settings interface Archives

Winsage

March 6, 2026

Windows 11’s March 2026 update is packing 9 new upgrades you’ll actually notice

On March 10, 2026, Microsoft will release a Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, introducing several new features and enhancements. Key updates include a network speed test feature accessible from the Taskbar, updated camera controls for pan and tilt settings, a new settings page for Widgets, support for WebP images as wallpapers, Quick Machine Recovery for Windows 11 Pro, refreshed dialogs in the Settings app, and changes in File Explorer allowing "Extract All" for non-ZIP archives. Additional updates include the introduction of Emoji version 16, a magnifier icon in Task Manager for the Windows Search process, and expanded RSAT support for ARM64 devices. Users are advised to be cautious during installation due to potential errors.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Windows 11 gets a December Insider update packed with new features and AI upgrades — reveals Microsoft’s next big push. Here’s everything that is new.

Microsoft has slowed down the development of Windows 11 but released several preview builds through the Windows Insider Program in December 2025, showcasing various enhancements. Key updates include: - Model Context Protocol (MCP): Introduced in build 26220.7344, allowing AI agents to communicate with applications and tools via a secure on-device registry. It includes the File Explorer Connector for managing files through natural language searches and the Windows Settings Connector for navigating settings. - Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP): Provides a consistent update experience for developers through the Settings app. - Windows MIDI Services: Rollout of a new MIDI API, Service, and SDK, supporting MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 devices with enhancements like app-to-app MIDI support. - Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): Expanded to additional handheld gaming devices, replicating console gaming on PCs. - Settings app with AI agent: Enhanced navigation and modification of settings with an integrated AI agent. - File Explorer dark mode improvements: Extended dark mode to various elements and improved search functionality using AI. - Drag Tray disable option: Users can now disable the Drag Tray feature through Settings. - Mobile Devices settings integration: Features for managing mobile devices are now integrated within the Settings app. - Virtual Workspaces in Advanced settings: New access to manage virtualization features without using the legacy "Windows Features" page. - Keyboard and text cursor settings: New settings added for customizing keyboard and cursor behavior. - Quick Machine Recovery improvements: Now enabled by default on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. - Windows Studio Effects compatibility: Expanded to more camera hardware for improved user appearance. - Windows Spotlight for desktop changes: New context menu options for wallpaper changes and additional details. - Taskbar with Ask Copilot: A toggle to replace Windows Search with AI-driven searches. - Taskbar with AI agents: AI agents can function as apps in the Taskbar, providing real-time updates. - Windows 11 Agent Launchers: A framework for registering AI agents within the OS. - Narrator customization: Users can select which properties are announced while navigating applications. - Voice Typing animation: New animation for the dictation key in the Touch Keyboard and a "Discover Windows" widget added. - Voice Access streamlined setup: Simplified setup process for Voice Access. The Windows Insider Program will pause further builds until January.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Updating and removing your Windows 11 apps is about to get a lot less frustrating

Microsoft is testing two significant upgrades for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider channels: 1. A dedicated App Updates page in Settings that allows users to update installed applications without going through the Microsoft Store. 2. Enhanced support for uninstalling Store-managed apps directly from the Store Library with a single click. The new App Updates page will enable updates for Store apps, standalone applications, and enterprise tools from the same interface, potentially reducing fragmentation in app management. However, early testing revealed that the "Check for updates" button did not yield results. These updates are currently limited to Windows Insider builds, with broader availability expected as Microsoft refines the features. Additionally, Windows 11 is evolving with enhancements such as Copilot-powered features, a more efficient right-click menu, and a streamlined copy-paste experience.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

I forced myself to run Windows 11, and to be honest, I don’t miss much about Windows 10

Windows 10 reached the end of its support, prompting an upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 is faster, with performance improvements claimed to be up to 2.3 times quicker than Windows 10, particularly on modern hardware. Boot times improved from 40 seconds to under 20 seconds. Battery life enhancements are reported, especially for modern devices. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a better user experience, allowing app uninstallation directly from the Store. The Start menu and Taskbar have been redesigned, with a more organized layout that enhances usability. The new context menu includes dedicated icons for frequently used functions. The classic Control Panel is missed, as its functionality has largely moved to the Settings app, which some find less simple. Overall, the upgrade to Windows 11 is considered worthwhile despite some areas needing refinement.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Windows 11 KB5070300 Updates Widget Board & Adds Numbered Badges to Dashboard Icons

Microsoft has released a new Dev and Beta Insider build for Windows 11 25H2, designated as KB5070300, which updates users to Build 26220.7070. This update includes enhancements to Smart App Control, Quick Machine Recovery, and the Widget Board Settings interface. Users can now select and reorder their default dashboards on the Widget Board, which will default to the first dashboard when live weather content is displayed. The Widget Settings can be accessed via a gear icon, allowing users to drag preferred dashboards to the top of the list. Additionally, numbered badges have been introduced on dashboard icons to indicate new alerts, and the File Explorer has been updated to include a people icon under the “activity” section, showing who has modified files.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

Windows Insider Previews Improve Search and Bring Memory Checks

Microsoft is rolling out new test versions of its Windows desktop operating system through the Insider channels, featuring improvements in the search function and a quick memory check after system crashes. The updated search box in the taskbar now includes a “Copy & Search” functionality for searching copied text. A new quick memory scan function will prompt users to diagnose potential issues after unexpected restarts, with the "Windows Memory Diagnostic" running during the next reboot. This feature allows all bug checks as triggers for developers to investigate memory errors related to system crashes, but it is not supported on ARM64 architectures, systems with Administrator Protection enabled, or those using BitLocker without Secure Boot. The Settings interface has been redesigned for better usability, and users can now scroll through search results in an expanded list. Additionally, a command-line editor has been reintroduced as a standard feature, and the Start menu has been revised.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

AI scanning hits Google Drive in an Android test that identifies and adds in a snap

Google Drive is testing a new document scanning feature that includes a redesigned viewfinder and an enhanced AI scanner. The AI scanner operates autonomously, allowing users to place documents in front of it for automatic identification and scanning, with the option to pause the process at any time. The AI visually distinguishes scanned documents with colored outlines. This update is part of Google's broader initiative to improve user experience across its platforms, including recent advancements in wearable technology and the M3 Expressive update for Android, which features customizable lock screens and a redesigned user interface.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

The latest Windows 11 Canary update shows that Microsoft really just wants to move past the Control Panel already

Microsoft is accelerating the transition from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11, as evidenced by the recent Canary update. This update introduces several new features in the Settings app, including: - The ability to add additional clocks via Settings > Time & language > Date & time, with options to display them in the system tray and Notification Center. - A new option to change the time server under Settings > Time & language > Date & time. - Relocation of formatting settings for date and time, allowing modifications of AM/PM symbols and other options from Settings > Time & language > Date & time. - Adjustments for number and currency formats through Settings > Time & language > Language & region. - A toggle for enabling Unicode UTF-8 support for global language compatibility under Settings > Time & language > Language & region. - The option to copy current user language and region settings to the welcome screen and system accounts under Settings > Time & language > Language & region. This increase in feature migration may indicate Microsoft's preparation for the end of support for Windows 10 in October, aiming to provide a cohesive experience for users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Windows: Everything you need to know

Windows is the dominant operating system globally, developed by Microsoft, and serves over a billion users. The latest version is Windows 11, which debuted in October 2021, featuring significant visual and functional enhancements. Microsoft began rolling out the 24H2 update in mid-2024, introducing AI hardware support, enhanced security, and new features like Copilot and Recall. The upcoming 25H2 update is expected in late 2025, utilizing a lightweight enablement package for a swift upgrade process. Development on Windows 12, codenamed Hudson Valley, is ongoing, with a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027, focusing on AI-first computing and modular architecture. Users can check their current Windows version by pressing the Windows key + R and typing winver. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for eligible systems, while Windows 11 Home costs 9 and Windows 11 Pro costs 9. The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, making an upgrade advisable for continued security and access to new features.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft is bringing powerful new AI tools to Windows 11

Microsoft has rolled out new features for Windows 11, transitioning tools from testing to general availability. Key additions include semantic and agentic search functionalities in the Settings menu, allowing users to express queries in natural language and request specific tasks. The Click-to-Do feature now integrates with Copilot and a new Reading Coach application for context-aware actions. Paint has been upgraded to allow AI-generated stickers and includes a new object select tool for easier image editing. The Photos app will introduce a Relight feature for dynamic lighting effects, limited to devices with Snapdragon X processors. The Snipping Tool has a new “perfect screenshot” feature that uses AI for improved selection, and a new Black Screen of Death and rapid recovery option have reduced crashes and restarts by 22%.