Microsoft rolls out a Windows Feature Experience Pack to Insiders

Surface Go 2 Display Angle (Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

Microsoft released a new Windows Feature Experience Pack.
Insiders on the Beta Channel can install the Windows Feature Experience Pack on their PC.
Windows Feature Experience Packs allow Microsoft to improve features and experiences independently of Windows 10 development.

In the beginning of December 2020, Microsoft rolled out its first Windows Feature Experience Pack to Insiders. These types of packs allow Microsoft to improve features and experiences that are developed independently from Windows 10. Microsoft has been hushed on what Windows Feature Experience Packs are up to this point, but a new post from the company explains what they are and outlines the changes in the most recent one to roll out (via ZDNet).

"We are improving the reliability of screen snipping experience, especially with apps that access the clipboard often," says Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc. The update also temporarily removes the capability to copy and paste screen snips directly to the File Explorer. The copy and paste feature was removed for the time being due to an issue discovered by Insiders, but should return in a future update.

LeBlanc explains the purpose of the Windows Feature Experience Packs in his blog post:

As a reminder – we are testing this new process out with Insiders to deliver new feature improvements to customers outside of major Windows 10 feature updates. Right now, we are starting out with a really scoped set of features and improvements. Over time, we hope to expand the scope and the frequency of releases in the future. Eventually, these Windows Feature Experience Pack updates will get folded into the already existing servicing process for Windows 10 and delivered to customers that way through Windows Update.

To receive this Windows Feature Experience Pack, Insiders on the Beta Channel need to have Windows 10 20H2 Build 19042.662 or higher on their PC.

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.