Insider Preview Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Hooray, Microsoft is making File Explorer faster, but it’s still slower than Windows 10 and consumes more RAM. Boo

Microsoft is testing a preloading feature for File Explorer in Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, available on the Dev and Beta channels. Feedback on this new functionality has been mixed, indicating that while improvements are being made, they have not yet met user expectations. Further refinements are needed for Windows 11, with hopes that the preloading feature will enhance performance when it officially launches in the regular Windows Update scheduled for 2026.

Winsage

November 29, 2025

Preloading File Explorer in Windows 11 Doubles RAM Usage, Offers Minimal Speed Boost

Microsoft has initiated background preloading of File Explorer to improve accessibility, but this has led to increased RAM usage without significant performance gains. Testing shows that the standard launch of File Explorer uses approximately 35 MB of RAM, while the preloaded version consumes about 67.4 MB due to additional background processes. Despite preloading, File Explorer remains sluggish, with no substantial enhancements in functionality or user experience. Visual tweaks may create an illusion of faster launches, but core performance issues persist, exacerbated by the transition to Windows 11's modern UI elements.

Winsage

November 29, 2025

Tested: Windows 11’s ‘faster’ File Explorer (preloaded) is still slower than Windows 10, and uses additional RAM

Microsoft is testing a new feature for Windows 11's File Explorer that involves preloading the application in the background to improve performance. This preloading aims to address user complaints about File Explorer's sluggishness compared to Windows 10. Preloading involves pre-caching necessary data to facilitate quicker launches. Testing showed that RAM usage increased slightly from 32.4MB to 35MB with preloading enabled, resulting in a total of 67.4MB during background preloading. While there was a slight improvement in launch times, it was not significant without close examination. Under full load conditions, preloading demonstrated clearer advantages in launch speed. However, the overall sluggishness of File Explorer, particularly with context menu interactions, remains an issue. Users can optimize their experience by disabling transparency and animation effects and changing default folder settings. The performance disparity between Windows 10 and Windows 11 File Explorers is attributed to additional rendering layers in Windows 11. The preloading feature is available for testing in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307), with a broader rollout expected in early 2026.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Windows 11 Can Update Apps Even If the Microsoft Store App Is Removed

Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to update applications installed via the Microsoft Store even if the Store app is uninstalled. This feature can be accessed through Settings > Apps under a new "App Updates" option, enabling users to check for updates independently of the Store. Each application likely has an API for connecting to Microsoft's server for update checks. Currently, the "Check for updates" button does not function as intended. Additionally, Microsoft has improved the uninstallation process for Store apps, allowing users to remove them directly through the Store interface instead of the "Add or remove programs" section. This enhancement was introduced with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307).

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Microsoft Is Finally Doing Something About Windows 11’s Slow File Explorer

Microsoft is testing a preloading feature for File Explorer in Windows 11, aimed at enhancing its performance by loading it in the background before user interaction. This feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 for the Dev and Beta channels. Users can enable it through File Explorer settings, but its public rollout is uncertain as Microsoft is still exploring its viability. Additionally, a known bug allows users to temporarily boost File Explorer's performance by double-tapping Control + F11, though this may disrupt other system functionalities.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Xbox full screen experience is no longer just for handheld gaming PCs, but the feature is rolling out gradually and we’re not having much luck with workarounds

Microsoft has expanded the availability of its Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to a wider range of Windows 11 PC form factors, including laptops, desktops, and tablets. The FSE offers a user interface similar to the Xbox Series X/S and allows access to various gaming platforms with improved performance over the standard Windows environment. Users can activate Xbox FSE by pressing Win + F11 or using the Task View icon. The feature is being rolled out gradually as part of the Windows Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, with some users needing workarounds like ViVeTool for access. MSI's Claw devices officially support Xbox FSE, but its effectiveness on non-handheld devices is debated. The FSE aims to create a console-like atmosphere on Windows 11, featuring a controller-friendly interface and a powerful Task Switcher for seamless transitions between games and applications.

Winsage

November 23, 2025

Microsoft is now testing the Xbox Full Screen Experience across Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft has introduced the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) in its latest Insider Preview Build for Windows 11, aimed at enhancing gaming across devices such as laptops, desktops, and tablets. The FSE allows users to pair an Xbox gaming controller with their Windows 11 device for easier task switching, enabling quick navigation between apps and games. The feature is currently available for testing by Windows Insiders, with a phased rollout to gather feedback before a wider release. There are indications that a next-generation Xbox PC may be developed around the FSE, potentially transforming it into a Windows 11 PC with an extensive Xbox gaming library.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

You can now try the Xbox Full Screen Experience on any PC, laptop, or tablet

Microsoft is introducing the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) for PC users, expanding its availability from handhelds to laptops, desktops, and tablets. FSE can be activated via the Task View icon, Game Bar settings, or the shortcut Win + F11. Access may not be immediate for all Windows Insiders due to a gradual rollout, and users must have the Xbox app installed from the Microsoft Store. FSE is also being extended to all Windows-based handheld devices.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Full screen experience expands to more Windows 11 PC form factors for Windows Insiders

Windows Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 is now available for the Dev and Beta Channels, expanding the Xbox full screen experience to laptops, desktops, and tablets. This feature provides an immersive gaming environment designed for console-style navigation. Users can access it via the Task View icon or by pressing Win + Tab, and it can be toggled on and off with Win + F11. The Xbox home screen will display a variety of games, and switching between applications is facilitated by a long press on the Xbox button. The rollout of this feature is phased, and it requires the Xbox app from the Microsoft Store. Feedback can be submitted through the Feedback Hub under Gaming and Xbox > Gaming Full Screen Experience.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders can switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel while both channels have the same updates. The Xbox full screen experience is now available for additional Windows 11 PC form factors, accessible through Task View, Game Bar settings, or the Win + F11 hotkey. Point-in-time restore is introduced for both channels, allowing users to revert their devices to a previous state. Fluid dictation is now available for voice typing users on NPU devices, enhancing the dictation experience. Vivo Android phone users can resume browsing activity from their phone to their PC, and users of Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and Vivo can continue working on M365 Copilot app files across devices. The context menu in File Explorer is being refined, and users can now uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Microsoft Store. Fixes include resolving taskbar issues, internet connectivity problems, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include the virtual keyboard not being visible for controller users and some applications exhibiting unexpected behavior with the Xbox full screen experience.