Microsoft tests Windows 11 cursor redesign and cloud recovery

Microsoft is testing several updates for Windows 11, including a potential redesign of the iconic mouse cursor and a new cloud-based recovery feature.

In recent Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, a new mouse pointer design has appeared in official demonstration screenshots. This new design is wider, more symmetrical, and features more rounded edges compared to the traditional thin, elongated arrow used for decades. While Microsoft has not officially announced a cursor overhaul, the new shape closely resembles icons found in the Microsoft Fluent UI System Icons library, suggesting a move toward greater visual consistency across the operating system.

Additionally, Microsoft is testing a ‘Cloud Rebuild’ feature within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This tool aims to simplify OS reinstallation by allowing users to download and reinstall Windows directly from the cloud via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, potentially eliminating the need for USB flash drives or external installation media. The feature is designed to work even if the existing Windows installation is corrupted, and it intends to automatically reinstall necessary drivers to ensure hardware functionality after the process.