new builds Archives

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Microsoft finally makes this inaccessible accessibility feature more…accessible

Microsoft has introduced a toggle for voice access in the Quick Actions panel of Windows 11 with the latest preview builds (26120.3872 and 26200.5562). This feature allows users to enable voice access directly from the taskbar, improving accessibility for those with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. Voice access is available on devices running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Additionally, users can now add custom words to the voice access dictionary, supporting multiple languages such as English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Microsoft begins testing next phase of Windows 11 — Dev Channel to flight new platform changes

Microsoft is testing platform changes in Windows 11 for Insiders in the Dev Channel, introducing new builds in the 26200 range as a precursor to version 25H2, expected later this year. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 SoC requires platform modifications previously exclusive to the Windows Canary Channel, which Microsoft is backporting to the Dev Channel to support devices with the X2 chip on Germanium-based Windows 11. Germanium is the platform for version 24H2, and while it is unclear if version 25H2 will use the same platform, the backporting suggests a strong possibility. This initiative aims to enhance performance, security, and user experience while streamlining servicing processes for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft is working to minimize fragmentation among its Windows platforms, currently supporting Vibranium, Nickel, and Germanium. With Windows 10 support ending in October, Microsoft may consolidate users onto a single platform, likely Germanium, as version 25H2 is anticipated in the latter half of the year, coinciding with the expiration of support for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 10 version 22H2.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

Microsoft rolls out updated Copilot app to Windows 11 testers

Microsoft has begun rolling out an updated version of Copilot for users testing new builds of Windows 11. The new version features a dual-panel layout with a history panel on the right to track previous queries and responses on the left. This design improves user interaction and allows for easy revisiting of past conversations. The update draws inspiration from user interfaces of other AI platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. Unlike the current version in the Microsoft Store, which resets conversations with each query, this update offers a more cohesive experience. Additionally, Copilot is now a native Windows application utilizing XAML, which enhances design flexibility and responsiveness.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: super-fast file managers for Windows 11, faster Edge, new builds, and more

Microsoft Edge has received performance improvements, particularly for lower-end devices, with the latest version 132 enhancing the user interface. Alternatives to File Explorer for Windows 10 and 11, such as File Pilot, are emerging. Support for Windows 95 has ended in a widely-used application, and Microsoft has released several updates for the Windows Insider Program, including new builds for Windows 11 and 10. The Snipping Tool app has been updated to include a cropping tool for easier editing of screen recordings. Microsoft clarified that a feature to keep Microsoft Accounts always signed in will not be implemented at this time. Additionally, a significant update patched high-severity vulnerabilities in Edge, and the Edge Add-ons website has been revamped. Finalwire's AIDA64 has dropped support for Windows 95, 98, and Me. Battery Flyout has been updated to generate detailed battery reports. Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers can expect new game releases in February 2025, including titles like Avowed and EA Sports F1 24. Sea of Thieves has introduced new content in Season 15, and GTA V on PC will receive an upgrade on March 4. Xbox consoles can now support external hard drives larger than 16TB. The GeForce NOW streaming service has added new titles to its library.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Windows upgrades to Start, Search, and Share might arrive sooner than you expect

A new Drag Tray feature allows users to share files by dragging them to a tray at the top of the screen, simplifying the sharing process. The Start menu can now be customized with a Grid view or a Category view for easier navigation. Windows Search has been updated to allow users to find images by typing a description instead of the file name, including images stored in the cloud. This search enhancement is currently available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel models expected soon.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Avowed’s huge 66GB update includes major improvements for the game’s whole progression system, along with key bug fixes and buffs for companions

A recent patch for Avowed, version 1.2.2, has reworked the tier system, making it more dynamic and less punishing for players using lower-tier weapons against higher-tier enemies. The update allows for smoother transitions between tiers, reducing significant disadvantages unless there is a large upgrade gap. Players can now engage effectively with lower-tier weapons, relying on skill and strategy rather than solely on high-tier equipment. Companions have received health boosts and improved recovery, enhancing their combat viability. The patch also addresses various bugs, particularly in quest progression, and improves visual and audio feedback for abilities. While some issues remain, the developers at Obsidian have shown commitment to refining the game.

AppWizard

February 6, 2025

Baldur’s Gate 3’s Patch 8 is so big, it needed its own patch before it even released, and we’re one step closer to a Permanent Booming Blade Economy

Larian Studios is currently stress testing Patch 8 for Baldur's Gate 3, which will include balance adjustments for newly introduced subclasses and bug fixes. The patch will address crashes, bugs, and scripting errors, with a focus on improving the crossplay feature and enhancing the new photo mode. The Death Domain Cleric will receive a buff to its new cantrips, and its Reaper passive will now require targeting two different creatures. The Eldritch Knight subclass has been significantly improved, allowing three attacks per turn by level seven and four by the end of the game without using resources. This change has sparked debate in the community regarding its impact on the game's meta. Despite concerns about the potential dominance of Eldritch Knights, players are still interested in exploring new builds, including the Arcane Archer subclass.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Understand the limitations of running Hyper-V in Windows 11

Organizations can use Hyper-V on Windows 11 to leverage virtualization for local desktops, assisting both end users and IT administrators. Hyper-V is included in Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions but is not enabled by default. To activate it, users must access the Control Panel and enable the Hyper-V feature, followed by a system restart. Hyper-V requires processors that support second-level address translation (SLAT) and a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. Limitations of Hyper-V on Windows 11 include the absence of VM clustering, replication, migration, single-root I/O virtualization, and RemoteFX support. Each VM typically requires around 4 GB of memory and at least one CPU core, which can restrict the number of VMs that can be effectively run on endpoint systems with limited resources. Performance can also be affected by various hardware and system architecture factors. To overcome these limitations, users should regularly update Windows 11, system BIOS, and drivers. For those needing more robust virtualization capabilities, transitioning to Windows Server or exploring alternative virtualization platforms may be beneficial.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Microsoft has closed the Windows 10 Beta Channel permanently

Microsoft has officially closed the Beta Channel for Windows 10, stating that it will not release any new builds to this channel. Support for Windows 10 will continue until October 14, 2025, but users will only receive essential bug fixes and security patches moving forward. Users on the Beta Channel will automatically transition to the Release Channel, which will continue to provide necessary updates until the end of support. Microsoft aims to encourage users to transition to Windows 11, which has a market share of approximately 35.55 percent.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Windows 11 22635.4445 (KB5046745) is out in Beta Channel with File Explorer improvements

Microsoft has released two new builds for Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. The Beta Channel update, KB5046745, is identified by build number 22635.4445 and includes enhancements for File Explorer and the taskbar. Key updates in build 22635.4445 include: - File Explorer: - A new "New Folder" option in the context menu. - Fixed incorrect date and time properties after copying files. - Corrected Details Pane icons to respond to theme changes. - Eliminated a black flash when duplicating a tab. - Improved performance of context menu launches and navigation. - Addressed unexpected repeated search triggers during file searches. - Taskbar: - Resolved reliability issues with explorer.exe, particularly crashes when right-clicking apps. - Fixed widget text overlapping with the date and time display on left-aligned taskbars on secondary monitors. - Other: - Fixed an issue that distorted Snipping Tool screenshots on certain displays.