taskbar animations Archives

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Windows 11’s legacy UI cleanup continues as Microsoft updates one of its oldest dialogs

Microsoft has introduced a revamped AutoPlay dialog box in the latest Windows Insider build, utilizing WinUI for improved performance and visual consistency. The updated AutoPlay interface supports dark mode and retains familiar functionalities, with notifications now docked in the notification center. A new accessibility feature, Open apps maximized, allows application windows to open automatically in a maximized state. Users can manage camera, microphone, and location access for desktop apps on an individual basis, with permissions reviewed in Settings > Privacy & security. Existing app permission decisions remain unchanged. PDF and non-HTML files can now be previewed in File Explorer, and the Microsoft Store update supports in-app purchases in packaged WinUI 3 apps. Recent builds have fixed taskbar animation issues and improved mouse cursor visibility in certain applications. The Settings section has been updated to display version numbers for packaged apps.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

New Windows 11 build brings automatic PDF previews to File Explorer for Insiders

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview builds 26340.9233 (26H2) and 28120.2760 (26H1), featuring enhancements such as automatic PDF preview support in File Explorer and in-app purchase capabilities for WinUI 3 applications in the Microsoft Store. The 26H1 build addresses a bug causing the mouse cursor to be invisible in some applications but has a known compatibility issue that may prevent some users from launching PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. The AutoPlay dialog has been revamped with WinUI, supporting dark mode and improved responsiveness. A new accessibility setting allows apps to open maximized by default, enhancing usability for screen readers and magnification tools. Users can manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop applications, providing more control over privacy. File Explorer now supports automatic previews for PDF and non-HTML files, and the Microsoft Store update allows in-app purchases for packaged WinUI 3 apps. Bug fixes include resolving taskbar animation issues and ensuring visibility of the mouse cursor.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (KB5077242) has been released to the Beta Channel. Key updates include: - Enhanced security and performance for batch files with a new secure mode that ensures batch files remain unchanged during execution, improving performance and security. - Shared audio feature now includes individual volume sliders for each listener and a taskbar indicator for ongoing audio sharing sessions. - A new command for Narrator users allows reading the status bar contents in applications like Word and Excel. - The rollout of improved taskbar animations has been temporarily paused. - Reliability improvements for removing Windows Update files and windows.old files. - Enhanced typing reliability with the ADLaM keyboard. - The Paint app has introduced a freeform rotate feature for shapes, text, and selections. Insiders can access these updates through Settings > Windows Update, and features may be gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. A desktop watermark is displayed for Windows Insider pre-release builds.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (KB 5077243) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include enhanced security and performance for batch files through a new secure mode, individual volume sliders for shared audio between Bluetooth LE Audio devices, a new Narrator command to read status bar contents in applications, improved reliability for removing Windows Update files, and enhanced typing reliability with the ADLaM keyboard. The rollout of improved taskbar animations has been temporarily paused. Updates are gradually being rolled out to Insiders who have opted in through Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760 (KB5065793) has been released to the Dev Channel for Windows 11, version 25H2. Key updates include: - A built-in network speed test in the taskbar accessible via Quick Settings or the network icon. - A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page in the Get Started experience for managed commercial devices with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. - Updated placeholder text in the File Explorer Search Box for Copilot+ PCs. - New StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers in File Explorer Home. - Temporary disabling of Emoji 16.0, to be reintroduced later. - A new ‘Wait time before acting’ setting in voice access for customizable command execution delays. Fixes include resolving issues with screen readers, Click to Do activation, battery icon synchronization, customized folder views, media controls on the lock screen, and Windows Update functionality. Known issues involve Click to Do visual errors, disabled taskbar animations, unexpected search results, camera preview failures with external webcams, and bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Updates are delivered through an enablement package and features are rolled out gradually based on user feedback.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Windows 11’s new beta update removes a feature for seemingly no reason

The Windows 11 Beta and Dev builds have removed Emoji 16.0 without explanation. A built-in network speed test has been added to the taskbar, allowing users to assess network performance. A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page has been integrated into the Get Started experience for users with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Improvements to Windows Search are being rolled out, particularly for Copilot+ PCs. New StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers have been introduced in File Explorer. A new setting in voice access allows for customizable delays before executing commands. Various fixes have been implemented, including issues with screen readers, battery icon syncing, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include problems with Click to Do, taskbar animations, search results, camera previews with Windows Studio Effects, and Xbox Controllers experiencing bugchecks.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

Windows 11 tests “shared audio” to play music via multiple devices, new taskbar animations

Windows 11 is introducing updates to its taskbar in build 26120.4733, featuring a new animation that activates when users hover over open applications. This includes a “fly up” animation that displays a thumbnail reflecting the actual size of the app window, which adjusts dynamically for smaller windows. Additionally, a size-adjusting animation will activate when hovering between thumbnails of varying dimensions. Windows 11 will also introduce a "shared audio" feature, allowing users to connect and play music through multiple audio devices simultaneously via Quick Settings, compatible with Bluetooth devices supporting version 4.0 or higher. These updates are currently being tested in preview builds.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

6 first world Windows 11 problems I desperately want Microsoft to fix

Windows 11 creates local user directories using the first five letters of a user's email address instead of their actual name, which can be frustrating for users. The Taskbar thumbnail preview animations are lacking fluidity compared to previous Windows versions. Dark mode is inconsistent, with light mode interfaces appearing in various parts of the OS. Task View and Virtual Desktops animations can be choppy on systems without dedicated graphics cards. The transition between the Start menu and the Search pane feels abrupt and unrefined. Additionally, ads within Windows 11 lack personalization, leading to frustration for users who already subscribe to Microsoft services.