Celebrate 10 years of the Windows Insider program with two Windows 11 builds and a hidden feature
The Windows Insider Program hit a major milestone recently.
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What you need to know
Today is the 10-year anniversary of the Windows Insider Program. Through the program, Microsoft has tested hundreds of builds, plenty of new features, and driven feedback for Windows 11 (and Windows 10). You can celebrate the anniversary of the Windows Insider Program by installing an Insider build on your PC. Microsoft shipped two builds last night, one for the Beta Channel and one for the Dev Channel.
Neither of the builds is particularly large, but the Dev Channel update toBuild 26120.1912adds support for 6Ghz connections through Windows Mobile Hotspot. Before you get your hopes up, Windows Mobile Hotspot has nothing to do with Windows Phone or Windows 10 Mobile. The feature lets you share the internet connection of your PC to other devices. Previously, Windows Mobile Hotspot only supported 2.4GHz and 5 GHz connections.
An addition that’s arguably more interesting is a feature that was not announced by Microsoft. Inside Windows 11Build 22635.4291, which is available through the Beta Channel, there are the early workings of a feature that lets you resize parts of the taskbar.
Hidden Windows 11 feature
In addition to the two new Insider builds, we have a bit of a tease for what could come to Insiders in the near future. X (formerly Twitter) user phantomofearth shared a screenshot of a new Taskbar option that appears to be in its early stages. If you’re on the latest Beta Channel build of Windows 11, you can enable a feature that lets you shrink the size of taskbar buttons. At the moment, the option only makes the buttons smaller, while leaving the taskbar itself the same size. There’s a chance that Microsoft could add the option to resize the taskbar alongside shrinking taskbar buttons.
Windows 11 will be getting the option to show smaller taskbar buttons! Currently, only taskbar buttons themselves are made smaller - the taskbar itself can’t be made smaller, this is still early though. (disabled by default, Beta 22635.4291)vivetool /enable /id:29785184 pic.twitter.com/ZXmwhLleLFSeptember 30, 2024
To enable the feature, you have to use a third-party tool, such as ViveTool. Generally, it’s not worth enabling these types of features unless your hobby is trying to predict what’s next for Windows 11. Microsoft works on many features that have remnants of code ship before the feature is ready. If the features meet the company’s standards and stay on the Windows 11 roadmap, Microsoft usually enables them in future Insider builds.
Windows 11 Build 22635.4291: Changes and Improvements
Task Manager
Settings
Windows 11 Build 26120.1912: Changes and Improvements
General
Mobile Hotspot
Other
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
