preview builds Archives

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Windows 11 version 25H2: Everything you need to know about Microsoft’s next OS release

Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 11 version 25H2, expected later this year. The update will likely follow a "phased rollout" strategy, meaning it may not be immediately available to all users upon official release. Upgrading to version 25H2 will reset the support clock, providing longer security and bug fix support compared to version 24H2 or earlier. Version 25H2 will build on the same platform as version 24H2, likely delivered as a smaller enablement package or cumulative update, facilitating a quicker installation process. The current platform, known as Germanium, will support both versions 24H2 and 25H2, with ongoing improvements expected through 2025. Anticipated features for version 25H2 include a revamped Start menu with greater customization options and an AI-powered assistant in the Settings app.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft Copilot+ Recall: who should disable it, and how

Microsoft's Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs was initially announced a year ago but delayed due to privacy concerns raised by cybersecurity experts. The updated version was released in April 2025 for Windows Insider Preview builds and rolled out more broadly in May. Key updates include requiring user permission for activation, encrypting database files with hardware-based Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and implementing a filter to prevent saving sensitive information. Recall is enabled on a per-user basis, can be uninstalled, does not require a Microsoft account, and processes data locally. However, it still has vulnerabilities, such as allowing access with a regular Windows PIN after initial biometric authentication and failing to consistently filter sensitive data. Recall can log interactions during calls and capture self-destructing messages, posing privacy risks. It can impact performance and battery life, especially during gaming. Users handling sensitive data or frequently using video conferencing may want to disable or remove Recall. Instructions for disabling or removing Recall are provided, along with precautions for those who choose to use it.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Microsoft could be getting rid of more of the ancient Control Panel, shifting keyboard options across to Windows 11’s Settings app

Microsoft is transitioning features from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11, focusing on keyboard accessibility settings such as character repeat delay and repeat rate. This change has been detected in recent Windows 11 preview builds in the Dev and Beta channels, but has not yet been officially implemented. Microsoft is also moving mouse options from the Control Panel to the Settings app, aiming to consolidate commonly used settings for a better user experience. The timeline for completing this migration is uncertain and may extend into the next version of Windows.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Microsoft could be working on the next update for Windows 11 – but 25H2 could end up being a disappointment

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to be a modest upgrade compared to its predecessor, as indicated by a reference to GE25H2 in the appraiserres.dll file found in a recent preview build. This component assesses whether a PC meets the criteria for the upgrade, suggesting that Microsoft is preparing for the 25H2 update, although no official announcements have been made. The update may function as an 'enablement package,' similar to the 23H2 update, which implies that new features are already integrated into Windows 11 and will be activated through this update. This approach may result in fewer bugs due to the limited changes involved.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. Changes include: - Temporary disappearance of enhanced battery iconography. - A new user interface for unexpected restarts is being previewed, appearing as a “green screen” for Insiders on version 24H2 and higher. - The Windows Security app will display additional details about Pluton TPM chips under Device security. Fixes include: - Resolved issues with Windows Update toggle, high CPU usage by lsass.exe, and crashes in ctfmon.exe and DWM. - Improved reliability of explorer.exe and fixed display issues with external graphics cards and JPG images. - Corrected problems with the Smart App Control icon and the Run dialog autocomplete. Known issues include: - Users on new Copilot+ PCs may lose access to Windows Hello PIN and biometrics. - Night light functionality is not working for some Insiders. - Bugcheck issues when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Insiders in the Canary Channel should note that builds may evolve and features may be removed or never reach general release. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

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

April 16, 2025

Windows 10: Update Makes Annoying Change That Windows 11 May Fix

A recent update to Windows 10, specifically KB5055518, has removed the digital clock from the Calendar Flyout, which previously displayed the current time including seconds. This change affects some users while others still have access to the old Calendar flyout. Users who relied on this feature for precise timekeeping may find it bothersome, as the taskbar does not show seconds without modifying Registry settings. Upgrading to Windows 11 is suggested as a potential remedy, especially since support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, after which users will need to pay for additional support. Windows 11 preview builds include a feature to show time in the Notification Center, indicating Microsoft's awareness of the demand for time visibility.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Microsoft removed the clock from Windows 10… so it could reintroduce it in Windows 11

Microsoft has reintroduced the Clock feature to the Calendar flyout in Windows 11, which had previously been removed. Users can now see the time in the notification center, addressing complaints about the inconvenience of not having this functionality. Additionally, Microsoft is working on other enhancements, including a revamped Start menu, improved widgets, and an AI-powered search feature for Copilot+ PCs, although the rollout timeline for these updates is uncertain.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Another blow to Windows 11’s Control Panel as Microsoft pushes more settings migrations

Microsoft is transitioning mouse settings from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11. Recent updates in the Dev and Beta builds have moved options like pointer trails and hiding the pointer while typing to the Accessibility page in the Settings app. This change simplifies access to mouse customization options for users. Similar features were previously available in the Windows Server Preview Build 26376. To enable these new mouse settings in the latest builds, users must use ViveTool to activate id:54273186 and restart their PC for the changes to take effect.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Windows 11 Enterprise machines can now get updates while you work—no reboot required

Microsoft has introduced a hotpatch update system for Windows 11 Enterprise builds, specifically for version 24H2, which allows updates to be applied without requiring a system restart. This feature is beneficial for corporate environments, as it helps maintain productivity and reduces CPU usage during updates. While quarterly updates will still necessitate a reboot, the hotpatching system represents a shift from the previous monthly reboot requirements. To enable hotpatching, organizations must meet specific requirements: a subscription to Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise (E3, E5, or F3), a client running Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 (build 26100.2033 or higher), activation of Visualization-based Security (VBS), and an AMD or Intel x64 processor. For Arm64 devices, the hotpatch system is in public preview and requires a registry key modification. Hotpatch updates will follow the standard update schedule applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 23H2 devices, with each release assigned a distinct KB number. This feature is only available for Windows 11 Enterprise clients and does not extend to Windows 11 Home or Pro machines.