Latest news with #DevChannel
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Microsoft releases first preview of Windows 11 25H2 update for these users
Microsoft has released the first version of this year's Windows 11 update called the 25H2. As announced by the company, the 2025 update is now available to Windows insiders. Announcing the new build in a blog post, the company said 'Today, Windows 11, version 25H2 became available to the Windows Insider community, in advance of broader availability planned for the second half of 2025.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Get ready for a reset of the 36-month support lifecycle for Enterprise and Education editions and the 24-month lifecycle for Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstation editions,' it further added. The blog states that the 25H2 update installation package is 40% smaller than the previous version. Another improvement coming with the version is the Windows shared servicing branch. This capability applies the same technology used for the monthly update process to the annual feature updates. 'This process is called "feature updates via servicing," and the updates are implemented through enablement packages (eKB). An eKB is an update package that helps update a device to the next version of Windows with a single restart that reduces downtime.' The blog post reveals that Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 share the same source code. How to install the new 25H2 build As mentioned earlier, the first 25H2 version of Windows 11 is available for Windows insiders. Those interested can enroll in the Windows Insider Program and join the Dev Channel. Once enrolled, head to Settings, choose Windows Update, and allow the latest updates to download and install. After the usual beta testing, Microsoft will officially began rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update to all users on October 1.
The Verge
24-06-2025
- The Verge
Windows 11's indicators for volume and brightness can soon be moved out of the way
Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that will let you move hardware indicators pop-ups like volume and screen brightness to the top-left and top-center positions of a display. The customization feature is part of a new Dev Channel build of Windows 11 that also includes a new Recall homepage that lists the top three apps and websites you've used in a 24-hour period. Currently, Windows 11 shows the volume, brightness, and airplane mode indicators in the bottom center of a screen. In the latest Dev Channel build you can now choose the position of these on-screen indicators so they're less in the way of apps you're using. You won't be able to pick the top right position though, presumably because that would place the indicator too close to the minimize, maximize, and close buttons for apps. Alongside the indicator changes, Microsoft is also testing a new Recall homepage. 'The new homepage brings your recent activity and top-used content front and center, enabling you to easily get back to your previous tasks,' says Microsoft's Windows Insider team. The homepage shows recent snapshots as well as top apps or websites that have been used in the past 24 hours. Recall is also getting a new navigation bar on the left side, which lets you quickly switch between this new home interface and the Timeline feature to scroll through all your snapshots. Microsoft is currently testing these changes with Windows Insiders, so expect to see them appear more broadly in Windows 11 in the coming months.
CNET
16-06-2025
- CNET
Microsoft Accidentally Replaces Windows 11 Startup Sound with Vista Chime
Microsoft briefly transported users back to 2007 this week when the company mistakenly swapped Windows 11's familiar startup chime with the iconic Windows Vista boot sound. The mix-up appeared in a recent Windows 11 Insider Preview build in the Dev Channel. Users who rebooted their systems noticed that instead of the modern Windows 11 tone, they were greeted by Vista's distinct (and now nostalgic) startup sound. Microsoft has since acknowledged the issue, calling it an unintentional change and confirming it will be fixed in an upcoming update. "This week's flight comes with a delightful blast from the past and will play the Windows Vista boot sound instead of the Windows 11 boot sound," the Windows Insider team wrote in its release notes for the latest Dev Channel build. Though the switch was accidental, the brief return of Vista's audio cue sparked curiosity and nostalgia online, with some users even preferring the retro flair. But for now, it looks like Vista's comeback is limited to this brief cameo, as Windows 11's usual startup sound will return shortly.
The Verge
13-06-2025
- The Verge
Microsoft has started testing its AI agent in the Windows 11 Settings app.
First announced last month, the feature lets users describe what they need in Settings, like 'my mouse pointer is too small.' The AI agent will then provide suggestions about how to address the issue, and can even fix it for them if users give permission. Microsoft is bringing the AI agent to Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev Channel, but only for Snapdragon-based Copilot Plus PCs to start.
The Verge
09-06-2025
- The Verge
You can now try Microsoft's new Start menu for Windows 11
Microsoft is now allowing Windows 11 testers to try out a new, larger Start menu that includes a scrollable interface, new views, and more customizability. An early version of the new Start menu first started showing up in Windows 11 builds in April, followed by Microsoft's official announcement in May. Today's Dev Channel release lets you try it out officially for the first time. 'We're making it easier for you to launch your apps with our updated, scrollable Start menu,' explains the Windows Insider team. This scrollable Start menu means that all apps is now at the top level, so you don't have to navigate to a second page to find your apps. You'll also be able to disable the recommended section so you can see more of your apps, and choose two new views: category and grid. The default category view groups apps by category, and the grid view is ordered alphabetically more like a traditional list view. Microsoft has also made the Start menu larger based on the screen size of your device or monitor. 'On larger devices, users can expect to see 8 columns of pinned apps, 6 recommendations, and 4 columns of categories in the Start menu,' says the Windows Insider team. 'On smaller devices, you'll see 6 columns of pinned apps, 4 recommendations, and 3 columns of categories.' There's also a new mobile device button on the Start menu that lets you expand or collapse the Phone Link interface that appears alongside the Start menu. Microsoft is also allowing Windows 11 users to choose what lock screen widgets appear, allowing you to add or remove widgets and rearrange them for the lock screen.
