Insider Program Archives

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5912 to the Release Preview Channel

The Windows Insider Program Team has released Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5912 (KB5058481) to the Release Preview Channel for Insiders using Windows 10, version 22H2. This update includes several enhancements and fixes: - The calendar flyout now displays seconds and extends the visibility of upcoming events to 30 days, with added description text for the weather button. - A fix for rendering GB18030-2022 characters in plane 2 has been implemented, along with corrections for certain characters being rendered wider than intended. - Updates to the Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles have improved connectivity options. - A fix for the Windows Account Sync Consent system addresses issues in the European Economic Area where secondary accounts were not recognized, reducing server load.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Windows Insider release blocked by OS-busting bug

The Windows team at Microsoft has discovered a significant bug affecting the Canary build, which has led to the delay of several Insider builds. This bug impacts essential functionalities such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, USB accessory connections, and the onboard camera for Windows Hello. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider program described the bug as "really bad" and noted that it arose from a specific code change in newer builds not yet released to Insiders. Microsoft is currently working on a fix and hopes to deliver a new build to the Canary channel by the end of the week. The situation emphasizes the company's focus on quality control to prevent flawed releases from reaching users.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

10 Windows services I safely disable, and you can too

Windows 11 includes various background services that can be disabled to enhance performance or privacy. Users can access the Services window by searching for "Services" in the search bar. Key services that may be unnecessary for many users include: - Windows Mobile Hotspot Service: Often unnecessary as most laptops lack a mobile data connection. - Fax: Rarely needed for personal computers. - Downloaded Maps Manager: Manages downloaded maps, likely to become less relevant with the deprecation of Windows Maps. - Certificate Propagation: Essential for smart card functionality; can be disabled if not using smart cards. - Windows Insider Service: Manages enrollment in the Windows Insider program; advisable to disable if not participating. - Parental Controls: Useful for families; can be disabled if the device is for personal use. - Windows Image Acquisition: Facilitates image acquisition from scanners and cameras; can be disabled if no scanner is used. - TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Aids communication with local network devices; can be disabled for most home users. - Xbox Live Game Save: Syncs save data with Xbox Live; unnecessary for users who primarily use other gaming platforms. - Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects diagnostic data; disabling it can enhance privacy. Disabling these services may not lead to significant performance improvements but can create a more personalized computing experience. Users can re-enable any service if needed later.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft will soon allow AI to change your Windows 11 settings

Microsoft is introducing a new AI assistant within the Windows 11 settings app, designed to assist users by adjusting settings upon request and providing guidance on tasks. The AI assistant will be positioned at the top of the Settings app and will have the ability to autonomously adjust settings with user approval. It is currently available on Copilot+ PCs and will soon roll out to Windows Insiders on standard x86-powered systems, though an official release date for all Windows 11 users has not yet been announced. Additionally, the Photos app will receive new dynamic lighting controls, the Snipping Tool will feature an improved cropping area, a text extractor, and a color picker. AI integration will also extend to File Explorer, allowing users to engage with files through AI actions. A significant update called Copilot Vision will enable users to share browser and app windows with Copilot for enhanced assistance. These features will first be tested through the Windows Insider program before being released to the general public.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft introduces Surface PCs that run AI models and cost less than earlier versions

Microsoft introduced two next-generation Copilot+ PCs, the Surface Pro convertible tablet and a traditional Surface Laptop, designed to operate AI models without internet connectivity. The Surface Laptop starts at 9, while the Surface Pro starts at 9, both reflecting a 0 reduction from last year's models. They are powered by an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip with eight cores and have slightly reduced screen sizes of 12 inches for the Pro and 13 inches for the Laptop. The Surface Laptop now supports up to 16 hours of web browsing, an increase from 13 hours. The new machines run on Windows 11 and feature AI-enhanced capabilities, including a Recall function and improved file search. Preorders began on Tuesday for a release on May 20, with color options of platinum, ocean, and violet. Microsoft reported a nearly 75% year-over-year increase in Windows 11 commercial deployments.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft unleashes an AI agent on your unsuspecting Windows settings, but initially only if you have a Snapdragon X-powered PC

Microsoft is introducing an AI agent for its Windows operating system to enhance user experience by allowing users to adjust settings using natural language. The rollout is expected within the next month, and the feature will be available through the Microsoft Insider program. This AI-driven assistant aims to simplify navigation through system settings, potentially replacing outdated submenus. Users will need to consider how the AI interprets commands and the level of control they retain over their PCs.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Windows Insider Program: What is it and why you should consider joining it (and few reasons you shouldn’t)

The Windows Insider Program allows users to explore unreleased features of Microsoft's Windows operating system by enrolling in various channels. To join, Windows 11 users can go to Settings >> Windows Update and select Windows Insider Program, enabling optional diagnostic data sharing with Microsoft. There are four channels to choose from: 1. Canary Channel: For technical users wanting to preview early-stage features, often unstable. 2. Dev Channel: More stable than Canary, includes features under consideration for future releases. 3. Beta Channel: Recommended for most users, offers a balance of stability and innovation with features likely to be rolled out to all users. 4. Release Preview Channel: The most stable option, providing a preview of the next major release with tested functionalities. Reasons to join include early access to new features, the ability to provide feedback to Microsoft, professional advantages for IT administrators, community engagement, and skill improvement. However, drawbacks include potential system instability and bugs, as well as privacy concerns related to sharing diagnostic data.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Microsoft’s AI Secretly Copying All Your Private Messages

Microsoft is relaunching its AI-driven feature, Recall, which continuously captures background screenshots on Copilot+ PCs optimized for AI functionalities. Initially introduced in May, Recall was retracted due to privacy concerns over unencrypted storage of screenshots containing sensitive user data. After testing through Microsoft's Insider program, Recall has been updated to encrypt the screenshot database and requires users to opt in to save screenshots. However, it still poses risks by potentially capturing sensitive information from communications without the knowledge of other parties involved. Security researcher Kevin Beaumont has noted that the sensitive information filter is unreliable, and the encrypted database is only secured by a basic four-digit PIN. Beaumont's testing revealed that Recall indexed everything it stored, including ephemeral messages and images. He cautioned users to check if Recall is enabled when discussing sensitive topics with others on Windows PCs.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Enhancing Text Extraction in Windows 11 with Snipping Tool Update

Microsoft has released an update to the Snipping Tool in the latest preview version of Windows 11 (version 11.2503.27.0) for Insider Program testers. This update introduces a new text extraction icon in the toolbar, allowing users to select and copy text directly from images without capturing a screenshot first. The update simplifies the previous process, enabling users to launch the Snipping Tool and select an area for text extraction more intuitively. Users can copy specific sections or all text, with additional options available to customize the extraction process.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5794 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5794 (KB5055612) is now available in the Release Preview Channel for Insiders. Key features include a fix for the GPU paravirtualization check in Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2), which was previously case-sensitive, and updates to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist to include drivers with security vulnerabilities exploited in Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.