12 features coming during first half of October on Windows 11 Insiders

With October 2025 fast approaching, we’re taking a look at the key new features and improvements Microsoft has been developing for Windows 11, as tested by participants in the Windows Insider Program.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been tracking early releases from the company, and it’s been interesting to see a mix of previews. They’ve shared some builds from their upcoming 24H2 and 25H2 releases, but also some experimental features that aren’t necessarily tied to any specific version. It gives a good look at what they’re exploring.

As an analyst, I’ve been tracking the latest Windows Insider builds. For the Canary Channel, we saw releases 27965 and 27959. Meanwhile, both the Dev and Beta Channels received the same two preview builds: 26220.6772 and 26120.6772, followed by 26220.6780 and 26120.6780.

Here’s a rundown of the new features and changes we launched in the first half of October 2025. You can find details on the September 2025 improvements on this same page.

This guide explains the recent changes Microsoft has made to the operating system. If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, keep in mind that new features are usually released slowly, so it might take a few updates before you see them on your device.

Biggest improvements from the Windows Insider Program in October 2025

These are the most significant changes the development team has unveiled over the last two weeks.

1. Settings app AI agent improvements

Windows 11 updates (starting with builds 26220.6780 and 26100.6780) include a refreshed Settings app with better support for the AI assistant.

We’ve updated the “Recommended settings” section on the Home page. Now, it will display actions your AI agent has taken for any settings you’ve recently adjusted.

With this update, the search box will display more relevant results for your searches. Additionally, if a setting can’t be changed, our system will explain why and, if possible, offer alternative solutions.

2. Drag Tray new support

Previously, you could drag a file to the top of your screen to open the “Drag Tray” and easily share it with an app. Now, with this update, you can drag and drop multiple files at once.

2. Administrator Protection in the Windows Security app

Administrator Protection has been available for a while through the Windows Insider Program, and it’s now highlighted again as an option within the Windows Security app.

3. Run command with dark mode support

Microsoft is now addressing an issue where certain parts of Windows didn’t switch to dark mode automatically. With the latest update, KB5067103, the ‘Run’ command box will now respect your system’s dark mode setting.

The company says this update is being released gradually, so it may take several future versions before all users in the Insider program have access to it.

4. Click to Do improvements

With the release of new Windows 11 builds (26220.6772 and 26100.6772), PCs with Copilot+ now have an improved version of the Click to Do feature, including a few enhancements.

Now, you can quickly select objects within images with a feature that precisely highlights them, eliminating the need for slow, manual mouse selections. After selecting an object, a simple menu appears, allowing you to easily copy, paste, or perform other actions.

When you move your mouse over or click on a number and its unit in a snapshot, a menu will pop up with options to convert it to other units.

Currently, conversion works for length, area, volume, weight, temperature, and speed.

5. Windows Hello with external fingerprint support

Microsoft announced that Windows 11 now works with fingerprint scanners that connect externally, thanks to an update to their Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security feature.

This enhanced security feature used to work only with built-in fingerprint or facial recognition, but now it’s becoming available with a wider range of sensors.

We’ve added a new “Enhanced sign-in security” option to the “Sign-in options” page. This lets you use external fingerprint sensors with this technology for added security.

The screenshot shows the standard setting for all devices. If your computer is compatible, you’ll see an option that says “Set up.”

As a researcher, I’ve observed that while our operating system has included fingerprint sensor support for quite some time, the recent addition of ‘Enhanced Sign-in Security’ is a significant upgrade. It really strengthens how secure the sign-in process is for users.

6. Configure the user folder name from OOBE

Microsoft has improved the initial setup process by letting experienced users customize the name of their user folder.

Beginning with builds 26220.6772 and 26100.6772, you can now access Command Prompt during the initial setup process. While on the “Sign in” screen, press “Shift + F10” to open it. Then, navigate to the oobe directory and run the command “SetDefaultUserFolder.cmd NewFolderName” to customize the name of the user folder.

Okay, so once I’ve finished those initial steps, I can finally create my account! The cool part is, the system will automatically set up a folder for me using the name I chose – pretty neat and organized, right?

When using this command, replace “NewFolderName” with a name using up to 16 characters.

Starting with the newest preview versions for those using the Dev and Beta channels, Microsoft is removing the options that let you skip signing in with a Microsoft account and instead set up a local account during the initial Windows setup.

The company hasn’t specified which techniques are now disabled, but they reportedly include commands like OOBE\BYPASSNRO and ms-cxh:localonly.

Microsoft is requiring users to complete the initial device setup process (Out-of-the-Box Experience) with an internet connection and a Microsoft account. This change is happening because some methods were accidentally bypassing important setup steps, which could leave devices improperly configured.

7. File Explorer with dark mode improvements

The newest Windows 11 preview for developers and beta testers features an updated File Explorer. Like the Run command, it now has several enhancements to make dark mode look and work even better.

Beginning with builds 26220.6772 and 26100.6772, dark mode now includes the windows that appear when you copy, move, or delete files.

I’m really excited to see dark mode rolling out even further! It’s now hitting all sorts of places in the interface – things like progress bars and charts look fantastic, and even those little confirmation and error boxes that pop up when you’re choosing files or skipping steps are getting the dark treatment. It just makes everything feel so much cleaner and easier on the eyes.

8. Start menu redesign

Microsoft started testing a redesigned Start menu with Windows 11 users in the Canary Channel, beginning with build 27965.

As a researcher, I’ve been looking at the updated menu design. It now merges our previous ‘All’, ‘Pinned’, and ‘Recommended’ sections into one bigger, scrollable view. This should make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for.

As part of the changes, the menu is bigger and will auto-resize, depending on the screen size.

Also, the “All” section now displays apps grouped by category, with the option to switch views.

You can also now hide the “Recommended” section by changing a few settings on the “Start” page.

With the updated design, the “Start” page no longer has the layouts setting. Instead, it now automatically shows all your pinned apps.

9. Built-in Edit command tool

With the latest Windows 11 update (build 27965), a new “Edit” tool is now available. This tool lets you edit text directly in the Command Prompt using your mouse.

This app lets you quickly edit or create text files without having to open another program like Notepad.

10. Hardware indicator new setting

Microsoft recently released a new Windows 11 update (build 27959) for those in the Canary Channel. This update includes a new setting called “Position of on-screen indicators,” which lets you customize where things like volume and brightness controls appear on your screen.

The options available include Bottom center, Top center, and Top left.

11. Windows 11 new shortcuts

The company is making it easier to type En dashes (–) and Em dashes (—) in the Canary Channel. You can now use the Windows key + Minus key to create an En dash, and Windows key + Shift + Minus to create an Em dash.

12. Windows Share with pin option

I’m happy to report that the latest Windows 11 build, 27959, has a really useful update to the Share interface. Now, you can pin your most frequently used apps right under the “Share using” section. This makes it much quicker and easier to share things – no more scrolling through a long list!

Wrapping it up

Windows 11 Insiders will have a lot to try out in early October, with twelve new features being added. These range from small improvements that make the system easier to use, to more significant updates that suggest Microsoft’s future plans for the operating system.

Not all test features will eventually be available to everyone, but these previews show what Microsoft is focusing on for the future of Windows 11. If you’re trying out these early builds, be sure to share your thoughts – your feedback can influence which features make it into the final version.

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2025-10-16 01:13