preview Archives

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8142 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8142 (KB 5079492) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key updates include: - Administrator Protection: IT administrators can enable this feature in Settings under Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Account Protection, requiring a restart to apply changes. - Touchpad: A new setting allows users to adjust the size of the right-click zone (default, small, medium, large) for touchpads with a pressable surface. - Task Manager: Enhancements include new columns for NPU usage, NPU Dedicated Memory, NPU Shared Memory, and an optional Isolation column for identifying apps running in an AppContainer. - Windows Protected Print Mode: A new icon has been introduced. - Accessibility: An issue affecting Braille use for Insiders in previous builds has been resolved. Features are rolled out gradually, and feedback can be shared via the Feedback Hub. The desktop watermark is a normal occurrence for Insider pre-release builds, and some features may not be released or may change before the final version.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Latest Windows 11 update is broken, refuses to install — Microsoft pulls latest update over missing files error

Microsoft's KB5079391 non-security update, released on March 26, 2026, aimed to improve the stability and reliability of the Windows operating system but has faced installation issues, with many users encountering the 0x80073712 error code. This error indicates that something is broken or missing in the update files. The update includes support for monitors exceeding 1,000 Hz, a revamped About page in Settings, a new Narrator feature powered by Copilot, and enhancements to File Explorer. The update is optional and released in preview mode, but the lack of a workaround for installation remains a concern for users.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 update to modernize legacy UI, as Control Panel and other legacy features continue to live

Microsoft is phasing out legacy features in Windows 11, including the Control Panel, and is modernizing aspects of the operating system in response to user feedback. The company is working on an overhaul of the dark mode feature, which will extend to legacy pop-ups like the Windows Run dialog and the Windows Registry Editor, although no specific timeline has been provided for these updates. Microsoft is developing new tools to modernize legacy dialogs and user interfaces, with a focus on modernizing Windows as a primary goal. Recent Windows preview builds show a modernized Windows Run developed with WinUI 3, which supports dark mode and will include enhanced search capabilities. The legacy Run will remain available and will also receive a dark mode update. Microsoft plans to roll out these changes throughout 2026. Additionally, features like a movable and resizable taskbar and a native Start menu are being prioritized, along with the introduction of 100% native applications for Windows 11. A major update for Windows 11 was unveiled on March 20, which included plans to reduce ads and potentially remove the requirement for a Microsoft account.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft yanks Windows 11 preview update after install failures

Microsoft has paused the rollout of the Windows update KB5079391 due to installation errors reported by users, specifically a 0x80073712 error. Affected users received notifications about missing or problematic update files. The update impacts Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 and was intended to introduce new features, including enhancements for the Settings interface and support for monitors with refresh rates over 1,000 Hz. Microsoft has temporarily limited the availability of this update while investigating the issue, and no devices became inoperable due to the installation failures. There is currently no timeline for when the rollout will resume.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Windows 11 now supports display refresh rates up to 5,000Hz after its latest update — Here’s why that matters for everyone, not just gamers

On March 26, Microsoft released a non-security preview update for Windows 11, known as KB5079391, which included display enhancements such as support for refresh rates exceeding 1000 Hz, improved auto-rotation, HDR reliability, and increased power efficiency for USB4-connected monitors in sleep mode. However, the update was retracted on March 27 due to installation issues. The update aims to support refresh rates up to 5,000 Hz, aligning with trends in hardware development, including reports of 2,000 Hz displays expected by 2030. Additionally, the update introduced "rich image descriptions" for Copilot and Copilot+ PCs using the Narrator feature and improved the design of dialog boxes in the Accounts settings menu. It is applicable to Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 26H1.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

If Microsoft really wants to fix Windows 11, it should do these four things ASAP

Microsoft's President of Windows + Devices, Pavan Davaluri, communicated a renewed commitment to quality in Windows 11 through an open letter to Windows Insiders, emphasizing user experience improvements in responsiveness, reliability, and update control. The Windows Insider Program is suggested to be revitalized by reconnecting channels with public releases, decoupling quality testing from feature testing, eliminating Controlled Feature Rollout for public releases to ensure uniform user experiences, and increasing transparency about decision-making processes.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Microsoft’s March Security Update of High-Risk Vulnerability Notice for Multiple Products

On March 11, NSFOCUS CERT reported the release of Microsoft’s March Security Update, addressing 83 security vulnerabilities in products like Windows, Microsoft Office, Microsoft SQL Server, and Azure. The update includes eight critical vulnerabilities and 75 important ones, with risks such as privilege escalation and remote code execution. Key vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2026-26110: Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVSS score: 8.4) - CVE-2026-26113: Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVSS score: 8.4) - CVE-2026-26144: Microsoft Excel Information Disclosure Vulnerability (CVSS score: 7.5) - CVE-2026-23669: Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVSS score: 8.8) - CVE-2026-24294: Windows SMB Server Privilege Escalation Vulnerability (CVSS score: 7.8) - CVE-2026-23668: Windows Graphics Component Privilege Escalation Vulnerability (CVSS score: 7.0) Affected product versions include various editions of Microsoft Office, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Microsoft has released security patches for these vulnerabilities, and users are encouraged to install them promptly.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

I’m unsure how much of a detective game Artificial Detective will be, but I enjoyed the bit in the trailer when your character attacks a robot with a massive drill

Vivix, a new studio formed by former developers of Dead Space, Control, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, has announced their game titled Artificial Detective during the Xbox Partner Preview. The game is set in a futuristic city where humanity has disappeared, and players will assume the role of a robotic detective. The gameplay involves exploring the city using a "flying streetcar" across ten districts, with opportunities for combat, stealth, and environmental interaction. Players will be accompanied by a small child and a robotic dog. The game is expected to blend action and exploration, with a release planned for next year.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Windows 11 KB5079391 update pulled as Microsoft scrambles to address installation issues

Microsoft has retracted the non-security preview update KB5079391 for Windows 11, which was released on March 26, due to user-reported installation issues, specifically error code 0x80073712. The update has been temporarily removed from Windows Update, but users' systems remain operational. The timeline for a re-release of the update is uncertain, and Microsoft may refine it or wait until the April Patch Tuesday for broader implementation.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

I’m unsure how much of a detective game Artificial Detective will be, but I enjoyed the bit in the trailer when your character attacks a robot with a massive drill

Vivix, a new studio formed by former developers from titles like Dead Space and Control, has announced a game called Artificial Detective during the Xbox Partner Preview. The game is set in a dystopian future where humanity has vanished, and players take on the role of a robotic detective in a city dominated by machines and afflicted animals. It features nonlinear gameplay with sandbox-style encounters, including the ability to ride a flying streetcar across ten districts. Players will be accompanied by a small child and a robotic dog. The game is expected to blend action and investigation, with a release planned for next year.