Windows Insider Archives

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Why You Might Need to Roll Back Windows’ Latest Update

Windows 11 version KB5120998 was released as an optional update, introducing new customization features such as the ability to move and resize the taskbar and improvements to Windows Search. However, the update has introduced several bugs, including issues with the mouse cursor, which may not appear or may be incorrectly sized, and problems with wallpaper settings reverting to black after restarts. Users have also reported blurry fonts on high-resolution displays. Microsoft is aware of these issues and is working on a solution. Users experiencing these bugs can roll back the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall and selecting KB5120998, without losing essential security patches.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Microsoft Releases Two New 26H1 Builds to the Windows Insider Program

Participants in the Windows Insider Program can now install new builds in the Beta (26H1) and Experimental (26H1) channels, specifically Beta build 28020.2818 and Experimental build 28120.2824. Key updates include: - Personalization enhancements with DIB image support for desktop backgrounds and improvements to the Background settings page, including slideshow support across multiple displays. - Windows Recovery Environment (WRE) enhancements allowing automatic reuse of saved Wi-Fi profiles. - Temporary removal of the modernized Print Management experience for refinement, while traditional tools remain accessible. - File Explorer improvements that retain the state of sections on the Home page. - Magnifier user interface updates with improved icons and spacing. - Inclusion of Emoji 17.0. - Taskbar reliability improvements. - The Experimental build introduces first launch reliability for the new WinUI-based Run dialog.

Winsage

August 30, 2026

Dear Microsoft, where is the Surface to showcase all these improvements to Windows 11?

Microsoft has introduced Windows 11 version 26H2 to the Release Preview Channel, signaling a broader rollout in the coming weeks. This update includes user interface enhancements such as the ability to reposition the Taskbar, resize the Start menu, and disable web and Store suggestions. Over 7,000 applications are now optimized for Arm architecture, indicating growing support for Windows on Arm. PowerToys has also updated with a feature called Window Hopper for easier window management. Despite challenges in communication and design consistency across its products, Microsoft is focusing on the advancements in Windows 11, particularly in relation to Snapdragon technology, which has encouraged the production of Snapdragon-powered laptops. There is currently no unified marketing strategy or event planned to showcase the upcoming changes in Windows 11.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Windows 11 Now Supports Emoji 17.0

Microsoft has begun rolling out Emoji 17.0 support for select users via a Windows 11 Release Preview update, which includes 163 new emojis—13 new concepts and 150 skin tone variations. This update is part of a servicing update leading to the upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2. The 2D Fluent emoji set has also been updated, but the 3D Fluent design is now the standard experience across Windows 11. Several emoji designs have been modified for consistency with other platforms, including changes to the Saluting Face, Face with Peeking Eye, and others. The update is available as a complimentary upgrade for select users in specific regions, with a wider rollout expected soon. Users on Windows Insider builds may have already accessed Emoji 17.0 support.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Windows 26H2 Is Nearly Here: 7 Features Worth Knowing About

Microsoft has released Windows version 26H2 on the Release Preview Channel, with a public launch expected later this year. Key features include: 1. Taskbar Customisation: Users can reposition the taskbar and adjust its size. 2. Local-only Search: A feature that allows searching only local files without web results. 3. Ask Copilot Integration: An optional AI feature for accessing settings and launching applications from the taskbar. 4. Start Menu Redesign: Customization options for hiding user information and a streamlined layout. 5. Low Latency Profile: Improved performance for quicker app launches and responsiveness. 6. Pause Windows Updates for Longer: Users can pause updates for up to 35 days, with smarter update bundling. 7. Modern Run: A redesigned run window with a larger input field and dark mode option.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft preps this year’s Windows 11 feature tweaks: 26H2 hits Release Preview

Microsoft has introduced Windows 11 26H2 into the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, coinciding with the rollout of August's preview update. This version shares its servicing branch with previous versions 24H2 and 25H2. Notable features in the August Preview Update include a movable taskbar, expanded Start Menu customization options, and the ability to exclude web and Microsoft Store suggestions from local search results. The update is delivered through an enablement package, allowing activation of already downloaded functionalities without a complete OS overhaul. Windows 11 26H2 resets the support timeline, offering 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Enterprises need to validate this release, but compatibility with 25H2 and 24H2 is expected. Microsoft advises organizations to test compatibility with their applications and infrastructure. The company has adopted a more cautious approach to updates since the problematic Windows 10 October 2018 update. The August Preview Update faced some criticism from users reporting issues, but Microsoft claims it is not aware of any significant problems.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft Issues Windows 11 Version 26H2 to Release Preview

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2 (Build 26300.9278) in the Release Preview Channel for customers to preview ahead of its general availability later this year. This version will be delivered as an enablement package, allowing for seamless integration of new features and enhancements. Users with PCs in the Release Preview channel can manually install this version. Key features for business users include Windows Backup, app actions from the Taskbar, and improvements to File Explorer. Organizations can deploy Windows 11 version 26H2 using Windows Update client policies and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Updates to the ISOs on the Windows Insider Program download site will also reflect this new version.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Windows Weekly 998: Laptop Fort

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed various updates from Microsoft and the tech world, including new Insider builds, OneDrive for Mac enhancements, advancements in AI, and Xbox gaming news. A significant upcoming update for Windows 11, referred to as version 26H2, is anticipated. OneDrive for Mac will receive a native sync engine, and Proton Mail will introduce automatic category filtering. Bill Gates warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence, while Adobe Firefly launched new capabilities for music and sound generation. The .NET Conf 2026 is scheduled for November, with .NET 11 expected to release. In gaming, Xbox is testing disc-to-digital entitlements, and the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 is available for 9. A limited edition Xbox Series X25 console is rumored for November, and the Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection is confirmed for November 13. IKEA has launched Xbox-inspired furniture, and Rockstar Games is preparing to reveal GTA VI. Nvidia has expanded GeForce Now to Firefox. Google will allow users to filter news in the Discover feed, but the advice is to seek diverse viewpoints. PowerToys 0.101 has been released, and Parallels Desktop 27 for Mac is now available. This week's RunAs Radio episode features a discussion on PowerShell 7's security features. SpiceBox Spiced Whisky is recommended as a seasonal drink.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Microsoft finalizes Windows 11 version 26H2 for general availability: Next version of Windows 11 enters final preview phase before rollout begins

Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows 11 version 26H2 to testers in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, marking the final testing phase before general availability. This version is similar to version 25H2 and built on the same platform as earlier releases. Users will receive an extended support period of 24 months, while commercial customers will have 36 months of support. The update includes enhancements to the Start menu and a revamped Windows Search pane.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 11 will soon let you control unified memory, just in time for NVIDIA RTX Spark

A new feature in the Windows Insider program for Windows 11 allows users to designate specific amounts of unified memory for graphics and AI applications, discovered in build 29648 by user @XenoPanther. Unified memory enables sharing between the CPU, GPU, and other processors, with support for up to 128GB of unified RAM from NVIDIA and integrated features from AMD. This feature aims to reserve additional unified memory for demanding applications, enhancing performance by ensuring consistent access to high-speed memory and reducing latency issues. It is still in development and not officially announced by Microsoft, but users can enable it using ViveTool, with a recommendation to wait for further testing before widespread use.