new builds Archives

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.

Winsage

October 13, 2024

Windows Insider Program is 10 years old, here are five things I want Microsoft to change

The Windows Insider Program was launched on September 30, 2014, allowing users to test and provide feedback on preview builds of Windows. Initially, it offered a simple choice between Fast Ring and Slow Ring, but has since expanded to four channels: Canary, Dev, Beta, and Release Preview, creating confusion for users. The deployment of features has become inconsistent, with some features appearing in unexpected channels, leading to dissatisfaction. The program now includes a toggle for updates that complicates the experience, and the trend of gradual rollouts contrasts with its original intent of bold experimentation. Communication about changes and bugs has been lacking, leaving insiders uninformed. The excitement of new builds has diminished, and the recent 10th anniversary celebration was seen as underwhelming. Suggestions for improvement include simplifying the channel structure, enhancing communication, and reintroducing incentives to engage users.

Winsage

September 30, 2024

Windows 11 Dev Build 26120.1912 is out with 6GHz hotspot support and more

Microsoft has released a new build for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, version 26120.1912 (KB5043168), which includes support for 6GHz Wi-Fi tethering, provided compatible hardware is available. The update features general improvements, enhancements to the Windows Mobile Hotspot for 6 GHz connections, and addresses various issues including problems with the Task Manager, Input Method Editor, and WebView2 apps. Known issues include a malfunction in the Start menu when clicking on letters in the All apps list. Users can access updates through Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

September 30, 2024

After ten years, the Windows Insider Program needs a reboot

On September 30, 2014, Microsoft unveiled Windows 10 and introduced the Windows Insider Program, allowing anyone to sign up and test early versions of Windows. The first build, the Windows 10 Technical Preview, was released on October 1, 2014. Initially, the program thrived on user anticipation, with three preview builds released in 2014 that included significant changes. However, after Gabriel Aul stepped down in June 2016 and Dona Sarkar took over, the frequency of builds increased, leading to diminished excitement and a sense of stagnation. The introduction of feature IDs and a more controlled approach to feature visibility further contributed to a mundane experience for Insiders. The launch of Windows 11 in June 2021 revitalized the program, generating enthusiasm with new features and a fresh user interface. Despite ongoing challenges, the Insider Program regained some vibrancy. As it approaches its tenth anniversary, there are calls for a reboot to restore the original excitement and engagement.

Winsage

September 28, 2024

Windows 11 Canary builds may finally return next week

Microsoft has announced that the Canary Channel in the Windows Insider Program is expected to release a new build after a four-week hiatus. Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager, stated that the team is working on finalizing the build and needs "one more" week due to lingering bugs. The last build, 27695, was released on August 30, 2024, and included features such as a new widget position for left-aligned taskbars, improvements to Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS), enhanced notification features, and fixes within File Explorer. Additionally, the release notes highlighted a redesigned user interface for viewing Wi-Fi passwords.