We’re already past the first half of March, and now is a good time to celebrate the first wave of changes that Microsoft has introduced in Windows 11. Windows Insider Program in the last two weeks.
So far in March 2026, the software giant has introduced numerous visual improvements, performance improvements, platform changes and some new features. For example, it is now possible to customize the name of the profile folder during the installation experience. Microsoft has added improvements to the policy to override the system locally. Drag Tray feature renamed to Drop Tray and more.
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The biggest improvements from the Windows Insider Program in March 2026
These are the improvements that the software giant has rolled out since then my latest batch of changes.
Initial installation with folder name selection
Starting with builds 26300.8068 and 26220.8062, Microsoft began testing an updated version of the Out of the Box Experience (OOBE) that modifies the “Name Your Device” page to allow you to set a custom name for the user folder.
This support is not new, but there is now a setting to complete this process without resorting to opening a Command Prompt shell.
Finally, the company is also making feature changes to the Windows Recovery Environment. For example, the recovery page includes recommendations for turning on the computer before starting the recovery process.
Improved debloat policy
For the Enterprise and Education editions of the operating system, Microsoft is now providing operating system upgrades “Remove default Microsoft Store packages” A policy that allows you to identify other programs that use MSIX and APPX packages by adding their Package Family Names (PFNs).
The policy is available here “Deploying an Application Package” Section under “Windows Components”.
in the year “Remove default Microsoft Store packages” you must use the policy “Show additional package family names to remove” accepting a multi-text field.
Microsoft also notes that you will need to use Get-AppxPackage *Notepad* | Select-Object PackageFamilyName command to get Package Family Names to uninstall specific programs.
Restore new settings in time
As part of builds 26300.8068 and 26220.8062, the point-in-time restore feature has been updated, and the Restore page now includes a new Point-in-Time Restore entry that lets you view and edit it.
Like the System Restore settings, the new entry allows you to change the frequency and storage settings for restore points.
You can also set the memory allocated to store restore points and even view available restore points.
Additionally, Microsoft has improved messaging while using it “Recovery in Time” feature in the Windows Recovery Environment.
Driver Policy changes
Also, since builds 26300.8068 and 26220.8062, the kernel introduces a new execution policy that removes the default trust for cross-signed disks.
Using this new process, third-party drivers Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) will continue to be trusted by default, while a limited whitelist of approved publishers and drivers from the old cross-signing software will be allowed.
Initially, the feature will monitor the system for at least 100 hours and three system restarts. At this stage, Windows 11 will evaluate the system’s drivers to determine if they comply with the new policy.
If the drivers are compatible, Windows 11 will automatically activate the application. Otherwise, the operating system will continue in monitoring mode.
Account settings with Microsoft 365 upgrade option
On the Accounts page, if you a Microsoft 365 Family subscriber, you will now see an option to upgrade to another plan.
The company noted that you can turn off the suggested content setting to avoid seeing this new option.
Drop Tray improvement
The Drag Tray feature has now been renamed “Drop Bowl” Since the release of builds 26300.8068 and 26220.8062, it has been relocated. “Multitasking” settings page.
Additionally, with the release of build 26300.7965, the feature received an update to make the viewport smaller, minimizing intrusive flight triggering.
The pen settings change
Updated the pen settings page to include changes to the pen tail button options.
In addition, now you will find a new one “Same as copilot switch” option that allows the pen tail button to launch the same program as “Copilot” the key
These are already available in the Canary, Dev and Beta Channels.
Administrator Protection is a new feature
Starting with build 26300.7965, Microsoft started reactivating the software Administrator Protection a feature that improves the security of accounts with admin rights.
The feature is similar to User Account Control (UAC), but works differently. The account control feature is designed to prevent unwanted changes to the system by displaying a consent dialog when any action requires an upgrade.
During this process, the UAC feature creates two icons during login, including the default user icon and the administrator icon. When high action is required, the system uses the administrator token. However, since both tokens share access to the user profile, this design can be exploited as a potential security vulnerability.
In contrast, Administrator Protection addresses this limitation by creating an isolated, hidden system-controlled account to handle elevation requests. During a quick request, the system creates this temporary account on demand, uses it to perform the elevated action, and deletes it after the task is complete.
You can control this feature using Intune or Group Policy.
File Explorer with Voice Typing
In March, builds 26300.7965 and 26220.7961 introduced an updated version of File Explorer that allows you to use Voice Typing to rename files.
This update is now available in the Canary, Dev and Beta Channels.
New camera settings
As part of the secondary track in Canary Channel, build 29550 updated the “Cameras” settings to include new controls for panning and tilting under “Basic settings”.
While these aren’t major changes, Windows 11 build 29550 has also updated other parts of the Settings app. For example, this update improved performance when loading the Home page and reliability when accessing the Privacy & Security, File Explorer, and Wheel pages.
Finally, Canary Channel now comes with Emoji version 16 which also introduces several new emojis.
🖥️ Which Windows 11 changes catch your eye this month?
Microsoft pushed a surprisingly diverse set of updates through the Insider Program in early March, touching on everything from UI polish to system behavior and small quality-of-life tweaks that make Windows feel smoother in day-to-day use. Some of the changes are subtle, some are really impactful, and together they paint a clear picture of where Windows 11 is headed next.
We’ve highlighted 10 upgrades worth knowing about, and now we want to hear from you. Which changes actually move the needle for your workflow, and which feel like background noise? Let us know what you think Microsoft should prioritize as these features move toward full release.
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