Preview build Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2026

Windows 11 adds haptic feedback for snapping, resizing, and more but most laptops can’t use it yet

Windows 11 will introduce haptic feedback for interactions like snapping or resizing windows, hovering over the close button, and aligning objects in PowerPoint, but it requires compatible hardware, specifically haptic trackpads. This feature is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders using Preview Build 26300.8155 or higher in the Dev channel. Confirmed actions for haptic feedback include aligning objects in PowerPoint, window snapping, window resizing, and hovering over the close button. Users can toggle haptic feedback effects in the settings. Microsoft has not specified which devices qualify as compatible input devices, although haptic trackpads are likely candidates. The success of this feature depends on OEMs producing compatible devices, as many current Windows laptops do not include haptic touchpads.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Microsoft Is Already Pulling Back On Its Windows Copilot AI Push

Microsoft has integrated its generative chatbot, Copilot, into various aspects of the Windows operating system, leading to user dissatisfaction due to perceived compromises in the overall experience. Users have expressed frustration with Windows 11's problematic updates and system demands, coining the term "Microslop." Initially, Microsoft resisted this backlash, but as dissatisfaction grew, the company began to shift its strategy, acknowledging the need to address Windows' challenges. This included removing the Copilot button from Notepad in a recent preview build, while still maintaining AI functionality through a different button. Leadership changes at Microsoft suggest a potential realignment of priorities amid profitability challenges in the AI sector. Upcoming enhancements to Windows will restore legacy taskbar features, make Windows Update less intrusive, and improve File Explorer's performance. Additionally, the launch of Apple's budget-friendly MacBook Neo poses a challenge to Microsoft's affordable Windows market, as Apple adopts a more measured approach to AI. Microsoft must ensure that new Windows 11 laptop owners do not face performance issues or an overload of AI features.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Want to pause Windows 11 updates for as long as you want? Your wish could soon come true

Microsoft is introducing new update management features for Windows 11, allowing users to pause updates more easily. A preview build reveals an option to pause updates through a Windows configuration tool. Currently, Windows 11 Home users can pause updates for up to five weeks, while Pro users have a more complex process for extended pauses. The upcoming changes aim to provide Home users with longer and simpler pause options, addressing concerns about disruptions from updates. Users will have the discretion to delay updates while balancing the need for timely security patches.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Microsoft is finally letting you delay Windows updates to a day you actually want

Microsoft is testing a new calendar-based pause feature for Windows updates that allows users to select specific dates for their updates, moving beyond fixed presets. This feature is currently in a preview build and was discovered by a member of the Windows Insider community. While details on how long users can delay updates are limited, the new interface aims to enhance user control over update schedules.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29565.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29565.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. Key updates include improved performance for the Bubbles screensaver on high refresh rate monitors, refinements to the drag tray based on user feedback, and enhancements to the Windows Security app, which now features color-coded icon badges for Secure Boot status. The Feedback Hub has also received updates, including a new default window size that remembers dimensions, mouse back button navigation, and improved visibility for community feedback. Canary Channel builds may be unstable and are subject to change. Users can enable a toggle in Settings to access new features gradually. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (KB 5083635) has been released to the Beta Channel, featuring several updates: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large volumes in Storage settings. - Reduced frequency of UAC prompts on the Storage page. - Resolution of unrealistic data usage values in Network settings. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app's Secure Boot experience, including color-coded icon badges and updated certificates. - A revamped Feedback Hub with a modernized experience, simpler feedback submission, easier navigation, a new compliment feedback type, and improved screenshot capture tools. - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - A desktop watermark appears in Insider pre-release builds. - Features may not be released beyond Windows Insiders and may evolve or be removed.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8170 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8170 (KB 5083632) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large storage volumes in Settings. - A UAC prompt for accessing temporary files is now only shown when entering that specific section. - An issue with unrealistic data usage values in the Network settings has been fixed. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app include color-coded icon badges and updated text in the Secure Boot section, with updates to Secure Boot certificates being rolled out. - Feedback Hub version 2.2604.101.0 is being rolled out, featuring design improvements, improved default window size, mouse back button navigation, and corrected upvote buttons for Chinese display language users. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. The desktop watermark is present in Insider pre-release builds. Features may not be released to the public and could evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Improving your Windows Insider experience

The Windows Insider Program is undergoing changes to improve user experience based on feedback from the community. The channel structure will be simplified into two main options: Experimental and Beta. The Experimental channel will provide early access to features under development, while the Beta channel will showcase features planned for near-term release without gradual rollouts. Users will have the option to select specific Windows core versions and enable or disable features through a new Feature flags page. Additionally, transitioning between channels will now allow for in-place upgrades, preserving apps and settings, except when moving from Experimental Future Platforms. All Insiders will be transitioned to either the new Beta or Experimental channel, with specific transitions outlined for current users in the Beta, Dev, and Canary channels. Commercial customers will see similar changes, while those in the Windows Server Insider Program will not experience alterations.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Review: Forza Horizon 6 Is a Racing Game That’s Fun without a Sim Rig

Forza Horizon 6 is set to launch on Xbox and PC on May 19, 2026, with a later release for PlayStation 5. The game emphasizes enjoyment over complexity, allowing players to engage in casual racing without intricate setups. It features a garage customization option that rivals city-building games, extensive vehicle aesthetic upgrades, and an immersive representation of Japan with diverse biomes and seasonal changes. Players can drive various impressive cars, including the 641-hp Toyota GR GT and a widebody Nissan Silvia. The game is available for preorder through the Microsoft Store, Steam, or for wishlisting on PlayStation, with early access for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers starting May 15.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Microsoft is ‘working hard on migrating all of Windows to modern UX’, and jazzing up Windows 11’s design — but can it make good on all its recent promises?

Microsoft is planning a significant redesign of Windows 11, focusing on enhancing user experience through various improvements. Key updates include redesigned settings pages for better clarity, updated account dialogs for dark mode, improved integration of Narrator with Copilot, streamlined pen settings, and enhanced voice typing in File Explorer. The company is seeking community feedback on design improvements and may migrate options from the legacy Control Panel to modernize the user experience. Additionally, Microsoft is expanding dark mode features and exploring haptic feedback for compatible devices. The upcoming April update is expected to address performance issues and allow taskbar movement while reducing intrusive ads. However, there are concerns about the feasibility and scope of these changes, given the potential for partial implementations and resource management challenges.