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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.
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.
2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience
Winsage
December 18, 2025

2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience

In 2025, the Microsoft Store on Windows attracted over 250 million monthly users and introduced new offerings, including productivity tools like Raycast, Noteastic, and Cephable, as well as popular games such as Fortnite and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Accessibility apps like DotVista and applications like RunCat 365 and Adobe Premier Elements 2026 were also launched. In collaboration with Tencent, the catalog in China expanded to include mini apps and games like Rednote and Fire to the Zombies. The 2025 App Awards winners were announced, recognizing exceptional value for Windows users. The Microsoft Store introduced Special Events to help users discover timely content within their favorite apps. A dedicated Themes department was launched to simplify the process of personalizing computing environments. Enhancements made since June focused on providing a tailored experience, with personalized content available on home and app pages. The app installation process was streamlined with multi-app install features and improved methods for finding and launching apps through the Windows Search Bar. The AI Hub was refreshed to help users discover AI-powered apps, with new app badges indicating AI capabilities. Copilot now assists with Store browsing in the U.S., and finding Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot has been made easier. Key improvements included quicker navigation, improved error handling, the ability to uninstall apps directly from the Library, better update orchestration, and enhanced search functionality.
Windows is rolling out the ability to handle all app updates from just your OS, but with limited support right now
Winsage
December 8, 2025

Windows is rolling out the ability to handle all app updates from just your OS, but with limited support right now

The latest Windows update introduces the Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP), allowing applications to autonomously download and install updates based on user activity and system state. UOP enables individual apps to use their own backend updating services, facilitating app updates during periods of inactivity. It supports both Windows and non-Windows applications and provides a centralized update history for all installed software. Currently, no applications have adopted UOP, but users in the Dev and Beta channels will gradually gain access. The update also includes AI enhancements, such as support for the Model Context Protocol, improved natural language search capabilities, and a more intuitive "open with" feature that suggests suitable applications for file types.
Microsoft warns of Windows update delays due to wrong timestamp
Winsage
June 30, 2025

Microsoft warns of Windows update delays due to wrong timestamp

Microsoft has acknowledged a delay in the delivery of the June 2025 Windows security updates due to an incorrect metadata timestamp affecting Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems under quality update deferral policies. The update was released on June 10, 2025, but the timestamp shows June 20, 2025, which may cause devices with deferral settings to receive the update later than expected. Microsoft has provided temporary workarounds for administrators, including creating an expedited deployment policy to bypass deferral settings. The delay only affects the timing of update availability for organizations using these policies and does not impact the quality or applicability of the update. Microsoft will not change the metadata timestamp and has confirmed that the provided workaround is the definitive resolution.
Microsoft Debuts Windows Update Orchestration Platform For Updating All Apps From A Single Place
Winsage
May 31, 2025

Microsoft Debuts Windows Update Orchestration Platform For Updating All Apps From A Single Place

Microsoft has introduced the Windows Update Orchestration Platform, which aims to centralize the management of line-of-business (LOB) and third-party applications through a single interface, enhancing the app update process for developers and users. Currently in private preview, the platform invites developers to explore its features, which include eco-efficient scheduling, consistent notifications, centralized update history, and unified troubleshooting tools. Developers can integrate their applications using Windows Runtime APIs and PowerShell commands to manage various aspects such as registration and update definitions. The initiative addresses challenges like CPU and bandwidth spikes, conflicting notifications, and increased support costs faced by users and IT administrators.
Microsoft unveils "centralized" software update tool for Windows
Winsage
May 30, 2025

Microsoft unveils “centralized” software update tool for Windows

Microsoft is developing a Windows-native update orchestration platform to improve the software updating experience for IT administrators and end-users. This platform aims to streamline the management of updates across various applications and components within the Windows ecosystem, reducing confusion caused by independent updates for different products. Currently in private preview, developers can access the platform through Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs and PowerShell commands by registering as update providers. The orchestrator will intelligently defer updates based on user activity and system performance, and it will automatically reschedule failed attempts. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing Windows Backup for Organizations to assist with the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This feature simplifies the backup and restoration of settings for Windows 10 and 11 devices. To use this functionality, devices must be Microsoft Entra hybrid joined or Microsoft Entra joined and running a supported version of Windows. The restore feature is compatible only with Microsoft Entra joined devices running Windows 11, version 22H2 and later. The Windows Backup for Organizations feature is currently in a limited public preview for select members of the Microsoft Management Customer Connection Program.
Windows 11's new update system is a brutal reminder of where the Microsoft Store falls short
Winsage
May 30, 2025

Windows 11’s new update system is a brutal reminder of where the Microsoft Store falls short

Microsoft has introduced a "unified future for app updates" through a new Windows Update orchestration platform, aiming to streamline the update process for applications, drivers, and components on personal computers. This initiative addresses the fragmented nature of traditional app and driver updates, which often burden IT administrators. In late 2024, Microsoft began testing a feature allowing the Microsoft Store to update applications not hosted on its servers, transforming it into a "one-stop shop for all app updates." The new orchestration platform supports apps and components not listed in the Microsoft Store, enhancing the update experience alongside improvements to the Microsoft Store and the Windows Package Manager.
Microsoft Opens Windows Update to 3rd-Party Apps
Winsage
May 29, 2025

Microsoft Opens Windows Update to 3rd-Party Apps

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows Update tool to manage updates for both its products and third-party applications, aiming to streamline the update process. A private preview for developers will be initiated, focusing on business applications but eventually accommodating a wider range of apps. The new "Windows Update orchestration platform" will allow developers to integrate their applications into a unified system that intelligently schedules updates based on factors like user activity and battery status. This platform will provide an API for updates through Windows Update, improving user experience by centralizing updates and allowing better control over the update process. The initiative addresses the fragmented experience IT administrators face and aims to create a cohesive update process. Critics note the delay in implementing a unified update framework, while the initiative also seeks to enhance security by consolidating updates and reducing the risks associated with ad-hoc update agents.
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