user feedback Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29565.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29565.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. Key updates include improved performance for the Bubbles screensaver on high refresh rate monitors, refinements to the drag tray based on user feedback, and enhancements to the Windows Security app, which now features color-coded icon badges for Secure Boot status. The Feedback Hub has also received updates, including a new default window size that remembers dimensions, mouse back button navigation, and improved visibility for community feedback. Canary Channel builds may be unstable and are subject to change. Users can enable a toggle in Settings to access new features gradually. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

I tried the redesigned Google Wallet app, and it fixes my 2 biggest complaints

Google has redesigned its Google Wallet app, introducing a new interface that has received positive user feedback. The updated design features passes displayed as small squares, allowing users to see double the number of passes on their screens. Users can now customize which passes are visible upon opening the app by starring their preferred passes. The app retains the ability to rearrange passes and access detailed information through barcodes or QR codes. A new "View more" button provides access to a comprehensive list of transactions and passes, along with a search bar for easy navigation. However, accessing the full list of passes requires a two-step process, which some users find cumbersome. Suggestions for improvement include adding a "View all passes" button and a search bar on the home screen for enhanced usability.

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 11, 2026

Microsoft Issues Four Insider Builds Across Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels

Microsoft has released four new preview builds of Windows 11 for the Windows Insider Program across its Canary, Dev, and Beta channels. In the Canary channel, the latest update KB5083824 upgrades systems to Windows 11 build 28020.1812, introducing improvements such as customizable touchpad right-click zone sizes, a smaller peek view for the Drag tray, visibility into Secure Boot certificate status in Windows Security, and design updates in the Feedback Hub. For those in the Canary channel who opted for the 29xxx build series, build 29565.1000 includes underlying platform changes, enhancements to the bubble screensaver for high refresh rate displays, and the same Drag tray, Windows Security, and Feedback Hub improvements. In the Dev channel, users can upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 build 26300.8170 with update KB5083632, while the Beta channel receives update KB5083635, upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 build 26220.8165. Both updates feature storage improvements allowing FAT32 drive formatting up to 2 TB from the command line, corrected Data usage views in Network settings, and the same Windows Security and Feedback Hub enhancements.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Windows 11 Taskbar Finally Movable? What You Need to Know!

Microsoft is enhancing the user experience for Windows 11 by reintroducing customizable features for the taskbar, allowing users to reposition it to the top, left, or right sides of their screens and adjust its size. This functionality was available in Windows 10 but removed in Windows 11. The company is also testing a new Command Palette Dock feature for easier access to utilities. Microsoft aims to roll out these taskbar customization features as early as summer and has indicated that 2026 will be significant for addressing user feedback and improving Windows 11.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Windows and Xbox rediscover user feedback and fans are wondering what took so long

Microsoft has shifted its focus to better address user needs, revitalizing its Xbox Series X|S consoles and re-engaging with the gaming community through initiatives like the global Xbox FanFest. The company is also working to improve its relationship with Windows users by acknowledging past criticisms and planning to reinstate Windows Insider meetups and prioritize user-requested features. Despite these efforts, skepticism remains among observers of Microsoft's trajectory. Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI is complicated, with CEO Satya Nadella expressing concerns about backlash against AI integration. The company has invested over a billion dollars in OpenAI for exclusive access to AI models but may pursue legal action against OpenAI due to its collaborations with other tech giants. Microsoft's AI and cloud businesses are facing scrutiny from investors, with concerns about profitability and the sustainability of Azure operations. Nearly half of U.S. data centers planned for 2026 are at risk of cancellation, complicating Microsoft's AI ambitions. OpenAI's path to profitability is expected to be long, with projections suggesting it may not turn a profit until 2030. The competitive landscape, including rivals like Anthropic and alternatives from China, adds uncertainty. Legal challenges may arise from OpenAI's agreements with other companies, potentially affecting Microsoft's interests. Nadella's reference to "societal permission" indicates an awareness of Microsoft's public image, which has suffered. Xbox has faced community engagement issues, and Windows 11 has experienced public relations challenges and a decline in innovation. The costs associated with AI have been substantial, impacting Microsoft's reputation and consumer trust.

Winsage

April 9, 2026

Microsoft Promises Long-Overdue Changes To Windows 11 That You’re Going To Love

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users due to controversial Copilot AI features and changes that have compromised functionality, including a redesigned Start menu, a fragmented settings application, and a slower file explorer. Microsoft is responding to user feedback, with Design Director Diego Baca acknowledging issues with the Start menu's performance and stating that "search performance + predictability" is a focus. Partner Director of Design March Rogers confirmed that they are working on migrating legacy Control Panel features to the modern Settings app while ensuring compatibility with various devices and drivers. Users have mixed reactions, particularly concerned about the potential removal of the Control Panel before the new settings are fully functional. Despite the discontent, Windows remains a reliable experience for many users compared to alternatives like Linux.

Winsage

April 9, 2026

Microsoft finally begins removing Copilot from Notepad on Windows 11 — but the AI still persists

Microsoft has removed the Copilot label from various applications in Windows 11, including Notepad, which now features "writing tools" instead of the Copilot icon and terminology. References to AI have been removed from the Notepad Settings, with AI-powered tools now managed under "Advanced features." This change is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to simplify AI interactions across the operating system, responding to user feedback about the Copilot brand. Similar rebranding is expected for other applications, including Paint and File Explorer. The initiative aims to enhance user experience by reducing bloat and improving system stability and reliability.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

You’re invited. Windows Insiders meetups are back

Marcus leads Design and Research across Windows & Devices, overseeing aspects from Windows and Windows Cloud to user experience research and industrial design for Surface and Xbox. He has expanded into the Windows Insider Program to enhance community engagement and believes successful products arise from collaboration between developers and users. Recently, he has sought feedback from Insiders to improve the program, leading to several enhancements. The first Insider meetup took place in Seattle, allowing community interaction with the Windows product team. Marcus plans to visit five additional cities for similar events: New York City (April 21), Hyderabad (May 7), Taipei (May 13), San Francisco (June 4), and London (June 23). The team aims to improve communication, user control over features, and will share further details on these improvements soon.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Microsoft Announces a Series of Windows Insider Meetups

Microsoft is organizing a series of Windows Insider meetups to improve user experience and community engagement, starting with an event in New York City on April 21. Additional meetups are scheduled for May 7 in Hyderabad, May 13 in Taipei, June 4 in San Francisco, and June 23 in London. Marcus Ash, head of Design and Research for Windows & Devices, will participate in these events to discuss the Windows Insider Program and gather user feedback. Microsoft plans to make changes to the Windows Insider program based on user input, aiming to enhance the overall experience.