notification center Archives

Winsage

April 20, 2026

One reason to use Edge: It now teases new Windows features

Microsoft has introduced a feature in Microsoft Edge that highlights new Windows capabilities through promotional tabs following monthly updates. This feature currently appears to be exclusive to Microsoft Edge, with users seeing a carousel of new Windows features, including the return of the "big clock" in the Notification Center, the ability to pin the Windows emoji panel to the taskbar, and reminders about uploading documents to Copilot for AI summarization. Each feature includes a "Try Now" button for direct access to tools like the Snipping Tool. Microsoft aims to inform users about new functionalities while balancing the need to avoid overwhelming them with ads. Users can dismiss notifications if they choose.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

“These mods completely changed how I use Windows 11”: As I walk through the 7 Windhawk tweaks that transformed my desktop, I’m surprised by which ones made the biggest difference

Windows 11 allows users to customize background images, themes, accent colors, and the Start menu and Taskbar. However, for more significant changes, Windhawk offers a modular approach to modify the operating system without risky file modifications. To install Windhawk on Windows 11, users can use the Windows Package Manager (winget) by running the command: winget install --id RamenSoftware.Windhawk. Notable mods available for Windhawk include: - Windows 11 Taskbar Styler: Provides control over the Taskbar's visual elements with three levels of customization. - Taskbar on Top for Windows 11: Allows users to reposition the Taskbar to the top of the screen. - Taskbar Height and Icon Size: Enables adjustments to the Taskbar's height and icon size without affecting DPI scaling. - Windows 11 Start Menu Styler: Offers complete customization of the Start menu's appearance using themes and custom XAML/CSS. - Windows 11 File Explorer Styler: Allows control over the File Explorer interface by injecting custom XAML styles. - Windows 11 Notification Center Styler: Modifies the layout, transparency, and aesthetics of the Notification Center and Quick Settings. Windhawk uses dynamic code injection to implement changes without altering system files, minimizing risks associated with traditional modifications.

Winsage

January 22, 2026

Windows 11 backgrounds are finally joining the modern era.

The latest Windows Insider build, 26220.7653, allows users to set .webp images as their desktop background on Windows 11 through the Beta Channel. The design of dialogs in "Accounts > Other Users" has been updated to use the modern WinUI framework and support dark mode, contingent on having a domain-joined work or school account. The Click to Do feature now loads Copilot prompt suggestions instantly, although this is not available to Insiders in the European Economic Area or China. Various fixes have been implemented, including resolving issues with the taskbar, Bluetooth device battery level display, login screen password icon, and Settings crashing when interacting with audio devices. Additionally, issues related to Notepad, explorer.exe, and msinfo32 have been addressed.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (KB5074157) has been released to the Beta Channel. Changes and Improvements: - The "Accounts > Other Users" dialog has been redesigned using the WinUI framework and now supports dark mode. - Copilot prompt suggestions in Click to Do will load instantly, but this change is not available for Insiders in the EEA or China. - Users can now set .webp images as their desktop background. Fixes: - Taskbar autohide issue resolved. - Start menu memory leak fixed and issues with incorrect opening side for Arabic and Hebrew users addressed. - Bluetooth battery level display issue resolved. - Fixed unexpected app behavior in Xbox full-screen experience. - Login screen password icon issue fixed. - Resolved crash in Settings when interacting with audio devices. - Fixed keyboard character repeat delay settings discrepancy. - Addressed clipped text issues in msinfo32 and installation errors with .appinstaller files. - Notepad font display issue corrected. - Fixed explorer.exe hang issue upon logging in. Known Issues: - Some applications may exhibit unexpected behavior in Xbox full-screen experience. - Investigating visibility issues of apps in the system tray for some Insiders. - Addressing display issues on secondary monitors showing black screens. - Working on a fix for Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality when the app is not running. Reminders: - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2. - Features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - Features in development may not be released to the public and can evolve or be removed.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel have a limited opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel, which will close soon. New features include Copilot-powered image descriptions in Narrator, which enhances accessibility for blind and low-vision users. Administrators can now uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app for specific users under certain conditions. Improvements include enhancements to Cross Device Resume for developers and a refresh of the Windows Spotlight icon. Fixes have been implemented for various issues in the Start menu, File Explorer, input methods, print dialogs, and Windows Update settings. Known issues include problems with the Xbox full-screen experience, Start menu access, system tray visibility, Settings crashes, Bluetooth battery level display, and the Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually to Insiders.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) has been released to the Dev and Beta Channels. Users in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels continue to receive the same updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2. New features include Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial users, which allows voice or text engagement with contextual information, and enhancements to the taskbar for monitoring AI agents. The update also introduces Agent Launchers for AI agents across apps, improved customization for Narrator announcements, a refined voice typing experience, and a new Discover Windows widget for tips on Windows features. Language support for the Settings Agent has expanded to include additional languages. Fixes have been made for various issues in the taskbar, File Explorer, login screens, and more. Known issues include unresponsiveness of Researcher on the taskbar and problems with Bluetooth device battery levels. The Paint app has been updated with a collapsible toolbar feature.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) is being released to the Dev & Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels are offering the same 25H2-based updates. New features include Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial customers, which provides one-click access to Microsoft 365 Copilot and a streamlined search experience. The update also introduces Agents on the taskbar for monitoring tasks, Agent Launchers for app integration, and enhanced Narrator customization. Voice typing experience has been improved, and a new Discover Windows widget is being introduced. The Settings Agent now supports additional languages, and the Click to Do feature now supports Microsoft 365 Copilot. Various fixes and known issues have been documented, including improvements to File Explorer and taskbar functionality. The Paint app is also receiving an update with a collapsible toolbar feature.

Winsage

December 14, 2025

My top 17 Windows 11 features introduced in 2025 — personal picks from cleaner UI experiences to major PC gaming upgrades

- Windows 11 received numerous enhancements in 2025 through monthly cumulative updates. - The revamped Start menu consolidates Pinned, Recommended, and All sections into a single scrollable interface, allowing up to eight pinned items per row. - The Recommended section can showcase up to six app and file suggestions, with an option to disable it. - The All section organizes apps by category by default, with options for grid or list view. - A redesigned Widgets board integrates a new settings page, allowing users to select which board opens by default. - Users can customize Lock Screen widgets through a new section under Personalization. - A new setting allows users to reposition on-screen hardware indicators for brightness and volume. - A dedicated page for Virtual Workspaces in the Settings app centralizes virtualization controls. - Users can opt for smaller icons on the Taskbar for a more compact arrangement of app buttons. - A new sharing shortcut allows users to send files to compatible apps directly from recent file icons. - An option to disable the "Drag Tray" has been added in the Nearby Sharing settings. - The Notification Center now supports a large clock with seconds and multiple clocks. - The Windows Hello interface has been redesigned with animations for better user engagement. - Support for third-party passkey providers has been integrated into Windows Hello. - A new security feature, Administrator Protection, adds an authentication prompt for actions requiring elevation. - Quick Machine Recovery is designed to repair the operating system during boot failures. - Windows Backup now supports local file transfers during new device setup. - The Xbox Full Screen Experience has been tailored for handheld gaming devices. - A battery percentage display has been added to the Taskbar, along with new battery iconography. - Multi-stream support for cameras allows multiple applications to access the same camera feed simultaneously.

Winsage

December 8, 2025

Windows 11 will finally get its missing Agenda view — but Microsoft rebuilt it in the worst way

Windows 11 will introduce an Agenda view in its Notification Center, reminiscent of a feature from Windows 10, aimed at improving calendar event management. This new view will use a WebView2 component, which may increase CPU usage and affect the visual experience. The Agenda view is expected to reduce reliance on third-party calendar applications and will allow interaction with Microsoft 365 Copilot, though some users have expressed skepticism about the quality of Microsoft's AI. The feature is designed to enable users to view and interact with their calendar events directly.

Winsage

December 8, 2025

Windows 11 receives new preview update: Microsoft is working on this

The latest preview version, KB5070316, build 26220.7344, is available through the dev and beta channels of the Insider Program. It enhances Windows 11 with stronger AI integration, an improved multimedia stack, and initial centralized app update management. Key features include native support for the Model Context Protocol for better interaction between digital agents and applications, and the introduction of Windows MIDI Services for enhanced music and media production capabilities. An App Updates tab has been added to the settings menu to facilitate updates based on user activity. Quick Machine Recovery is now enabled by default on non-domain-bound Pro devices. The build addresses several bugs, including issues with the desktop search window, fingerprint recognition, and the Windows P combination, but users may still experience limitations with the Start menu, Notification Center, File Explorer, and battery level reporting for Bluetooth devices.