Windows Insider Program Archives

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key updates include: - Emoji 16.0 release with new emojis available in the emoji panel. - Introduction of a sign-in restore experience for Windows Backup for Organizations, reinstating user settings and Microsoft Store apps. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) is now automatically enabled for enterprise-managed Windows Professional devices. - A built-in network speed test accessible from the taskbar for measuring network performance. - Enhanced account menu in the Start menu directing users to Microsoft account benefits. - Pan and tilt controls for supported cameras available in the Settings app. - Widget Settings have been updated to a full-page experience. - Search function in the taskbar now displays group headers with the number of results and allows previewing results. - Support for Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - Improvements to dark mode in File Explorer and fixes for unexpected window behavior. - Reliability improvements in Settings for Bluetooth & Devices options. - Enhanced reliability for sending larger files via nearby sharing. Features are gradually rolled out, and a clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel.

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

February 24, 2026

Windows 11 27H2: Microsoft splits the Canary channel – Is the big overhaul finally coming?

The software department in Redmond is preparing for a significant update named 27H2, set for 2027, aimed at addressing legacy issues from older Windows versions. The Windows Insider Program is currently testing the 28000 series, with a notable shift to the 29500 build series indicating a "platform lift" that includes enhancements to the kernel and hardware abstraction layer (HAL). Microsoft plans to phase out VBScript and WordPad, eliminate support for outdated printer driver architectures and certain legacy file systems, and adopt a "core OS" approach to optimize performance for AI technologies. This update is seen as a strategic retreat from the idea of "Windows 12," focusing on stability and a comprehensive overhaul of the underlying architecture while avoiding market fragmentation. However, there are concerns that substantial changes could render older hardware or specialized software obsolete.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Windows 12 Forecast Six Expert Predictions

Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 12, which is expected to feature an AI-native experience with deep integration of Copilot, showcasing capabilities like on-screen comprehension, voice activation, and task automation. The hardware requirements will be elevated, necessitating 16GB of RAM, rapid NVMe storage, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for advanced features. Windows on Arm is gaining momentum, with improvements in app compatibility and battery life, while a modular architecture called CorePC is being developed to facilitate faster updates and enhance security. Licensing for Windows 12 is expected to remain unchanged for consumers, with optional cloud-enhanced services available. The update cadence will increase, allowing for faster feature drops independent of major OS releases, with the Windows Insider Program continuing to test new features. Upon its release, Windows 12 will integrate Copilot, provide a more cohesive OS core, and support both x86 and Arm architectures.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Microsoft Is Testing Image Support in Notepad

Microsoft is introducing native image support in its Notepad application as part of its Windows Insider builds, indicated by a new image icon in the toolbar. This feature is expected to enhance Notepad's Markdown capabilities, allowing users to render images in Markdown documents and insert images directly into notes. The changes come after the removal of WordPad from Windows 11, prompting Microsoft to integrate essential features into Notepad to streamline the default app lineup. Notepad has already seen updates like tabs, spell check, and a modernized user interface while maintaining performance. Users can disable formatting and other features to retain the traditional Notepad experience. The updates aim to cater to diverse user needs, including developers and office workers, while simplifying maintenance for enterprises.

Winsage

February 21, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7872 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7872 (KB5077231) has been released to the Beta Channel, featuring several changes and improvements. The context menu now aligns the “Open” verb with the icon of the file’s default application for .exe, .bat, or .cmd files. The ‘Device info’ Card on the Settings Home page has been refined for better clarity of device specifications, and essential hardware details are now prominently displayed at the top of the Settings > System > About page. Additionally, the animations for mousing over app groups on the taskbar have been enhanced. The updates are gradually rolled out, and users can opt to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. Features may evolve, be removed, or replaced based on feedback.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1619 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1619 has been released to the Canary Channel (KB 5077230). New features include: - Enhanced Cross-Device Resume allows users to continue activities from Android devices on PCs, including support for Vivo Browser and Microsoft Copilot app files. - Narrator customization now lets users control how on-screen elements are announced. - Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors. - Voice Typing introduces a 'Wait time before acting' setting for improved command execution. - A streamlined setup flow for Voice Access has been implemented. - Language support for the Settings Agent has expanded to include German, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, and Chinese (Simplified). - A refreshed SCOOBE screen for reviewing recommended settings has been introduced. - Paint version 11.2601.391.0 includes a freeform rotate feature for enhanced editing control. Features in the Canary Channel are rolled out gradually, and a desktop watermark will be displayed in pre-release builds. A clean install is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 (KB5077232) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. Key updates include: - The "Open" option in the context menu for .exe, .bat, or .cmd files now aligns with the icon of the default application. - The Device info Card on the Settings Home page has been refined for easier comprehension, displaying key device specifications prominently. - Enhanced animations for hovering over app groups on the taskbar and improved reliability of app icons in the system tray. - An issue with File Explorer where open windows and tabs might jump to Desktop or Home has been resolved. - Reliability improvements for sending larger files using nearby sharing. - The Paint app has been updated to version 11.2601.391.0, introducing a freeform rotate feature that allows users to rotate shapes, text, and selections to any angle. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Exclusive: Microsoft is adding image support to Notepad on Windows 11

Microsoft is enhancing its Notepad application on Windows 11 by introducing image support, which will have a minimal impact on system performance. This addition follows the recent integration of Markdown support, allowing users to format text with options like bold, italics, and hyperlinks. A new image button has appeared in the Notepad toolbar, indicating plans for broader rollout. Internal testing shows that the integration of images with existing Markdown features does not compromise performance. The image support will be enabled by default, with an option to disable it in the Settings menu.