windows 11 Insider

Microsoft has fixed a bug in Windows 11 Insider builds that caused the Windows Vista boot chime to play during startup instead of the intended Windows 11 sound. The issue was first reported in a June Insider Preview build and was acknowledged by Microsoft as an unintended glitch. After more than a month, the company confirmed the resolution of the issue.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel and AMD still trail behind Snapdragon counterparts — even with experimental features

Microsoft has introduced new Copilot+ experiences for AMD and Intel-powered PCs through recent Windows Insider Builds. The "describe image" action in Click to Do has been made available to these users starting with build 26200.5710, after previously being accessible only to Snapdragon X-powered devices. This feature provides detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs to enhance accessibility, particularly for blind and low-vision users. The Narrator tool has also been improved to generate rich descriptions of visual content. Users can activate this feature by pressing the Narrator key + Ctrl + D. Additionally, Microsoft is collecting logs to address performance issues and has updated the lock screen widget experience for Windows Insiders. A new section in Settings allows users to see which third-party applications have recently used generative AI models. There is a noted disparity in feature rollout between Snapdragon X and AMD/Intel-powered PCs, with Snapdragon devices receiving updates first.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

How to get Windows 10 extended security updates for free: 2 options

Microsoft has introduced new "free enrollment options" for its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, aimed at assisting consumers who are not ready to transition to new devices. Users can enroll without incurring costs by utilizing Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a fee. The ESU coverage for personal devices will extend from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. The enrollment wizard will be accessible via Notifications and Settings on Windows 10 PCs, starting in July with broader availability expected by mid-August. This offer is strictly for personal use, and complications may arise from syncing personal data to OneDrive.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Steam games come to the Xbox app in latest beta

Microsoft is integrating PC games into the Xbox PC app, starting with access to the Steam library. The updated Xbox app, available through the “Insider Hub” program, allows users to see games from supported PC storefronts in their library. However, some users have reported issues with the app not recognizing their Steam games. Microsoft plans to integrate additional PC storefronts in the future. This development coincides with the upcoming launch of the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld gaming device running Windows 11, which aims to compete with the Steam Deck. This move reflects Microsoft's strategy to focus on software and services over hardware sales.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Microsoft Issues New Insider Builds to Dev and Beta Channels

A new update is available for Windows 11 users in the Insider Program’s Dev and Beta channels. Dev channel users can install cumulative update KB5060838 to upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2 build 26200.5661, while Beta channel users can install KB5060836 to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 build 26120.4452. Both updates introduce two significant features: a revamped home page experience in Recall for Copilot+ PCs, showcasing recent snapshots and top apps, and improvements to hardware indicators, allowing users to reposition them from the lower-right corner to the top-left or top center of the screen through the Settings app.

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 4, 2025

Microsoft will stop pestering Windows users about Edge in EU

Microsoft has made adjustments to its Windows operating system to comply with Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Designated as a "gatekeeper" under the DMA in 2023, Microsoft is required to modify its core platform services. The changes announced in March 2024 for European users include the ability to uninstall Edge and Bing, support for third-party web applications on the Windows taskbar, and revisions to sign-on practices. Users will now only receive notifications to set Edge as their default browser after opening it, and the "Set Default" button will cover more file types in the EEA. Some enhancements are available in the Beta Channel, with a broader rollout expected in July. Windows Search will allow EEA users to install applications that designate alternative web search providers, and users will soon be able to uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Store. Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO of Vivaldi, praised the changes but noted that the process for setting a preferred default browser still needs improvement.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft is making huge changes to Windows 10 and 11, cutting out nagging to use Edge… for some

Microsoft is implementing changes in Windows 10 and Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to address criticism regarding the promotion of Microsoft Edge. These changes, in response to the Digital Markets Act, include: - A broader range of link and file types will be included when users set their default browser via the “Set default” button, covering link types such as ftp, http, https, read, and file types like .htm, .html, .mht, .mhtml, .shtml, .svg, .xht, .xhtml, .xml. - The default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar unless users opt out. - Users can set the .pdf file type default for compatible browsers. - There will be fewer prompts to revert to Edge, and users will not receive reminders to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. - The Bing app will use the default web browser instead of defaulting to Edge. Additionally, enhancements to Windows Search will allow: - Apps to provide web search results directly within Windows Search. - Automatic enabling of web search providers upon app installation. - Viewing results from multiple web search providers simultaneously with scoping tabs for refined searches. - Reordering of web search providers in Settings. These updates are being rolled out in Windows Insider builds and are expected to reach retail versions by early June. It is uncertain if these changes will be extended to other regions.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Americans are missing out on some of the best updates Microsoft has made to Windows 11

Major tech companies, including Microsoft, are adapting their practices to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU). Microsoft has allowed users in the EU to uninstall Microsoft Edge, Bing, and OneDrive on Windows 11 devices. Additionally, Microsoft will no longer pressure users to adopt the Bing app; Bing searches will now open in the user's preferred default browser. This change applies to links from the Widgets Board or Lock Screen in the European Economic Area (EEA). Microsoft has limited prompts to set Edge as the default browser to when users actively open Edge. This update has been effective since May 29th, with the release of Edge version 137.0.3296.52. Users who set a default browser will have it pinned to the Taskbar automatically unless they opt out, and other Microsoft applications will not prompt users to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. The process for setting a default browser will now cover a wider range of file and link types in the EEA, and Windows Search will receive enhancements, including support for third-party web search providers. Many features are being gradually rolled out, starting with Windows Insider builds.