Microsoft is rolling out another Windows 11 Insider update with a handful of useful improvements aimed at making the operating system more convenient and energy-conscious.
The latest Experimental preview, released on September 25, introduces changes to the Start menu, Quick Settings, and Storage settings. While this is a relatively small update, some of the changes could make everyday Windows 11 interactions a little more seamless.
Start Menu Can Now Show More Phone Activity
One of the more noticeable changes is coming to the Phone companion experience in the Windows 11 Start menu.
Microsoft is expanding the amount of recent mobile activity that can be viewed directly from Start. Instead of being limited to a smaller list, users can now access more activity through a scrollable side pane.
This means you can browse through additional recent activity from your connected phone without having to leave the Start menu.
The change should make the phone companion experience more useful for people who regularly switch between their Windows PC and smartphone.
Microsoft is gradually rolling out the feature, so it may not appear immediately for every Windows Insider.
Energy Recommendations Are Coming to Quick Settings
Microsoft is also making its Energy Recommendations easier to discover.
Windows Insiders will now see Energy Recommendations directly in Quick Settings, giving users a faster way to find suggestions that can help reduce energy consumption.
The recommendations are designed to help users make changes that could improve power efficiency and device sustainability.
Previously, users generally needed to dig deeper into Windows settings to find these options. Bringing them closer to Quick Settings could make energy-saving suggestions more visible during everyday PC use.
The feature is particularly useful for laptop users who want to improve battery efficiency without manually searching through multiple settings pages.
Small Storage Settings Design Improvements
Microsoft is also making some minor visual refinements to the Temporary files section under:
Settings > System > Storage
The changes are primarily visual rather than major functional updates. Microsoft continues to refine the Windows 11 Settings experience, with smaller interface adjustments appearing across different parts of the operating system.
While these changes may not dramatically alter how Windows 11 works, they contribute to Microsoft’s ongoing effort to make Settings more consistent and easier to navigate.
A Small Update With Practical Changes
This Windows 11 Insider update isn’t packed with major new features, but it does include several quality-of-life improvements.
The expanded Phone companion activity in Start could be especially useful for people who frequently connect their phones to their PCs. Meanwhile, moving Energy Recommendations into Quick Settings makes Microsoft’s power-saving tools easier to find.
The Storage settings refinements are more subtle, but they continue the broader visual modernization of Windows 11.
As with other Insider features, Microsoft is gradually rolling out these changes, meaning availability can vary between Windows Insider devices.
What’s New at a Glance
- More phone activity: The Start menu Phone companion can now display more recent mobile activity through a scrollable pane.
- Energy Recommendations: Recommendations are becoming available directly through Quick Settings.
- Storage refinements: Microsoft has made small visual improvements to the Temporary files section.
- Gradual rollout: The features may not be available to every Insider immediately.
Overall, this is a relatively focused Windows 11 Insider update, but the changes show Microsoft continuing to polish everyday features rather than relying solely on major feature releases.
If you prefer to wait, all cumulative fixes and features within this package will roll out automatically during the upcoming October Patch Tuesday update cycle. For continuous updates on future software builds and technical breakdowns, keep an eye on the latest stories at WinCentral’s Windows 11 News.
