preview update Archives

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.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 KB5071142 issues: File Explorer white flash and invisible login icons

Microsoft released a non-security preview update for Windows 11 on December 1, 2025, introducing new features such as a cohesive Dark Mode in File Explorer, improved Xbox full-screen support, and upgrades to the Widget Board. However, users may experience a glitch where File Explorer flashes a white screen when opened in dark mode before fully loading.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

Windows 11: Password button may be missing on the lock-screen

Microsoft has acknowledged a new issue affecting Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, which arose from the August 2025 non-security preview updates. Users have reported that the password button is missing from the lock screen sign-in page, although the area where the icon should be remains functional for entering passwords. This issue was first noted on November 30, 2025, and there is currently no workaround other than clicking the invisible area to sign in. Microsoft is working on a resolution and will provide updates.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft confirms KB5064081 update hides Windows 11 lock screen password icon

Microsoft has acknowledged that a recent update, KB5064081, has inadvertently concealed the password sign-in option from the lock screen in Windows 11, affecting some users. The update was released at the end of August 2025, and while not all users are impacted, it has raised concerns about accessibility. The password icon is not visible when multiple sign-in options are enabled, but users can still log in by hovering over the area where the icon should appear. Microsoft has not provided a fix or timeline for resolution.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

Windows update makes sign-in password icon invisible — Microsoft says you can still click on empty space to enter your password

Microsoft has acknowledged a minor issue in the non-security preview update KB5064081, which may complicate the login process for users by causing the password icon to be missing or invisible on the lock screen. Users can still log in by clicking on the empty space where the button typically resides. This issue primarily affects the Windows user interface and is expected to impact only users within the preview channel. Microsoft is actively working to resolve this issue. Additionally, Microsoft previously issued an emergency patch for a different update that rendered users unable to use their keyboard and mouse in the Windows Recovery Environment and released a driver update that improved performance in certain games by 50%. Windows Insider channels are in place to catch most bugs before they reach the general user base, but some glitches still occur in wider releases.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

A Windows 11 bug is hiding your password sign-in button, and you have to hunt for it

Windows 11 users are experiencing a bug after the August 2025 update (KB5064081) that causes the password sign-in icon to disappear. Although the button is still present, users must hover over the blank space where the icon should be to make it reappear and access the password input field. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. In the meantime, some users are considering alternatives like Linux's Zorin OS 18, which has seen over 720,000 downloads in a month.