8 new features available in the Windows 11 Insider Program for the first half of September 2025

With September 2025 approaching, let’s take a look at the latest major updates Microsoft has been testing for Windows 11 through the Windows Insider Program.

The company has released six preview versions of its software. Some of these previews were test builds for upcoming releases (24H2 and 25H2), while others were separate, experimental builds.

We’ve released builds 27943 and 27938 to the Canary Channel. The Dev and Beta Channels now have preview builds 26120.6682 and 26220.6682.

Recent updates to the Dev and Beta Channels include several improvements: smoother dictation with Voice Access, enhanced video quality with Studio Effects for secondary cameras, a convenient new menu when hovering over items in File Explorer, and refinements to features like Click to Do and the Start menu. We’ve also introduced a new Advanced settings page, replacing the previous “For developers” section, along with other changes.

The Canary version of the app is receiving updates and a refreshed look, but these changes aren’t groundbreaking as this version is still being developed to match features already available in other versions.

Let’s take a look at the new design updates and features that launched in the first half of September 2025.

1. Voice Access with fluid dictation

In recent Windows 11 updates (builds 26120.5790 and 26220.5790), a new feature called “fluid dictation” was added to Voice Access. It uses built-in AI to automatically fix grammar, punctuation, and remove unnecessary words while you speak, reducing the need for manual corrections.

This feature functions without an internet connection because it processes text directly on your device, rather than sending it to the cloud. It’s compatible with any text box, except for those used for passwords and PINs.

As an analyst, I’ve found that enabling the ‘Fluid dictation’ feature is straightforward. While Voice Access is running, simply go into the settings – you’ll find it in the top-right corner – then select ‘Manage options’ and toggle on ‘Fluid dictation’.

This feature is limited to Copilot+ PCs, and it’s currently available for all English locales.

2. Studio Effects secondary cameras

Windows Studio Effects have been around for a bit, but they only worked with built-in cameras. Now, with recent updates (builds 26120.5790 and 26220.5790), these features are expanding to work with other cameras on Copilot+ PCs, like USB webcams and the rear-facing camera.

If you have a different camera connected to your computer, you can switch to it in Settings by going to Bluetooth & devices, then Cameras. Once selected, go to the “Advanced camera options” page and turn on the “Use Windows Studio Effects” feature.

After enabling the feature, you’ll have access to Studio Effects from the camera’s settings page.

3. File Explorer new context menu

With this update, Microsoft has redesigned File Explorer’s “Home” page. Hovering over files now brings up a helpful menu with options like “Open file location” and “Ask Copilot about this file.”

Right now, these features are only for people signed in with a personal Microsoft account. However, Microsoft intends to make them available to those using work or school accounts, and to users in Europe, later on.

Development in the Canary Channel is focused on bringing features across the operating system. For instance, the latest preview build (27938) of File Explorer includes a new AI Actions menu when you right-click.

These tools include features like Bing Visual Search, the ability to blur backgrounds, erase unwanted objects, and remove backgrounds from images.

Currently, these actions are supported for “.jpg,” “.jpeg,” and “.png” file types.

4. Click to Do improvements

With the release of Windows 11 builds 26120.6682 and 26220.6682, the Click to Do feature received a visual update.

Microsoft is experimenting with a new feature that lets you easily access Copilot, the AI chatbot, directly from the right-click menu. It will also suggest helpful prompts powered by the Phi-Silica AI model, making it even simpler to get the answers you need.

We’re currently testing a new feature in the right-click menu that uses tags to highlight both new and frequently used AI actions, making it easier for you to find what you’re looking for.

If you’re using Click to Do on a touchscreen device, you’ll now see a visual effect when you swipe from the right edge. This makes it easier to see when the feature is activated.

The “Summarize” feature now creates shorter, more to-the-point summaries of any text you choose.

5. Advanced settings page

Microsoft is redesigning the “For developers” page and renaming it “Advanced” settings. The updated page will have a look that fits better with the overall operating system design and will include new features like file versioning.

This version, found in builds 26120.6682 and 26220.6682, has a settings page divided into six sections: Taskbar, File Explorer, Terminal, Dev Drives, Virtual Workspace, and options specifically For Developers.

The “File Explorer” page offers familiar settings, but now includes built-in version control for your files. This lets you manage details like the branch name, who made the last change, and the commit message. Right now, it only works with Git.

On the “Virtual Workspace” page, you will only find an entry to access the Remote Desktop settings.

You can find the detailed settings specifically for developers in the “For developers” section.

6. Xbox Controller integration with Task View

Now, on Windows 11, holding down the Xbox controller’s button will open Task View, making it simpler to switch between your open applications and games.

Now, quickly tapping the Xbox button brings up the Game bar. Holding it down opens Task View, and pressing and holding will turn off your controller.

7. SCOOBE with Microsoft subscription reminder

We’re also improving the initial setup process (SCOOBE) to now include a helpful reminder when your Microsoft 365 subscription is due for renewal.

8. Recent activity for AI request

In the latest update (build 27938), the Settings app now includes a “Recent activity” section on the “Text and image generation” privacy page. This new feature shows you which third-party apps are requesting to use AI features.

As always, these preview builds include other minor changes and fixes.

What are your thoughts on these changes coming to Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.

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2025-09-17 14:12