settings interface Archives

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Paint (25H2)

Microsoft has updated Paint significantly with the rollout of Windows 11, enhancing both its user interface and core functionalities. Key updates include the introduction of a Dark mode, an updated Text tool, layer capabilities similar to Photoshop, and support for transparent PNG files. Paint now features AI-driven tools, some of which require a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription, while others are accessible on any PC or require a Copilot+ PC. Customization options in Paint are limited; users cannot disable any image creation or editing features but can change the app theme and configure watermark settings for AI-generated content. The toolbar can be set to auto-hide, and users can view their work in full screen by pressing F11. New features include the ability to save projects with multiple layers, a Remove background tool, an Image Creator for generating images from text prompts, and a Generative erase tool for removing objects from images. Copilot+ PCs unlock additional features that operate locally, such as Object select, Sticker generator, Cocreator, and Generative fill, which requires specific hardware capabilities.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Big changes coming with Windows 11. Microsoft might be bidding goodbye to the Control Panel

Microsoft is set to launch a significant update for Windows 11 in April 2026, focusing on enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The update will streamline the Settings interface, align dialog boxes with dark mode, and aim for a more intuitive user experience. Under design director March Rogers, the initiative seeks to address historical criticisms of Microsoft's design approach, emphasizing the alignment of form and function. Key features of the update include a clearer Settings layout, dark mode for legacy dialog boxes, the ability to move the Taskbar, voice input for File Explorer, and AI integration with Narrator. Additionally, the update will adapt to evolving hardware needs with improved stylus configuration for 2-in-1 devices. User feedback is being prioritized in design decisions to create a cleaner, more cohesive system.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Why Microsoft’s war on Windows’ Control Panel is taking so long

Microsoft is phasing out the Control Panel in favor of the Settings app, a transition that began with the launch of Windows 8 in 2012 and continues in Windows 11. March Rogers, a partner director of design at Microsoft, highlighted the challenges of ensuring compatibility with various network and printer devices during this migration. Speculation about the Control Panel's removal increased in 2024, but a support note clarified that the migration is ongoing. Features like clock settings and mouse cursor blink rate have been successfully integrated into the Settings app. Despite the modern interface, some users still prefer the Control Panel for its simplicity. Microsoft is also redesigning the Settings interface to improve clarity and enhance the user experience in Windows 11.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Notepad (25H2)

Microsoft has transformed its Notepad text editor in Windows 11, introducing features such as a tabbed user interface, basic session state management, a "Recent files" option, and AI-driven writing tools. Notepad now supports Markdown markup language for light formatting and includes customizable settings for themes, fonts, document opening preferences, and the ability to disable certain features. Users can access AI writing tools through a Copilot button, which requires a Microsoft account and an active Microsoft 365 subscription. The classic Notepad version is still available, allowing users to revert to the previous interface, although it cannot be set as the default app for text files.

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 29, 2026

Microsoft quietly shipped 9 meaningful Windows 11 improvements this year, and they actually make the OS feel more polished

Microsoft has released a series of quality updates for Windows 11 in the first quarter of 2026, introducing several new features: - Cross-device resume allows users to resume Android apps directly on Windows 11 via the Taskbar. - Windows MIDI Services now support MIDI 0 and 2.0, including WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 support. - Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports external fingerprint readers. - A new "Device info" card in the Settings app displays key hardware specifications. - Quick Machine Recovery is now enabled by default for Windows 11 Pro. - A new network speed test feature can be accessed via the Taskbar. - Camera settings enhancements allow management of pan and tilt controls. - Sysmon is now a native feature in Windows 11, providing advanced monitoring capabilities. - Windows 11 supports WebP images as wallpapers.

Winsage

March 27, 2026

Microsoft Issues Windows 11 Preview Updates for Week D

Microsoft is rolling out a preview of April's Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, specifically for versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. The Preview Update KB5079391 is available for versions 24H2 and 25H2, updating them to builds 26100.8116 and 26200.8116, respectively. Key improvements include rich image descriptions in Narrator, a toggle for Smart App Control, updates to pen settings, adjustments to the Settings interface, enhancements to voice typing, display reliability improvements, upgrades to natural voice in Narrator, and stability enhancements for the Windows Recovery Environment. For version 26H1, Preview Update KB5079489 is available, upgrading the system to build 28000.1764 and introducing features like Emoji 16.0, Quick Machine Recovery improvements, and a built-in network speed test, though many features have been seen in previous versions.

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.