preview builds Archives

Winsage

May 29, 2026

Start Menu Improvements Are Available for Testing on the Experimental Channel

The Start Menu enhancements have entered the Insider testing phase with build 26300.8533, introducing a revamped settings page and options to hide personal information. Insiders can choose between small or large Start menu sizes and toggle the visibility of the ‘All’, ‘Pinned’, and ‘Recent’ sections. Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds across various channels, advising Insiders testing 26H1 to consider reverting to version 25H2 before June 5, 2026. Windows 11 version 26H1 will only support devices with new silicon, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 2 chips, and an upgrade to version 26H2 will not be possible. Reverting to 25H2 requires a clean installation, complicating the testing process for users.

Winsage

May 26, 2026

Tame Windows 11 with Winhance + Group Policy as your preventive Affirmative Defense against undesired advertising, bloat and espionage by Allan Tépper

Users of Windows 11 face issues with unwanted advertising, bloatware, and privacy concerns. To combat these, a combination of Group Policy and Winhance is recommended. Group Policy can be used to preemptively instruct Windows to ignore specific undesired elements, while Winhance addresses issues that may re-emerge after updates. Group Policy is referred to as "Directivas de grupo local" in Castilian. Before implementing policies, Windows should be fully updated. Two essential policies to enhance control include removing default Microsoft Store packages and opting out of sending diagnostic data to Microsoft. Group Policies can be saved and shared if the target computer matches the original system's version and update status. Winhance is a tool that monitors and manages unwanted applications, offers customization options, and provides a list of third-party apps for replacing built-in applications.

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.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Google AI Studio: Bringing Ideas To Life With Android App Support, Workspace Integrations, And Mobile Development Tools

At the Google I/O 2026 event, Google announced an expansion of its AI Studio, introducing new features for developers. Key updates include support for native Android app development, deeper integrations with Google Workspace, a mobile app for AI Studio, enhanced design customization tools, and free deployment options for new users. Developers can now create applications that utilize Google Workspace services, such as Google Sheets and Google Drive, directly within AI Studio. The platform supports direct export to Google Antigravity, allowing for streamlined local development workflows. The AI Studio Build agent can generate custom visual assets, and a new in-preview editing tool enables real-time modifications. Native Android app development is supported with production-quality Kotlin code generation, in-browser emulator support, and one-click publishing to Google Play. First-time builders can deploy their first two applications to Google Cloud for free without a credit card.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why these updates matter for how the OS evolves through the rest of 2026

Microsoft has released preview builds for Windows 11 in May 2026 as part of the Windows Insider Program, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key improvements include: 1. The reinstatement of Taskbar position settings, allowing users to place the Taskbar at the top, left, or right edges of the screen. 2. An upgraded Voice Typing experience on the touch keyboard with a new design and animations. 3. Significant changes to the Windows Update system, allowing users to skip updates during the Out-of-box Experience and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks. 4. The introduction of a "Shared Audio" feature enabling two users to share the same audio stream from a single computer using Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why they matter for 2026

Microsoft has released several preview builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows Insider Program in early May 2026, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key updates include: 1. Taskbar position settings: Users can now reposition the Taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen with build 26300.8493. 2. Modern Run dialog: A redesigned Run dialog was introduced in build 26300.8346, featuring a modern aesthetic and support for light and dark modes. 3. Share interface with suggestions: App suggestions for Azure Active Directory users have been added to the Windows Share interface. 4. File Explorer improvements: Enhancements have been made to address loading issues and improve the "Favorites" section and thumbnail displays. 5. Widgets changes: Default settings for Widgets have been adjusted to minimize distractions, including disabling hover opening and Taskbar badges. 6. Windows Search box with improved results: The search interface will prioritize local apps and files over web results starting with build 26300.8493. 7. New spinner design for core experiences: A unified donut-style spinner animation has been introduced for various core experiences. 8. Touchpad gesture controls: New precision touchpad gestures have been added to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. 9. Home to Pro Education free upgrade: Eligible K-12 organizations can upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro Education at no cost. 10. Task Manager with new NPU visibility: The Task Manager now includes columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" in relevant tabs. 11. Voice Typing on the touch keyboard: The touch keyboard's Voice Typing feature has been updated with a new button and animations. 12. Windows Update overhaul: Users can skip updates during setup and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks starting with build 28020.2134. 13. Shared Audio feature: The new "Shared Audio" feature allows two users to listen to the same audio stream from one computer using Bluetooth LE Audio technology.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Google expands AI Studio with Android & cloud tools

Google has expanded its AI Studio with new app-building and deployment features, including seamless integration with Google Workspace, allowing developers to create dashboards and applications using data from Google Sheets and Drive. A direct export feature to Google Antigravity has been introduced for local development, enabling teams to export conversation history and project files. New visual design capabilities include automatic image generation through Nano Banana and the ability to edit app previews directly within the platform. A mobile app for AI Studio is available for pre-registration, allowing users to build and preview apps on smartphones. AI Studio now supports direct creation of native Android applications, generating Kotlin code and providing a browser-based emulator. Users can connect to a Google Play Developer account for easy app publishing. New users can deploy their first two apps to Google Cloud for free, while existing users benefit from the Cloud Run Free Tier.

Winsage

May 20, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11’s Search will stop forcing web over your apps and local files in most cases

Windows 11's Search functionality has been updated to prioritize local files and applications over web results, improving the search experience. Recent testing shows that searches for specific files yield more relevant local results rather than web links. Microsoft has confirmed that these changes are part of an initiative to enhance the search experience, as noted in the release notes for Build 26300.8493. Users currently have the option to disable web search through the Registry, but this feature is not available in the Settings menu. Microsoft is working on further improvements, including a clearer distinction between local and web results, and enhancements to search functionality across the taskbar and File Explorer. Additionally, users can expect taskbar customization options and other features aimed at improving the overall user experience.

Winsage

May 16, 2026

Announcing new builds for 15 May 2026

The Windows Insider Program is expanding the rollout of its revamped Beta Channel experience to devices. New Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds are being released, with release notes available for all Insiders. Existing Beta Channel Insiders on Windows 11 version 26H1 will receive the same build version as Experimental (26H1) for now, but distinct builds will be introduced in the coming weeks. Users transitioning from the default 25H2 core version to 26H1 may experience a delay in the new version uptake. Notable new features include: - Taskbar Improvements: Users can reposition the taskbar to the top, bottom, left, or right of the screen. A smaller taskbar option is also introduced for better screen space utilization. - Widgets: Taskbar badging color will now align with the Windows accent color, and user experience will be tailored based on engagement levels. - Windows Search Box: Enhancements are being made to prioritize files and apps over web suggestions for improved relevance.

Winsage

May 16, 2026

Microsoft is making Windows 11’s Start menu resizable after years of complaints, adds Small and Large options

Microsoft is updating the Start menu in Windows 11 based on user feedback about its size and functionality. The new Start menu will feature a categories layout and enhanced customization options. Users will soon be able to choose between two layouts: small and large. Additionally, users can hide specific sections within the menu, such as the Pinned section or the Recommended feed, to create a more streamlined experience. The Recommended feed can be disabled without affecting the Recent section in the taskbar or File Explorer. Users will also have the option to hide their name and profile picture in the Start menu. These updates will be rolled out in the coming weeks, with plans for further enhancements, including a movable and smaller taskbar and up to 18 major changes to Windows 11.