As we move through October 2025, Microsoft continues to enhance Windows 11, unveiling a series of notable features and improvements through the Windows Insider Program. During the first two weeks of this month, several previews have been released, including updates from versions 24H2 and 25H2, alongside other enhancements not tied to specific development versions.
Disclaimer: This guide outlines the changes officially announced by Microsoft for the operating system. For those enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, it is important to note that new features are typically rolled out gradually, which means it may take several flights before they appear on your device.
Biggest improvements from the Windows Insider Program in October 2025
The development team has unveiled several significant changes over the past two weeks:
1. Settings app AI agent improvements
With builds 26220.6780 and 26100.6780, Windows 11 introduces an updated Settings app that enhances AI agent integration. The “Home” page now features an updated “Recommended settings” card that displays actions taken by the AI agent for recently modified settings. Additionally, the search box will yield more results based on user queries, and if a setting cannot be modified further, the agent will provide relevant information and options.
2. Drag Tray new support
The Drag Tray feature, which previously allowed users to drag a file to the top of the screen for sharing, now supports the dragging and dropping of multiple files, enhancing user efficiency.
3. Administrator Protection in the Windows Security app
While not a new feature, Administrator Protection is once again accessible through the Windows Security app, reinforcing the importance of security within the operating system.
4. Run command with dark mode support
Microsoft is resuming efforts to improve dark mode across the desktop experience. The “Run” dialog box is being updated to align with the dark system mode, although this change will be rolled out gradually.
5. Click to Do improvements
The Click to Do feature has received enhancements, including object selection capabilities that allow users to select objects within images more precisely. A context menu will appear to facilitate copying, pasting, or performing various actions once an object is selected.
6. Windows Hello with external fingerprint support
Windows Hello’s Enhanced Sign-in Security feature now supports external fingerprint sensors, expanding its functionality beyond built-in biometric sensors. Users will find a new “Enhanced sign-in security” option on the “Sign-in options” page for setting up these external devices.
7. Configure the user folder name from OOBE
Advanced users can now set the user folder name during the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE). By using the Command Prompt during setup, users can execute a command to specify their desired folder name, streamlining the initial configuration process.
8. File Explorer with dark mode improvements
The latest preview also brings updates to File Explorer, enhancing the dark mode experience across various dialogs, including those for copying, moving, and deleting files, as well as progress bars and confirmation dialogs.
9. New Start menu design
In the Canary Channel, Microsoft is integrating a redesigned Start menu that combines the “All” menu with “Pinned” and “Recommended” sections into a larger, scrollable interface. This new layout allows for better organization and customization of app displays.
10. Hardware indicator new setting
A new setting for adjusting the position of on-screen hardware indicators, such as volume and brightness, has been introduced, allowing users to customize their interface further.
11. Windows 11 new shortcuts
Updates to keyboard shortcuts now make it easier to insert En dashes and Em dashes, enhancing text editing capabilities.
12. Windows Share with pin option
The Windows Share interface has been updated to include an option for pinning favorite apps under the “Share using” section, improving accessibility for users.
With these enhancements rolling out, Windows 11 Insiders have a wealth of new features to explore, ranging from subtle quality-of-life improvements to more substantial changes that indicate the future direction of the operating system. As always, feedback from users will play a crucial role in determining which features will ultimately make it to the general release.
