Release Preview Channel Archives

Winsage

February 20, 2025

5 new Windows 11 features should hit your PC soon

Microsoft has released Build 26100.3321 to the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11, introducing several new features: - A color-coded battery icon with a percentage indicator has been added to the Taskbar to help users manage battery life. - Users can now turn off or snooze backup reminders in File Explorer. - Windows Spotlight has improved visibility for the "Learn more about this picture" icon and includes a "Like" button for content curation. - A taskbar sharing feature allows users to share files directly from applications using a right-click option. - The Narrator's updated scan mode includes new commands for more efficient text navigation. These features will be rolled out gradually, with some expected to reach the general public soon.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

The Windows 11 Release Preview channel update finally makes the battery indicator useful

Microsoft has introduced an enhanced battery indicator in the Windows 11 Release Preview build version 26100.3321. The new feature includes a color-coded system for battery status: a green icon indicates charging, a yellow icon signals energy-saving mode (activated at 20% battery or less), and a red icon alerts users to low battery levels. Users can also display the battery percentage in the system tray by enabling the “Battery Percentage” option in Settings > Power & battery. The update is being rolled out gradually, so not all users will see it immediately. Other features included in the rollout are file sharing via the taskbar and improvements to Windows Spotlight. Resources are available for users interested in the Windows Insider Program.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

Windows 11 Update Brings Surprising Changes You Need to Know About

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 22631.4969 (KB5052094) for Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, featuring enhanced file-sharing from the taskbar's jump list, upgrades to Windows Spotlight for easier image discovery, a refined lock screen experience with additional information on images, and new Narrator functionalities in scan mode, including a "Skip past links" feature and improved navigation with the comma key. These features will be rolled out gradually, and user feedback is encouraged to refine the updates.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5552 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5552 (KB5052077) has been released to the Release Preview Channel for Insiders using Windows 10, version 22H2. Key updates include: - Adjustments for Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Paraguay. - Fixes for the Chinese Input Method Editor (IME), including responsiveness issues and improved color contrast in the search suggestion panel. - Resolution of a recurring issue with the desktop window manager (dwm.exe) that caused it to stop responding. - Refresh of Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles for select mobile operators. - Improvements to the Narrator, addressing issues with announcing quick action buttons and control types in the Chinese IME candidate window. - Resolution of a service startup failure for Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH), requiring users to manually run the sshd.exe process.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox features for PCs, useful tools for Windows 11, and more

Microsoft refreshed the Windows Health Dashboard, providing updated information on known bugs affecting Windows 11 version 24H2, including a fix for users unable to modify specific date and time settings and a workaround for difficulties with Windows updates via USB or CD media. A guide was shared on restoring Dolby Digital (AC-3) support in Windows 11 version 24H2, and two debloating applications, WinScript and NoBloatbox, were introduced for system optimization and bloatware removal. This week's preview builds for Windows 11 included a significant update for MIDI and allowed users to customize widgets on their lock screens. An update for the Microsoft Store now permits users to choose which components of games to download. Optical Character Recognition has returned in the Photos app for Windows Insiders with enhancements and bug fixes. Microsoft announced the dates for its upcoming developer conference, Build 2025, scheduled for May 19-22 in Seattle, Washington. Firefox 135 was released with a redesigned new tab page and privacy enhancements, while Microsoft Edge 133 launched with an updated downloads interface and an AI-powered scareware blocker. Chrome version 134 is set to enhance picture-in-picture mode. In gaming news, several Xbox titles, including Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Mythology: Retold, are being released for PlayStation 5. EA's Criterion Games is focused on the next Battlefield installment, leaving the future of Need for Speed uncertain. Microsoft will host the first ID@Xbox showcase on February 24, 2025. Valve updated Steam to include a banner for abandoned games, and Nvidia announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles, and Amazon Prime members have access to several free games.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

How to Join the Windows Insider Program: Beta, Dev, Canary and Release Preview

Microsoft's Windows Insider Program allows users to test new features of Windows 11 before their official release. Recently, Recall AI was introduced to the Dev channel. To join the program, users must register with a Microsoft account, sign in on their PC, and navigate through Windows Settings to select an Insider channel. The channels include Release Preview, Beta, Dev, and Canary, with varying levels of stability. Users can check for updates to download the latest Insider build. To leave the program, users on Release Preview or Beta channels can revert to a stable build without a clean installation, while those on Dev and Canary channels must perform a clean installation. Users can unenroll from preview builds by adjusting settings in Windows Update.

Winsage

November 19, 2024

Microsoft finally lets users reinstall Windows on Arm, and I hope Boot Camp makes a comeback

Microsoft has made ISOs available for Windows on Arm64 PCs after approximately seven years, allowing users to download them directly from the Windows 11 download page for version 24H2. The Windows 10 Beta channel has been closed after only five months of operation, during which it delivered six builds, most of which were also released in the Release Preview channel. Microsoft has rolled out minor enhancements for Windows Insiders, including improved context menu functionality for pinned apps, the ability to launch jump list items as an administrator, options to disable certain swipe gestures on touch devices, and an upgrade to Dynamic Lighting with new effects.

Winsage

November 18, 2024

All Windows 10 users warned major updates are coming to an end

Windows 10, launched in 2015, remains the most widely used operating system despite the release of Windows 11 in 2021. Microsoft announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive free security updates. Microsoft has also closed the Windows 10 Beta Channel, with the last build released on November 14. Users in the Beta Channel will be moved to the Release Preview Channel. Microsoft recommends users transition to Windows 11 or purchase new hardware. A paid program for continued updates on Windows 10 is available for £24 per year. Users can disable Microsoft Store app suggestions in the Start menu through settings. Insiders in the Beta Channel can toggle for receiving the latest updates through Windows Update settings.

Winsage

November 17, 2024

Microsoft Weekly: one dead Insider Channel, a big drop of Windows updates, and more

November 2024's Patch Tuesday updates have been released for Windows 11 and Windows 10, including KB5046617 and KB5046633 for Windows 11, and KB5046613, KB5046615, KB5046612, and KB5046665 for Windows 10. These updates address security vulnerabilities and resolve app crashes on Windows 10 and Task Manager issues on Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced new group policies to prevent auto-upgrades for Windows Server 2022 and 2019. Both Windows 10 and 11 will see a reduction in updates starting December 2024. Official Windows 11 ISO files for ARM devices have been released. The Microsoft Store will remove instant games from the Arcade tab on November 14, 2024, but will introduce Android games through a partnership with Tencent. A new "Edit with Paint" context menu option has been added for Windows Insiders. Windows 10's Beta Channel has been discontinued, transitioning users to the Release Preview Channel. Microsoft has reintroduced the MSN brand with a new logo. Microsoft Edge has been updated to version 131, and notable driver updates include Intel's 32.0.101.6297 and Nvidia's 566.14 WHQL. Upcoming game releases include Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on December 9 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl on November 20. Blizzard announced remasters of Warcraft I and II. Age of Empires II's fifth anniversary has led to unlocked DLC packs for existing owners and Game Pass subscribers. The Game Pass library has added three Spyro games. Discounts on Xbox Series X|S consoles and controllers are available for the holiday season, along with a software update for Xbox consoles introducing new features. The Epic Games Store is offering free games, including Castlevania Anniversary Collection and Snakebird Complete.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Time is rapidly running out for Windows 10, as Microsoft shuts down Beta testing channel

Microsoft has announced the closure of the Beta channel for Windows 10, following the release of the final preview build. The only remaining option for users is the Release Preview channel, indicating that Windows 10 will no longer receive new features. Users are encouraged to consider alternatives, such as upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring Linux distributions.