preview update Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft tests modern Windows Run, says it’s faster than legacy dialog

Microsoft has introduced a modernized Run dialog in the latest preview build of Windows 11, version 26300.8346. This updated Run dialog features a sleek design, dark mode support, and improved performance, achieving a median response time of 94 milliseconds compared to the legacy version's 103 milliseconds. The Browse button has been removed due to low usage statistics, with less than 0.0038% of users engaging with it. New functionalities include support for the ~ command for quick access to the home directory and the addition of icons in the command list. Users can enable or disable the modern Run feature through the Advanced Settings menu. The update also includes improvements to the Windows Share UI for Azure Active Directory users and enhancements to the Magnifier tool, which now offers zoom levels ranging from 5% to 400%. The Windows 11 Build 26300.8346 is available for download from the Experimental Channel.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083631 update released with 34 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5083631 optional cumulative update for Windows 11, featuring 34 enhancements aimed at improving user experience and system performance. Key features include a new Xbox mode for immersive gaming, improved performance for startup applications, enhanced security for batch files and CMD scripts, haptic feedback on supported devices, improvements to Secure Boot, and updates to Kerberos authentication. The update also addresses issues with Windows Security event logging, eliminates a white flash in dark mode, and increases the reliability of explorer.exe processes. Users can install the update via Windows Settings under Windows Update. After installation, Windows 11 devices will be updated to builds 26100.8328 and 26200.8328. Additionally, updated Secure Boot certificates are being rolled out, and some Windows Server 2025 devices may require a BitLocker recovery key after the update.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083631 out with Xbox mode, faster performance (direct download links .msu)

Windows 11 update KB5083631 introduces enhancements for user experience on PCs, available for download via Windows Update or direct links. The update is identified as “2026-04 Preview Update (KB5083631) (26200.8328)” and updates the OS to Build 26200.8328 for version 25H2 or Build 26100.8328 for version 24H2. Direct download links for Windows 11 KB5083631 include: - Build 26200.8328, 4802.0 MB, Windows 11 25H2, x64-based - Build 26200.8328, 4802.0 MB, Windows 11 25H2, arm64-based - Build 26100.8328, 4449.0 MB, Windows 11 24H2, x64-based - Build 26100.8328, 4449.0 MB, Windows 11 24H2, arm64-based Key features of the update include: 1. Introduction of Xbox Game Mode to standard PCs, allowing users to access a gaming-centric interface with an Xbox dashboard. The feature is gradually rolling out, and users can enable it manually using ‘ViveTool’. 2. Improvements to File Explorer, including faster performance and consistent folder views, ensuring a reliable experience regardless of access method. Users can download this optional update without major issues reported.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

5 ways your Windows updates are about to get a lot less painful

Microsoft is implementing changes to the Windows Update process in Windows 11 to address user frustrations. Key updates include: 1. Users can delay updates indefinitely by selecting specific end dates for pauses, extending up to 35 days at a time. 2. The Power menu will now include options for "Update and shut down" and "Update and restart," giving users more control over when updates are finalized. 3. Microsoft is consolidating updates to reduce the number of restarts to one per month. 4. Users will no longer be forced to install updates during the setup of a new Windows PC, allowing updates to occur in the background. 5. Microsoft will provide more detailed information on updates, particularly for driver updates, by clarifying the device class in the titles. These changes are expected to be tested in the Windows Insider program before being released to the general public.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Microsoft releases emergency updates to fix Windows Server issues

Microsoft has confirmed that some administrators are experiencing difficulties installing the KB5082063 security update on Windows Server 2025. This month's Patch Tuesday updates have caused certain Windows servers, especially those with domain controller roles, to enter a restart loop due to failures in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). Microsoft has released emergency out-of-band updates, including KB5091157 for Windows Server 2025, to address both the installation failure and the restart issues. Additionally, some Windows Server 2025 devices may boot into BitLocker recovery mode after installing the KB5082063 update. A bug affecting Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022 that caused unexpected upgrades to Windows Server 2025 has also been resolved. Microsoft has issued various emergency updates throughout the year to address other issues, including a Bluetooth device visibility bug and vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS).

Winsage

April 19, 2026

Microsoft is giving Windows 11 File Explorer a speed boost, dark mode fix, and reducing explorer.exe crashes

Microsoft is updating Windows 11 by improving File Explorer, focusing on performance and user experience. The latest release, Windows 11 Build 26200.8313, shows File Explorer loading faster and eliminating white flashes in dark mode. This build is currently for Windows Insiders, with public availability expected in April 2026 and further updates in May 2026. The update enhances speed, manages themes better, and adds support for new archive formats like cpio, uu, xar, and nupkg. Reliability improvements have reduced crashes related to explorer.exe, and new features include a preview option for internet-downloaded files, a redesigned search bar, and immediate reflection of folder view preferences.

Winsage

April 16, 2026

Microsoft: April Windows Server 2025 update may fail to install

Microsoft is investigating an issue with the installation of the KB5082063 security update on Windows Server 2025 systems, where users are encountering the 0x800F0983 error code during the deployment of April 2026 cumulative updates. A service alert indicated that a limited number of servers may experience installation failures with this error. Additionally, some Windows Server 2025 devices may unexpectedly boot into BitLocker recovery mode after the update, requiring a BitLocker key, although this is unlikely to affect home users. Microsoft has also resolved a long-standing bug that caused Windows Server 2019 and 2022 systems to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 unexpectedly. Furthermore, Microsoft has released several emergency updates this year to address various security vulnerabilities, including issues with the Routing and Remote Access Service, Bluetooth device visibility, Microsoft account sign-ins, and installation challenges related to the March 2026 non-security preview update.

Winsage

April 15, 2026

Microsoft fixes bug behind Windows Server 2025 automatic upgrades

Microsoft has resolved an issue that caused unexpected upgrades from Windows Server 2019 and 2022 to Windows Server 2025. This problem was first reported in September 2024 when administrators found their servers upgraded without the necessary licenses. Initially, Microsoft attributed the issue to misconfigured third-party update management software, while developers claimed it was due to Microsoft's procedural errors regarding update release speed and classification. Microsoft confirmed the resolution of the issue and re-enabled the upgrade offer through the Windows Update settings. Additionally, Microsoft released an out-of-band update to address complications from a previous non-security preview update and deployed emergency updates to fix sign-in disruptions across various applications. Other updates were issued to resolve Bluetooth visibility issues and security vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service management tool.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

Microsoft Ships Emergency Windows 11 Fix for Broken Patch

On March 31, Microsoft released emergency update KB5086672 in response to issues caused by the previous preview patch KB5079391, which left many Windows 11 devices in a loop with error code 0x80073712, blocking access to March security fixes. Microsoft withdrew KB5079391, which was launched on March 26, and replaced it with KB5086672, a cumulative update that includes all fixes from March 2026. KB5086672 supersedes previous updates, including KB5079473, KB5085516, and KB5079391. Users with the "Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available" setting will receive KB5086672 automatically, while others can manually check for updates or download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft has been issuing multiple emergency updates recently, raising concerns about the quality of its update pipeline, with a history of emergency patches for various issues affecting Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. The issues from KB5079391 may resurface in the upcoming April cumulative update.

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Microsoft to force updates to Windows 11 25H2 for PCs with older OS versions — ‘intelligent’ update system uses machine learning to determine when a device is ready

Microsoft is updating devices running Windows 11 version 24H2 to version 25H2, as support for 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026. The automatic update targets Home and Pro editions, while organizational devices are exempt. An "intelligent" system using machine learning will determine device readiness for the update, though details on the criteria remain unclear. Additionally, Microsoft released an emergency update, KB5086672, to address issues from a previous faulty update, KB5079391, which caused installation failures.