User folder Archives

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Windows 11 is quietly testing 10 upgrades you’ll actually notice

Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program in March 2026. Key updates include: - Users can now customize the profile folder name during the initial setup process. - The debloat policy for Enterprise and Education editions has been improved, allowing administrators to remove additional apps using MSIX and APPX packages. - The Point-in-time restore feature has been updated to allow users to view and edit restore point settings and specify reserved storage for restore points. - A new enforcement policy in the kernel will no longer trust cross-signed drives by default, enhancing security by ensuring only verified drivers are trusted. - An upgrade option for Microsoft 365 Family subscribers has been added to the Accounts page, which can be disabled if desired. - The Drag Tray feature has been renamed to "Drop Tray" and relocated within the "Multitasking" settings, with improvements to the peek view. - Pen settings now include an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the "Copilot" key. - The Administrator Protection feature has been re-enabled, creating a temporary, isolated account for elevation requests to enhance security. - File Explorer now supports Voice Typing for renaming files. - The "Cameras" settings have been updated in the Canary Channel to include new controls for pan and tilt, along with performance improvements.

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Windows 11 uses five letters of your email for the user folder, but Microsoft is fixing it

A recent update in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 allows users to customize their User folder name during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). This feature enables users to input a folder name of their choice on the Device Name page, with names allowed up to 16 Unicode characters. If users do not select a name, the system will revert to the default naming scheme derived from the first five letters of their Microsoft email address. Previously, changing the User folder name required using the Command Prompt, which was not user-friendly. The update is aimed at improving the setup experience for new Windows users.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. 1. Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps: IT administrators can now use a dynamic app removal list to remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their package family names through Group Policy. The dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP. 2. Windows Setup Experience: Users can select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process, which must adhere to standard naming conventions. 3. Windows Driver Policy Update: A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default. The feature will initially operate in audit mode for at least 100 hours. 4. Point-in-Time Restore Updates: Local administrators will see a settings dialog to view or modify default restore settings, including a list of available restore points. Updated messaging has been added to the restore experience. 5. Drag Tray Rebranding: The Drag Tray has been rebranded as Drop Tray, with settings relocated to System > Multitasking. 6. Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key. 7. File Explorer and Other Enhancements: Improvements have been made to the reliability of setting the preferred display language, and unexpected errors from the sfc/scannow command have been removed. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - Enhanced policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps for Windows ENT/EDU, allowing IT administrators to use a dynamic app removal list via Group Policy. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. - A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default, initially operating in audit mode. - Point-in-time restore now includes a settings dialog for local administrators and displays available restore points. - Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade their plan directly from the Accounts page in Settings. - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded to Drop Tray, with settings relocated. - Updates to Pen settings include a new option for the pen tail button. - Enhanced reliability for preferred display language settings and removal of an unexpected error from sfc/scannow. Updates are gradually rolled out to users who opt in through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Microsoft is Rebranding Windows 11’s Drag Tray Feature to ‘Drop Tray’

Microsoft has released three new preview builds of Windows 11 for Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels. - Canary Build 28020.1737: Introduces a feature allowing male users to configure their pen tail button to launch the same application as the Copilot keyboard key, also present in the 25H2 build 26100.8106 and the 24H2 build 26200.8106. - Dev Channel (26300.8068) and Beta Channel (26220.8062) Updates: - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded as the Drop Tray, with settings moved to System > Multitasking. - Pen users can set their pen tail button to launch the same application as the Copilot keyboard key. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during Windows setup, adhering to standard naming conventions. - A new interface for point-in-time restore allows local administrators to view or modify default restore settings and see available restore points.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

How to record your screen in Windows 10 or 11 – in just a few clicks

Windows offers built-in tools for screen recording, specifically the Game Bar and the Snipping Tool. The Game Bar, available in Windows 10 and 11, allows users to record screen activity, activate the microphone, and save recordings in MP4 format. To use the Game Bar, navigate to Settings > Gaming > Captures, and recordings are saved in the user folder under VideosCaptures. Users can start recording by pressing the Record button or using the shortcut Windows key + Alt + R. The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 can also record screens, requiring version 22621.1344 or higher. Users can launch it, define the recording area, and manage audio settings before and during recording. Recorded videos can be edited, saved, or shared directly from the respective tools.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

12 features coming during first half of October on Windows 11 Insiders

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 in October 2025 through the Windows Insider Program, releasing several notable features and improvements. Key updates include: 1. An updated Settings app with improved AI agent integration, featuring a "Recommended settings" card and enhanced search results. 2. The Drag Tray now supports dragging and dropping multiple files. 3. Administrator Protection is accessible again in the Windows Security app. 4. The "Run" command dialog box is being updated for dark mode support. 5. Click to Do feature enhancements allow for more precise object selection within images. 6. Windows Hello now supports external fingerprint sensors. 7. Users can configure the user folder name during the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE) using Command Prompt. 8. File Explorer receives dark mode improvements across various dialogs. 9. A redesigned Start menu in the Canary Channel combines "All," "Pinned," and "Recommended" sections into a scrollable interface. 10. A new setting allows users to adjust the position of on-screen hardware indicators. 11. Updates to keyboard shortcuts facilitate the insertion of En dashes and Em dashes. 12. The Windows Share interface now includes an option for pinning favorite apps.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Windows 11 update removes “known” local account workarounds, so now you most definitely need to sign in with Microsoft

Microsoft has removed local account creation methods in the latest Windows 11 update (Preview Build 26220.6772), requiring users to complete the setup process with an internet connection and a Microsoft account. This change coincides with the impending end of Windows 10 support on October 14, affecting around 400 million devices. The update aims to ensure that devices are fully configured for use, as previous local account workarounds often led to incomplete setups. Users in the European Economic Area can extend their Windows 10 support for an additional year at no cost.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Microsoft is plugging more holes that let you use Windows 11 without an online account

Microsoft is eliminating methods to bypass the requirement for a Microsoft account during the installation of Windows 11. Users will now need to complete the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) screens with an active internet connection and a Microsoft account. The "bypassnro" workaround has already been disabled, and the command "start ms-cxh:localonly" now resets the OOBE process. Microsoft is introducing a feature that allows users to specify a custom name for their default user folder during setup, but this will require a command input.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Tested: Backup and Restore (Windows 7) has just two jobs, but manages only one

The Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature is located in the Control Panel under System and Security and can be accessed more conveniently through a desktop shortcut. It uses Microsoft’s VHDX files for imaging, allowing users to mount and browse images in Windows Explorer. The backup configuration defaults to user folders and full system images of internal drives, with options to customize selections. Backups can be saved to an internal hard drive or a network location, but not to directly attached external media like USB drives. Users can include non-user folders by transforming them into user libraries. The tool creates VHDX images, but the restoration process requires a physical disc (CD or DVD) and lacks an option to create an ISO file. Users have reported mixed results with Windows Recovery Drive, with some experiencing failures. Backup and Restore (Windows 7) does not support incremental or differential backups and is limited to a single job configuration. It cannot restore to a smaller capacity drive than the original, and the Recovery Drive is tied to the specific PC it was created on. Due to these limitations, it is recommended to consider alternatives like EaseUS Todo Backup 2025 or Macrium Reflect 8 Free for disaster recovery. However, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) remains suitable for creating VHDX images for browsing and manual recovery within the Windows ecosystem.