Insider Program Archives

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Windows 11 handheld mode leaks ahead of ROG Xbox Ally launch and you can try it yourself right now

The ROG Xbox Ally X will be the first handheld device to feature Microsoft's Windows 11 handheld mode, which has already been leaked for existing devices through the Windows 11 25H2 update. A Reddit user shared that this update can be accessed by installing an ISO file, despite being exclusive to the Insider Program. Testing of the new handheld mode shows improved usability and performance, with a reduction in RAM usage by approximately 40% and a significant increase in frame rates for games, such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which saw an improvement from 29fps to 38fps. The ROG Xbox Ally X is scheduled for retail release on October 16, 2025, and will be the first device to officially support this feature.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Xbox’s ‘Handheld Mode’ Available to install on any Current Windows Handheld

The Windows team at Microsoft has released the “25H2” update for Windows 11 Insider Program users, which includes Xbox’s ‘Handheld Mode’ that can now be installed on any current Windows handheld device. This mode enhances the gaming experience by streamlining the interface and freeing up around 2GB of memory for gaming. Users can boot directly into the Xbox Full Screen Experience, which aggregates games from various platforms. The setup process involves joining the ‘Release Preview’ ring of the Windows Insider program, updating to the latest 25H2 build, and making some registry tweaks. However, it lacks certain features, such as the Xbox Nexus button for easy access to the Game Bar. The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are set to launch on October 16th.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Microsoft’s new handheld gaming mode, exclusive to ROG Xbox Ally, has just leaked for every handheld running Windows 11 — all you need is the 25H2 update and a few registry tweaks

Microsoft and Asus have introduced the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld device with Xbox branding that enhances Windows functionality. It features a full-screen Xbox app that replaces Windows 11 for users. The full-screen Xbox experience has leaked and is accessible to any Windows handheld device, allowing users to enjoy this mode before the official launch. Eligible devices include the original ROG Ally and Lenovo's Legion Go, with access requiring participation in the Windows Insider program. Users may need to make registry adjustments to enable the full-screen experience on startup. Tests on the original ROG Ally showed frame rate improvements in games and an increase in battery life, achieved by disabling unnecessary background processes. Users can switch back to the traditional desktop environment but are advised to use a mouse and keyboard for navigation.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

More AI-powered features are on the way for Notepad on Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft is rolling out an update (version 11.2508.28.0) to its Notepad application, introducing AI-powered features that allow users to summarize, write, and rewrite text. These features are available to Windows Insider members with Copilot+ PCs and do not require a subscription, although subscribers can switch between local and cloud models. Currently, the AI tools are available only in English. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Paint to allow saving as editable project files and introducing a Quick Markup feature for the Snipping Tool. These updates are part of a strategy to encourage users to upgrade from Windows 10, which will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

I’ve moved on from Microsoft’s Xbox controllers, but this new feature is something I’ve wanted for years on Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in the Xbox PC app that allows gamers to switch between application windows more easily through a revamped full-screen experience. This feature, which includes a long press on the Xbox home button to activate a new Task View, is currently available to users in Microsoft's Windows 11 Insider program. It will be a core component of the Xbox PC app's full-screen experience and is a timed exclusive for the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally device developed with Asus. The Xbox Game Bar has been noted for needing an overhaul due to past performance issues, and while there is skepticism about whether these enhancements will attract users from platforms like SteamOS, they are seen as promising for desktop gaming. The competition between Windows 11 and SteamOS regarding performance metrics raises questions about the impact of this new full-screen experience on gameplay.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a system tray shortcut to run a network speed test

Microsoft is testing a new feature in the Windows 11 system tray that allows users to conduct a network speed test easily. This feature can be accessed through the Wi-Fi icon by right-clicking to reveal a "Perform Speed Test" option, and there is also a "Test internet speed" button in the quick settings panel. When selected, these options direct users to Bing in their web browser to initiate the speed test. Currently, this feature is available to testers in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels of the Windows Insider Program. There is a desire for a more integrated application for speed tests that does not require opening a browser.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

Microsoft updates Xbox controller functionality for Windows 11 users – The Times of India

Microsoft has introduced a new feature for Xbox controllers on Windows 11 that allows users to access the Task View switcher by long pressing the Xbox button. This feature is currently being tested with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. The traditional function of shutting down the controller remains unchanged, accessible by a longer press of the Xbox button. The update is part of Microsoft's vision for handheld gaming PCs, with similar functionality expected in upcoming Xbox Ally devices. The single-press function of the Xbox button still opens the Game Bar interface. Testing began in September 2025, with a rollout to all Windows 11 users expected in the coming months.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Microsoft’s big Windows 11 25H2 update is now available to download but in terms of new features it’s a total nothing burger

Microsoft has released Windows 11 25H2 for download to Windows Insider program members, with broader availability expected in the latter half of 2025. This update does not introduce unique features; enhancements will also be available for the existing 24H2 build. A full 7 GB install ISO is available for Insider members. Both versions share the same source code, ensuring compatibility. The previous update, 24H2, was noted for its reliability. Upcoming enhancements for Windows 11 include a redesigned Start Menu, gaming performance optimizations, a new Mobile Section in the Start menu, the transition to a Black Screen of Death, and Press to Talk functionality for the Copilot+ AI assistant. The release of 25H2 resets the 24-month support clock for both Home and Pro editions, but PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line features have been removed.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.6388 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.6388 (KB5066198) is now available in the Release Preview Channel for users on Windows 10, version 22H2. This update includes general improvements and fixes to enhance performance and reliability.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft releases official ISOs for Windows 11 version 25H2 after short delay — upgrade to the next release now

Microsoft has released the ISO media for Windows 11 version 25H2, indicating that the update will soon be generally available. Users can download the ISOs from the Windows Insider Program website, and they are considered production-ready for installation on non-Insider PCs. The release was postponed from an earlier planned date without specified reasons. Version 25H2 has been tested with Insiders since June and will soon be distributed via Windows Update. It does not introduce new features beyond version 24H2, as both versions share the same platform release and will receive updates together. However, version 25H2 resets the support timeline, offering 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. The update will be delivered through an enablement package for version 24H2, requiring minimal time for download and installation. Users can download the ISO immediately by selecting the appropriate option from the dropdown menu on the Windows Insider Program website. The ISO can be used for in-place upgrades or to create bootable USB media for fresh installations. The link for the ISO will be valid for 24 hours.