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We have already crossed the first half of the month of March and now is a good time to highlight the first wave of changes that Microsoft has made available in Windows 11 through the Windows internal program in the last two weeks.
So far in March 2026, the software giant has implemented multiple visual improvements, performance improvements, platform changes, and some new features. For example, during the setup experience, it is now possible to customize the profile folder name. Microsoft added improvements to the policy to unlock the system natively. The Tray Drag feature is now called Drop Tray and much more.
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The biggest improvements to the Windows Insider program in March 2026
These are the improvements that the software giant has implemented since then my latest summary of changes.
Initial setup with folder name option
Starting with builds 26300.8068 and 26220.8062, Microsoft began testing an updated version of the out-of-box experience (OOBE) that changes 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 having to resort to opening the command prompt.
Finally, the company has also been making changes to the feature within the Windows Recovery Environment. For example, the recovery page now includes recommendations for connecting your computer before starting a restore process.
Improved release policy
For the Enterprise and Education editions of the operating system, Microsoft is now rolling out improvements to the “Remove default packages from Microsoft Store” policy, which allows you to specify other applications that use MSIX and APPX packages by adding their package family names (PFNs).
The policy is available at “Application package deployment” section under “Windows Components.”
In it “Remove default packages from Microsoft Store” policy, you have to use the “Specify additional package family names to remove” multiple text field settings.
Microsoft also notes that you will have to use the Get-AppxPackage *Notepad* | Family name of the selected object package command to retrieve package family names to uninstall specific applications.
Restore new settings at a given time
As part of builds 26300.8068 and 26220.8062, the point-in-time restore feature has been updated and the “Recovery” page now includes a new “Point-in-time restore” entry that allows you to view and edit it.
Similar to the System Restore settings, the new entry allows you to change the frequency and retention settings for restore points.
You can also specify reserved storage to store restore points and can even view available restore points.
Additionally, Microsoft has improved messaging by using the “Restoration at a given moment” function in the Windows Recovery Environment.
Changes in driver policy
Additionally, starting with builds 26300.8068 and 26220.8062, the kernel introduces a new enforcement policy that removes the default trust for cross-signed drives.
With this new process, third-party drivers of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) will remain trusted by default, while a limited list of verified publishers and drivers from the legacy cross-signing program will continue to be allowed.
At first, the feature will monitor the system for at least 100 hours and three system reboots. During this stage, Windows 11 will evaluate system drivers to determine if they comply with the new policy.
If the drivers are supported, Windows 11 will enable the app automatically. Otherwise, the operating system will continue in monitoring mode.
Setting up accounts with Microsoft 365 upgrade option
On the Accounts page, if you are a microsoft 365 Family subscriber, you will now see an option to upgrade to another plan.
The company has noted that you can disable the suggested content settings to avoid seeing this new option.
Delivery tray improvements
The Tray Drag feature has now been renamed to “Delivery tray” since the release of builds 26300.8068 and 26220.8062, and has been relocated to the “Multitask” configuration page.
Additionally, with the release of build 26300.7965, the feature received an update to make the preview smaller, minimizing intrusive side menu activation.
Changes to pen settings
In pen settings, the page has been updated to include changes to the pen queue button options.
Also, now you will find a new “Same as Copilot key” option that allows the pen tail button to launch the same application as the “Co-pilot” key.
These are now available in the Canary, Dev and Beta channels.
New Administrator Protection feature
Starting with build 26300.7965, Microsoft began re-enabling the Administrator protection feature, which improves the security of accounts with administrator rights.
The feature sounds 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 whenever an action requires elevation.
During this process, the UAC function creates two tokens upon login, including a standard user token and an administrator token. When an elevated 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-managed account to handle elevation requests. During the quick request, the system creates this temporary account on request, uses it to perform the elevated action, and then deletes it once the task is completed.
You can manage 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 improvement is now available in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels.
New camera settings
As part of the secondary path in Canary Channel, Build 29550 updated the “Cameras” settings to include new pan and tilt controls in the “Basic Settings.”
Although these are not significant changes, Windows 11 build 29550 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 and Security,” “File Explorer,” and “Wheel” pages.
Finally, Canary Channel now also comes with Emoji version 16, which features some new emojis.
🖥️ What Windows 11 changes stand out to you this month?
Microsoft pushed out a surprisingly varied batch of updates through the Insider Program in early March, touching on everything from UI polish to system behavior to small quality-of-life tweaks that make Windows feel smoother in daily use. Some changes are subtle, others are truly impactful, and together they paint a clear picture of where Windows 11 is headed next.
We’ve highlighted the top 10 improvements worth knowing about and now we want to hear from you. Which changes really move the needle for your workflow and which seem like background noise? Tell us what you think Microsoft should prioritize as these features move toward a full release.
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