Windows Insiders Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8155 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8155 (KB 5083822) has been released to the Dev Channel, featuring new haptic feedback for compatible input devices, rebranding of the Xbox full screen experience to Xbox mode, and performance improvements for startup apps. Issues resolved include app sign-in problems and a printing crash. Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback. Users can enable updates via Settings > Windows Update. The desktop watermark is standard for Insider pre-release builds, and some features may not be fully localized initially.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29560.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29560.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. This update includes significant platform changes and resolves issues such as increased freezes and non-functioning USB devices for some Insiders. The reliability of the Settings for Screensaver has also been improved. The Canary Channel builds may be unstable and have limited documentation, with features that may not reach the public. Features are rolled out gradually using Control Feature Rollout technology, and a desktop watermark is displayed on pre-release builds. Some features may first appear in the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders can toggle settings to access the latest updates, and a clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel. Localization improvements are ongoing, and feedback can be reported through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Xbox Full Screen Experience Becomes ‘Xbox mode’ in Latest Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft is launching an Xbox mode for Windows 11 users, previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. This mode will be widely accessible in select markets starting in April 2026. It features a controller-optimized interface for browsing and launching games while allowing access to the Windows desktop. New haptic feedback effects are available for compatible input devices, and the latest Dev Channel build, 26220.8148, introduces a new icon for printer support in Windows Protected Print Mode. The Canary builds include enhancements for pen users and focus on platform changes and bug fixes.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8142 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8142 (KB 5079492) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key updates include: - Administrator Protection: IT administrators can enable this feature in Settings under Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Account Protection, requiring a restart to apply changes. - Touchpad: A new setting allows users to adjust the size of the right-click zone (default, small, medium, large) for touchpads with a pressable surface. - Task Manager: Enhancements include new columns for NPU usage, NPU Dedicated Memory, NPU Shared Memory, and an optional Isolation column for identifying apps running in an AppContainer. - Windows Protected Print Mode: A new icon has been introduced. - Accessibility: An issue affecting Braille use for Insiders in previous builds has been resolved. Features are rolled out gradually, and feedback can be shared via the Feedback Hub. The desktop watermark is a normal occurrence for Insider pre-release builds, and some features may not be released or may change before the final version.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft Reduces Copilot Integrations in Windows 11 — Campus Technology

Microsoft is recalibrating its approach to integrating Copilot within Windows 11, focusing on quality and user experience rather than rapid AI expansion. Pavan Davuluri, president of Microsoft's Windows + Devices division, emphasized three core pillars for enhancing Windows 11: performance, reliability, and "craft." The company plans to reduce Copilot's presence by eliminating "unnecessary Copilot entry points" in applications like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad, responding to user feedback about clutter and distraction. While scaling back on consumer-facing Copilot features, Microsoft will continue to develop AI for developer tools, background functionalities, and enterprise features. Upcoming changes include the option to reposition the taskbar, improvements to File Explorer, more reliable file operations, and modifications to Windows Update. The company aims to decrease OS-level crashes, enhance Bluetooth and USB stability, and strengthen Windows Hello biometric authentication. Microsoft also plans to revamp the Windows Insider Program and engage with the Windows community through in-person meetups.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Windows 11 File Explorer is finally getting faster in 2026, but it’s been slower than Windows 10 for years

Microsoft plans to enhance the File Explorer experience in Windows by 2026, with initial improvements available to Windows Insiders as early as April. Key updates will focus on a quicker launch experience, reduced flicker, smoother navigation, and improved performance for everyday file tasks. Enhancements will address latency issues in search, navigation, and context menus, aiming for faster and more reliable file copying and moving. The context menu will see lower latency when right-clicking, and system-level changes will aim to reduce interaction latency and improve the shared UI infrastructure. Third-party file managers currently demonstrate faster performance compared to the default File Explorer, highlighting the need for Microsoft to improve its application.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

If Microsoft really wants to fix Windows 11, it should do these four things ASAP

Microsoft's President of Windows + Devices, Pavan Davaluri, communicated a renewed commitment to quality in Windows 11 through an open letter to Windows Insiders, emphasizing user experience improvements in responsiveness, reliability, and update control. The Windows Insider Program is suggested to be revitalized by reconnecting channels with public releases, decoupling quality testing from feature testing, eliminating Controlled Feature Rollout for public releases to ensure uniform user experiences, and increasing transparency about decision-making processes.

Winsage

March 26, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11 is getting a Windows 10-like compact taskbar, not just a movable taskbar

Microsoft is implementing a new strategy to enhance Windows 11 with significant monthly updates. Upcoming changes include the reintroduction of a compact taskbar similar to Windows 10, which will allow users more flexibility in its size. Currently, Windows 11 users have limited options for customizing the taskbar, particularly at lower resolutions, and must rely on third-party tools for modifications. Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows at Microsoft, acknowledged user feedback regarding the desire for a 'short taskbar' option. Windows 10 offered more customization options, including a straightforward toggle for small taskbar buttons, which does not function as expected in Windows 11. Microsoft plans to introduce a toggle that will effectively reduce the taskbar size. Additionally, users will soon be able to move the taskbar, a feature that has been highly requested. The updates will also include enhancements such as the ability to pause Windows updates indefinitely, a more efficient Start menu, reduced memory consumption, a quicker File Explorer, and less clutter from AI features. These updates will be rolled out monthly, with Windows Insiders being the first to experience them.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft Announces WSL Upgrades for Windows 11

Microsoft has announced enhancements for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to improve the experience for developers using Linux tools on Windows. Key areas of focus include: - Faster file performance between Linux and Windows - Improved network compatibility and throughput - A more streamlined first-time setup and onboarding experience - Enhanced enterprise management with stronger policy control, security, and governance Networking improvements are particularly significant, addressing past issues with mirrored networking that caused “No route to host” errors. Additionally, a new dxgkrnl driver patch has been submitted to improve GPU support for WSL2, introducing compute-only GPU capabilities and support for multiple virtual GPUs. Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft VP for Windows and Devices, emphasized ongoing quality improvements for Windows 11, including reducing Copilot integration in built-in applications, enhancing Bluetooth and USB reliability, and improving search functionality and responsiveness. Despite these commitments, concerns remain, such as the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in requirement.

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Microsoft could drop the forced Microsoft account sign-in during Windows 11 setup

Microsoft is advocating for a login experience for Windows 11 that does not require a Microsoft account (MSA), as influential engineers within the company express dissatisfaction with the current mandatory sign-in during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). Despite recent updates emphasizing performance and user experience improvements, the option to use Windows 11 without an MSA remains absent. Workarounds exist, but the official guidance still encourages MSA sign-ins. Senior executives, including Vice President Scott Hanselman, are working towards a more flexible setup. Microsoft has confirmed plans to streamline the OOBE, aiming for a quieter and simpler device setup process, with some changes expected to be introduced in April for Windows Insiders.