Insider builds Archives

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Windows 11 Now Supports Emoji 17.0

Microsoft has begun rolling out Emoji 17.0 support for select users via a Windows 11 Release Preview update, which includes 163 new emojis—13 new concepts and 150 skin tone variations. This update is part of a servicing update leading to the upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2. The 2D Fluent emoji set has also been updated, but the 3D Fluent design is now the standard experience across Windows 11. Several emoji designs have been modified for consistency with other platforms, including changes to the Saluting Face, Face with Peeking Eye, and others. The update is available as a complimentary upgrade for select users in specific regions, with a wider rollout expected soon. Users on Windows Insider builds may have already accessed Emoji 17.0 support.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Windows Weekly 998: Laptop Fort

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed various updates from Microsoft and the tech world, including new Insider builds, OneDrive for Mac enhancements, advancements in AI, and Xbox gaming news. A significant upcoming update for Windows 11, referred to as version 26H2, is anticipated. OneDrive for Mac will receive a native sync engine, and Proton Mail will introduce automatic category filtering. Bill Gates warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence, while Adobe Firefly launched new capabilities for music and sound generation. The .NET Conf 2026 is scheduled for November, with .NET 11 expected to release. In gaming, Xbox is testing disc-to-digital entitlements, and the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 is available for 9. A limited edition Xbox Series X25 console is rumored for November, and the Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection is confirmed for November 13. IKEA has launched Xbox-inspired furniture, and Rockstar Games is preparing to reveal GTA VI. Nvidia has expanded GeForce Now to Firefox. Google will allow users to filter news in the Discover feed, but the advice is to seek diverse viewpoints. PowerToys 0.101 has been released, and Parallels Desktop 27 for Mac is now available. This week's RunAs Radio episode features a discussion on PowerShell 7's security features. SpiceBox Spiced Whisky is recommended as a seasonal drink.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 11 is finally getting better, and the Windows Central Podcast breaks down all the improvements that have been announced and delivered since March

In the latest episode of the Windows Central Podcast, hosts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden discuss significant updates to Windows 11, including revamped context menus, enhancements to File Explorer, and a new feature that allows apps to launch in full-screen mode. Key highlights include: - Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 chips outperform Intel and AMD in recent laptop evaluations. - New customizable context menus in Windows 11 Insider builds improve speed and third-party app management. - File Explorer has received performance enhancements, eliminating freezing issues and providing a more polished user interface. - A new setting enables users to automatically launch applications in full-screen mode. - A retrospective look at quality-of-life improvements introduced to Windows 11 since March.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft is finally updating one of the oldest dialog boxes in Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced a revamped AutoPlay dialog box in the latest Windows Insider build of Windows 11, which has been rebuilt using WinUI for enhanced performance, visual consistency, and responsiveness to text scaling. The updated AutoPlay dialog allows users to select preferred actions when connecting devices like phones and cameras, supports dark mode, and retains familiar functionalities. Additionally, in build 26340.9233, users can manage camera, microphone, and location permissions on a per-app basis for desktop applications, expanding user control beyond UWP/MSIX applications.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

I spent time with the August Windows 11 Insider builds, and these 8 changes reveal Microsoft’s next phase for the OS

In early August, there were no new Windows 11 builds released for over 15 days in the Windows Insider Program. On August 17, Microsoft released five new preview builds, introducing several features and enhancements. Key updates include a fully customizable context menu, allowing users to tailor options directly from Settings under Personalization, and improvements to the desktop background experience with higher resolution previews and better slideshow transitions. The Camera Roll backup feature now automatically backs up photos and videos to OneDrive. The Magnifier tool received a visual refresh, and the Windows Recovery Environment was upgraded to reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles automatically. Microsoft also removed the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool and the Drag Tray feature while maintaining access to WMI through PowerShell. File Explorer improvements include a faster launch for the "Home" page and touch scrolling support in the "Recommended" section. Minor visual adjustments were made to the Windows Security app, enhancing its alignment with the Windows 11 design language.

Winsage

August 19, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a major privacy upgrade, blocks apps spying on your camera and mic with new controls

Windows 11 has introduced individual privacy controls for desktop applications, allowing users to manage access permissions for apps like Chrome and Steam through Settings > Privacy & security. This change enables users to selectively grant or deny access to features such as the microphone, camera, and location for each app, moving away from the previous system where traditional Win32 software was grouped under a single toggle. With the latest Experimental build (26340.9212), apps like Edge and Brave now have separate toggles for microphone, camera, and location access. Additionally, a new centered system dialog prompts users for permission when a desktop app attempts to access the microphone or camera for the first time. These features are still in testing and may not be universally available.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft reveals customizable context menu for Windows users – how to try it out

Microsoft is introducing a customizable right-click context menu in Windows 11 to enhance user experience and streamline interactions within File Explorer. Users will be able to add frequently used commands and remove less relevant ones to reduce clutter. This feature is available in the latest Windows 11 Insider build (26340.9212) but requires users to install a utility called Vivetool to enable it. The new menu allows users to modify commands such as Send to, Print, Create shortcut, Copy as path, and Rotate image, and offers options for displaying commands in different formats. Users can also manage app extensions and reposition commands within the menu. The customizable menu is not yet publicly available, but there are plans for its rollout by the end of the year, depending on user feedback.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft Ships Five New Insider Builds With a Major File Explorer Update

Microsoft has released new pre-release builds for Windows 11 that include a redesigned context menu for File Explorer, which is faster, simpler, and more customizable. A notable feature is the "Customize menu" option that directs users to a settings page for personalization. Microsoft plans to continue improving File Explorer with future updates.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Windows 11 is dangerously close to letting you move the taskbar

Windows 11 users can now reposition the taskbar to the top or either side of the screen in the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, with a broader rollout expected with the September Patch Tuesday update. Additional enhancements include a more customizable Start menu, improved Windows Search, and a faster File Explorer. Users can choose between small or large Start menu sizes, recent items are highlighted, and search functionality has been refined for better clarity. File Explorer now launches more quickly and supports touch scrolling. Updated progress indicators and enhanced security features for administrators are also included in the updates.

Winsage

August 5, 2026

Windows Insiders have one week to update their PCs, or else

Windows Insiders are advised to update their PCs to a recent build due to the release of new Windows Insider builds featuring a renewed flight certificate, which expires on August 11, 2026. The latest Experimental build includes this renewed certificate, and users must update to avoid receiving a warning message about their build expiring. Microsoft has provided a chart listing the minimum required builds for various channels, with specific builds available by July 31, 2026. Failure to update will result in the cessation of automatic updates and a warning message on the desktop. Users can update their devices through Settings > Windows Update.