Microsoft is closing the month of March 2026 with a series of new features deployed as part of the Windows Insider program. These are not spectacular updates but changes that allow the OS to evolve slowly but surely.
Instead of banking on a transformation visible at first glance, Microsoft is currently favoring a discreet and structured strategy. We have targeted new features affecting accessibility, security, audio, artificial intelligence and system tools.
These new features were proposed between the Dev, Beta and Canary channels of the Windows Insider program. It is not certain that all these little people will arrive as is in the public version of Windows 11, but we have an overview of Microsoft’s priorities for future versions of the system.
1. A new pointer indicator so you no longer lose the cursor
This is undoubtedly one of the simplest new features to observe and probably one of the most useful on a daily basis. Windows 11 adds a new tool called Pointer Indicator, designed to help users more easily locate the mouse cursor on the screen.
The function displays a visual cue around the pointer, with an effect similar to a crosshair, to immediately make it more visible. Microsoft allows customization of colors, making the tool more flexible depending on needs and preferences.
2. Feedback Hub se modernise
The Feedback Hub is getting a makeover. Microsoft is reworking its app to align it with the Windows 11 aesthetic while trying to make it simpler and understandable when providing feedback.
The feedback page has been revised to better distinguish bugs, suggestions and more positive opinions. This is not new but these developments are strategic for Microsoft. The Insider program relies precisely on the quality of field feedback, and a clearer interface can encourage more testers to report their problems.
3. Shared audio gets smarter with two Bluetooth LE devices
On the Canary channel, Windows 11 improves the shared audio function by allowing finer management of two Bluetooth LE devices connected simultaneously. We have separate volume sliders for each listener. The system, however, retains general volume control via keyboard keys or hardware controls. An indicator in the taskbar also lets you know immediately that shared audio is active.
4. File Explorer gains a small detail
On the File Explorer side, Microsoft touches the context menu, one of the most regularly reworked elements since the launch of Windows 11. From now on, when right-clicking on certain files such as .exe, .bat or .cmd, the Open option can display the application icon associated. It’s not a revolution but this retouch improves readability.
5. Protection of administrators
In terms of security, Microsoft has deployed an important feature, Administrator Protection.
It makes it possible to better control requests for elevation of privileges, particularly for applications that are not signed or deemed unreliable. Unlike the more traditional operation of User Account Control, this approach relies on an isolated administrator account temporarily created by the system to carry out the operation, before being deleted.
The approach better compartmentalizes sensitive actions in order to limit certain risks.
6. The touchpad becomes more customizable
Windows 11 also adds a setting intended for laptop PC users. It becomes possible to adjust the size of the right-click area on the touchpad. Several sizes are available, which can improve comfort depending on the machine and individual habits.
This improvement should find its audience in particular on laptops equipped with large touchpads.
7. Task Manager adapts to AI-driven PCs
The Task Manager also receives new features. Microsoft is adding new columns to track the activity of the NPU, the neural processing unit now present on some recent PCs. Users can view the NPU and NPU Engine columns in some views, while the Details page can display information about the NPU’s dedicated memory and shared memory.
At the same time, Microsoft is adding a column linked to process isolation, to better identify applications running in an AppContainer.
8 and 9. Protected Print and Console
Microsoft is improving readability around Windows Protected Print mode. In the settings, a new icon makes it easier to identify printers compatible with this function.
Finally, one of the most important changes concerns the Windows console, although it will mainly speak to advanced users. Microsoft says the old Windows Console Host will no longer be developed as a separate component. Instead, the evolution of this environment will be closer to that of the open source Windows Terminal. This change paves the way for several improvements, including optional Direct3D rendering, support for regular expressions in search, displaying images via Sixel, as well as various advancements around accessibility, clipboard and input consistency for PowerShell and WSL.
This mainly concerns developers, system administrators and advanced users.
