Windows 11 leak reveals new UI, Start menu, and more (Discussion)

JRViejo · Sep 15, 2025

The feature was spotted by reliable Windows Insider, Phantomofearth, who says that Microsoft is testing it in the Windows Insider Program. According to screenshots that the leaker posted on X, the option is available via the Windows 11's network and internet icon, or in this case, the Wi-Fi icon. Right-clicking on the button will display a pop-up menu with a new option.
Click to expand...

Windows 11 is getting a system tray shortcut to run a network speed test by Ashwin

anon · Sep 30, 2025

Microsoft releases Windows 11 version 25H2
September 30, 2025
https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-releases-windows-11-version-25h2/

Today is a big day for Windows 11 users, as Microsoft has finally started rolling out this year's Windows 11 feature update. Version 25H2, announced a couple of months ago, is now publicly available for download and installation.
Click to expand...

-------
Windows 11 2025 Update (25H2) is now available, Here's what's new
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ne...update-25h2-is-now-available-heres-whats-new/
--------
Microsoft’s Windows 11 2025 update is available now
https://www.theverge.com/news/788167/microsoft-windows-11-version-25h2-download-insta

Sampei Nihira · Oct 5, 2025

Brian K said: ↑

Trooper,

I didn't use the fresh install for more than a few minutes. I've done 2 upgrades from a Rufus UFD. On the same computer but different Rufus UFDs. The first upgrade seemed to take "forever". The second took 26 minutes. In my brief testing of 25H2, I really can't see any difference from 24H2. But I'll keep this upgrade.

My uup dump ISO is 26200.5074 and that was the build number of the upgrade prior a Windows update. I now have 26200.6584.

After doing the upgrade and cleaning up, the amount of Free Space in the partition is 1 GiB more than in 24H2. Importantly, 25H2 doesn't use more disk space.
Click to expand...

Hi,
I would be interested to know if you also cleaned:

Windows Update

Windows update log files

(I hope that the specific translation is correct with respect to the system in my language.)

Brummelchen · Oct 5, 2025

as always - create a backup before. i did not encounter any issues when installing 25H2 directly or as enablement package (EP).

stapp · Oct 7, 2025

Microsoft is killing another workaround to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

Microsoft is making another change to the Windows Setup experience, also called Out-of-the-box experience (OOBE). It is removing a known workaround that allowed users to bypass the Microsoft account requirement while installing Windows.
Click to expand...

https://www.ghacks.net/2025/10/07/m...et-up-windows-11-without-a-microsoft-account/

Adric · Oct 10, 2025

Has anyone been offered an upgrade from Win11 22631 23H2 to 24H2 yet. I'm trying to determine how much leftover baggage is not removed from the system as compared with to a clean install. After the upgrade, I assume you can use the eKB to the go to 25h2. Has anyone done that?

Brummelchen · Oct 10, 2025

upgrade with rufus and stick. i had not issues for 3 systems. then EP to 25H2.

Sampei Nihira · Oct 10, 2025

Adric said: ↑

Has anyone been offered an upgrade from Win11 22631 23H2 to 24H2 yet. I'm trying to determine how much leftover baggage is not removed from the system as compared with to a clean install. After the upgrade, I assume you can use the eKB to the go to 25h2. Has anyone done that?
Click to expand...

You could force the 25H2 update with the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

stapp · Oct 15, 2025

Microsoft says "something big" coming to Windows 11 this week

Earlier today, Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows 10 with the final Patch Tuesday update arguably marking one of the biggest events in the tech landscape. However, we could be in for a real surprise as Microsoft may have something even bigger landing this week.
The tech giant has teased about "something big" that is coming this Thursday. On the official Windows X handle, this somewhat cryptic post was made.
Click to expand...

https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-says-something-big-coming-to-windows-11this-week/

DangitallRedux · Oct 16, 2025

stapp said: ↑

Microsoft says "something big" coming to Windows 11 this week

https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-says-something-big-coming-to-windows-11this-week/
Click to expand...

The only time I want to talk to (at, really) my computer is when I'm cussing at it...and, as for it "semantically understanding" me, fat chance.

EASTER · Oct 16, 2025

DangitallRedux said: ↑

The only time I want to talk to (at, really) my computer is when I'm cussing at it...and, as for it "semantically understanding" me, fat chance.
Click to expand...

My point exactly.
https://www.wilderssecurity.com/thr...pc-and-let-ai-control-it.458266/#post-3252913

stapp · Oct 19, 2025

Microsoft warns USB mouse keyboard users as Windows 11 KB5066835 breaks key OS feature.

The company has confirmed that following the installation of the latest Patch Tuesday update USB keyboard and mouse inputs no longer register inside the WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment). Thus if you happen to get stuck in recovery and use such a device you will be out of luck.
Click to expand...

On the issue description, Microsoft writes: "After installing the Windows security update released on October 14, 2025 (KB5066835), USB devices, such as keyboards and mice, do not function in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This issue prevents navigation of any of the recovery options within WinRE. Note that the USB keyboard and mouse continue to work normally within the Windows operating system."
Click to expand...

https://www.neowin.net/news/microso...s-windows-11-kb5066835-breaks-key-os-feature/

ronjor · Oct 20, 2025

stapp said: ↑

Microsoft warns USB mouse keyboard users as Windows 11 KB5066835 breaks key OS feature.

https://www.neowin.net/news/microso...s-windows-11-kb5066835-breaks-key-os-feature/
Click to expand...

USB mouse and keyboard not working in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
Resolved KB5070773 15:05 PT 2025-10-20

stapp · Oct 21, 2025

I was offered 25H2 this morning. It downloaded and installed in just a few minutes.

The out of band KB5070773 update to fix the USB keyboard issue came next.
It took quite a while to download and install.

Raza0007 · Oct 21, 2025

stapp said: ↑

The out of band KB5070773 update to fix the USB keyboard issue came next.
It took quite a while to download and install.
Click to expand...

Its because KB5070773 for 25H2 is 3.93 GB in size! An almost 4 GB hot-fix!

Windows 11 24H2-25H2: Out-of-Band-Update KB5070773 fixes USB keyboard and mouse issues in WinRE

Incidentally, the out-of-band update KB5070773 is a "slim" 3.933 GB in size because Microsoft is dragging its AI functions along with it.
Click to expand...

xxJackxx · Oct 21, 2025

Raza0007 said: ↑

Its because KB5070773 for 25H2 is 3.93 GB in size! An almost 4 GB hot-fix!
Click to expand...

Probably part of why this the the second CU I haven't been able to install. And KB5067036 is the third. It gets all the way to 100% done and then rolls back. 0x800f0983. Someone at Microsoft needs to be shown the door.

EASTER · Oct 21, 2025

xxJackxx said: ↑

Probably part of why this the the second CU I haven't been able to install. And KB5067036 is the third. It gets all the way to 100% done and then rolls back. 0x800f0983. Someone at Microsoft needs to be shown the door.
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more. +1

anon · Oct 21, 2025

Microsoft shares full list of new Windows 11 25H2 settings for office PCs
Oct 21, 2025
https://www.neowin.net/news/microso...-new-windows-11-25h2-settings-for-office-pcs/

anon · Nov 7, 2025

Microsoft announces Windows 11 version 26H1, now available for testing
https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-announces-windows-11-version-26h1-now-available-for-testing/

Following some rumors and code discoveries regarding Windows 11 version 26H1, Microsoft has confirmed the existence of this unconventional release, the first H1 version in Windows 11's history. Starting with the new build 28000, which is now available in the Canary Channel, Windows Insiders can test Windows 11 version 26H1 ahead of its launch.
Click to expand...

stapp · Nov 8, 2025 at 12:30 AM

Windows 11 issue shows “Edit in Notepad” for all file types, including .exe and images

Windows 11’s context menu in File Explorer has been showing the “Edit in Notepad” option for all kinds of files, including images and videos. For context, it is supposed to show up only when right-clicking on plain text files, configuration files, and scripts.
Click to expand...

https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/...-for-all-file-types-including-exe-and-images/

Brummelchen · Nov 8, 2025 at 2:34 PM

ts because KB5070773 for 25H2 is 3.93 GB in size! An almost 4 GB hot-fix!
Click to expand...

i updates two machines same time, i dont think it were 4GB, because the DL happened too fast here.
4GB may be the uncompressed files...

Raza0007 · Nov 8, 2025 at 8:16 PM

Brummelchen said: ↑

i updates two machines same time, i dont think it were 4GB, because the DL happened too fast here.
4GB may be the uncompressed files...
Click to expand...

They must have changed something since October 21st. That day the hot fix took a while to download and install, and during install I noticed multiple GBs missing from my C drive. However, after install, reboot and then update cleanup, the only real change I noticed was just a 1.5 MB difference in the Winre.wim file, nothing else!

stapp · Nov 10, 2025 at 6:59 AM

Windows 11's Snipping Tool is getting the ability to add text to screenshots

Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11's Snipping Tool. You'll soon be able to use the app's built-in image editor to add text to your screenshots.
The Snipping Tool has had an optical character recognition (OCR) feature for a while now, which you can use to extract text from screenshots. It even has some AI-powered options, but it's kind of funny that you couldn't add text to an image until now. It's such a basic feature.
Click to expand...

https://www.ghacks.net/2025/11/10/w...tting-the-ability-to-add-text-to-screenshots/

stapp · Nov 11, 2025 at 12:33 AM

Microsoft hits the brakes on Windows 11 File Explorer 'recommended files' feature

The latest optional non-security preview update for Windows 11 introduced a new recommended files feature, which Microsoft has now pulled.
Click to expand...

https://www.windowscentral.com/micr...ws-11-file-explorer-recommended-files-feature

henryg · Nov 11, 2025 at 8:01 PM

Dave Plummer is a notable ex-Microsoft engineer credited for the development of many Windows components including Task Manager, Space Cadet Pinball ports on Windows NT, ZIP file support, and more. We have covered his work on Neowin multiple times, including him flaunting a Special Edition copy of Windows 95. Now, the former executive has strayed into slightly controversial territory by publicly explaining why Windows "sucks".
Click to expand...

Frustrated ex-Microsoft engineer explains why Windows sucks - Neowin

Log in or Sign up

Windows 11 leak reveals new UI, Start menu, and more (Discussion)

JRViejo Super Moderator

anon Registered Member

Sampei Nihira Registered Member

Brummelchen Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

Adric Registered Member

Brummelchen Registered Member

Sampei Nihira Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

DangitallRedux Registered Member

EASTER Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

ronjor Global Moderator

stapp Global Moderator

Raza0007 Registered Member

xxJackxx Registered Member

EASTER Registered Member

anon Registered Member

anon Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

Brummelchen Registered Member

Raza0007 Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

stapp Global Moderator

henryg Registered Member

Log in or Sign up

Windows 11 leak reveals new UI, Start menu, and more (Discussion)

JRViejo Super Moderator

anon Registered Member

Sampei Nihira Registered Member

Brummelchen Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

Adric Registered Member

Brummelchen Registered Member

Sampei Nihira Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

DangitallRedux Registered Member

EASTER Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

ronjor Global Moderator

stapp Global Moderator

Raza0007 Registered Member

xxJackxx Registered Member

EASTER Registered Member

anon Registered Member

anon Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

Brummelchen Registered Member

Raza0007 Registered Member

stapp Global Moderator

stapp Global Moderator

henryg Registered Member

Useful Searches