Latest news with #DevChannel
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Yahoo
Fed up of Windows 11 running sluggishly? Microsoft commits to 'improving Windows performance' and I'm cautiously optimistic
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Microsoft is collecting more data on performance issues with Windows 11 This is happening via feedback from testers using preview builds Hoovering up a whole lot more logs relating to performance hitches will hopefully help Microsoft stamp out sluggishness on the desktop Microsoft has promised to improve Windows 11's overall performance levels, ensuring the operating system runs more nippily all round, and it'll use data from the PCs of testers to do this. Windows Latest spotted that in a new preview build in the Dev channel, Microsoft announced the scheme, which urges testers to report incidents of system sluggishness. Microsoft informs us: "As part of our commitment to improving Windows performance, logs are now collected when your PC has experienced any slow or sluggish performance. Windows Insiders are encouraged to provide feedback when experiencing PC issues related to slow or sluggish performance, allowing Feedback Hub to automatically collect these logs, which will help us root cause issues faster." Essentially, Microsoft is attempting to expand the quantity and scope of logs relating to performance issues that it's receiving, in order to better deal with speed-related niggles in Windows 11. The logs pertaining to performance issues are stored in a temporary folder on the system drive, and Microsoft says they're only sent across to the company when the user submits feedback (via the Feedback Hub, where there's a new section for reports of 'system sluggishness'). Analysis: exploring new avenues of improvement There have been a good few complaints about performance hiccups – or indeed more serious failings – with Windows 11, so it's good to see Microsoft launch a fresh initiative to help combat these issues (with any luck – the results, of course, remain to be seen). Sluggish search functionality and wonkiness with File Explorer performing sub-optimally have been a couple of obvious problems that Windows 11 has caused for some users. Granted, not everyone has suffered from these kinds of woes, although I've certainly experienced File Explorer sluggishness on my Windows 11 laptop (but not on my desktop PC). These are frustrating issues to be faced with, given that they're key pieces of the interface which really shouldn't be going awry, and hopefully testers will get behind this effort, as it would be good for all concerned if Microsoft can get a better handle on improving the performance of Windows 11 for those who find it lacking (especially on older PCs – like my notebook, which is a venerable Surface model – where any shortcomings are more likely to be noticeable). Finally, it's worth making clear that data on incidents of sluggish performance is only being collected through preview builds of Windows 11, so those logs are just kept on the PCs of testers, not normal users of the release version of the OS. And, as noted, logs from testers are only sent to Microsoft voluntarily, so even if the data itself is collected automatically, it doesn't leave your drive until and unless you submit a feedback post. You might also like... Windows 11's handheld mode spotted in testing, and I'm seriously excited for Microsoft's big bet on small-screen gaming No, Windows 11 PCs aren't 'up to 2.3x faster' than Windows 10 devices, as Microsoft suggests – here's why that's an outlandish claim macOS Tahoe 26: here's everything you need to know about all the new features
Time of India
30-06-2025
- 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.
