XBOX is rarely the focus of the Windows Wrap, but when reports claim clashes happened between the Windows and XBOX teams at Microsoft, gaming pushes itself to the front.
Over the last few years, we've seen XBOX and Windows 11 grow closer together. The Windows 11 experience on gaming handhelds has improved drastically since day one, though it still has a ways to go. The XBOX app on Windows has been updated several times to align more with the console experience, which has a trickle-down effect on all gaming handhelds that run on Windows.
But despite the growth of Windows 11, the operating system still falls short of the requirements of the XBOX team, at least according to the latest reports.
Biggest News of the Week
There are some caveats to this entire discussion. Notably, Microsoft's Xbox CTO, Scott Van Vliet, refutes the claims made by Fortune.
@WinC_Gaming Helix OS is being built on Windows, and the XBOX and Windows teams are working closely together on the next generation of devices. The account cited here misrepresents both the technical work and the relationship between the teams.October 21, 2026
Van Vliet said that Helix OS is "being built on Windows." He did not say that Helix OS is Windows. For what it's worth, I don't think we'll ever see an operating system called "Helix OS." But his post makes it clear that the OS powering Project Helix is built on Windows. That's not the same as saying it is Windows. At minimum, it's highly unlikely the Xbox will run the traditional Windows desktop you see on laptops and desktops.
Microsoft has used a customized version of Windows for several generations of XBOX hardware. The Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles already run an operating system that's built on Windows. Even the original XBOX ran an OS based on Windows, though the Xbox One ran an operating system much closer to Windows.
I asked Van Vliet if Project Helix is an evolution of the OS XBOX consoles already run or a freshly made custom OS, but he did not respond.
Microsoft has never specified that Project Helix will run Windows 11 and the Windows desktop, but several reports have suggested that was the plan for the console.
His post on X argues that the original report "misrepresents both the technical work and the relationship between the teams." For a moment, let's assume that's accurate and that the Windows and XBOX teams are working side-by-side in harmony. There's still a clear implication that Microsoft no longer views Windows 11 and the desktop as the right starting points for an operating system for Project Helix.
Earlier reports about Project Helix said the next generation of XBOX would run a customized version of Windows 11, much like the Xbox Ally and other gaming handhelds. It appears Microsoft has changed plans, though it's still not clear to what extent.
If you've used a gaming handheld running Windows 11, you may even agree with the sentiment that the OS is not the best starting point for a console gaming experience. Some of the best gaming handhelds are held back by Windows rather than boosted by it. For example, the out-of-the-box experience for the ROG XBOX Ally X20 is terrible because you have to go through three different sets of updates.
Shifting from Windows 11 powering XBOX consoles to those devices running an OS built on Windows is a massive change of plans. Though ironically, it's not much of a change from what Microsoft already does with XBOX.
Project Helix has reportedly slipped into 2028, so it may be a while before Microsoft explains exactly what changed.
Shopping with Sean
This week's biggest news may be about XBOX and gaming, but my top shopping recommendations of the week are laptops. Whether you want an Intel chip or a Snapdragon processor, there are great deals available.
"At a glance, it might feel like the Zenbook A14 didn't change at all, but upgrading to the Snapdragon X2 Elite gave it a massive CPU performance bump." — Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
"The Dell XPS 13 returns as an excellent Windows-based answer to the MacBook Neo. It’s an excellent option for students or mainstream users who don’t need more CPU or GPU muscle." — Matt Safford, Managing Editor, Tom's Hardware
On October 13, 2026, Microsoft made available its latest cumulative update (KB5127648) for Windows 11 with several new improvements, including an option to always launch apps maximized, the ability to remap the Copilot key with new options, a new "Tips" widget, and additional touchpad controls. However, the update also includes a smaller set of improvements that may have gone unnoticed.
While this month's features have already received plenty of attention, some less prominent changes could still make a difference. The October update improves Bluetooth reliability, fixes mouse stuttering in some games, restores fingerprint sign-in on affected devices, and addresses printing and Always On VPN connection issues.
Here are six improvements and fixes worth knowing about after installing the October 2026 Security Update for Windows 11.
1. Windows 11 improves Bluetooth reliability
This monthly update includes eight Bluetooth improvements designed to make connecting to and using Bluetooth devices more reliable.
During voice calls, the system now shows the volume flyout when you adjust the volume using the controls on a compatible Bluetooth Classic Audio accessory, giving you visual feedback on the new volume level.
The update also improves how the operating system reports the connection status of disconnected Bluetooth accessories. It fixes an issue where the Bluetooth radio could be turned off even though its toggle in the Bluetooth and devices page in Settings still appeared to be on. Microsoft has also improved the stability of this Settings page when managing Bluetooth and audio devices.
For audio, the update improves microphone compatibility with certain Bluetooth Classic Audio accessories and makes shared audio more reliable.
It also fixes a crash (error code 0x139) that could happen while streaming Bluetooth audio and improves the reliability and performance of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE Audio) accessories.
2. Fingerprint sign-in works again after a cold boot
This release also fixes an issue that could prevent Windows Hello fingerprint sign-in from working after a cold boot on some computers.
Fingerprint authentication is convenient because it lets you sign in quickly without entering a password or PIN. However, a problem that appears after a full shutdown can make the feature unreliable.
If fingerprint sign-in fails after you power on your computer from a full shutdown, installing the update may resolve the problem.
3. Microsoft fixes mouse stuttering in some games
The October update (KB5127648) fixes an issue that could cause mouse input to stutter in some games. This problem can make aiming, camera movement, and other actions feel inconsistent, particularly in games that require precise input.
Since this fix targets an specific bug, it doesn't guarantee a solution for every mouse stuttering or performance issue.
4. Windows 11 fixes printing problems with certain drivers
Microsoft has also addressed a printing problem that could affect some apps and devices using RAW or Generic Text Only printer drivers after installing the August 2026 Security Update.
These driver configurations are used in certain printing environments, and the issue could prevent some print jobs from completing successfully.
Users affected by this problem should install KB5127648, then test their apps and printers again to confirm the problem has been resolved.
5. Always On VPN connections become more reliable
In addition, this rollout fixes an Always On VPN issue introduced by the earlier KB5124008 update.
On affected systems, automatic protocol selection or protocol fallback could leave a VPN connection stuck on Connecting or cause the initial connection attempt to fail. Subsequent attempts could also show the "The specified port is already in use" error message.
These problems can prevent users from establishing a reliable VPN connection, especially in managed business environments where remote access is essential.
6. File Explorer no longer crashes in certain multi-user environments
The update also fixes a File Explorer problem affecting some multi-user environments, including Azure Virtual Desktop deployments that use FSLogix.
On affected systems, "explorer.exe" could fail to start after sign-in or repeatedly crash, potentially leaving users with a black screen.
How to install the October 2026 update
The October 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 should install automatically, but it can be installed from Settings > Windows Update by clicking the "Check for updates" button.
The update is available for versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2, with builds 26300.9711, 26200.9711, and 26100.9711, respectively.
However, keep in mind that Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reached the end of support with this security update released on October 13. This means that 24H2 will no longer receive security fixes and improvements, nor will the company continue offering support.
If you're still on version 24H2, I highly recommend upgrading to the latest version. Since versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2 share the same core system, switching versions only requires the latest updates for the current version and the enablement package, both of which should be available for download through Windows Update settings.
Windows Central's Take
Although the October update includes features and changes that are easier to notice, the smaller fixes can be just as useful when they address problems that disrupt your workflow. The Bluetooth improvements stand out because they cover several areas, from connection status and Settings reliability to audio compatibility and crashes.
The fixes for fingerprint sign-in, gaming, printing, and VPN connections are more specific, but they could make a difference to affected users. If you've experienced any of these problems, it's recommended to install this month's update as soon as possible.
Have you noticed any of these issues on your device? Let me know in the comments.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
PowerToys, the "Swiss Army knife" of Windows 11, is now available in version 0.102, introducing several features designed to improve your desktop experience.
This release adds Mouse Button Lock to make dragging and selecting items easier, while CursorHide automatically hides the mouse pointer under specific conditions. Command Palette also gets an update with quick access to frequently used commands. In addition, PowerToys expands its command-line and automation features, and ZoomIt now lets you use voice input to set image descriptions.
In this guide, I'll highlight the five new features and improvements in PowerToys version 0.102 and explain how they can help you get more out of Windows 11.
1. Mouse Button Lock for easy dragging and selection
Selecting large groups of items or dragging files across the desktop can get tiring when you have to hold a mouse button down for an extended period. Starting with version 0.102, PowerToys introduced Mouse Button Lock to make these actions easier.
When this feature is enabled, you can press and hold a mouse button briefly, then release it. PowerToys keeps the button virtually held down, letting you keep selecting items or dragging files without physically holding the button. To release the hold, simply click any mouse button.
Mouse Button Lock can help when you're working with large file selections, moving items, or doing tasks that require extended dragging. It can also improve accessibility for people who have difficulty holding a mouse button down for long periods.
You can enable the feature in PowerToys > Input & Output > Mouse Utilities by turning on the "Mouse Button Lock" toggle switch.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
From the "Buttons and behavior" settings, you can decide whether the left, middle, or right button should lock while pressed.
The settings also let you choose the hold duration before the button is locked as pressed, and the drag threshold allows you to specify how far you can move the mouse before PowerToys cancels the Mouse Button Lock.
2. CursorHide for fewer cursor interruptions
PowerToys also introduces a second mouse utility, CursorHide, which lets you hide the mouse pointer while you're typing, after a period of inactivity, or both.
CursorHide is useful when the mouse pointer gets in the way of what you're doing on the screen. For example, hiding the pointer while typing makes it easier to focus on text without the cursor covering words or other elements.
You can enable the feature in PowerToys > Input & Output > Mouse Utilities by turning on the "CursorHide" toggle switch.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
In the "Activation and behavior" settings, you can choose to hide after keyboard input and set the cursor to hide after a period of inactivity.
3. Command Palette quick access to favorites
If you use Command Palette, this update rolls out an update to Compact mode that lets you pin frequently used commands under the search box.
Once you pin an item, you can launch it with the "Alt + 1" through "Alt + 9" shortcut or select it without running it with the "Alt + Shift + number" shortcut.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
It's also possible to drag items to reorder them, right-click to access more options, and display recent apps and commands.
4. PowerToys expands command-line support
PowerToys version 0.102 expands its command-line capabilities, allowing you to control more utilities, automate tasks, and retrieve information directly from Command Prompt or PowerShell.
The update adds CLI commands for Advanced Paste, Light Switch, Settings, Peek, and PowerDisplay. These commands let you run actions, manage light and dark mode settings, turn utilities on or off, preview files and folders, and retrieve display information in script-friendly formats.
These additions are especially useful for automating repetitive tasks, creating scripts, or controlling PowerToys utilities without opening their graphical interfaces.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
Here's a list of the new command-line support you can use with PowerShell:
Advanced Paste: PowerToys.AdvancedPaste.CLI.exe
Light Switch: PowerToys.LightSwitch.CLI.exe
Settings: PowerToys.Settings.CLI.exe
Peek: PowerToys.Peek.UI.exe
PowerDisplay: PowerToys.PowerDisplay.CLI.exe
To learn about the options for each command, use the "--help" command. For example, PowerToys.LightSwitch.CLI.exe -- help.
If, for example, LightSwitch is enabled, you can switch to dark mode with the PowerToys.LightSwitch.CLI.exe dark command.
You can use the command to manage it, but you must enable the utility in PowerToys settings first.
5. ZoomIt adds screenshot dictation
Finally, ZoomIt now lets you dictate a description while capturing a screenshot, making it easier to document what's on the screen without typing the text separately.
To use the feature, open PowerToys > System Tools > ZoomIt, turn on the feature, and then under the "Snip" section, turn on the "Snip with dictation" toggle.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
Once you have done that, drag to select an area of the screen, press the "Space" key, and describe what you're capturing. ZoomIt transcribes your speech locally, allowing you to paste the screenshot and its accompanying text together.
The feature uses the microphone selected in the "Record" settings.
Wrap up
PowerToys 0.102 is a surprisingly and unusually interesting update, despite the simple version-number change. The popular app serves as a clear reminder of how much Windows 11 continues to evolve thanks to community-driven tools — these additions make everyday workflows smoother and show how Microsoft’s open‑source ecosystem continues to fill gaps the OS itself doesn’t yet cover.
Whether you’re a power user or just someone who loves small quality‑of‑life upgrades, this release proves that Windows can still surprise you with clever, genuinely useful features.
What’s the most interesting feature in this rollout? Let me know in the comments!
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
Vous utilisez un ordinateur fixe et un portable côte à côte, mais vous devez changer de clavier ou de souris à chaque passage de l’un à l’autre ? Souris sans frontières, ou Mouse Without Borders, permet de piloter plusieurs PC Windows avec les mêmes périphériques.
Cet utilitaire gratuit intégré à Microsoft PowerToys fait passer le pointeur d’un ordinateur à l’autre par le bord de l’écran. Il propose aussi le partage du presse-papiers et le transfert de petits fichiers, ce qui simplifie le travail entre deux machines.
Ce tutoriel explique comment utiliser un seul clavier et une seule souris sur deux PC, configurer leur connexion, ajuster les options utiles et résoudre les problèmes les plus courants sous Windows 11 et Windows 10.
Qu’est-ce que Souris sans frontières de PowerToys ?
Souris sans frontières partage le contrôle du clavier et de la souris entre jusqu’à quatre ordinateurs. Chaque PC conserve son système, ses applications et son affichage : vous pilotez simplement celui sur lequel se trouve le pointeur.
Imaginez un PC fixe à gauche et un portable à droite. Vous travaillez dans le navigateur du fixe, puis vous faites passer la souris vers le portable pour répondre à un message. Le clavier sert alors à saisir le texte dans l’application du portable. Les deux ordinateurs continuent de fonctionner indépendamment.
Il ne faut donc pas confondre cet usage avec l’ajout d’un deuxième écran au même PC. L’écran du portable n’agrandit pas le bureau du fixe. De même, le déplacement du pointeur ne transporte pas une application Windows d’un système à l’autre.
Votre besoin
Ce que permet l’outil
Passer du fixe au portable sans changer de périphériques
Partager le clavier et la souris.
Copier une phrase sur un PC et la coller sur l’autre
Partager le presse-papiers, si l’option est activée.
Transmettre ponctuellement un petit document
Transférer un fichier, dans les limites précisées plus bas.
Afficher le bureau d’un ordinateur distant sur son propre écran
Ce besoin relève d’un outil de bureau à distance.
Utiliser un ordinateur sans démarrer Windows
Ce besoin relève d’une solution matérielle adaptée ; PowerToys doit fonctionner dans Windows.
Préparer les deux ordinateurs
Pour suivre ce guide, installez PowerToys sur les deux machines et utilisez de préférence la même version stable. La version actuelle de PowerToys demande Windows 11 ou Windows 10 version 2004 au minimum, avec un processeur x64 ou ARM64. Un ancien Windows 32 bits ne convient pas à ce parcours.
Reliez les deux PC à votre réseau local de confiance. L’un peut utiliser Ethernet et l’autre le Wi-Fi, à condition qu’ils puissent communiquer.
Évitez le réseau Wi-Fi invité pour la configuration : certains routeurs y isolent les appareils.
Ouvrez une session Windows sur chaque machine et lancez PowerToys.
Gardez les commandes locales du portable ou un périphérique de secours accessible pendant le premier essai.
Le nom du PC et la clé d’association servent à relier les appareils. Aucun partage de dossier Windows n’est à créer pour commencer : ce guide ne vous demande pas d’activer SMB ni de rendre tous vos fichiers accessibles sur le réseau.
Sur votre réseau domestique, vérifiez également le profil réseau et les autorisations de l’application. Choisir le profil Privé n’est pertinent que pour un réseau auquel vous faites confiance, jamais pour contourner les protections d’un Wi-Fi public.
Dans l’interface française de PowerToys, le module apparaît sous le nom Souris sans frontières, dans Entrée et sortie. L’aide Microsoft emploie aussi son nom anglais, Mouse Without Borders.
Sur le premier ordinateur, ouvrez les paramètres PowerToys.
Développez Entrée et sortie, puis choisissez Souris sans frontières.
Activez l’utilitaire.
Utilisez Nouvelle clé (New key) pour préparer l’association.
Relevez la clé de sécurité et le nom de l’ordinateur affichés.
Pour notre exemple, le premier ordinateur s’appelle PC-BUREAU et le second PC-PORTABLE. Utilisez les noms réellement affichés chez vous, sans remplacer celui de la machine par le nom de votre compte Microsoft.
La clé permet d’associer les ordinateurs. Ne la laissez pas visible dans une capture publiée ou dans un message sur un forum. Générer une nouvelle clé réinitialise les connexions actuelles : évitez de le faire à chaque essai de reconnexion.
Associer le deuxième PC
Sur le deuxième ordinateur, lancez PowerToys et activez le même utilitaire.
Dans la zone de connexion, saisissez le nom du premier PC et sa clé de sécurité.
Cliquez sur Connecter (Connect).
Attendez l’état connecté avant de tester le passage du pointeur.
Ne confondez pas les champs : sur le portable, vous renseignez les informations du PC que vous souhaitez rejoindre. Si la connexion échoue, commencez par revérifier la saisie plutôt que de modifier plusieurs réglages réseau simultanément.
Organiser les PC et passer de l’un à l’autre
Une fois la connexion établie, arrangez les appareils dans la disposition pour reproduire leur position sur votre bureau. Si le portable est à droite du fixe, placez-le également à droite dans l’utilitaire. Ce repère évite de chercher le pointeur sur le mauvais écran.
Déplacez les icônes des ordinateurs pour définir leur position.
Placez le pointeur au centre du premier écran, puis franchissez le bord du côté du second PC.
Ouvrez le Bloc-notes sur le PC atteint et saisissez quelques mots pour vérifier que le clavier suit.
Revenez sur le premier ordinateur pour confirmer le fonctionnement dans les deux sens.
Pour vos premiers essais, utilisez des fenêtres ordinaires. Une fenêtre exécutée en administrateur, un jeu ou une machine virtuelle en plein écran peut compliquer le diagnostic initial.
Le passage au bord de l’écran se règle avec l’option Easy Mouse, dont le libellé peut être traduit. Vous pouvez notamment conditionner ce passage à l’appui sur Maj ou Ctrl afin de limiter les changements involontaires. Vérifiez les raccourcis configurés dans votre installation plutôt que de supposer qu’ils sont identiques sur tous les PC.
Si vous jouez ou travaillez en plein écran, ajustez le blocage du passage dans cette situation. Pour un bureau avec des écrans de tailles très différentes, essayez le déplacement relatif si le trajet du pointeur vous paraît peu naturel. Modifiez un réglage à la fois, puis refaites le même parcours pour comparer.
Partager le presse-papiers et transférer des fichiers
Copier du texte entre les ordinateurs
Activez le partage du presse-papiers sur les machines concernées. Pour vérifier son fonctionnement, utilisez d’abord une simple phrase : cela permet de distinguer un problème de connexion d’un problème lié à un type de contenu.
Dans le Bloc-notes du premier PC, écrivez une phrase et copiez-la avec Ctrl + C.
Passez sur le deuxième PC avec la souris.
Ouvrez son Bloc-notes et collez avec Ctrl + V.
Effectuez ensuite le test en sens inverse.
Réservez cette fonction aux appareils entre lesquels vous acceptez de partager les données copiées. Un mot de passe, un code de connexion ou une information personnelle peut également se retrouver dans le presse-papiers. Désactivez ce partage lorsque vous n’en avez pas l’usage.
Copier un petit fichier
Le transfert de fichiers dépend du partage du presse-papiers et de son option dédiée. La limite documentée est un fichier à la fois, de 100 Mo maximum. Pour commencer, choisissez un petit fichier local sans importance, puis vérifiez sa présence sur le PC destinataire.
Activez le partage du presse-papiers et le transfert de fichiers.
Dans l’Explorateur du premier ordinateur, copiez un seul fichier avec Ctrl + C.
Passez sur le second PC et ouvrez un dossier de destination.
Collez avec Ctrl + V, puis contrôlez le résultat avant d’effacer quoi que ce soit sur le PC source.
Pour plusieurs fichiers ou un dossier, regroupez-les dans une archive ZIP avant l’envoi, en vérifiant que cette archive respecte encore la limite de taille. Pour un gros transfert, utilisez plutôt un partage de fichiers adapté ; Souris sans frontières ne remplace pas une solution de sauvegarde ou de synchronisation.
Pour l’usage courant, commencez sans le mode service. L’option Utiliser le service répond surtout au besoin de contrôler les applications exécutées avec élévation de privilèges et l’écran de verrouillage d’un autre PC.
Son activation demande de lancer PowerToys en administrateur. Le service fonctionne avec le compte système : accordez ce contrôle uniquement entre des machines de confiance, en connaissance de ce qu’il permet. Le mode service ne corrige pas une clé erronée ni un blocage réseau.
Avant de l’activer, confirmez que le passage entre deux fenêtres ordinaires fonctionne. Vous éviterez ainsi de mélanger un problème de droits et un problème d’association. Sur un PC professionnel, respectez les règles de l’organisation ; certains réglages peuvent être imposés ou grisés.
Souris sans frontières ne fonctionne pas : que vérifier ?
Les ordinateurs ne se connectent pas
Reprenez les vérifications dans cet ordre et retestez après chaque correction :
Vérifiez que PowerToys et le module sont actifs sur les deux PC, qui doivent être allumés et disponibles.
Contrôlez le nom du PC distant et la clé actuellement utilisée.
Vérifiez le réseau local : le Wi-Fi invité, l’isolation entre clients ou un VPN peuvent empêcher les échanges.
Dans la section dépannage du module, utilisez la commande d’ajout d’une règle de pare-feu pour Souris sans frontières.
Une fois le blocage corrigé, utilisez Actualiser les connexions plutôt que de recréer immédiatement la clé.
Conservez le pare-feu actif et contrôlez l’autorisation de l’application sur le bon profil. Sur une machine gérée par une entreprise, demandez la vérification de cette autorisation au lieu de supprimer les restrictions.
Si le doute concerne la communication entre les appareils, un test réseau peut aider. Un ping réussi montre que la cible répond aux requêtes ICMP, mais ne prouve pas que le module est autorisé. À l’inverse, un ping bloqué ne démontre pas à lui seul que le PC est inaccessible à toute application.
La connexion fonctionne, mais le contrôle ou le collage échoue
Symptôme
Premier contrôle
Le pointeur ne passe pas sur le bon PC
Vérifiez la disposition et les conditions d’activation du passage au bord.
Le problème concerne seulement une fenêtre administrateur
Examinez le besoin du mode service après avoir testé une fenêtre ordinaire.
Le clavier ne suit plus dans une session distante ou une machine virtuelle en plein écran
Quittez le plein écran ou changez de fenêtre pour isoler le problème ; examinez ensuite l’option de masquage du pointeur au bord.
La souris fonctionne, mais le texte ne se colle pas
Revérifiez le partage du presse-papiers des deux côtés, puis testez une phrase simple dans le Bloc-notes.
Le texte se colle, mais pas le fichier
Vérifiez l’option de transfert, le nombre de fichiers, leur emplacement local et la limite de 100 Mo.
Le problème apparaît après une veille ou une coupure réseau
Vérifiez que les PC sont réveillés et reconnectés, puis actualisez les connexions.
Si le presse-papiers reste bloqué malgré des réglages corrects, relancez PowerToys sur les deux machines et refaites le test minimal. Si le problème revient, notez la version installée, les options actives et le contenu qui déclenche l’échec avant de chercher un signalement correspondant. Cela évite de traiter un comportement propre à une version comme un problème général du réseau.
Désactiver le partage lorsque vous n’en avez plus besoin
Vous pouvez désactiver le module sur les PC concernés sans désinstaller l’ensemble de PowerToys. Pour conserver le contrôle du clavier et de la souris tout en réduisant les échanges de données, désactivez seulement le partage du presse-papiers ; le transfert de fichiers en dépend également.
Si vous avez activé le mode service, utilisez son option de désinstallation lorsque ce fonctionnement n’est plus nécessaire. Enfin, si la clé a été divulguée, générez-en une nouvelle et réassociez uniquement vos appareils de confiance.
Microsoft's redesigned File Explorer context menu could make navigating Windows 11 feel faster and more personal. The company has started testing a new right-click menu that reduces clutter by moving less common options out of the way while keeping frequently used actions easy to access.
That new context menu is available for Windows Insiders in the Beta channel. Microsoft also shipped four other Insider builds of Windows 11 today that includes
File Explorer (Beta)
Introducing the new, redesigned context menu in File Explorer
We're rolling out an updated context menu experience in File Explorer, designed to feel faster, cleaner, and easier to tailor to the way you work. The new design reduces top-level clutter, keeps commonly used actions easy to access, and adds a new Settings experience that gives you more control over what appears in the menu. As we continue refining this experience with Insider feedback, our goal is to make right-click feel more responsive, predictable, and personal.
We've also added a new teaching tip you might see as a first-time experience to help you learn about the customization options.
Settings (Beta)
We're making performance improvements to the Settings home page which should result in reduced loading times in certain scenarios.
Windows Insider Program (Experimental)
We've added the ability to filter Feature flags by enablement state.
Quick Settings (Experimental)
We're beginning to roll out a new Mobile devices experience in Quick Settings, making it easier to take quick phone actions (such as ring your phone) without breaking your flow on Windows.
With your supported Android phone connected, everyday actions are now just a click away. You can turn Do Not Disturb on before a meeting, change your phone's ringer mode, and play a sound to find your phone nearby.
It's a simpler, faster way to manage your phone from the place you already use for quick Windows actions, helping your PC and phone work better together throughout the day.
Capabilities can vary by phone platform and device configuration. The initial experience provides the most complete set of controls for Android phones, while iPhone support starts with a more limited status-focused experience.
Check your internet speed directly from Quick Settings
We're making it faster and easier to check the performance of your internet connection in Windows. Windows Insiders can now run an internet speed test and see the results directly in Quick Settings, without being redirected to a browser.
Start a test from the new Speed test Quick Setting, from the Wi-Fi or Cellular flyout, or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray and selecting Test internet speed. While the test runs, Quick Settings shows its progress and results, including download speed, upload speed, and ping.
Because the test runs against your active internet connection, you can quickly understand how your current connection is performing without leaving your workflow. This updated experience builds on the internet speed test we previously introduced for Windows Insiders, bringing the test and its results directly into Windows.
Magnifier (Experimental)
We've added a Keyboard shortcut for Magnifier toggle in Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier. It lets you choose whether pressing Windows logo key + Plus (+) launches Magnifier.
The shortcut stays on by default, so nothing changes unless you want it to. If you find that Magnifier starts by accident, or the shortcut conflicts with another app or keyboard layout, turn the toggle off. You can still start Magnifier from Settings, and you can turn the shortcut back on at any time.
Microsoft 365 subscription in Windows (Experimental)
We're introducing a new inline experience that makes it easier for Microsoft 365 subscribers to manage their subscriptions in Windows. Subscribers who have recurring billing turned off can now turn it back on directly in Windows Settings, without leaving for a separate webpage. To get started, select Turn on recurring billing or Set up recurring billing from the Windows Settings Home page, the Accounts page, or the Start menu.
File Explorer (Experimental)
Improved progress indication when navigating to locations that take longer to load, such as network drives, making it easier to see that loading is underway.
Narrator (Experimental)
Narrator now supports additional languages for math reading, including Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Norwegian (Bokmål), Polish, Russian, Swedish, and Vietnamese.
Widgets (Experimental)
The Widgets picker now has a standard Windows dialog frame and supports light and dark title bars. It also removes the blank space previously left for an icon.
Taskbar (Experimental)
Fixed an issue with the previous update where explorer.exe wouldn't load after logging in, preventing the taskbar and other elements that rely on it from loading.
Unicode (Beta 26H1, (Experimental (26H1))
This update provides Windows text shaping support for Unicode 17.0, helping Windows correctly display and shape newly encoded characters and scripts. Unicode 17.0 added 4,803 characters, including support for four newly encoded scripts: Beria Erfe, Sidetic, Tai Yo, and Tolong Siki. These updates help keep Windows text support current as the Unicode Standard evolves and improve support for languages and writing systems used by people around the world.
Start menu (Experimental (26H1))
This update makes the Start menu more personal with several customizations.
You can choose between a small or large Start menu, in addition to the Automatic (default) option that's available today. To customize this setting, go to Settings > Personalization > Start > Start menu size.
The Recommended section is renamed Recent in the Start menu and on the Start settings page (Settings > Personalization > Start).
You can now hide your name and profile picture in Start by going to Settings > Personalization > Start > Hide your name and profile picture on Start.
The Start menu settings page is now redesigned with section-level toggles to independently show or hide Pinned, Recent, and All.
Manage camera, microphone, and location access for desktop apps (Experimental (26H1))
Windows Insiders can now manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop apps. Previously, access for traditional desktop applications was managed through a single device-wide setting.
With this update, you can review and control access on an app-by-app basis, giving you greater visibility into which apps are requesting access to sensitive resources and more control over your privacy choices. Our goal is to make privacy permissions easier to understand and manage across the wide range of desktop apps people use every day.
Recovery (Experimental (26H1))
We're adding a new entry point for Cloud Rebuild under Settings > System > Recovery, making it easier to access the feature from Settings.
File Explorer (Experimental (26H1))
We've sharpened file thumbnails in the Recommended section on the Home page so they're crisper and easier to read.
A new contrast theme toggle for a lower-glare screen. If bright screens are uncomfortable, many people use color inversion to reduce glare. However, inversion changes everything on screen, including photos, charts, and videos. With this update, we're introducing a new contrast theme toggle in Magnifier.
Reduce glare with a single toggle. Turn on a contrast theme directly from the Magnifier toolbar for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Choose the contrast theme that works best for you. The dark theme is applied by default, and you can choose which contrast theme the toggle uses under Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.
Photos, videos, and charts keep their original colors. Unlike color inversion, the contrast theme recolors the interface without touching your photos, charts, or videos, so they keep their real colors.
Color inversion is still here. This isn't a replacement. If you use inversion today, it works exactly as it always has. The contrast theme is a separate, purpose-built option to reduce glare when you want a darker interface without inverting colors.
Family Safety (Experimental (Future Platforms))
Improved family safety messaging when applications are blocked because of age-restricted parental controls.
Windows Setup (Experimental (Future Platforms))
The digital safety of users and supporting families is central to how we think about the Windows experience. We're improving information on parental controls and their availability during Windows setup, so families can more easily understand available protections and make informed choices from the very beginning.
Network (Experimental (Future Platforms))
Fixed an issue causing internet access to stop working for some Insiders after the last two flights.
Hyper-V (Experimental (Future Platforms))
Fixed an issue where some applications that used HCS-managed virtual machines experienced issues when sharing host folders with Linux VMs using Plan9. Folders shared from the Windows host using Plan9 didn't appear or couldn't be accessed in the guest environment.
Other (Experimental (Future Platforms))
Fixed an issue causing some Insiders to see an unexpectedly high volume of ESENT events after the latest flights.
Fixed an underlying issue in the latest flights causing Insiders using VMware to experience frequent green screen bugchecks with error PFN_SHARE_COUNT.
Microsoft has been hard at work decluttering Windows 11. While those efforts continue, it seems Microsoft is putting more emphasis on improving the built-in Windows 11 apps as well. Even the Camera app received some updates recently.
File Explorer is a core part of the Windows 11 experience, so it's nice to see it being upgraded as well.
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Microsoft teste Project Pantheon, une mémoire IA pour Windows 11 qui ne retient que ce que vous sauvegardez, avec un serveur MCP ouvert à Claude et Cursor.
Avec l'application Tiny11 Builder, il devient facile de créer une image Tiny11 allégée adaptée aux ordinateurs vieillissants et incompatibles avec Windows 11.
Dans une pièce sombre ou pas très bien éclairée, la caméra de votre PC portable peut parfois avoir du mal à reconnaître votre visage et vous empêcher de vous connecter à Windows via la reconnaissance faciale de Windows Hello. Pour remédier à cela, Microsoft teste une nouvelle fonctionnalité qui augmente temporairement la luminosité de l’écran … Lire la suite
When Microsoft announced the first wave of RTX Spark laptops, many were intrigued by the superchips inside the PCs. But I went a bit more surface-level, pun intended. During the Windows and Surface event, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a striking wallpaper across the new laptops.
The wallpaper is reminiscent of Windows 11's Bloom wallpaper, but it stands out for having a single curve and contrasting colors. As much as I like the Bloom wallpaper, it's been remixed several times by Microsoft and enthusiasts, so it's time for a new Windows wallpaper.
Sadly, Microsoft did not release the image after unveiling the new laptops. I waited with anticipation for the release of the RTX Spark laptops, but even when the Surface Laptop Ultra review went live, the new wallpaper was nowhere to be found. Microsoft even mocks us by having a blacked-out version of the wallpaper on the retail listing of the Surface Laptop Ultra.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Desperate to get my hands on the new wallpaper, I scoured reviews of the ASUS ProArt P16, HP OmniBook Ultra 16, and Surface Laptop Ultra only to be disappointed.
But a hero emerged, saving me from settling for an AI recreation of the wallpaper. Discord user TechosaurusRex discovered the wallpaper in the app files for Microsoft's Retail Demo Experience. Seemingly, Microsoft's plan was to tease us by showing the wallpaper on display retail units but not include the image on purchased PCs.
Luckily, TechosaurusRex stepped up and shared the wallpaper, ending my quest. Sadly, the above version is compressed to ensure our site loads quickly. I'll share the full resolution version as soon as possible.
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Microsoft is working on a small yet meaningful change to the lock screen and sign-in experience on Windows 11 that will streamline the authentication process that users must go through to log into their desktop.
The current Windows sign-in flow requires the user to manually select the method of authentication they wish to use to login. If you've set up a PIN, face unlock, and fingerprint unlock, the only method of authentication that is active is the one you manually click on to use on the lock screen.
This is a huge gripe of mine, and it's super frustrating when you want to login using your face, but Windows has selected PIN or fingerprint. It means your webcam isn't looking for you in that moment, and you have to manually switch to face unlock to force Windows into checking for your face and logging in.
Well, it looks like this is finally changing. In the latest Windows 11 preview builds, a hidden feature ID enables a new experience that automates this. Now, by default, the PIN box is always on show, but face unlock and fingerprint unlock are also active and ready to authenticate at the same time.
No longer does the user need to manually choose their login method. (Image credit: Zac Bowden / Windows Central)
This means users no longer need to manually select the login method of their choice. Windows will automatically capture whichever biometric authentication method is set up, even when the PIN box is on screen. This also means the lock screen looks cleaner as a result, as the options to choose which authentication method you want to use is no longer displays as it's not necessary. It's also faster for those with biometric authentication enabled.
I really like this change, as it encourages Windows to keep trying my face unlock even if it fails the first time. Of course, there's an eventual timeout if it fails too many times, but I find it is able to log me in before it ever reaches that point. Also, being able to just type my PIN without having to manually select the PIN option first is also great.
Microsoft is yet to announce this new sign-in flow, but I suspect it won't be long until it's officially put into testing as it's already very polished and has been in the works for a number of months now. What do you think? Is this a good change for the Windows lock screen? Let us know in the comments.
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In what may be one of the year's least surprising stories, Microsoft's VP of Product Design, Diego Baca, has explained how AI is being used to help designers after being asked whether it's possible to launch a "fleet of viable agents" to address issues in Windows 11.
On AI agents, 100% agree. I’m not the best person to speak to the engineering side, but AI has already helped our design team accelerate significantly. We’re even seeing designers contribute directly to code fixes that improve craft, consistency, and quality. That’s exciting progress, and we’re only getting started.
Microsoft acknowledges Windows 11's longstanding design inconsistencies as AI helps accelerate improvements across the operating system. (Image credit: Microsoft)
“Consistency across Windows is something we all want, and it’s an active workstream we’re continuing to accelerate,” he explained.
And to be fair, I have to agree. Windows 11 is now five years old (that's made me feel so old), yet parts of the operating system still feel like they're lacking the modern stylings, almost as though some of it still belongs in Windows 7, or even earlier, as Windows Latest points out in its own take.
Don't get me wrong, Microsoft has made progress, particularly with its efforts to modernize Windows Search, Run, and other legacy interfaces using WinUI 3. But I do wish these inconsistencies had been addressed before Windows 11 launched, though perhaps I’m wishing for too much.
Baca also acknowledged the criticism, admitting, “Finally, I completely recognize that people expect more from Windows. We expect more from ourselves, too.”
Finally, he added that Microsoft hopes to “earn back your enthusiasm for Windows through what we deliver, not just what we say.” It’s a refreshingly open response, and one I massively appreciate. How do you feel about Diego Baca's comments? Let me know in the comments and be sure to take part in our poll below:
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Microsoft is testing a way to update Edge without forcing a restart, potentially letting you keep working while it switches to a more secure version.
Browser updates can interrupt your work, so you might put off restarting the browser. However, this can delay important security fixes. Microsoft's solution aims to solve both problems by updating Edge in the background while keeping compatible tabs open.
The project is still an early experiment, not a feature you can use today. Microsoft says the prototype isn't part of Edge's production code or the Chromium project.
Microsoft wants Edge updates to be seamless
Currently, browser updates require a restart to safely switch to a newer version. Although Microsoft Edge can restore your open tabs afterward, restarting can still interrupt your work. Microsoft's prototype aims to change that by downloading an update in the background and moving the browser and its supporting processes to the newer version while keeping your work available.
For example, imagine you're filling out a long online form when a security update becomes available. Instead of asking you to restart Edge and interrupt your work, the browser would update in the background while you continue working.
Microsoft demonstrated the prototype in a video, and when the company clicked the "Update" button, the browser switched to the new version while keeping compatible tabs open. Eventually, the goal is to apply updates automatically without requiring users to click anything.
One limitation is that existing tabs can stay open only if they're compatible with the new version. Other tabs will switch to the updated version when you navigate to them.
AI makes faster security updates more important
(Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)
The project isn't only about convenience. Microsoft notes that AI is accelerating vulnerability discovery and changing the pace of attacks, increasing the need to roll out security fixes more quickly. The company describes the time between a security fix becoming available and an update being applied as the "patch gap." During this period, users who don't install the fix remain vulnerable.
A security update can only protect you after apply it. Restarts add friction to that gap: people may keep a browser open for days because they are in the middle of something important.
Microsoft
The requirement to restart the browser can also make the problem worse when people postpone updates because they don't want interruptions. As a result, applying security updates faster could reduce the time users remain exposed to known vulnerabilities.
So, when can we use it?
This isn't built into the current version of the browser, so don't go through the settings trying to find the option. Microsoft says that the prototype isn't part of the browser or the Chromium project. Instead, the company is sharing its work early and inviting developers and other organizations to collaborate on this project.
Edge already has an update option for idle devices
(Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)
While the company continues developing its new update mechanism, Microsoft Edge already offers a feature called "Restart to update on idle," previously known as "Instant Updates."
The feature restarts Edge when your device is idle, installs the update, and reopens your tabs. It still requires a restart, but the interruption happens when you're not using the browser.
What's next?
For now, Microsoft Edge's existing update options help reduce delays, while the seamless-updates prototype offers a glimpse of what could come next. Microsoft hasn't announced when, or whether, this approach will become available. The company is sharing the prototype early to encourage collaboration with the community.
However, we'll have to wait and see whether the concept will make it into a future version of the browser. What are your thoughts on this new way to update the browser? Let me know in the comments.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
In this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden regroup following a week of extensive hands-on hardware testing and benchmarking. The central focus is the initial review wave for the Surface Laptop Ultra and the broader Nvidia RTX Spark mobile platform.
Zac details his full review of the Surface Laptop Ultra, highlighting its MacBook-inspired design improvements, haptic touchpad, outstanding audio, sleep battery efficiency, and magnetic USB-C connector—while contrasting its 2,000-nit Mini-LED display against competing Tandem OLED panels. Daniel shares first impressions of two rival RTX Spark flagships: the ultralight 3.9 lb ASUS ProArt P16 and the robust HP OmniBook Ultra 16.
The hosts dig into real-world local AI and agentic workflows (including tests with Hermes Agent and local LLMs), explain the critical architectural advantage of configurable unified memory allocations for GPUs, discuss gaming performance with DLSS/frame gen, and showcase the newly launched ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 handheld console bundle featuring XREAL AR glasses.
This episode of the Windows Central Podcast is sponsored by Surfshark VPN. Unlimited devices, access your content from anywhere, and auto-block malware on Windows, Edge, and other platforms from $2.50/mo, with 3 months extra FREE. Sign up today!
[01:44] – Introduction: Daniel and Zac kick off Episode 407, outlining their week spent benchmarking and testing retail RTX Spark laptops and handhelds.
[05:51] – Surface Laptop Ultra Design & Build: Zac breaks down the chassis aesthetics, MacBook Pro styling parallels, lack of a notch, seamless lid lip design, and weight (4.5 lbs).
[08:00] – The Mini-LED Display: Deep dive into Microsoft’s 2,000-nit Mini-LED panel, evaluating ghosting zones (1,344 dimming zones), glossy reflections, and comparisons to Tandem OLED screens.
[13:09] – Battery Life & Standby Sleep Performance: Real-world longevity on the 92 Wh battery (10–12 hours light use) and standout sleep endurance matching Apple Silicon.
[15:18] – Magnetic Breakaway USB-C: Testing the breakaway angle, data capabilities, and custom charging brick interoperability.
[18:04] – RTX Spark CPU & Gaming Benchmarks: Breakdown of 20-core multi-threaded CPU output versus single-core scores, plus gaming results with DLSS in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 (approaching RTX 4070/5060 laptop levels).
[25:59] – Local AI & Unified Memory Allocation: Why configurable system RAM sharing to the GPU CUDA cores enables large local LLM deployment that traditional gaming laptops cannot match.
[29:11] – Agentic AI Experiments: Practical workflows with Hermes Agent, desktop automation in Photoshop, automatic folder cleanup, and local data safety risks.
[46:00] – Speakers, Haptics & Missing Copilot+ Features: Praise for the class-leading haptic signals and audio alongside the notable delay of Windows Recall and semantic search on RTX Spark.
[53:56] – ASUS ProArt P16 Review Preview: Daniel highlights the 3.9 lb featherweight design, dual-fan thermals, 4K anti-reflective touch options, and port selection.
[58:50] – HP OmniBook Ultra 16 Breakdown: Frame build quality, rear tower exhaust design, Zero-Lattice Gen 2 keyboard, and compact 140W GaN charger.
[01:06:08] – PCIe SSD Speed Shootout: Massive speed discrepancies across devices—Surface’s 14,000 MB/s drive vs. HP's 10,000 MB/s and ASUS’s variable read speeds.
[01:14:55] – ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 Handheld Impressions: Translucent chassis, 7.4-inch 120Hz anti-reflective OLED panel, Z2 Extreme performance, and testing the bundle with XREAL AR glasses.
[01:24:02] – Live Audience Q&A: Viewer questions regarding boot/restart bugs, NVMe expansion, OneDrive Microsoft 365 storage allocation backlash, and future low-tier RTX Spark silicon.
Have a question you want us to answer on the podcast? Send it to us at [email protected]
Microsoft just celebrated 12 years of the Windows Insider Program by sharing a collection of wallpapers. But the origin of those wallpapers has drawn a bit of criticism. It turns out that they were not made on a Surface Laptop Ultra or, in fact, any Windows 11 device. Instead, they were created using a Mac.
Rafael Rivera checked the properties of the wallpapers and noticed that they were created using the Mac version of Adobe Photoshop.
New Windows Insider email: "we created new backgrounds for all Insiders inspired by 12 years of the Windows Insider Program and the latest Surface design aesthetic"https://t.co/4gzu6wPcWOCreated on a Mac. https://t.co/0d8HgHlvh0October 15, 2026
Rivera noted in a follow-up post on X that the images were made by Microsoft's in-house design team. If accurate, that precludes the possibility of a contracted company happening to use Macs in their normal workflow and being commissioned to make the images.
Even if the images were made by a contracted company, Microsoft would have a little bit of egg on its face because that would indicate that even a creator that works with Microsoft prefers to use an Apple product.
Windows Central take
I don't think this is a big deal, but the situation has emerged at an awkward time. Microsoft is in the middle of refreshing Windows 11. The tech giant just shared a massive blog post positioning Windows 11 as a selling point to buy a new PC.
Having Windows Insider wallpapers created on a Mac opens the door to jokes like "even Microsoft staff prefer Mac."
It's perfectly reasonable for Microsoft to use tools created by another company. It's not as if Microsoft should force its design team to use the new Photos app instead of Photoshop. Creators, and any worker, need to use tools that can get the job done.
But considering Adobe Photoshop is available on Windows 11, it's a bit strange that Microsoft couldn't send a few Windows 11 PCs over to its design team.
Alternatively, Microsoft could call up ASUS and make a deal to get some ProArt P16 laptops to the design team. Our friends at Tom's Guide said "The ASUS ProArt P16 is an outstanding laptop for creativity."
If you thought the Copilot+ PC promise of NPU-powered local AI experiences was dead, I wouldn't blame you. Microsoft has been slow to build out NPU-based AI features on Windows 11, with Click To Do and Semantic Search being the last Copilot+ PC exclusive features to launch over a year ago.
But that seems to be finally changing with "Hybrid intelligence," a part of which is being built directly into the Copilot app on Windows 11 and will intelligently route AI tasks and experiences between on-device processing and the cloud on Copilot+ PCs. Here's what's coming soon to Windows 11:
Local context: With your permission, Copilot can understand relevant content on your PC, including files and recent activity, bringing local context into the flow of work.
Local actions: Copilot can take action on your behalf across Windows, helping complete tasks like organizing files, assessing device diagnostics, troubleshooting issues, coding, and carrying out workflows directly on your device.
Local models: Copilot can tap into AI models running on your PC, using local compute for the right tasks while combining it with cloud intelligence when needed.
Hybrid Intelligence looks to be a natural evolution of Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft is finally giving this AI hardware more to do, with the ability to reach out to the cloud when required for more complex workloads. These Hybrid Intelligence features enhance the new Copilot Home, Code, and Autopilot experiences that were recently announced.
"Copilot understands your PC, takes action with your permission, and uses local models when it makes sense, with you in control at every step," Microsoft says. "Copilot features powered by hybrid intelligence are expected to begin rolling out on Copilot+ PCs in the coming months."
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Microsoft says Hybrid intelligence requires Copilot+ PC compatibility, which naturally implies that these new AI experiences will lean on the NPU for local processing, as that's one of the hardware requirements for meeting the Copilot+ PC feature bar.
Microsoft believes that a hybrid approach to AI will be the way forward for computing. It's important for PCs to have local AI compute power and capabilities to reduce pressure on data centers, and it's also important for privacy and security reasons too.
Agents on Windows are being heavily pushed as a local AI experience, though it requires PCs with powerful GPUs and lots of system memory to really take advantage of. The NPU is not powerful enough to handle most large language models at current, and so is reserved for less power intensive tasks and automations.
The company has also announced Aion Instruct, an on-device AI model that replaces Phi Silica and runs on not just the NPU, but GPU and even CPU in some cases. It's a small language model capable of handling text generation, instruction following, and web tasks.
Microsoft has confirmed that the Copilot+ PC brand is going away as a marketing asset, but it will continue to exist as a feature set. OEMs and Microsoft itself have stopped calling their new Surface PCs Copilot+ PCs, even though they are all Copilot+ PC compatible.
Now, the Copilot+ PC moniker is simply a checkbox on a spec sheet, and it looks like Hybrid intelligence PCs is the new marketing term that Microsoft wants to get in front of as many people as possible.
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Microsoft just celebrated 12 years of the Windows Insider Program by sharing special wallpapers with Insiders. The images are all reminiscent of the Windows Bloom wallpaper that ships with Windows 11 and that has been remixed several times by Microsoft and enthusiasts.
I'm partial toward the blue version, likely because I learned how to use a PC on Windows 95. There are also white, green, orange, and purple variants as well as several dark-theme wallpapers.
This direct download link should get you all of the wallpapers, but you should also see them in an email from Microsoft if you're a Windows Insider.
Microsoft shared the following message alongside the wallpapers:
"Thank you for 12 incredible years, Windows Insiders!
From exciting program changes to meetups that brought us together in the past year, you're at the heart of it all. As a thank-you, we created new backgrounds for all Insiders inspired by 12 years of the Windows Insider Program and the latest Surface design aesthetic."
The Windows Insider Program has been around for 12 years, but it has shifted in structure in that time. I've been an Insider since the beginning, as have many members of our team at Windows Central. In that time, we've seen everything from major Windows features not being tested with Windows Insiders to feedback directly shaping the future of Windows.
Windows Insider meetups also returned this year, giving the community a chance to meet in person and interact with the Windows product team directly. The first Windows Insider meetup was in Seattle, Washington. Later, events took place in New York City (USA), Hyderabad (India), Taipei (Taiwan), San Francisco (USA), and London (UK).
I'm happy to see the Windows Insider Program on the right track. Microsoft is engaging with the community and shaping Windows 11 based on feedback.
Microsoft has shown the positive impact of listening to feedback through its recent changes to Xbox. Sometimes grabbing low-hanging fruit and addressing the top community concerns is exactly what's needed.
The wallpapers shared by Microsoft are a small gesture thanking Windows Insiders, but such gestures can go a long way. Ignored Insiders become Insiders who disengage from the Windows Insider Program, and that hurts all Windows users in the long run.
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