Insider builds Archives

Winsage

February 21, 2025

New Windows 11 preview build improves privacy for European users

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, 26120.3281 (KB5052086), introduces several privacy-focused changes. The Location History API has been removed, meaning Windows will no longer retain location data locally. Additionally, the update removes "account-based content" from File Explorer sections for users of Entra ID, aligning with GDPR regulations and affecting only customers in the European Union. Other features include improved OneDrive document resumption between devices and updates to the Recall feature, which will delete existing Recall snapshots.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Microsoft is finally working on making PC migration painless with a new app

Microsoft is developing a new migration application to simplify data transfer from old PCs to new ones, as discovered in the Windows 11 Insider Beta build 22635.4945. The app is still in early stages, with only preliminary user interface elements visible. It will assist users in backing up existing data and transferring files, requiring both computers to be close and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The migration process will involve pairing devices with a one-time password (OTP) and confirming the transfer. While mockups suggest potential design and functionality, the app is not yet fully functional, and there is no timeline for its release, although it is expected to be available to Windows Insiders before a wider public rollout.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

You can debloat Windows 11 in just 2 clicks with this new intuitive tool

Talon is an open-source tool designed to simplify the removal of bloatware from Windows 11, allowing users to enhance system performance with minimal effort. It automates the debloating process by removing pre-installed software such as Clipchamp, LinkedIn, and Microsoft News, targeting non-tech-savvy users. While it offers some customization options, it primarily follows a preset script for ease of use. Users can revert changes using the "Reset This PC" option, but certain removals, like Edge, will remain uninstalled unless Windows is reinstalled. Talon is compatible with Windows 11 Home and Pro versions, but not guaranteed for Insider Builds. It is open-source and available on GitHub, with community contributions reviewed for security.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Microsoft debuts Windows MIDI Services with MIDI 2.0 support

Microsoft has released a public preview of Windows MIDI Services, supporting the MIDI 2.0 standard, as part of build 27788 in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Canary Channel. Users may encounter a known installation error (0x8007000d) and a failed .NET update (0x80073712), and are advised to retry the build while avoiding the .NET update. The development of Windows MIDI Services has been ongoing, with updates provided since 2022 and a GitHub repository opened in 2023. The feature was anticipated to debut in Windows Insider builds but was delayed until February. MIDI serves as a standard for connecting electronic instruments to computers for music creation, and this update is particularly beneficial for electronic music users. Microsoft plans to extend this technology to supported versions of Windows 10 and 11 before October.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

6 reasons you shouldn’t join the Windows Insider program

The Windows Insider program allows users to test unreleased features of Windows 11 and provide feedback. Participants may encounter several issues, including: - Unstable user interface with bugs, glitches, unexpected freezes, and scaling issues. - Random reboots that risk losing unsaved work. - Throttled performance during resource-intensive tasks, such as gaming and video editing. - Increased potential for data loss due to system failures and blue screens of death (BSOD). - Microsoft collects diagnostic data from users, raising privacy concerns. - Frequent updates that can introduce new issues and require significant time for installation. Overall, the experience may lead users to prefer stable releases over Insider builds.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Microsoft Recall screenshots credit cards and Social Security numbers, even with the “sensitive information” filter enabled

Microsoft's Recall feature has returned to Windows Insiders after being removed in June due to security and privacy concerns. The updated version includes encryption for captured screenshots and a default setting to filter out sensitive information like credit card numbers and social security numbers. Initial tests show mixed results for the sensitive information filter; it successfully blocked sensitive data on some e-commerce sites but failed to prevent the capture of credit card numbers and social security numbers in other scenarios. Recall serves as a searchable memory of user activities, capturing screenshots and organizing them for retrieval. The feature now employs encryption and requires Windows Hello for access, but concerns remain about the robustness of this encryption and potential unauthorized access. Users have reported being able to access Recall remotely through applications like TeamViewer, raising security concerns. Microsoft is committed to improving Recall's functionality and encourages user feedback.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

2024 – A year in recap

The Windows Accessibility team is focused on making Windows 11 the most inclusive operating system by engaging with the disability community for feedback. Key improvements include enhanced performance for assistive technologies like Narrator and Voice Access, which now features quicker deactivation in scan mode, consistent performance during prolonged use, expanded language support, improved speech recognition accuracy, multi-monitor setup support, and the ability to issue commands through Voice Access. Users can create custom voice shortcuts for specific actions, and new keyboard shortcuts have been introduced for Narrator. AI-generated image descriptions are now more detailed, and users can request descriptions on demand. The team has prioritized reliability, addressing critical issues in assistive tools, and has improved the Spellings & Corrections experience. Users are encouraged to provide feedback and seek assistance through the Disability Answer Desk.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

I’m not sure why Microsoft waited this long to add this Windows 11 feature, but the option is finally on the way

Microsoft has introduced two new Insider builds for Windows 11: Build 22635.4445 for the Beta Channel and Build 26120.2222 for the Dev Channel. The updates include a new folder option in the context menu for the Beta Channel and the ability to launch applications with administrative privileges by holding Shift and CTRL while selecting an item from a jump list in the Start menu for the Dev Channel. A known issue in Build 26120.2222 is that the Narrator tool may crash upon launch if users select one of the natural voices, such as Jenny. Users are advised to pause updates temporarily or switch to a different voice to mitigate the problem.

Winsage

November 10, 2024

One of Windows 11 few truly useful AI features is getting a keyboard shortcut real soon, and it’s one you’ll actually want to know

The revamped Snipping Tool in Windows 11 introduces upgraded features such as screen recording, annotations, and shape placements. A notable addition is the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature, allowing users to extract text from screenshots. This functionality will soon have a dedicated keyboard shortcut (Win + Shift + T) for easier access. The updated Snipping Tool also includes video recording capabilities, stickers, and shapes for highlighting information. Microsoft is collaborating with AI partners to enhance Windows applications, with the OCR capabilities in the Snipping Tool being particularly beneficial for productivity.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

Microsoft Drops New Windows 11 Builds on the Dev and Beta Channels

Microsoft has released two new Insider builds for Windows 11 for testers on the Dev and Beta Channels. The Dev build 26120.2200 introduces a new icon in the system tray for applications using Windows Studio Effects, allowing users to access the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings. It also enhances the Dynamic Lighting feature with new directional options for the Wave and Gradient effects. The Beta build 22635.4435 includes similar Dynamic Lighting updates and reinstates the ability to configure the Copilot key to launch applications other than Copilot itself. These updates will be rolled out gradually to Insiders.