Windows Insiders Archives

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Windows 10 is dying as scams skyrocket. We asked a security expert for advice

In this week's episode of The Full Nerd, hosts Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, Will Smith, and guest Mike Danseglio discuss the end of Windows 10 and its security implications, the rise of scams, and various online security concerns. They explore user transitions to Windows 11, Linux, and vulnerabilities in communication methods. A recent vulnerability allows hackers to steal encryption keys from AMD Ryzen CPUs, prompting firmware updates for users of the Ryzen 3000 series or newer. Asus Armoury Crate users are advised to update due to a critical flaw that could grant hackers administrative rights. Cloud gaming is gaining traction among gamers under 40, provided latency issues are resolved. DDR4 memory prices are rising, indicating a decline of AMD’s AM4 platform. Anker has recalled older power banks due to fire hazards, and Framework has launched a new 2-in-1 DIY laptop. AMD has shared promising benchmarks for its upcoming Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Windows 11’s Snipping Tool now creates DIY animated GIFs

Microsoft has enhanced the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, allowing users to create animated GIFs directly from the application. This feature can be accessed using the Win + Shift + R shortcut and is currently available for Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary channels. The Snipping Tool now includes a "Create GIF" option, enabling users to record a selected screen area and save the animation as a GIF or share it directly. Users can export GIFs in "low" or "high quality," with a maximum length of 30 seconds, after which they can export as MP4. The feature supports multi-monitor setups and is exclusive to Insider versions of Windows 11 from build 11.2405.24.0, with a broader rollout anticipated in the summer.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 has been released to the Canary Channel, with downloadable ISOs available. This build introduces a new profanity filter setting for voice typing, allowing users to manage the transcription of profane words. A new feature called speech recap has been added to Narrator, enabling users to track spoken content and access live transcriptions. General improvements include security certificate updates, a redesigned needy state pill on the taskbar, enhanced accessibility features, and new image editing capabilities in the Windows share window. A new FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page, and various fixes have been implemented across different components. Known issues include problems with the taskbar display and the "Reset this PC" option not functioning after the upgrade. Users joining the Canary Channel on new Copilot+ PCs may experience loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

GIF export in Snipping Tool begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

A new update for the Snipping Tool (version 11.2505.21.0) is now available for users in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. This update introduces a GIF export feature for screen recordings, allowing users to transform captures into shareable GIFs. Users can access the screen recorder by pressing Win + Shift + R or launching the app and switching to screen recording mode. After recording, a preview appears, and users can click the “Export GIF” button to choose GIF quality and save or copy the GIF. GIF export is limited to videos of 30 seconds or less, with the tool automatically exporting only the first 30 seconds for longer recordings.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Windows 11’s hidden PC migration feature proves Microsoft isn’t messing around when it comes to killing off Windows 10

Microsoft is preparing a new feature for Windows 10 that will facilitate PC-to-PC migration, expected to debut alongside Windows 11. This feature, tentatively named “Transfer information to a new PC,” is integrated into the existing Backup app and has been observed in a preview build, although it is currently hidden and not enabled for testing. Some Windows Insiders have managed to activate the migration feature with limited functionality. To transfer data and settings from a Windows 10 device to a new Windows 11 machine, both computers must be connected to the same network, and a confirmation code will be required to establish the link. The urgency for this feature is heightened by the approaching end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, as Microsoft aims to streamline the transition for users unable to upgrade their machines.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft’s new AI agent can change Windows settings for you

Microsoft has introduced an AI agent to assist users in navigating Windows PCs, allowing requests for guidance and task execution. This feature is currently available only to Windows 11 Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs with English as the primary display language. Support for compatible AMD and Intel PCs will be available soon. The AI agent is part of the latest Insider build, which also includes enhancements to the Recall feature, allowing users to reset collected data and automatically expiring snapshots after 90 days. Additional features in the update include Click to Do support for email addresses and improved sharing options for OneDrive files, along with bug fixes.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

User calls Windows 11 “pure horror,” Microsoft says it’s listening to feedback

Windows 11 has received mixed reviews, with some users expressing dissatisfaction as the mandatory upgrade deadline approaches on October 14, 2025. A user who switched to Fedora described Windows 11 as “pure horror,” citing issues with privacy, bloat, performance, bugs, and UI/UX. The Start Menu has become frustrating for some, leading to abandonment of the OS, although it is still used in professional settings. Brandon LeBlanc from Microsoft acknowledged the user's feedback and expressed hope for their return. Microsoft has made improvements based on user feedback, including refining features and enhancing the Settings app. Recent updates introduced a toggle to disable the Recommended feed in the Start menu and a redesigned layout for applications. However, users still have concerns about strict hardware requirements, performance issues, and aggressive promotion of Edge and Bing. Many find the inability to move the taskbar particularly frustrating.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Microsoft Starts Testing New Settings AI Agent and Recall Export Experience

Microsoft is testing a new AI agent for Windows 11 within the Settings, available for Windows Insiders on Copilot+ PCs with the Dev build 26200.5651. Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will have access to a revamped Recall export experience in the Beta channel build 26120.4441. The new features include the ability to reset Recall and erase all associated data, new Click to Do actions for Microsoft 365 Copilot and Teams, a larger clock option in the taskbar, improved Windows Share for OneDrive files (not available in the EEA), and enhancements to Voice Access for Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. Insiders are receiving updates based on Windows 11 version 24H2, with version 25H2 expected later this year.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (KB5060816) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the ability for Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area to export Recall snapshots with a unique export code, which is secured by encryption and requires Windows Hello authentication. A larger clock display option in the notification center has been added, and recent updates to Recall include a reset option and a maximum storage duration for snapshots set to 90 days. New actions in Click to Do allow users to interact with Microsoft 365 Copilot and connect with colleagues via Teams. Improvements have been made to File Explorer, voice access support has been expanded to additional languages, and sharing options for OneDrive files have been enhanced. Various fixes have been implemented for Recall, File Explorer, the Start menu, and Settings. Known issues include display problems in the Start menu and issues with Xbox Controllers. Updates will be delivered via an enablement package, and features may evolve based on user feedback.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (KB5060818) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. 1. New Agent in Settings: An AI-powered agent helps users find and adjust settings by understanding user intent and automating tasks. Currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices coming soon. English is the primary display language requirement. 2. Recall Export Experience for EEA: Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area can export Recall snapshots with a unique export code, which is encrypted and requires Windows Hello authentication. Users can reset Recall if the export code is lost. 3. Bigger Clock in Notification Center: A new option to display a larger clock with seconds in the notification center is being rolled out, which can be activated in Settings. 4. Recall Changes: Users can now reset Recall and its data, with a new maximum storage duration for snapshots set to 90 days by default. 5. Click to Do Enhancements: New actions allow users to send text or images to Microsoft 365 Copilot and communicate via Microsoft Teams directly from recognized email addresses. 6. File Explorer Updates: Dividers have been added to the context menu for improved organization. 7. Voice Access Language Support: Support for Chinese and Japanese languages has been reintroduced in voice access. 8. Windows Share Options: New sharing options for OneDrive files are available when right-clicking to share. 9. Settings Search Box: The search box in Settings has been repositioned for better usability. 10. Fixes: Various fixes have been implemented for Recall, File Explorer, Start Menu, Settings, and other areas. 11. Known Issues: Issues include inaccurate build version display post-PC reset, non-functional reset options, and problems with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. 12. Reminders: Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed before final release.