preview update Archives

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Windows 11 February 2026 Update Is Now Available With 3 New Features

Microsoft has released a non-security feature preview update for Windows 11, designated as version KB5077241, which introduces performance and visual enhancements. This optional update is available for all Windows 11 users and is not yet part of the stable channel, with a full release expected on March 10. Key features of the update include: 1. A built-in network speed test accessible via the taskbar, allowing users to evaluate their network connection's performance. 2. Improvements to the taskbar search function, enabling result previews without opening additional windows. 3. Minor system upgrades, including backup and restore options for select Windows Professional devices, new emojis, an updated accounts menu, a built-in system monitor, and a revamped widgets settings menu. 4. Enhancements to printing services, nearby sharing features, and Windows Update, along with new camera settings for supported devices. 5. Performance improvements in File Explorer, including more reliable window opening using shortcuts and the introduction of an "Extract All" option for non-ZIP archived folders. 6. Optimizations in the Network page of File Explorer for better device display and improvements in display responsiveness after sleep.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update fixes nasty bug that left gamers staring at the dreaded ‘Black Screen of Death’

Windows 11 has encountered a bug causing complete system lock-ups for gamers, identified as the 'Kernel Security Check Failure' error, leading to the Black Screen of Death (BSOD). Microsoft has addressed this issue in the February update, which targets problems related to certain GPU configurations linked to the dxgmms2.sys file. The bug primarily affected Nvidia graphics cards but could impact all brands, including AMD and Intel. The February update also resolves connectivity issues with Wi-Fi networks using WPA3 encryption. Users are encouraged to install the update to mitigate these problems.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Windows 11 KB5077181 fixes boot failures linked to failed updates

Microsoft resolved a critical bug affecting some commercial systems running Windows 11 that caused boot failures due to an "UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME" error. This issue was linked to problematic updates from December 2025 and primarily impacted devices on Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The resolution was included in the February 2026 Patch Tuesday update, specifically the Windows 11 KB5077181 security update released on February 10, 2026. An initial fix was provided in the optional update KB5074105 on January 29, 2026. Affected devices experienced failures after installing the January 13, 2026, security update KB5074109. Microsoft recommends that enterprise customers with still unbootable systems contact Microsoft Support for Business for assistance.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Windows 11 Moves Closer To Android App Continuity

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11's cross-device capabilities, allowing users to transition Android app activities to their PCs. This feature enables users to resume activities like music playback, document editing, and web browsing directly on their Windows computer. Initially limited to OneDrive activities, the functionality now includes resuming Spotify playback, editing Microsoft Office documents, and restoring browsing sessions from mobile devices using Microsoft Edge. This feature has been in testing since August and is included in the latest Windows 11 Release Preview update. The approach is similar to Apple's Handoff feature. The update also includes expanded support for MIDI 2.0, improvements to voice typing, enhanced fingerprint sensor compatibility for Windows Hello, and broader language support for the new Settings Agent.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Windows 11 KB5074105 update fixes boot, sign-in, and activation issues

Microsoft has released the KB5074105 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, which includes 32 enhancements to improve user experience. This optional update allows administrators to test upcoming fixes and features before the next Patch Tuesday. It addresses issues such as Explorer.exe hanging during login with specific startup apps, system unresponsiveness during startup with Windows Boot Manager debugging enabled, iSCSI boot failures, and problems with Windows license migrations during upgrades. The update elevates Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to builds 26200.7705 and 26100.7705, respectively. Key highlights include enhanced Cross-Device Resume functionality, support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, fixes for unresponsiveness when running Windows Terminal with elevated permissions, resolution of GPU-related system errors, and improvements to Windows Sandbox. Microsoft will also introduce distinct identifiers for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 updates starting with the January 2026 security update, and has simplified update titles for better accessibility.

Winsage

December 17, 2025

Microsoft now runs resource-hogging AppX Deployment Service at Windows 11 startup

Microsoft released a cumulative update for Windows 11, designated as KB5072033, which included a change to the AppX Deployment Service (Appxsvc), setting it to automatic startup to improve reliability. This change was not initially mentioned in the release notes but was later added, noting that it aims to enhance reliability in isolated scenarios. Users have expressed concerns about high resource consumption linked to this service, particularly on lower-spec machines. The update also introduced a standardized format for Windows Update titles to improve readability, announced that there will be no non-security preview update in the latter half of December 2025, and noted that Secure Boot certificates for most Windows devices will expire starting in June 2026. Additionally, Windows Updates will not include updates for Microsoft Store applications, with enterprise users advised to consult Configuration Manager for updates.

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.

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Microsoft just broke File Explorer dark mode – some Windows 11 users are seeing jarring white flashes when opening folders

Windows 11 has released a preview update, KB5070311, aimed at improving dark mode, but it has introduced a visual glitch causing a white flash when opening folders in File Explorer. This issue occurs during various actions, such as navigating tabs and toggling the Details pane. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem, noting that users may experience a brief blank white screen before files and folders load. The update was intended to enhance dark mode consistency, but the glitch disrupts the user experience, particularly in low-light environments. The next cumulative update is scheduled for December 9, 2023.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Windows 11 KB5070311 update fixes File Explorer freezes, search issues

Microsoft has released the KB5070311 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, which includes 49 enhancements aimed at improving user experience. This optional update allows IT administrators to preview upcoming bug fixes and features before the official Patch Tuesday rollout. The update addresses several known issues, including unresponsive explorer.exe and taskbar processes, search problems in File Explorer related to SMB shares, and instability in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). To install KB5070311, users can go to Settings, select Windows Update, and click 'Check for Updates'. Users must confirm their intention to install it by selecting 'Download and install', or they can manually download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to builds 26200.7309 and 26100.7309, respectively. Notable enhancements include a broader search results menu, the ability to use Windows Studio Effects with additional cameras, new context menu options for Windows Spotlight backgrounds, and improvements to File Explorer's dark mode experience. Microsoft has announced there will be no preview update in December, with regular updates resuming in January. They are also working on a solution for a known issue where the password sign-in option has disappeared from the lock screen options.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

Microsoft: KB5070311 triggers File Explorer white flash in dark mode

Microsoft has acknowledged a glitch with the KB5070311 preview update that causes bright white flashes when launching File Explorer in dark mode on Windows 11. The issue occurs not only when opening File Explorer but also during actions like navigating to Home or Gallery, creating new tabs, toggling the Details pane, and selecting 'More details' while copying files. As a temporary solution, Microsoft recommends disabling dark mode. The KB5070311 update also resolved a bug that caused the explorer.exe process and taskbar to become unresponsive after certain notifications and addressed search failures in File Explorer on some SMB shares. Additionally, Microsoft had previously confirmed a critical bug affecting File Explorer and the Start Menu on Windows 11 24H2 devices with cumulative updates since July 2025.