Windows 11 March Update: 9 New Features for Insiders

As March 2026 concludes, Microsoft has delivered a substantial set of previews for Windows 11 testers, introducing a range of new features and refinements across the Windows Insider Program channels. These updates, building on earlier March releases, include preview builds for future versions like 25H2 and 26H1, offering a glimpse into the operating system’s ongoing evolution.

A notable accessibility feature called Pointer Indicator is now available to assist users with low vision. When activated from the Accessibility settings, it overlays a customizable crosshair effect on the mouse pointer, making it significantly easier to locate on screen. A dedicated keyboard shortcut allows users to toggle this tool on and off instantly.

The Feedback Hub app has received a visual overhaul, aligning its interface more closely with the modern Windows 11 design language. The updated submission process streamlines reporting bugs or requesting features, and for the first time, users can formally send positive feedback directly to Microsoft’s development teams.

Audio sharing receives a major upgrade with the new Shared audio feature. Now in testing, it offers individual volume sliders for each connected Bluetooth LE Audio device, giving listeners personalized control. The system volume in Quick Settings still adjusts both devices simultaneously, and a new Taskbar icon indicates when audio is being shared. Support extends to popular earbuds from Samsung and Sony, as well as the Xbox Wireless Headset.

File Explorer’s context menu is becoming more intuitive. When you right-click on executable files, the “Open” option now displays the icon of the associated application, providing clearer visual cues. This refinement is part of the latest Canary Channel builds.

A significant security enhancement arrives with Administrator Protection. This new system creates an isolated, temporary account to handle privilege elevation requests from untrusted apps, moving beyond the traditional User Account Control model. It is designed to close a potential vulnerability by ensuring elevated tasks do not share access with the user’s primary profile. The feature can be enabled via Windows Security or configured by administrators through Group Policy.

Laptop users gain more control over their touchpad with a new setting to adjust the size of the right-click zone. Available in Touchpad settings, options range from small to large, though some manufacturers may offer custom configurations that override this standard menu.

Task Manager now provides detailed monitoring for the Neural Processing Unit (NPU). New columns on several pages display NPU usage and engine activity, while the Details page offers insights into dedicated and shared memory for NPU workloads. An additional column also reveals which applications are running within an isolated AppContainer.

In printer settings, a new icon identifies devices compatible with Windows Protected Print Mode, helping users distinguish supported hardware. Finally, the classic Windows Console is undergoing a major transformation by integrating improvements from the open-source Windows Terminal. Updates include an optional Direct3D rendering path, a Find dialog with regular expression support, and the ability to render images via Sixel. These changes aim to modernize the experience for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Subsystem for Linux users.