All articles tagged with #windows insider
Microsoft is dividing Windows 11's Canary Channel into two sub-channels to begin testing a next-major OS core, enabling parallel testing of new core changes within the Windows Insider program while continuing Canary builds.
Microsoft’s Windows Insider builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918 add a built‑in network speed test accessible from the taskbar: open the test via the Wi‑Fi/Cellular Quick Settings or the network icon in the system tray, and it launches in your default browser to measure Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, and Cellular performance to help troubleshoot connectivity.
Microsoft is rolling native Sysmon monitoring into Windows 11 for devices in the Windows Insider program, enabling Windows Event Log-based threat detection with Sysmon’s event logging. The feature is disabled by default and must be explicitly turned on (after removing any manually installed Sysmon). Activation can be done via Settings > System > Optional features > More Windows features > Sysmon or via PowerShell/DISM, and it is rolling out to Beta/Dev Preview builds 26220.7752 and 26300.7733.
Microsoft Paint now includes an AI-powered coloring-book generator that creates coloring pages from text prompts and lets users insert, save, or print their selections. The feature is exclusive to Windows Insiders with Copilot+ PCs, and a new Fill tool tolerance slider adjusts coloring precision. Cloud features require signing in, and the update is initially rolling out to the Canary/Dev channels, alongside improvements to Notepad’s AI capabilities.
Microsoft is tightening restrictions on workarounds that allow users to set up Windows 11 with local accounts, removing known methods in the latest Dev channel update to prevent bypassing the Microsoft account sign-in requirement during setup.
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Canary build 27891 removes PowerShell 2.0, which has been deprecated since Windows 10, and introduces a new Microsoft Store feature allowing direct product installation from the home page. The update also includes various fixes for UI, system stability, and performance issues, along with known issues related to Windows Hello PIN, Settings crashes, and remote desktop distortions.
Microsoft is testing the display of recommended apps in the Windows 11 Start menu, potentially showing icons for Microsoft Store apps in a new Recommended section. The feature is currently limited to a small subset of Windows 11 Insiders and can be disabled in the settings. This move has sparked criticism, with some viewing it as an attempt by Microsoft to generate additional revenue from Windows users through ads, despite the company's substantial earnings. This isn't the first time Microsoft has experimented with ads in Windows, and the company regularly tests new features among Windows Insiders before deciding on wider implementation.
Windows 11 version 24H2 has a list of specific apps that will block it from updating, including popular tools like StartAllBack, EaseUS Disk Copy, and ExplorerPatcher. Microsoft is including a database file with the major 24H2 version of Windows 11 that will block the installation if it detects any of eleven very specific applications on the machine. Users have found workarounds for some of these applications, but it's unclear if the list of blocked applications will change as the update remains in preview.
Microsoft has started testing Windows 11 24H2, the next major release of Windows, with new features including Sudo for Windows, better support for hearing aids, and changes to the SMB protocol. The early appearance of 24H2 suggests a significant update, possibly ruling out a Windows 12 launch this year. Speculation about AI being a major focus for Windows 12 remains unconfirmed, as Microsoft has not commented on rumors and speculation regarding system requirements for AI features.
Microsoft has released a new Beta Channel build for Windows Insiders, bringing changes and improvements including Snap Layout suggestions and an in-place upgrade to move unenrolled users to Windows 11 version 23H2. The update also includes bug fixes for issues affecting color font format, RemoteApp windows, Wi-Fi Protected Access 3, Bluetooth phone calls, video calls, and more.
Microsoft has released build 23531 to Windows 11 Dev channel Insiders, bringing back the hover Search feature and allowing Windows system components to open via the default browser. The update also includes fixes for File Explorer crashes, Task Manager improvements, and a reminder about the build expiration date.
Microsoft has started rolling out the Windows 11 Moment 3 update to insiders in the Release Preview Channel, but users may not have access to the new features as Microsoft is gradually rolling out the update. To enable the update, users can toggle on the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option in Settings and download and install available updates. Alternatively, users can force-enable the update using the ViVeTool app. The Windows 11 Moment 3 update has an extensive list of new features and improvements.