Windows Insider Program Archives

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5912 to the Release Preview Channel

The Windows Insider Program Team has released Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5912 (KB5058481) to the Release Preview Channel for Insiders using Windows 10, version 22H2. This update includes several enhancements and fixes: - The calendar flyout now displays seconds and extends the visibility of upcoming events to 30 days, with added description text for the weather button. - A fix for rendering GB18030-2022 characters in plane 2 has been implemented, along with corrections for certain characters being rendered wider than intended. - Updates to the Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles have improved connectivity options. - A fix for the Windows Account Sync Consent system addresses issues in the European Economic Area where secondary accounts were not recognized, reducing server load.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Windows Insider release blocked by OS-busting bug

The Windows team at Microsoft has discovered a significant bug affecting the Canary build, which has led to the delay of several Insider builds. This bug impacts essential functionalities such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, USB accessory connections, and the onboard camera for Windows Hello. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider program described the bug as "really bad" and noted that it arose from a specific code change in newer builds not yet released to Insiders. Microsoft is currently working on a fix and hopes to deliver a new build to the Canary channel by the end of the week. The situation emphasizes the company's focus on quality control to prevent flawed releases from reaching users.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

10 Windows services I safely disable, and you can too

Windows 11 includes various background services that can be disabled to enhance performance or privacy. Users can access the Services window by searching for "Services" in the search bar. Key services that may be unnecessary for many users include: - Windows Mobile Hotspot Service: Often unnecessary as most laptops lack a mobile data connection. - Fax: Rarely needed for personal computers. - Downloaded Maps Manager: Manages downloaded maps, likely to become less relevant with the deprecation of Windows Maps. - Certificate Propagation: Essential for smart card functionality; can be disabled if not using smart cards. - Windows Insider Service: Manages enrollment in the Windows Insider program; advisable to disable if not participating. - Parental Controls: Useful for families; can be disabled if the device is for personal use. - Windows Image Acquisition: Facilitates image acquisition from scanners and cameras; can be disabled if no scanner is used. - TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Aids communication with local network devices; can be disabled for most home users. - Xbox Live Game Save: Syncs save data with Xbox Live; unnecessary for users who primarily use other gaming platforms. - Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects diagnostic data; disabling it can enhance privacy. Disabling these services may not lead to significant performance improvements but can create a more personalized computing experience. Users can re-enable any service if needed later.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft will soon allow AI to change your Windows 11 settings

Microsoft is introducing a new AI assistant within the Windows 11 settings app, designed to assist users by adjusting settings upon request and providing guidance on tasks. The AI assistant will be positioned at the top of the Settings app and will have the ability to autonomously adjust settings with user approval. It is currently available on Copilot+ PCs and will soon roll out to Windows Insiders on standard x86-powered systems, though an official release date for all Windows 11 users has not yet been announced. Additionally, the Photos app will receive new dynamic lighting controls, the Snipping Tool will feature an improved cropping area, a text extractor, and a color picker. AI integration will also extend to File Explorer, allowing users to engage with files through AI actions. A significant update called Copilot Vision will enable users to share browser and app windows with Copilot for enhanced assistance. These features will first be tested through the Windows Insider program before being released to the general public.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft introduces Surface PCs that run AI models and cost less than earlier versions

Microsoft introduced two next-generation Copilot+ PCs, the Surface Pro convertible tablet and a traditional Surface Laptop, designed to operate AI models without internet connectivity. The Surface Laptop starts at 9, while the Surface Pro starts at 9, both reflecting a 0 reduction from last year's models. They are powered by an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip with eight cores and have slightly reduced screen sizes of 12 inches for the Pro and 13 inches for the Laptop. The Surface Laptop now supports up to 16 hours of web browsing, an increase from 13 hours. The new machines run on Windows 11 and feature AI-enhanced capabilities, including a Recall function and improved file search. Preorders began on Tuesday for a release on May 20, with color options of platinum, ocean, and violet. Microsoft reported a nearly 75% year-over-year increase in Windows 11 commercial deployments.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Windows Insider Program: What is it and why you should consider joining it (and few reasons you shouldn’t)

The Windows Insider Program allows users to explore unreleased features of Microsoft's Windows operating system by enrolling in various channels. To join, Windows 11 users can go to Settings >> Windows Update and select Windows Insider Program, enabling optional diagnostic data sharing with Microsoft. There are four channels to choose from: 1. Canary Channel: For technical users wanting to preview early-stage features, often unstable. 2. Dev Channel: More stable than Canary, includes features under consideration for future releases. 3. Beta Channel: Recommended for most users, offers a balance of stability and innovation with features likely to be rolled out to all users. 4. Release Preview Channel: The most stable option, providing a preview of the next major release with tested functionalities. Reasons to join include early access to new features, the ability to provide feedback to Microsoft, professional advantages for IT administrators, community engagement, and skill improvement. However, drawbacks include potential system instability and bugs, as well as privacy concerns related to sharing diagnostic data.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5794 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5794 (KB5055612) is now available in the Release Preview Channel for Insiders. Key features include a fix for the GPU paravirtualization check in Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2), which was previously case-sensitive, and updates to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist to include drivers with security vulnerabilities exploited in Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Microsoft is finally rolling out its controversial Recall feature that screenshots everything you do (again), but only for select users

Microsoft's AI screenshotting tool, Recall, is being reintroduced on Windows 11 for select members of the Windows Insider program. After concerns about storing sensitive information as unsecured plain text files, Microsoft has made Recall an opt-in feature and requires Windows Hello for accessing Recall data. Sensitive information is no longer stored as plain text. Users can control their data by pausing or deactivating Recall, deleting screenshots, or filtering content. Despite these improvements, some users remain cautious due to Recall's history and its ability to monitor screen activity, leading to privacy concerns.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft starts final Windows Recall testing before rollout

Microsoft is gradually introducing its AI-powered Windows Recall feature to Insiders in the Release Preview channel, with plans to extend it to all Windows users with Copilot+ PCs. Recall captures screenshots of active windows at regular intervals, allowing Windows 11 users to search for text within these snapshots using natural language. Users can opt-in to save snapshots and must authenticate via Windows Hello to access their data. Recall is currently being rolled out to Windows 11 Insiders with Build 26100.3902 (KB5055627). The feature faced privacy concerns upon its introduction in May 2024, leading Microsoft to implement measures to enhance user privacy, such as filtering out sensitive information and allowing users to adjust storage settings. The rollout of the first Recall preview began in November 2024 for Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs, followed by Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs a month later.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Copilot Recall: Microsoft rolls out AI screenshot tool

Microsoft has rolled out its AI-driven tool, Copilot+ Recall, which captures snapshots of users' screens at regular intervals. Currently in preview mode, it is available to select users of Microsoft's AI-enabled PCs and laptops, following a temporary halt in 2024 for refinement. Access is being expanded to participants in the Windows Insider program, with global availability planned, though users in the EU will experience a delay until late 2025. Recall allows users to search through past activities, and they can opt-in to the feature, pausing snapshot saving at any time. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about potential misuse, as the tool can save images from emails and messaging apps, including private messages. Microsoft asserts that snapshots are not shared with the company or third parties and are stored locally on users' devices. Users can choose which applications can use Recall, and private browsing modes will not be subject to snapshotting. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office is engaging with Microsoft to ensure compliance with data protection laws.