Windows Security app Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29565.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29565.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. Key updates include improved performance for the Bubbles screensaver on high refresh rate monitors, refinements to the drag tray based on user feedback, and enhancements to the Windows Security app, which now features color-coded icon badges for Secure Boot status. The Feedback Hub has also received updates, including a new default window size that remembers dimensions, mouse back button navigation, and improved visibility for community feedback. Canary Channel builds may be unstable and are subject to change. Users can enable a toggle in Settings to access new features gradually. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (KB 5083635) has been released to the Beta Channel, featuring several updates: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large volumes in Storage settings. - Reduced frequency of UAC prompts on the Storage page. - Resolution of unrealistic data usage values in Network settings. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app's Secure Boot experience, including color-coded icon badges and updated certificates. - A revamped Feedback Hub with a modernized experience, simpler feedback submission, easier navigation, a new compliment feedback type, and improved screenshot capture tools. - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - A desktop watermark appears in Insider pre-release builds. - Features may not be released beyond Windows Insiders and may evolve or be removed.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8170 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8170 (KB 5083632) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large storage volumes in Settings. - A UAC prompt for accessing temporary files is now only shown when entering that specific section. - An issue with unrealistic data usage values in the Network settings has been fixed. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app include color-coded icon badges and updated text in the Secure Boot section, with updates to Secure Boot certificates being rolled out. - Feedback Hub version 2.2604.101.0 is being rolled out, featuring design improvements, improved default window size, mouse back button navigation, and corrected upvote buttons for Chinese display language users. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. The desktop watermark is present in Insider pre-release builds. Features may not be released to the public and could evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Microsoft Issues Four Insider Builds Across Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels

Microsoft has released four new preview builds of Windows 11 for the Windows Insider Program across its Canary, Dev, and Beta channels. In the Canary channel, the latest update KB5083824 upgrades systems to Windows 11 build 28020.1812, introducing improvements such as customizable touchpad right-click zone sizes, a smaller peek view for the Drag tray, visibility into Secure Boot certificate status in Windows Security, and design updates in the Feedback Hub. For those in the Canary channel who opted for the 29xxx build series, build 29565.1000 includes underlying platform changes, enhancements to the bubble screensaver for high refresh rate displays, and the same Drag tray, Windows Security, and Feedback Hub improvements. In the Dev channel, users can upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 build 26300.8170 with update KB5083632, while the Beta channel receives update KB5083635, upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 build 26220.8165. Both updates feature storage improvements allowing FAT32 drive formatting up to 2 TB from the command line, corrected Data usage views in Network settings, and the same Windows Security and Feedback Hub enhancements.

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Windows 11’s April update packs 8 (mostly) meaningful improvements you won’t want to skip. Here’s what you’ll be getting.

Microsoft will begin rolling out the April 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on April 14, 2026. This update includes significant changes such as: 1. Smart App Control (SAC) can now be managed without reinstalling the operating system, allowing users to toggle it on or off via Windows Security. 2. Windows Narrator has been enhanced to generate AI-based image descriptions, available to users on a Microsoft 365 Family plan. 3. The pen settings page will include an option to configure the "Same as Copilot key" feature. 4. File Explorer will receive updates including the ability to use Voice Typing for renaming files and fixes for various bugs. 5. The update supports display refresh rates of 1000Hz or higher, improves auto-rotation functionality, and enhances HDR performance for certain displays.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Microsoft Provides a Secure Boot Certificate Update

Microsoft will roll out new Secure Boot certificates starting in April 2026, allowing users to access and understand their Secure Boot certificate status through the Windows Security app. This feature will be found under the Device security section in the Secure Boot area. Users with PCs manufactured in 2024 or later will have the necessary certificates, while older models will receive updates via Windows Update. The Windows Security app will use a color-coded system to indicate certificate status: a green check box for up-to-date certificates, a yellow bang for safety recommendations, and a red stop icon for critical issues. Further enhancements, including notifications and in-app guidance, will be introduced in May. Resources for IT administrators are available on Microsoft Support.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Windows Security App Gains Secure Boot Certificate Status Ahead of Major Certificate Refresh

The Secure Boot certificates used by the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) on Windows PCs will expire in late June 2026. Microsoft is rolling out updated certificates through Windows Update to ensure user protection. Starting in April 2026, users can check their device's status in the Windows Security app, which will feature a color-coded badge system: - Green Checkmark: New certificates are installed, no action needed. - Yellow Caution Badge: Update pending or blocked due to hardware/firmware issues (expected in May 2026). - Red Stop Icon: Alerts users that older certificates are expiring, potentially preventing essential boot-level security updates (may appear as early as June 2026). The status will also be indicated in the Windows Security system tray icon. Most users will have a seamless update process by keeping Windows Update enabled, with devices from 2025 and many from 2024 covered. Older machines will receive updates gradually, guided by major OEMs. Microsoft advises against ignoring yellow or red warnings, as devices without updated certificates may be vulnerable to security threats and incompatible with future Windows updates. A support resource is available at aka.ms/getsecureboot.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

The March Windows 11 Insider Update adds 9 fresh features and improvements worth knowing

- Microsoft has introduced several enhancements for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program, including previews for versions 25H2, 26H1, 26H2, and anticipated version 27H2. - The Pointer Indicator feature, starting with build 26300.8085, helps users with low vision locate the mouse pointer by overlaying a crosshair effect and offers customizable color options. - A redesigned Feedback Hub app aligns with Windows 11 aesthetics and improves user experience for feedback submission, including Bluetooth LE Audio device connections and main volume controls in Quick Settings. - The File Explorer context menu now displays application icons alongside the "Open" option for certain file types, available in the Canary Channel with build 28020.1743. - The Administrator Protection feature, introduced in builds 26300.8142 and 26220.8138, prompts an authorization dialog for unsigned or untrusted applications seeking privilege elevation, enhancing security. - Windows 11 now allows customization of the right-click zone size on touchpads, available under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad, for touchpads with a pressable surface. - Task Manager updates include new columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" on various pages, as well as columns for "NPU Dedicated Memory" and "NPU Shared Memory" on the Details page. - A new icon in printer settings indicates which printers support Windows Protected Print mode, enhancing printing security. - The Windows Console is undergoing significant changes, merging improvements from Windows Terminal, including an optional Direct3D rendering path and enhanced Find dialog functionality.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

5 reasons why Windows 11 Pro is so much better than Windows 10

Windows 11 Pro is actively promoted by Microsoft as the future operating system, with Windows 10 reaching its end of support in October 2025, meaning no more free security updates or technical assistance. Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced built-in security features, including mandatory TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, making it a more secure choice. It includes useful features like BitLocker for drive encryption, Remote Desktop support, Group Policy controls, and Hyper-V for creating virtual machines. Windows 11 Pro also enhances productivity with features like Snap Layouts and File Explorer tabs for better organization and navigation.

Winsage

March 7, 2026

Microsoft’s Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026, but older PCs may never get the fix

Every Secure Boot-enabled Windows PC relies on cryptographic certificates issued by Microsoft in 2011, embedded in the motherboard's firmware, to ensure a secure boot process. The first of these certificates will expire on June 24, 2026, which will affect the ability to receive future security updates for critical components of the Windows startup process. Microsoft is rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, marking a significant security maintenance effort. Secure Boot operates as a chain of trust with certificates stored in the motherboard's UEFI firmware, validating software before the operating system loads. The Platform Key (PK) is at the top of this chain, followed by the Key Exchange Key (KEK) and the Signature Database (DB). The replacement certificates introduced in 2023 restructure certificate management, separating responsibilities among different certificate authorities to enhance the trust model. Not all PCs are affected by the upcoming expiration; newer devices manufactured since 2024 already have the new certificates. Windows 10 users face challenges as support for this version ends in October 2025, and they will not receive the new certificates unless enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Home users should ensure their PCs are set to receive updates automatically, while enterprise environments require coordination for firmware updates before the Windows certificate update.