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Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has released seven Insider builds across all Channels, including two builds on the Beta and Release Preview Channels and three builds for the new Experimental Channel. The updates focus on the Experimental (25H2), Beta (25H2), and Release Preview (25H2) Channels. The new 26H1 builds mainly feature elements from the 25H2 builds and are intended for new ARM-based PCs. Key features include: - A less disruptive Windows Update experience requiring only one monthly restart. - Improved Windows Search capabilities for better typo handling. - A new screen tint accessibility feature to reduce eye strain. - Quieter Widgets that do not open on hover and have a smaller memory footprint. - Magnifier tool enhancements with preset zoom increments and direct input options. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements for better compatibility with select devices. - Voice Access and Voice Typing now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Customizable right-click settings for touchpads. The Release Preview Channel is testing an optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, set for release in late June.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

PowerToys 0.1 Arrives With Improvements to Several Utilities

Microsoft released PowerToys 0.1, featuring several enhancements: - The Shortcut Guide now appears as a side pane, detecting the active application and displaying relevant shortcuts. - The Command Palette includes an extension gallery for easy management of extensions and supports multiple monitor configurations, along with a new Battery widget. - PowerDisplay has improved startup speed, monitor identification, and settings preservation, with a new Max compatibility mode. - ZoomIt now supports a webcam overlay during recordings and allows appending multiple clips with transitions. - Transition to .NET 10 has optimized performance, reduced installation size by 15%, and improved the auto-update feature. Quick Access and Workspaces have migrated to WinUI with a refreshed UI. - Additional improvements include the Keyboard Manager using the new WinUI editor, a Refresh Connections feature in Mouse Without Borders, enhanced high DPI and multi-monitor reliability in Quick Accent, an option to disable file preview tooltips in Peek, and various calculator enhancements in PowerToys Run. PowerToys can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, Windows Package Manager (winget), or the web.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage

PowerToys has released version 0.100.0, introducing several new features and enhancements: - Command Palette now includes an Extension Gallery for managing extensions directly. - Improvements to Command Palette include enhanced parameter pages, bookmarks for inline parameters, and better accessibility. - Dock feature enhancements allow for separate customization for each monitor and drag-and-drop functionality. - Performance Monitor introduces a Battery widget and dock bands for CPU, memory, and network metrics. - Calculator enhancements include new functions and improved error messaging. - Reliability improvements include a pinned commands section and smoother navigation. - FancyZones received updates for better localization and guidance. - File Explorer fixes address crashes related to Markdown previews. - File Locksmith improvements enhance handling of Unicode file paths. - Grab And Move has been fully released. - Image Resizer supports live settings reload. - Keyboard Manager editor is redesigned and enabled by default. - Mouse Without Borders adds quick access to refresh connections. - Peek's settings allow toggling of file preview tooltips. - PowerDisplay is optimized for better performance. - PowerToys Run improves calculator functionality and documents third-party plugins. - Quick Accent updates enhance UI consistency and language support. - Settings interface has been refreshed for better usability. - Shortcut Guide redesigned for reliability and includes built-in manifests. - Workspaces has a modernized editor. - ZoomIt introduces webcam overlay capabilities and improved recording features. - Development tools and dependencies have been updated for smoother contributions.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

I took a look at Windows 11’s new eye‑strain reduction feature called ‘Screen tint’

Microsoft is developing a new feature for Windows 11 called "Screen Tint," which introduces a system-wide color overlay aimed at enhancing visual comfort for users who spend extended periods in front of screens. Currently available through the Windows Insider Program, this feature allows users to adjust the visual tone across the operating system, differing from the existing "Color filters" feature that targets specific accessibility needs.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

More Minecraft, More Challenges

Minecraft is launching a sponsorship campaign called “More Minecraft, More Challenges” for streamers on Twitch, running for three weeks starting June 6th at 8 AM PT. Streamers from the US, UK, and Germany can earn up to ,000 across three weekly campaigns, each with a new theme and viewer rewards. Viewers can earn rewards by watching participating channels through a feature called Drops. Streamers must accept the sponsorship via their Sponsorship Dashboard and stream for at least one hour with Channel Skins active. The campaign is first-come, first-served, and once spots are filled, no more entries will be accepted. Participating streamers will have promotional skin overlays and may receive enhanced visibility through front page placement from June 6-26. Earnings will be reflected in the revenue dashboard within a week after content review.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

How to Use New Windows 11 Screen Tint Feature

Microsoft has introduced a "Screen tint" feature in Windows 11, aimed at enhancing accessibility for users with varying visual needs. This feature is currently available only to Windows Insiders running build 26300.8497 and provides a full-screen color overlay to reduce eye strain. Users can activate it through the Accessibility settings by toggling the "Show a color overlay" option and customizing the tint color and intensity. Alternatives to the Screen tint feature include the Night Light, which reduces blue light emissions, and Color Filters, designed for individuals with color blindness.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Google’s wallpaper-based Gemini redesign is finally rolling out to users

Google is rolling out wallpaper-based theming for Gemini within the Google app, transitioning from hidden manual activation to a beta version accessible to users, including those on the Pixel 9 with version 17.27.33.sa.arm64. This update aligns Gemini with the Material You design philosophy, allowing the interface to dynamically adjust to the user's wallpaper colors, moving away from the previous static color scheme. Currently, changes are visible in Gemini's floating overlay UI, which adopts a tint reflecting the system theme, while the main interface has not yet fully implemented dynamic theming, indicating a phased rollout approach.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Pre-Release 2

Pre-Release 2 has been released, featuring an updated Data Pack version of 107.0. Bug fixes include resolving issues with tripwires triggering twice, graphics backend support for new line characters, desynchronization with sulfur cubes, adjustments to shield blocking animation speed, correct loading of large core shader files with Vulkan, enabling players to swap sulfur cubes while igniting TNT, fixing an OpenGL MultiDraw crash, addressing igloo generation freezing servers, correcting bed model display issues with the "Programmer Art" resource pack, preventing player kicks when switching beacon effects, resolving startup crashes for Mac users and systems lacking Vulkan support, and preventing crashes when creating new worlds if the saves folder is absent. Pre-Releases are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and players are advised to back up their data when testing.

Winsage

May 25, 2026

Windows 11 New Build Adds Screen Tint, Voice Isolation, and Plug-and-Play Braille Display Support

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8497, introducing new accessibility features including a Screen Tint option, Voice Isolation in Voice Access, and upgrades to Magnifier and Narrator. The Screen Tint setting allows users to apply a color overlay to reduce screen brightness, beneficial for those with eye strain. It can be accessed in the Settings menu under Accessibility and operates independently of the Night Light feature. The update also enhances Narrator by adding support for plug-and-play braille displays that comply with the HID standard, allowing immediate connection via USB without additional drivers. Compatible braille models include Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. The build addresses several bugs, including a crash in explorer.exe, duplicate Energy Saver quick settings, and issues with audio muting on certain devices. Build 26300.8497 is being rolled out to the Windows 11 Insider Experimental channel, with no announcement yet on availability for the broader user base.

Winsage

May 23, 2026

Announcing new builds for 22 May 2026

The Windows Insider Program is rolling out changes across various channels, with new builds of Windows 11 Insider Preview available. The transition for devices in the Canary 29500 Series Channel to the new experience has not yet begun. New features include: 1. Screen Tint: An accessibility feature that applies a color overlay to reduce screen intensity. 2. Narrator: Enhanced support for HID-compatible braille displays, allowing for plug-and-play functionality via USB or Bluetooth. 3. Voice Isolation in Voice Access: A feature that improves voice recognition by filtering out background noise, processing occurs privately on the device.