As November draws to a close, Microsoft has initiated the rollout of several noteworthy features for Windows 11. This update follows a series of enhancements made earlier in the month and introduces previews for versions 25H2 and 26H1, specifically build 28000.1199. While these updates primarily focus on general improvements and fixes, they pave the way for some exciting new functionalities available through the Windows Insider Program.
Xbox Full Screen Experience for all PCs
The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE), previously exclusive to handheld gaming devices, is now being tested for all computers with build 26220.7271. This feature transforms the desktop into a console-like interface, utilizing the Xbox app as the primary interface. By bypassing the standard Windows shell and disabling unnecessary background processes, Microsoft claims that users can expect a reduction in memory consumption by approximately 2GB.
As this feature rolls out gradually, users will be able to activate it by navigating to Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience. Additionally, an FSE button can be added to the Task View experience, and access is also available through the Game Bar and the “Windows key + F11” keyboard shortcut. It’s worth noting that enrollment in the Xbox Insider program is required to access this feature.
Point-in-time Restore
The preview build 26220.7271 also introduces Point-in-time Restore, a feature designed to allow users to revert their computer to a previous state, effectively recovering from buggy updates, broken drivers, misconfigurations, and even malware. This modern iteration of System Restore employs the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to create comprehensive restore points, encapsulating the entire state of the operating system, applications, configurations, and critical data.
Enabled by default on devices with a minimum of 200GB storage running the Home and Pro editions, users can manage this feature via Settings > Recovery > Point-in-time. Once activated, users can adjust the frequency of restore point creation and the duration for which they are retained. The system defaults to creating restore points daily, retaining them for three days—an optimal configuration for most users. However, it is essential to understand that restoring to a previous point may result in the loss of any files created or modified after that time.
Voice Typing with Fluid Dictation
In this release, the Fluid Dictation feature, previously available in Voice Access, is now integrated into Voice Typing. This enhancement streamlines the dictation process by automatically correcting grammar and punctuation, significantly reducing the need for manual edits. Fluid Dictation is enabled by default on Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to simply focus on a text field and activate Voice Access to utilize this feature.
Microsoft Store App Uninstall Option
In a notable addition, Microsoft is finally introducing an “Uninstall” option for apps within the Microsoft Store. This feature can be accessed through the app’s context menu while browsing the “Library” page, providing users with greater control over their installed applications.
More Resources
For those looking to delve deeper, a wealth of how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips are available to enhance your experience with Windows 11 and 10. Start exploring the resources today!
