During October 2026, Microsoft revealed a series of experimental features for Windows 11 via the Windows Insider program, aimed at addressing long-standing user complaints and providing greater control over the system interface.
User interface customization
The most notable changes relate to the context menu when right-clicking, as users can now customize the commands that appear in the main menu, with additional application commands moved to a dedicated submenu. The company also added new options to customize the Start menu, including controlling its size and hiding specific sections such as "Recommended" or profile information.
Privacy and connectivity improvements
Microsoft has introduced more granular control over permissions for desktop apps, where users can now manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for each application individually through privacy settings. On the connectivity side, an internet speed test tool has been integrated directly into the quick network settings, eliminating the need to open a web browser.
Additional features
- Windows Hello: A new feature to automatically increase screen brightness in low-light conditions to improve facial recognition.
- Magnifier: Support for independent zoom levels for each screen in multi-display mode.
- Mobile devices: A new interface in quick settings to control connected Android phones.
- Accessibility: Addition of a pointer indicator to make it easier for visually impaired users to locate the cursor.
Why does this news matter?
These updates confirm Microsoft's response to user demands for increased flexibility in Windows 11, which faced criticism for limiting customization options in its early versions. The trend toward integrating core system tools (such as the speed test) and reducing reliance on the browser reflects the company's desire to improve workflow efficiency directly within the desktop environment, reducing distractions caused by switching between applications and the browser.