Windows 11 preview build Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a big Start menu overhaul with better layout customization and more — here’s a first look

Microsoft is developing an update for the Start menu in Windows 11 that will integrate the pinned and recommended sections with the apps list into a single interface. The new design will allow users to pin more applications and automatically display all pinned apps. This update was discovered in a recent Windows 11 preview build, and while Microsoft has not officially announced it, it may coincide with the company's 50th anniversary and the Microsoft Build conference in May. Current criticisms of the Start menu include its lack of customization options and the separation of the apps list, which requires an additional click to access. The update aims to address these issues by merging the apps list with the pinned section, similar to the design in Windows 10.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

An even better Microsoft Account bypass for Windows 11 has already been discovered

Microsoft has removed a command line that allowed users to bypass the requirement of connecting to the internet and signing into a Microsoft Account during the setup of Windows 11. Users have discovered a new workaround by entering the command "start ms-cxh:localonly" in the command prompt, which enables the creation of a local account without an internet connection. This method allows users to set up their local account similarly to Windows 10 and proceed directly to preparing their desktop and configuring privacy settings, eliminating the need for a restart. The effectiveness of this workaround has been confirmed on Windows 11 preview build 26200, but there are concerns that Microsoft may try to eliminate such bypasses in the future.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Windows 11’s File Explorer will soon unzip files faster

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Preview Build 27818 to Insiders on the Canary Channel, optimizing the extraction process for zipped files in File Explorer. The update improves performance when unzipping large archives with many small files. Additionally, the update removes the "suggested actions" feature for clipboard items, which was related to Skype, as Microsoft plans to retire Skype on May 5.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Mysterious Windows 11 “actions” menu appears in latest preview build — here’s what it’s for

Microsoft has begun rolling out a new Windows 11 preview build for Dev Channel testers, introducing a new "Actions" menu in the Settings app. This feature allows users to manage which applications can present suggested actions in the operating system. Currently, contextual suggestions appear only in the Click To Do feature, available exclusively on Copilot+ PCs. The Actions menu provides an overview of applications using this functionality, enabling users to toggle their visibility. Access to these features is limited to Copilot+ PCs, which require a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 40+ TOPS. Microsoft plans to introduce more proactive Copilot features across the Windows 11 interface later this year, allowing the AI assistant to suggest actions based on user engagement. The new settings menu for suggested actions aligns with potential integration of third-party applications into the Copilot experience.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Mysterious Windows 11 “actions” menu appears in latest preview build — here’s what it’s for

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11 for Dev Channel testers, introducing an undocumented "Actions" menu in the Settings app. This feature allows users to manage which applications can present suggested actions throughout the operating system. Currently, contextual suggestions appear only in the Click To Do feature, which is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs that have a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Microsoft plans to introduce more proactive Copilot features later this year, which will suggest actions and tasks based on users' ongoing work. The new Actions menu is designed to enhance user interaction with the operating system, especially if third-party applications can participate in the Copilot experience.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

New Windows 11 preview build improves privacy for European users

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, 26120.3281 (KB5052086), introduces several privacy-focused changes. The Location History API has been removed, meaning Windows will no longer retain location data locally. Additionally, the update removes "account-based content" from File Explorer sections for users of Entra ID, aligning with GDPR regulations and affecting only customers in the European Union. Other features include improved OneDrive document resumption between devices and updates to the Recall feature, which will delete existing Recall snapshots.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft rolls out fresh set of fixes for Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary Channel

Microsoft has released Windows 11 preview build 27758 for Insiders in the Canary Channel, focusing on various fixes and user experience enhancements. Key improvements include: - Fix for context menus in File Explorer opening off-screen. - Adjustments to ensure Mica background aligns with new window sizes. - Narrator no longer crashes upon launch when using natural voices. - USB audio devices will not go to sleep after one minute of inactivity. - Resolved unexpected mute/unmute sounds in certain headsets. - Settings app crash issue when selecting a default audio device is fixed. - Elimination of an unexpected black line at the top border of windows. Windows Recall on Copilot+ PCs is not included in this build, and switching to the Dev Channel requires a complete OS reinstallation. There is hope for the rollout of Windows Recall before the holiday season.

Winsage

November 23, 2024

Microsoft is finally ready to let you try Windows Recall — first preview build for Copilot+ PCs available now

Microsoft is set to unveil the Windows Recall feature with the release of a new Windows 11 preview build (26120.2415) for Insiders in the Dev Channel. This build also introduces Click To Do, an AI overlay feature. The Recall feature has been enhanced for security, with encrypted local data storage and activation requiring Windows Hello. It will be disabled by default and must be manually enabled by users. Data collected by Recall is only accessible to the user, and Microsoft does not upload it to the cloud or sell it to third parties. Recall is available only on Copilot+ PCs, and currently, only devices with the Snapdragon X processor can access the preview; Intel and AMD processor users cannot participate at this time. A hands-on video walkthrough of the new features will be available on the Windows Central YouTube channel.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

New Windows 11 Beta Build 22635.4440 adds revamped Windows Hello experience

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Preview Build 22635.4440 (KB5045889) to Beta Channel Insiders, featuring a redesigned Windows Hello user experience aimed at improving authentication. The update includes enhanced visuals for Windows Hello across various platforms, a new credential user experience for passkeys, and general improvements and fixes. The Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard has been temporarily disabled, and issues causing touch keyboard crashes have been resolved. The updates are being gradually rolled out, and users can enable the toggle in Settings > Windows Update to receive them.

Winsage

October 19, 2024

The gamepad of portable consoles has become more convenient for typing in Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced enhancements in Windows 11, focusing on gamers and developers. Key features include an on-screen keyboard for gamepad users, currently available for testing in Windows 11 Preview Build 22631.4387, which allows text entry and navigation using Xbox controllers. Other updates include a refined messaging system, quick access to Phone Link from the Start menu, and customizable Copilot key remapping. The Windows 11 24H2 update also adds support for the ReFS (Resilient File System) on desktop computers, previously limited to server versions. ReFS offers block cloning for faster file copying, with claims of up to 94% speed improvement over NTFS for transferring large files. It is designed for server applications and large file storage, featuring integrity checking and automatic backup mechanisms. ReFS is presented in the Dev Drive format for developers and professionals, optimizing file management and performance for storage operations, while not intended for operating system installations. Its practicality for everyday home users may be limited.