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Microsoft tests various refinements for Windows 11 in the first two weeks of April, and here's all you need to know.
Windows 11’s early April Insider builds are a clear signal of where Microsoft wants the OS to go next. Across UI refinements, new feature toggles, and deeper system integrations, these updates show the company tightening the experience ahead of bigger changes expected later in 2026. Some improvements are subtle, others are more ambitious, but together they paint a picture of an OS that’s steadily evolving rather than standing still.
Here’s a closer look at the seven changes Insiders can test right now and what they hint at for the months ahead.
Biggest improvements from the Windows Insider Program in April 2026
These are the improvements that the software giant has rolled out since my last roundup of changes.
1. Haptic feedback effects
Starting with build 26220.8148 and 26300.8155, Windows 11 adds haptic feedback effects to compatible devices for specific actions, such as window snapping, resizing, and hovering over the close button.
You can always configure these settings on Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse > Haptic signals.
2. Xbox mode new name
Originally, the company started previewing the Xbox Full Screen Experience, which transforms your desktop into a console-like experience using the Xbox app and system tweaks to improve the gaming experience.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
In recent updates, an update became available to improve the first-run experience when entering the mode. Also, and more importantly, Microsoft has now renamed the feature from Xbox Full Screen Experience to Xbox mode.
3. Protected Print Mode changes
The Windows Protect Print Mode isn't getting any improvements, per se. Instead, the company has been testing a new badge icon that will appear on a printer installed on your computer that supports the new printer drivers.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
This change is now available in the Dev and Beta Channels.
4. Secure Boot certificate alerts
In the Windows Security app, the company recently released an update for the Secure Boot settings that shows a green, yellow, or red badge indicating the current state of the certificates expiring in June 2026.
For instance, the green icon indicates that the system is fully updated, so you don't need to worry about Secure Boot certificates.
The yellow icon indicates that the update is pending or limited due to compatibility issues.
The red icon means that the new certificates cannot be applied, and manual configuration is required.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
These new messages are available on the Windows Security app > Device security > Secure Boot, after installing the latest preview build in the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels.
5. Pen settings improvements
Starting on build 28020.1803 and 29560 from the Canary Channel, the development team updated the Pen settings page, which allows you to set the tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key.
This new setting can be found on Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen.
6. Touchpad new customization setting
On laptops, it is now possible to choose the size of the right-click zone in the touchpad.
If you have a supported touchpad, the new option is available from Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad, and the options include default, small, medium, and large.
In addition, it's worth pointing out that some manufacturers may offer their own customization for this. So, if your computer is using this customization, you'll also see a "Custom" entry in the Touchpad settings.
This setting was previously limited to the Dev and Beta Channels, but it's now available in the Canary Channel with the release of builds 29560 and 28020.1803.
7. Feedback Hub app update
Finally, the company recently released the Feedback Hub app version 2.2604.101.0 in the Dev and Canary channels, with some improvements.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
In the latest update of the app, Microsoft shipped changes for the window behavior so that it has a consistent default startup experience. If you resize the window manually, the app will now remember the size.
You can now use the back button on the mouse when navigating between pages to step back to a previous page without having to use the application controls.
The upvote button now displays correctly for the Chinese language and improves accessibility.
Windows Central's Take
Microsoft isn't using the start of April to ship flashy features, but rather to refine the experience. These changes may seem small, but they're still important because they reflect the company's ongoing commitment to polishing the operating system.
The introduction of haptic feedback and the new touchpad customization highlights the focus on input precision and tactile interaction, especially on modern laptops. At the same time, subtle interface tweaks, like the updated Protected Print Mode badge and Feedback Hub improvements, show the company is paying closer attention to clarity and usability rather than just adding headline features.
Perhaps more importantly, changes like Secure Boot certificate alerts indicate more emphasis on security transparency. Instead of burying critical system states, the operating system is starting to surface them in ways that are easier for everyday users to understand before problems arise.
It's important to note that I'm not including details on the upcoming changes to the Windows Insider Program and Windows Update settings because they haven't been officially released on any preview channels.
Hope you enjoyed this news post. Feedback welcome.
Posted Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 8:21 am AEST (my time).
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