public testing Archives

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft suggests the future of Windows will make today’s operating systems feel alien to use — here’s what that really means

Microsoft has launched a video series called "Windows 2030 Vision," featuring aspirations for the future of Windows over the next five years. David Weston, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Enterprise & Security, suggests that traditional input methods will become outdated. The company plans to integrate AI into Windows in various forms, aiming for a seamless integration throughout the operating system, potentially allowing AI to manage applications and workflows autonomously. Recent advancements in AI-powered web browsers indicate a future where voice commands could replace traditional cursor navigation. Microsoft is reportedly developing prototypes for this new desktop user experience and has introduced Copilot Mode for the Edge browser as a testing ground for these technologies. The series will continue to explore Microsoft's innovative roadmap for Windows.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows 11 is testing Taskbar companions and it might be another AI feature

Microsoft is exploring a new taskbar feature called "companions," which may integrate artificial intelligence into the Windows experience. This initiative is in early stages, with references to "Agentic Companions" found in recent Windows 11 preview builds. A specific string indicates users may manage these companions from their settings, although the features are not yet operational. Previously, Microsoft aimed to introduce a "recommendations" feature for the taskbar to enhance engagement with Bing and web content, but the project was abandoned after the departure of Mikhail Parakhin. Additionally, Microsoft is testing features such as support for "shared audio" for multiple devices and a clock displaying seconds in the Calendar flyout, with the latter already available to Windows 10 users.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Microsoft Is Testing Letting Copilot AI Interact With Your Whole Desktop

Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot AI chatbot by expanding its screen-sharing capabilities, allowing it to process and interact with the entire desktop instead of just specific applications or windows. This feature is currently in public testing as part of the Windows Insider program. Users can share their complete workspace by selecting the "glasses" icon, and the feature can be easily closed. The enhancement enables Copilot to engage in real-time discussions about users' work, assisting with tasks such as content analysis, insights, and answering questions.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Windows 11 preview adds “quick machine recovery” for automatic PC repairs

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with a feature called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), currently in preview builds, designed to address boot failures. QMR uses the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to automatically connect to the internet and Microsoft’s servers for solutions during repeated boot failures. It was developed in response to a mid-2024 incident where a security update caused widespread outages. QMR introduces two modes: cloud remediation, which searches for fixes via Windows Update, and auto remediation, which continuously checks for and applies fixes automatically. Control over QMR varies by Windows edition, with Home users having it enabled by default and Pro and Enterprise users able to configure it. QMR is currently available to Windows Insider Program participants and is expected to be included in the Windows 11 25H2 update in late 2025.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft: Windows Server hotpatching to require subscription

Microsoft will transition hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 to a paid subscription model starting July 1, 2025, with a cost of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Microsoft has made a significant announcement regarding the future of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, a feature that allows administrators to apply security updates without the need for system restarts. As the company prepares for the general availability of this service, it will transition to a paid subscription model starting July 1, 2025. Subscription Details and Preview Phase In a proactive move, Microsoft is encouraging administrators to take advantage of the free preview of hotpatching before it becomes a subscription-based service. This opportunity will remain available until June 30, after which those currently testing the service will be automatically subscribed unless they opt out. “Hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, made available in preview in 2024, will become generally available as a subscription service on July 1st, 2025. With hotpatching, we are taking what was previously an Azure-only capability and now making it available to Windows Server machines outside of Azure through Azure Arc,” Microsoft stated. Upon the subscription launch, hotpatching will be priced at .50 USD per CPU core per month. To utilize this feature in multi-cloud environments or on-premises, users will need both a Hotpatch service subscription and an Azure Arc-connected server running Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter. How to Enable Hotpatching Enabling hotpatching on your server is a straightforward process. First, connect your server to Azure Arc by following the specified steps. Next, navigate to Azure Update Manager within the Azure Portal, select your Azure Arc-enabled server, and check the hotpatching option as outlined in the provided documentation. A Brief History of Hotpatching Hotpatching has been a part of Microsoft's offerings since February 2022, initially available for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition. This feature allows for the deployment of security updates by patching the in-memory code of running processes, eliminating the need for reboots after each installation. However, it is important to note that servers still require reboots for updates delivered through the standard Windows update channel, which are not included in the Hotpatch program. This includes non-Windows updates, such as .NET patches, and Windows non-security updates. Microsoft began public testing of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 in September 2024, with further expansions to Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 365 following in November 2024. By April 2025, hotpatch updates will be generally available for business customers using Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 on x64 (AMD/Intel) systems." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].50 per CPU core per month. A free preview of the service is available until June 30, 2025, after which users testing the service will be automatically subscribed unless they opt out. Hotpatching allows administrators to apply security updates without system restarts and will be available for Windows Server machines outside of Azure through Azure Arc. To enable hotpatching, servers must be connected to Azure Arc and configured via the Azure Update Manager. Hotpatching was initially introduced in February 2022 for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition and allows for in-memory code updates, but standard Windows updates still require reboots. Public testing for Windows Server 2025 began in September 2024, with general availability for Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 expected by April 2025.

AppWizard

February 15, 2025

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic gets co-op mode and extra content thanks to the mod community’s collaboration with Ubisoft: ‘To see it all come together has been very emotional for us’

KingDavidW, a modder, has collaborated with Ubisoft and Nvidia to enhance the 2006 game Dark Messiah of Might and Magic. This partnership has led to significant advancements in the modding community, including the "Dark Messiah: Restoration Mod," which fixes gameplay bugs and adds new content such as bonus missions, alternate levels, a previously cut level called The Caves, and several cut weapons. Ubisoft is also helping develop an advanced SDK, expected to be released soon. Nvidia's contributions are likely related to the Dark Messiah RTX mod, which involves extensive reworking of models and textures. Additionally, a cooperative mod for Dark Messiah is in testing and available on Github for public testing, with further refinements needed for optimal gameplay.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Minecraft gets new cow variants, bush types, and ambient sounds to desert biomes in the latest public testing update

Mojang Studios has released a public testing update for Minecraft, introducing several new features. The update includes two new cow variants: the cold cow, which has a fluffy coat suitable for cold biomes, and the auburn warm cow, found in sandy environments. New plant life includes the firefly bush, which attracts fireflies at night and thrives in swamps and near water, as well as an unassuming bush that grows in green biomes like forests and plains. The update also enhances ambient sounds in desert biomes, with players hearing whispers of sand and sounds from the dead bush, including chirping crickets and rustling twigs. Players can incorporate these sounds into their creations by placing the dead bush on sand blocks or clustering sand or terracotta blocks. These features are available in Minecraft: Java Edition through snapshots and in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition via previews/beta.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Minecraft now has new cow variants, shrubbery fireflies, and “bush” for public testing

Mojang has introduced a new content update for Minecraft, currently in public testing, featuring two cow variants: cold cows, which inhabit snowy biomes, and warm cows, found in desert landscapes. The update enhances desert biomes with new ambient sounds and allows players to create a desert atmosphere using dead bushes and sand blocks. Additionally, a new plant called the firefly bush emits glowing lights at night and can be cultivated with bone meal. Another bush variant can be found in various green biomes and can also be grown using bone meal. These features are available in the latest Java snapshot, with plans for inclusion in Bedrock beta versions. Mojang has shifted its content release strategy to smaller updates throughout the year instead of a single summer mega-update.

Winsage

October 14, 2024

No need to pay $50 per year for these incredible wallpapers

Microsoft celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Windows Insider Program, which was launched in 2014 and has played a key role in the development of Windows 10 and Windows 11. The program has millions of participants who provide feedback on Windows and Microsoft applications. In recognition of the anniversary, Microsoft released two new wallpapers for download. The importance of the Insider community was highlighted when a lack of feedback during the rollout of Windows Recall led to significant issues. Microsoft plans to involve the Windows Insider Program in the reintroduction of Windows Recall to gather feedback before its general availability. Additionally, Microsoft continues its tradition of sharing free wallpapers, offering a variety of themes for users.

BetaBeacon

September 6, 2024

FAU-G Domination pre-registrations go live on Android

- India-based games studio Dot9 Games has started pre-registrations for its upcoming battle royale game FAU-G Domination. - The game is published by Nazara Publishing and dedicated to Bharat Ke Veer, a trust supporting India's Armed Forces Martyrs. - nCore Games' co-founder Vishal Gondal expressed pride in responding to PM Modi's call for a game made-in-India for India and the world. - Dot9 Games CEO Deepak Ail believes that India has talent in game design and development, signaling the country's arrival as a major player in the global gaming industry.