WinUI Archives

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Windows 11 is modernizing a mouse indicator that hasn’t changed since the Windows XP

In the 1990s, locating the cursor on a Windows screen was challenging, leading to the introduction of a feature in the early 2000s that allowed users to press the Ctrl key to highlight the cursor, which became popular with Windows XP. This feature is being modernized in Windows 11, where users can activate a new Mouse Indicator by navigating to Windows Settings, selecting Accessibility, and toggling the “Mouse Indicator” on. The updated Mouse Indicator, which still activates with the Ctrl key, includes a circle animation and an optional feature to keep the indicator visible until dismissed using Win+Ctrl+Shift+M. Microsoft is also refreshing other features in Windows 11, such as the AutoPlay feature, which now remembers user preferences and presents a new WinUI-based dialog. The Properties sheet is being redesigned to incorporate modern WinUI elements, and a new Print Management app is expected to be released soon.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Announcing new builds for 21 August 2026

New Windows 11 Insider Preview builds are being rolled out for users in the Beta and Experimental Channels, addressing an issue with the Feature Flags list. Notable new features include: 1. Modernized Autoplay experience: The AutoPlay dialog has been updated to streamline the selection process for connecting devices. It features a refreshed interface built with WinUI, supports dark mode, and is more responsive to text scaling and display settings. 2. Accessibility setting - "Open apps maximized": This new feature automatically maximizes app windows upon opening, benefiting users of screen readers, magnification tools, and those working in tablet mode. Users can enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft built a dedicated app that forces Bing everywhere on Windows 11, including Chrome, Firefox, and Brave

Microsoft has introduced a standalone application called MicrosoftSettings.exe that prompts users to change their default search engine to Bing across all browsers on their PC. This application is not force-installed via Windows Update or available in the Microsoft Store; it can be downloaded from Microsoft's official servers. Upon installation, it encourages users to add a Chrome extension named Microsoft Bing Homepage & Search, which alters search settings and directs users to the Microsoft Rewards page. The installation process features a welcome screen with a pre-set toggle for changing the search engine to Bing, applicable to Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. The extension has a 4-star rating and claims 5 million users, but it triggers alerts from Chrome regarding its permissions. Microsoft has also launched a sweepstakes for Bing users and made it possible to sign into Bing using Google or Apple accounts. Despite efforts to promote Bing, Microsoft has committed to decluttering MSN and simplifying its offerings in other areas.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft is finally updating one of the oldest dialog boxes in Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced a revamped AutoPlay dialog box in the latest Windows Insider build of Windows 11, which has been rebuilt using WinUI for enhanced performance, visual consistency, and responsiveness to text scaling. The updated AutoPlay dialog allows users to select preferred actions when connecting devices like phones and cameras, supports dark mode, and retains familiar functionalities. Additionally, in build 26340.9233, users can manage camera, microphone, and location permissions on a per-app basis for desktop applications, expanding user control beyond UWP/MSIX applications.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Windows 11’s legacy UI cleanup continues as Microsoft updates one of its oldest dialogs

Microsoft has introduced a revamped AutoPlay dialog box in the latest Windows Insider build, utilizing WinUI for improved performance and visual consistency. The updated AutoPlay interface supports dark mode and retains familiar functionalities, with notifications now docked in the notification center. A new accessibility feature, Open apps maximized, allows application windows to open automatically in a maximized state. Users can manage camera, microphone, and location access for desktop apps on an individual basis, with permissions reviewed in Settings > Privacy & security. Existing app permission decisions remain unchanged. PDF and non-HTML files can now be previewed in File Explorer, and the Microsoft Store update supports in-app purchases in packaged WinUI 3 apps. Recent builds have fixed taskbar animation issues and improved mouse cursor visibility in certain applications. The Settings section has been updated to display version numbers for packaged apps.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

New Windows 11 build brings automatic PDF previews to File Explorer for Insiders

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview builds 26340.9233 (26H2) and 28120.2760 (26H1), featuring enhancements such as automatic PDF preview support in File Explorer and in-app purchase capabilities for WinUI 3 applications in the Microsoft Store. The 26H1 build addresses a bug causing the mouse cursor to be invisible in some applications but has a known compatibility issue that may prevent some users from launching PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. The AutoPlay dialog has been revamped with WinUI, supporting dark mode and improved responsiveness. A new accessibility setting allows apps to open maximized by default, enhancing usability for screen readers and magnification tools. Users can manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop applications, providing more control over privacy. File Explorer now supports automatic previews for PDF and non-HTML files, and the Microsoft Store update allows in-app purchases for packaged WinUI 3 apps. Bug fixes include resolving taskbar animation issues and ensuring visibility of the mouse cursor.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

Microsoft Issues Three New Windows Builds to Windows Insider Program

Microsoft has announced that users in the Windows Insider Program enrolled in the Beta, Experimental, or Experimental (26H1) channel should update their systems. The latest Experimental build resolves the issue of an empty Feature Flags list for Insiders in the Experimental channel. Notable features in the new builds include a modernized Autoplay experience with a new dialog built with WinUI, supporting Light and Dark modes, text scaling, and seamless notifications. Additionally, a new accessibility setting ensures that all applications open in a maximized state, found under Accessibility > Visual effects in the Settings app.

Winsage

August 17, 2026

Microsoft just rebuilt one of Windows 11’s oldest tools in modern UI, rollout starts in the next few days

Microsoft has transitioned its newly designed Print Management tool into the Release Preview channel for Windows 11, moving it closer to general availability after initial appearances in Beta and Experimental builds. The new Print Management app, built on WinUI 3, replaces the outdated MMC-style console and features a modern layout with a user-friendly interface. It serves as a comprehensive management system for administrators, allowing oversight of printers, print queues, drivers, ports, and print servers. The rollout schedule includes an optional update anticipated for late August and integration into the regular September cumulative update. However, the timeline may be subject to delays. The updated application maintains essential administrative functionality while simplifying tasks such as renaming printers and customizing displayed information. Some legacy elements remain, requiring administrative privileges to launch the app. Microsoft is actively modernizing Windows 11's user interface, including the Print Management tool, as part of a broader initiative to replace outdated components.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Microsoft gears up to ship major Taskbar and Start menu updates for Windows 11

Microsoft is set to roll out significant updates for the Start menu and Taskbar in Windows 11 next month, which include the ability to move and resize the Taskbar and customize the Start menu. These features have recently transitioned to the Windows 11 Release Preview Channel, indicating they will be available to all users soon. Typically, features in this channel are released within two to three weeks. Users who have the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" toggle enabled can expect the updates to begin rolling out later this month. Microsoft aims to make the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 easier by incorporating familiar functionalities. Additional quality of life improvements for Windows 11 are planned for release towards the end of this year and into 2027.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Microsoft confirms that it will begin shipping major Windows 11 Taskbar and Start menu updates in the next few weeks: Big OS update enters final preview phase before public rollout begins

Microsoft is set to roll out significant updates to the Start menu and Taskbar on Windows 11 next month, including the ability to move and resize the Taskbar and customize the Start menu. These features have transitioned to the Windows 11 Release Preview Channel, indicating they will be available in public updates within two to three weeks. Additionally, Windows 11 will adopt WinUI across more areas of its interface.