May 03

Windows 11 Insider Experimental (26H1) Preview Build 28020.1921

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Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Build 28020.1921 to the Experimental (26H1) Channel

All smooth upgrades on my 26H1 devices, new Insider build names are now available in settings

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Windows Insider channel movement]

As announced in the Windows Insider Blog, we will begin moving users in the Canary 28000 Series Channel to the new Experimental (26H1) channel.

[Task Manager]

We’re making a few improvements to Task Manager: 

  • We’re updating Task Manager to provide better insight into NPU usage for PCs that include an NPU. New optional NPU and NPU Engine columns are now available on the Processes, Users, and Details pages. The Details page also adds NPU Dedicated Memory and NPU Shared Memory optional columns to give you deeper visibility into how workloads are using NPU resources. Additionally, if there are neural engines that are part of a GPU, they will now appear on the Performance page, providing a more complete view of AI‑related system activity.
  • We’re also adding a new optional Isolation column to the Processes and Details pages, allowing you to see which apps are running in an AppContainer.
  • Fixed accuracy of CPU speed display on the Performance page of Task Manager for VMs after resume from hibernate, so it doesn’t sometimes show unexpectedly high unrealistic numbers.

Once these changes are available to you, you can add any of the new columns by right‑clicking a column header in Task Manager and selecting them from the menu.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Task Manager.

[Feedback Hub update]

Thanks Windows Insiders who have been sharing feedback about the Feedback Hub – we’re now rolling out version 2.2604.301.0. This update contains a number of improvements based on what you’ve been telling us, including:

  • Generally improved reliability.
  • More tweaks to improve general design fit and finish, accessibility, and localization.
  • The Community feedback section for non-English now allows you to switch view to English if you’d prefer.
  • Collection titles and Official responses now will be automatically translated in top languages.
  • The file upload limit when submitting feedback is back up to 500 MB.
  • Improved upvote and comment count accuracy for feedback.

Please keep the feedback coming! If you want to share any thoughts, you can file them in the Feedback Hub under Apps > Feedback Hub.

source: Windows Blogs

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May 03

Windows 11 Insider Experimental (Future Platforms) Preview Build 29580.1000

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Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Build 29580.1000 to the ExperimentalChannel (Future Platforms)

The Wifi Issue on My Surface 13inch still occurs, the Wlan AutoConfig service crashes cusing Wifi to stop working until the service is started again. (Feedback Hub: https://aka.ms/AAutxba)

Great updates to the Feedback Hub!

Upgardes went smoothy, Happy Upgrades!

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Feedback Hub update]

Thanks Windows Insiders who have been sharing feedback about the Feedback Hub – we’re now rolling out version 2.2604.301.0. This update contains a number of improvements based on what you’ve been telling us, including:

  • Generally improved reliability.
  • More tweaks to improve general design fit and finish, accessibility, and localization.
  • The Community feedback section for non-English now allows you to switch view to English if you’d prefer.
  • Collection titles and Official responses now will be automatically translated in top languages.
  • The file upload limit when submitting feedback is back up to 500 MB.
  • Improved upvote and comment count accuracy for feedback.

Please keep the feedback coming! If you want to share any thoughts, you can file them in the Feedback Hub under Apps > Feedback Hub.

source: Flight Hub

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May 03

Windows 11 – Fix problems using Windows Update

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Windows issues don’t always require a full reset or reimage. In Windows 11, Microsoft quietly added a built‑in recovery option that allows you to repair the operating system by reinstalling the same build through Windows Update. It’s fast, supported, and designed to fix stubborn problems while keeping apps, data, and settings intact.

For IT admins and power users, this feature is a valuable middle ground between basic troubleshooting and a full OS reinstall — and it’s often overlooked.

A lesser-known built-in Windows 11 repair option

Most admins know the classic in‑place upgrade using an ISO or setup.exe. What’s less known is that Windows 11 can repair itself by reinstalling the same build via Windows Update — no ISO, no data loss, no reimaging.

This feature is built into Windows 11 and is extremely useful when:

  • Windows Update is broken
  • System files are damaged
  • You see persistent update errors
  • You want a clean OS refresh without touching apps or data

What is an in‑place upgrade to the same build?

It’s exactly what it sounds like:

  • Windows reinstalls the same Windows 11 version and build
  • Uses Windows Update as the source
  • Keeps:
    • User data
    • Installed apps
    • Drivers
    • Most settings

Think of it as a full OS repair, not a feature upgrade.

When should you use this?

This is a great option if:

  • sfc /scannow and DISM /RestoreHealth didn’t fix the issue
  • Windows Update fails with errors like:
    • 0x80073701
    • 0x800f081f
    • 0x800736b3
  • Feature updates refuse to install
  • The device is unstable but still bootable

It’s also a solid last step before reimaging.

How to trigger it

Via Settings

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Windows Update
  3. Under Fix problems using Windows Update
  4. Click Reinstall now
Location of the Reinstall now button
Repair notification with option to reboot automatically
Windows Update Downloading (repair version)

Windows will:

  • Download the current OS build
  • Reinstall Windows over itself
  • Reboot a few times

All without asking for an ISO.

What happens under the hood (high level)

  • Windows Update downloads a full OS payload
  • Setup runs in repair mode
  • System files are replaced
  • Component store (WinSxS) is rebuilt
  • Update stack is refreshed

From an admin perspective, this behaves very similarly to:

  • setup.exe /auto upgrade

But fully Microsoft-supported and user-friendly.

What it does NOT do

Important to set expectations:

  • ❌ Does not upgrade to a newer feature version
  • ❌ Does not remove third‑party software
  • ❌ Does not reset all settings
  • ❌ Does not fix hardware or firmware issues

It’s a repair, not a reset.

Why this matters for IT admins

For enterprise and MSP scenarios:

  • No ISO management
  • No task sequences
  • No user data backup required
  • Can be guided remotely
  • Works well on Entra‑joined and Intune‑managed devices

This makes it ideal as a Tier‑2 / Tier‑3 remediation step.

Real‑world tip

If you’re troubleshooting update failures:

  1. Try normal Windows Update
  2. Run SFC + DISM
  3. Use this in‑place repair via Windows Update
  4. Reimage only if all else fails

In many cases, step 3 saves hours.

Final thoughts

This feature has been quietly improved in Windows 11 and is now stable, fast, and reliable.

If you’re still reaching for ISOs as your default repair method, it’s worth adding this option to your standard troubleshooting playbook.

Simple, built‑in, and effective.

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Apr 26

Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8289

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Hi all, Last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8289

Check this post for more info on the changes taking place: New Channels and a New Home for Build Release Notes

Fast en smooth upgrades on my Experimental channel devices,

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out

[Windows Insider Program channel movement]

As announced in the Windows Insider Blog, we will begin moving users in the Dev Channel to the new Experimental channel. This will be a phased roll out and Insiders who do not see the new experience on their device but want to, can enable the experience under Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Feature flags.

[Windows Update]

We’re introducing new capabilities to enhance security and improve user control over the Windows update experience. This includes:

  • Ability to skip updates immediately during the out of box experience (OOBE)
  • Extend update pauses as many times as you need
  • Always available options to shutdown and restart with updating
  • More insight on available updates to make more informed installation decisions

See the Windows Update announce blog for more details.

[Start menu]

  • Improved detection of clicks at the leftmost edge of the taskbar to invoke start menu when the taskbar icons are set to left aligned.

[Other]

  • Removed unexpected error that was showing when opening Group Policy Editor in the last couple Insider flights.
  • We’re updated Times New Roman to improve support for combining diacritical marks across the Greek and Cyrillic Unicode ranges. If you notice any positioning issues with these diacritical marks, please let us know by filing feedback under Desktop Environment > Font Installation and Preview in the Feedback Hub – preferably with details about the specific Unicode character, and a screenshot highlighting the expected position.

Known issues

[Feature flags]

  • Insiders who use Feature flags to enable the new WIP experience may see the feature state incorrectly marked as current, however changing state and applying changes will work as expected.

source: Flight Hub

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Apr 26

Windows 11 Insider Experimental (26H1) Preview Build 28200.1873

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Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Experimental (26H1) Preview Build 28200.1873

Check this post for more info on the changes taking place: New Channels and a New Home for Build Release Notes

Kudo’s to who worked on the touch keyboard update, love the new experience!

Smooth and fast updates across my Devices, Happy Updates!

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out*

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Xbox Mode]

  • Xbox full screen experience is now Xbox mode
  • We’ve added an improved first run experience when entering Xbox mode

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Gaming and Xbox > Gaming Full Screen Experience.

[Touch Keyboard Experience for Voice Typing]

  • We’re updating the experience when you use voice typing with the touch keyboard to make it feel more streamlined and intuitive. The new design removes the previous full‑screen overlay and instead shows voice typing animations directly on the dictation key, helping you stay focused on what you’re doing without extra visual distractions. 

Before the update:

After the update:

FEEDBACK: Please share your feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Input and Language > Voice Typing (Windows key plus H). 

[Storage]

  • Improved the performance when navigating to see storage on large volumes via Settings > System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings > Disks & Volumes.
  • Updated Settings > System > Storage, so rather than seeing a UAC prompt immediately when you go to the page, you’ll only see it when going to view temporary files.

[Network]

  • Fixed issue causing Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage to show large unrealistic values in recent Insider builds.

[Other]

  • Improved performance of launching startup apps after boot (apps which display under Settings > Apps > Startup).

source: Flight Hub

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Apr 26

Windows 11 Insider Experimental (Future Platforms) Preview Build 29576.1000

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Hi all, Last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Experimental (Future Platforms) Preview Build 29576.1000

Check this post for more info on the changes taking place: New Channels and a New Home for Build Release Notes

I love the new names and upcoming controles and clarification on the different channels

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out*

[Sound settings]

We’ve been making some improvements to Settings > System > Sound in the latest Canary builds. This includes:

  • We’ve updated the design of the volume slider, so now if there is audio actively playing it will be displayed on the side.
  • If your audio device supports hardware acceleration, an option to allow hardware acceleration has now been added to the Advanced section in Properties that device.
  • Configuring exclusive mode for an audio device is now available in the Advanced section of the Properties for that device, so you don’t have to navigate to Control Panel to do it.
  • Configuring adaptive communication sound levels (reducing volume of other sounds when communications activity is detected) is now available directly in Settings, so you don’t have to navigate to Control Panel to do it.
  • The option to set an audio device as default sound device for communication will now always display in Properties, just greyed out if the device is already the default (rather than the control hiding in this case).

[Point-in-time restore for Windows]

  • Point-in-time restore for Windows empowers you to quickly roll your device back to a previous state — helping minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting when disruptions strike. Whether you’re dealing with a widespread outage or a one-off issue, point-in-time restore helps recover your system (including apps, settings, and user files) to get you back to productivity faster. For more details, check out our documentation.

Point-in-time restore shown in the Troubleshoot menu for Windows RE

  • Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery and Uninstall > Point-in-time restore.

[Task Manager]

We’re making a few improvements to Task Manager: 

  • We’re updating Task Manager to provide better insight into NPU usage for PCs that include an NPU. New optional NPU and NPU Engine columns are now available on the Processes, Users, and Details pages. The Details page also adds NPU Dedicated Memory and NPU Shared Memory optional columns to give you deeper visibility into how workloads are using NPU resources. Additionally, if there are neural engines that are part of a GPU, they will now appear on the Performance page, providing a more complete view of AI‑related system activity.
  • We’re also adding a new optional Isolation column to the Processes and Details pages, allowing you to see which apps are running in an AppContainer.

Once these changes are available to you, you can add any of the new columns by right‑clicking a column header in Task Manager and selecting them from the menu.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Task Manager.

[Other]

  • Fixed an underlying issue causing some rendering issues in certain apps with recent Canary flights.

source: Flight Hub

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Apr 26

Windows Insider Program: New Channels and a New Home for Build Release Notes

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Microsoft is making some important changes to the Windows Insider Program. These updates are meant to make the program easier to follow, reduce confusion around channels, and centralize where Insider build information lives.

If you’re running Insider builds or just tracking what’s coming next in Windows, this is worth paying attention to.

What’s changing in the Windows Insider Program?

The Windows Insider Program is moving to a simpler and more clearly defined channel structure.

Over time, the older channel names and purposes started to overlap. Some channels had similar builds, while others were used for different purposes than originally intended. This made it harder to understand:

  • Which channel was right for testing
  • How close a specific build was to production
  • What kind of changes or stability level to expect

By moving to new and clarified channels, Microsoft aims to:

  • Set clearer expectations per channel
  • Make build progression easier to understand
  • Align Insider builds more closely with real development stages

In short: fewer surprises, clearer intent.

These are the new channels:

  • Beta Channel > Beta 
  • Dev Channel > Experimental
  • Canary Channel 28000 series > Experimental (26H1)
  • Canary Channel 29500 series > Experimental (Future Platforms)

A single place for build release notes

Along with the channel changes, Microsoft is also centralizing Insider build release notes.

Instead of chasing announcements across blogs and posts, all build information is now consolidated in one place:

Windows Insider Flight Hub
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-insider/flight-hub/

This page becomes the authoritative source for:

  • New Insider builds
  • Build numbers per channel
  • Release notes and known issues
  • Links to deeper technical details when available

Why this matters

For IT pros, developers, and testers, this change removes a lot of friction.

Easier tracking

  • One page shows all active flights
  • No need to search multiple blog posts
  • Clear overview of what’s new and where

Better planning

  • You can quickly see which builds are in which channel
  • Easier to decide when to test features
  • Less guesswork around build maturity

More transparency

  • Build notes are structured and consistent
  • Known issues are easier to spot
  • Changes between builds are clearer

This is especially useful if you’re:

  • Testing upcoming Windows features
  • Preparing app or driver compatibility
  • Managing test rings in Intune or Configuration Manager
  • Following Windows roadmap changes closely

What should Insiders do now?

If you’re already enrolled:

  • Check which channel your devices are in
  • Review the latest builds in the Flight Hub
  • Adjust channels if you want a different stability or feature cadence

If you’re just following from the sidelines:

  • Bookmark the Flight Hub
  • Use it as your reference point for Insider progress
  • Stop relying on scattered announcements

Bottom line

Microsoft is streamlining two things at once:

  • How Insider channels are defined
  • Where build information is published

The result is a clearer Windows Insider experience and a single, reliable place to follow Windows development.

If you track Insider builds for work or just curiosity the Flight Hub should now be your first stop.

Link:
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-insider/flight-hub/

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Apr 19

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29570.1000

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Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows Insider Preview Build 29570.1000 to the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel on the optional 29500 build series.

lots of goodies for the Opt-in Canary Channel this week, smooth updates on all my opt-in devices.

WLAN AutoConfig service keeps crashing on my Surface 13inch even after clean recovery-image install and upgrade to 29000 builds, same build on Surface Laptop 7 does not show this behavior (Feedback Hub: https://aka.ms/AA108g1p)

Happy Upgrades!

What’s new in Canary Build 29570.1000

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*

  • This update includes platform changes in moving to a new active development build.

[Gaming]

  • Xbox mode is now available on Windows 11 PCs, including laptops, desktops, and tablets. Inspired by the Xbox console experience, Xbox mode offers a streamlined, full‑screen interface that puts your games front and center while minimizing background distractions. Xbox mode is designed for those moments when you want to lean back, pick up a controller, and focus on the game. Enter Xbox mode from the Xbox app, Game Bar settings, or by pressing Win + F11. For more information, see Full screen experience expands to more Windows 11 PC form factors.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Gaming and Xbox > Xbox Mode.

[Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps]

  • This update adds support for a dynamic app removal list to the “Remove Default Microsoft Store packages” policy for Windows Enterprise and Education. Administrators can remove additional MSIX/APPX-packaged apps by specifying their app package family names using Group Policy. The dynamic list is not currently available in Intune Settings Catalog. Validation must be performed using Group Policy or custom OMA-URI. For more information, see Policy-based in-box app removal.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Developer Platform > App Deployment.

[Context Menu]

  • When right clicking on a .exe, .bat, or .cmd file, the context menu’s “Open” verb will now match the icon associated with the file’s default app.
The context menu’s “Open” verb matches the icon in the default app.
The context menu’s “Open” verb matches the icon in the default app.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under File Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer.

[Touchpad] 

  • We’re adding a new setting in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad so you can choose how large the right-click zone size is (this is the portion in the bottom-right of your touchpad where pressing a single finger will result in a right-click), between default, small, medium, and large. Note – this setting only appears for touchpads that have a pressable surface for this. Some manufacturers may provide customization for this in their own apps – if you’ve customized your setting using an app like this, a “Custom” entry will be added to the dropdown, which preserves that value.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Input and Language > Touchpad.

[Lock screen] 

  • More widget options and support for lock screen widget personalization (previously referred to as “Weather and more”) are rolling out. After initial launch with Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), these updates are expanding to all regions. You can add, remove, and rearrange lock screen widgets such as Weather, Watchlist, Sports, Traffic, and more. Any widget that supports the small sizing option can be added. To customize your lock screen widgets, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Lock screen.

[Input]

  • Pen settings: we have made refinements to the Pen settings page including small changes to the options for the pen tail button. A new option, “Same as Copilot key”, enables the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – Keyboards, Mice, and Pens.

source: Windows Blogs

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Apr 19

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1863 (Canary Channel)

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Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1863 to the Canary Channel. (KB 5083725)

No big changes documented on this build, upgrades went smooth and fast

Happy Upgrades!

What’s new in Canary Build 28020.1863

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[General]

  • Fixed an issue that prevented some apps from signing in due to a false report of no internet connectivity.

source: Windows Blogs

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Apr 19

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8276 (Dev Channel)

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Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8276 (KB 5083726) to the Dev Channel.

Last week I reset a couple of devices with the 25H2 recovery image, after upgrading to Dev Channel, using Windows key + Shift + S to grab a screenshot, app picker showed up to select screen snipping or snipping tool to do the job (Feeback Hub: https://aka.ms/AA10nbq2

The Clipboard history improved response is great it has become really snappy 😍

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on*

[Settings]

  • Based on feedback, we’re providing clarity regarding location options in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location. When Location services is turned off, options like Default location and Allow location override are unavailable because apps and services aren’t receiving location info. To make that clearer, these options will now appear disabled (greyed out) until Location services is turned back on.
  • We have improved the reliability of navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

[File Explorer]

  • We have updated iconography placement in the File Explorer search box to be more consistent across different PCs.
Old search box.
Old search box.
New search box.
New search box.
Existing search box on a Copilot+ PC.
Existing search box on a Copilot+ PC.
  • Improved File Explorer reliability.
  • Improved navigation pane usage for Voice Access users.

[Windows Hello]

  • Improved reliability and performance of Windows Hello fingerprint after your PC wakes from sleep.

[Input]

  • Improved performance of opening clipboard history.

[Fonts]

  • We’ve made some font improvements, including updating the Leelawadee UI font family for the Thai, Lao, Khmer, and Lontara scripts to help improve glyph sequencing, positioning, and rendering for these scripts.

source: Windows Blogs

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