Insider Archives

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows Vista boot sound bug in latest Windows 11 Insider Build — adds Recall Homepage and customizable system indicators

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661 (KB5060838), which addresses a bug that caused the Windows Vista startup sound to play instead of the Windows 11 melody. The update introduces new features, including the Recall Homepage for Copilot+ PCs, which provides a centralized view of recent activities and frequently accessed content. Users can access recent snapshots and a summary of the top three applications and websites they engaged with in the past 24 hours. Additionally, new settings for system hardware indicators allow users to reposition volume and brightness controls on the screen according to their preferences.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 10 users can get extended security updates for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and is offering a one-year subscription to Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for a fee. Users can also redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for an ESU. The ESU will provide essential bug fixes, security updates, and technical support until October 13, 2026. Microsoft will continue to deliver security updates for MS 365 applications and Windows Defender until October 2028. Enrollment in the ESU program can be done through notifications and the Windows Settings menu, with a rollout to the general public starting in July and reaching widespread availability by mid-August. Windows 11, released in 2021, has received positive feedback and aims to address user concerns regarding usability and aesthetics.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10

Windows has been the most widely used operating system globally since its launch in 1985, currently powering over a billion active devices each month. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will stop providing security and feature updates, as well as technical support for Windows 10 PCs. Users can check their eligibility for upgrading to Windows 11 through the Settings menu or the PC Health Check app. Windows 11 features enhanced security, improved performance, and a modern user interface, with built-in accessibility tools and AI capabilities. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide critical security updates for personal devices from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. Organizations can subscribe to ESU for continued security updates for a year, with the option to renew annually. Windows 365 offers a cloud-based solution for transitioning to Windows 11 without needing to replace all devices immediately. Various Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are available from partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

After about a bazillion user requests, Windows finally lets you move the audio volume pop-up

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4452, allowing users to reposition the audio volume pop-up and customize the placement of hardware indicators like brightness and volume. The update enhances the Recall feature with a personalized homepage for quick access to recent activities and frequently used applications and websites. Users can manage which applications are captured by Recall, excluding sensitive apps. The update also fixes a glitch with the startup sound and improves File Explorer functionality.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

You’ll soon be able to reposition the Windows 11 volume indicator

Microsoft has released new preview versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 to members of the Windows Insider Program. A notable feature in the update is a new setting that allows users to reposition the volume indicator from the bottom edge of the screen to either the top edge or the top-left corner. This adjustment will also affect the brightness indicator. The new feature is expected to be available to the public later this summer.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Microsoft Brings Steam Games to Xbox PC App for a Unified Gaming Library

Microsoft is testing a new version of its Xbox app for Windows, which will feature a combined library that includes games from various storefronts like Steam and Battle.net. Users will be able to view and launch these games directly within the Xbox app, eliminating the need to switch between different launchers. Games installed from supported storefronts will automatically appear in the "My library" section and the "Most recent" list in the sidebar. Users can join the gaming preview by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on their Windows PCs, with the feature expected to roll out later this year.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 11 gets a fresh new Start menu and it’s one of the most useful changes to the UI in yonks

Windows 11 has received an update to the Start menu that enhances customization and accessibility for users in the Insider Program. This update allows users to create a scrollable list of applications and categorize them according to personal preferences, improving access to frequently used apps. Users can now switch between Category, Grid, or List views directly from the Start menu, simplifying the customization process. The update also expands scrolling capability, reducing the need for multiple clicks to access additional recommendations and promoting a more organized workspace. Users interested in this functionality can join the Windows Insider Program to select their update channel.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 11’s indicators for volume and brightness can soon be moved out of the way

The latest test build of Windows 11 allows users to reposition hardware indicators, such as volume and screen brightness, from the bottom-center of the screen to the top-left and top-center. The top-right position is not available to avoid interference with application management buttons. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing a new Recall homepage that provides easy access to frequently used applications and websites, showcasing recent activity and top-used content. This feature includes a navigation bar on the left side for transitioning between the new homepage and the existing Timeline feature. These enhancements are currently being tested with Windows Insiders.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Microsoft adds Steam game support to its Xbox PC app with new update

The revamped Xbox app on PC has introduced an 'aggregated gaming library' feature, allowing users to manage all their installed games from a single interface. This feature is currently available for Xbox Insiders and supports various platforms, including Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other leading PC storefronts. The app will display games from supported storefronts under the My Library and Most Recent sections. Users can customize their experience by disabling the feature or hiding games from specific stores. The feature is set to debut this holiday season on the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, with plans for Microsoft to expand support for additional PC storefronts over time.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661 (KB5060838) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - A new personalized homepage for Recall, featuring recent snapshots and a list of top apps and websites. - A new setting allowing users to reposition hardware indicators for brightness, volume, airplane mode, and virtual desktops on the screen. - A Boolean option in the Configure Start Pins policy for administrators to apply Start menu pins just once. - AI actions in File Explorer are being reintroduced after a temporary removal. - Recent flights now display the selected country or region during device setup under Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Fixes include resolving input functionality issues, fixing explorer.exe crashes for users with the Italian display language, addressing performance issues in File Explorer, and correcting sorting issues in Windows Update history. Known issues include touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth, and delays in intelligent text actions in Click to Do on certain PCs. Users may also experience a two-step process to access the latest flight in the Dev Channel and potential rollback errors during installation.