Neowin News Feed for: Insiders

Microsoft's horrendous Patch Tuesday update exposes the weak QA process for Windows

Usama Jawad — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:00:02 +0000

Microsoft's latest Patch Tuesday update has been a nightmare for a lot of customers, and more importantly, it has exposed glaring gaps in the company's QA process. Read more...

Xbox Beta Ring Insiders get new Friends and Followers Experience for better connections

Paul Hill — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 14:00:01 +0000

After a successful Alpha test, Microsoft now rolls out the new Friends and Followers Experience to the Beta Ring, enhancing social interactions on Xbox. Read more...

Xbox update 2305.230424-2200 makes sure your steering wheels are on the right track

Paul Hill — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:30:01 +0000

Microsoft has released Xbox build 2305.230424-2200 to Insiders on the Omega, Delta, and Beta rings. It comes with a fix that addresses a force feedback issue on steering wheels for racing games. Read more...

Xbox Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings fix art issues for externally-installed games

Paul Hill — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 20:38:01 +0000

Microsoft has released system updates for Xbox Insiders on the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings. They each come with separate fixes which we have detailed. Read on to learn more about them. Read more...

New Friends & Community Updates channel arrives for some Xbox Insiders

Paul Hill — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:12:01 +0000

Microsoft has added the Friends & Community Updates channel to the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings for Xbox Insiders. The hub will allow you to better connect and keep up with your gaming buddies. Read more...

Skype Insider Preview gets support for split windows on Surface Duo

Usama Jawad — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:52:01 +0000

Microsoft has released version 8.74.76.129 of Skype Insider Preview. It packs interesting features such as support for animated backgrounds, customized call reactions, and split windows on Android. Read more...

Microsoft adds Math Solver to Edge for all Insiders

Jay Bonggolto — Fri, 21 May 2021 23:28:01 +0000

Microsoft Edge is adding Math Solver in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels. The feature allows students to solve a math problem by taking a photo of an equation and importing it to the browser. Read more...

Microsoft is rolling out its Dolby Vision HDR test on Xbox Series X/S

Subir Kathuria — Fri, 14 May 2021 18:06:01 +0000

It will be available in the Insider Alpha ring this week, but it'll roll out to everyone soon. Microsoft is looking for feedback before it rolls out the Dolby Vision HDR option more broadly this year. Read more...

Microsoft Weekly: ZeniMax Media joins XGS, Ignite 2020, and the October 2020 Update

Florin Bodnarescu — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 14:38:02 +0000

Without a doubt, this was a big week for Microsoft news. From the giant gaming acquisition, the announcements from Ignite 2020, and more, be sure to catch up via our handy overview. Read more...

Calculator app's Always on Top mode goes live for Windows 10 Insiders

Jay Bonggolto — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 14:24:01 +0000

Microsoft has started rolling out the Always on Top mode for Calculator it announced late last week as part of the Windows 10 build 18956 release. It's now live for Insiders in the Fast Ring. Read more...

Microsoft rolls out dual SIM support to Your Phone app for Windows Insiders

Jay Bonggolto — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 12:24:01 +0000

Microsoft's Your Phone app has added support for dual SIM in your device so you can now send and receive messages from your PC via both cards. It's currently live for Windows Insiders. Read more...

State of Insider Threats in the Digital Workplace 2019 - Free Report

News Staff — Wed, 01 May 2019 19:46:01 +0000

“That hoodie-wearing hacker is not your CISO's biggest problem. The most critical security issue at every company is staring at us in the mirror.” Yup, insiders. Learn how with this free report. Read more...

Microsoft Weekly: Going all digital, the May 2019 Update, and icon changes

Florin Bodnarescu — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 05:56:01 +0000

Since it's the end of the week, we should look back on what's happened, including the announcement of Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, 32-bit Edgium previews, and more. Be sure to catch up below. Read more...

Microsoft Weekly: Builds galore, Chief returns to PC, and addons show up

Florin Bodnarescu — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 19:56:01 +0000

Quite a bit has happened this past week, including the announcement of Halo: MCC coming to PC, a number of Insider builds and Patch Tuesday updated, and more. Be sure to catch up below. Read more...

Microsoft kicks off Edge Insider Program, applications are open

Steven Parker — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 19:51:49 +0000

If you have been following the news this month, you'll know that Microsoft ditched its own EdgeHTML in Edge and is instead moving to Chromium, and now they have an Insider program. Read more...

Windows Defender gets security boost with sandboxing in latest Insider builds

Paul Hill — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 14:12:01 +0000

Microsoft has begun testing sandboxing in Windows Defender for those on Insider builds of Windows 10. The firm plans to further refine the feature before rolling it out to the general public. Read more...

Mail and Calendar for Windows 10 Insiders get To-Do button; dark mode for Mail tweaked

Jay Bonggolto — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 21:26:01 +0000

There's now a dedicated button in the Mail and Calendar apps for Windows 10 that acts as a shortcut to opening Microsoft To-Do. Meanwhile, the Mail app's dark theme gets a small makeover. Read more...

Microsoft is inviting Windows Insiders to its October 2 Surface event

Rich Woods — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:38:01 +0000

Last week, Microsoft started sending out press invitations for an event on October 2, but now, the company is sending invitations to Windows Insiders to see what's next for devices and services. Read more...

Microsoft's Screen Sketch gets renamed to Snip & Sketch, new capture options added as well

Hamza Jawad — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 21:56:01 +0000

In the latest update for Screen Sketch - Microsoft's Snipping Tool replacement -, the app has been renamed to Snip & Sketch. Additional screen capturing options have been introduced as well. Read more...

Xbox One Preview update 1804.180330-1920 is heading to the Alpha ring

Timi Cantisano — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 19:36:01 +0000

Those on the Insiders Alpha ring for the Xbox One will be getting a new update today. Build 1804.180330-1920 will contain fixes and known issues and should arrive on consoles at 2pm PT. Read more...

Windows 10 spring update reportedly reaches RTM, flight expected on April 10

Usama Jawad — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 13:54:01 +0000

According to a report, the upcoming Windows 10 spring update has reached released to manufacturers (RTM) status with build 17133. The feature update is expected to begin its rollout on April 10. Read more...

Microsoft shows off working demo of Windows Timeline at Developer Day

Muhammad Jarir Kanji — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 07:58:01 +0000

At its Windows Developer Day event yesterday, Microsoft showed off a working demo of the Timeline feature announced for Windows 10, promising Insiders will see it soon in a future build. Read more...

Xbox Insiders on the Alpha ring can now gift games to friends

Muhammad Jarir Kanji — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 04:18:01 +0000

After numerous requests for the feature, Microsoft has finally made game gifting via Xbox Live available. However, the feature is currently being tested and only available to Alpha ring Insiders. Read more...

The Windows Store is being rebranded to Microsoft Store

Usama Jawad — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 14:08:01 +0000

It appears that Microsoft is rebranding the Windows Store to "Microsoft Store", the same name as its online retail store, which potentially means that the company could be integrating the two outlets. Read more...

Microsoft has started rolling out AI-powered search for its Photos app

Ehtisham Ul Haq Shams — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 18:38:01 +0000

Microsoft has begun testing a cloud-based AI-powered search for its Photos app by rolling out a preview update to Windows Insiders, giving the app a similar ability already present in the rival apps. Read more...

Microsoft Elite: the company's exclusive Windows Insider program for employees

Muhammad Jarir Kanji — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 17:40:01 +0000

Alongside the public Insider Program available to all Microsoft enthusiasts, the company recently revealed details of the program's internal equivalent for employees: Microsoft Elite. Read more...

Don't expect any new Windows 10 Insider Preview builds until next week

Steven Parker — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 07:14:01 +0000

Apparently, there will be no new builds this week, since Microsoft is still busy processing bug reports from the major Windows 10 build 16215 for PCs Preview release from a week ago. Read more...

Microsoft is working on a redesigned Skype app with new features and Bing

Muhammad Jarir Kanji — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 15:14:01 +0000

Microsoft is currently testing a revamped Skype app for Android through its Skype Insiders program. The new version of the app promises a brand new design, new features and Bing integration built-in. Read more...

The first Windows 10 Redstone 2 build could arrive for Insiders this week

Usama Jawad — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 06:40:01 +0000

According to a new rumor, Microsoft is looking to release the first Windows 10 Redstone 2 preview build to Insiders very soon - possibly this week. It is likely to be rolled out as build 14901. Read more...

Twitter is inviting selected users to become a part of its Insiders program

Justin Luna — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:52:01 +0000

Twitter has introduced an "Insiders" program, where selected people become a part of a discussion community that aims to help brands connect better to the users of the platform. Read more...

Groove Music goes 'truly universal' for Insiders on Windows 10 PC and Mobile

Usama Jawad — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 06:02:01 +0000

Microsoft has pushed out a major update to Groove Music for Insiders, which includes UX improvements and feature parity across Windows 10 PC and Mobile, making it a 'truly universal' application. Read more...

A new build for Windows 10 Mobile Fast ring might roll out next week

Usama Jawad — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 09:50:01 +0000

Following the release of build 14316 for PCs, Microsoft executive Gabe Aul has stated that a new build for Windows 10 Mobile Insiders on the Fast ring may roll out as early as next week. Read more...

New features on the way to Cortana on Windows 10, rolling out now to Windows Insiders

Andy Weir — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 17:20:01 +0000

Cortana is becoming an even better personal assistant on Windows 10, with new proactive reminders and calendar management features that Microsoft says will help users to be more productive. Read more...

Windows 10 Mobile 10586.29 update gets pulled due to installation issues

Usama Jawad — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:10:01 +0000

With hundreds of users reporting problems while installing Windows 10 Mobile build 10586.29 on their Lumia 950 and 950 XL handsets, Microsoft has temporarily pulled the update as it works on a fix. Read more...

A new Windows 10 Mobile build could arrive later today

Matt Brown — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 17:49:45 +0000

Microsoft's Gabe Aul has hinted at the potential rollout of a new Windows 10 Mobile build to Windows Insiders. Currently, it is expected that this will be a near-final version of the mobile OS. Read more...

Expect the next Windows 10 Mobile build in "a few more days"

Usama Jawad — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 17:02:25 +0000

Microsoft's Gabe Aul says that Insiders shouldn't expect a new Windows 10 Mobile build to drop for "a few more days", given the focus the company is currently placing on the November update for PCs. Read more...

Microsoft rolls out 'October Update' to Windows 10 Insiders

Usama Jawad — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 03:46:01 +0000

Microsoft has pushed out KB3103470 to Insiders, which has been identified as the "October Update for x64-based Systems", bringing improvements to the functionality of Windows 10. Read more...

Build 10559 for Windows 10 Mobile Fast ring is currently being tested internally

Usama Jawad — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 11:26:01 +0000

Microsoft's Gabe Aul has announced that build 10559 is currently being tested for Windows 10 Mobile Fast ring, however, it is "unlikely" that it will roll out before the company's event, if at all. Read more...

PSA: Now is not a good time to do a clean Windows 10 install

Vlad Dudau — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:01:42 +0000

With the latest build of Windows 10 going out to Insiders you might want to do a clean install of the OS. But Microsoft is cautioning against that, because your install won't be activated. Read more...

This is what happens to all your Windows 10 feedback

Vlad Dudau — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 11:34:01 +0000

Windows 10 users are familiar with the way the operating systems collects info and feedback that's relayed back to the dev team. But what happens after that? Well, Microsoft finally explained it all. Read more...