Microsoft has issued its optional preview updates that contain fixes and features that will be generally available in the next Patch Tuesday. Windows 11 22H2 is receiving KB5025305, build 22621.1635, and the original version of this OS, 21H2, is getting KB5025298, build 22000.1880. Windows 10 updates include KB5025297, Build 19045.2913, for version 22H2. Here are the key changes.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Microsoft Edge reports all the sites you visit to Bing
The inbox Windows browser app, Microsoft Edge, is leaking the sites you visit to Bing. The phonecalling is part of the poorly implemented "follow creator" feature. Designed to check specific YouTube channels for new content, it instead sends all the URLs you visit to Bing API endpoints.
JavaGPT makes ChatGPT work on legacy Windows starting from Windows 98
A third-party ChatGPT client build with Java 8 allows accessing the chatbot on any device that can run the Java code. With help of this tool, you can access ChatGPT from legacy Windows versions. Thanks to Java 8 support, even Windows 98 can start it.
Google Authenticator can now sync your accounts across multiple devices
Google Authenticator adds the ability to sync your accounts between your devices. A long overdue feature that Google Authenticator was missing out on.
[Upd] MSN Weather for Windows 11 and 10 to get advanced recommendations and ads
The built-in weather apps starts to see updates in Windows 11 and 10. It has got a revamped look with a dedicated section for current weather based suggestions, and ads.
Hidden features in Windows 11 Build 25346 (Canary)
Here are the list of hidden features you can enable in Windows 11 Build 25346. It was released last week for Insiders in the Canary channel. Traditionally, there are a number of hidden features that you can activate in addition to what is available out of the box. Some of them may be already familiar to you. Those include that ability to make Search open on hover, turn on different Start menu badge notifications, and "smart layouts" for Snap Assist.
Microsoft is highlighting their efforts to save energy and resources
In anticipation of Earth Day 2023, Microsoft is highlighting their efforts to save energy and resources, while simultaneously promoting their partners' efforts in this regard. One such example is the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program, which accepts older computers, refurbishes them, and installs new Microsoft software.
Windows 11 Build 22624.1616 (Beta) supports more languages for Live Captions
Microsoft has released new Windows 11 version 22H2 builds 22621.1616 and 22624.1616 (KB5025308) to Insiders on the Beta channel. Traditionally, build 22624.1616 includes some new features, while in Build 22621.1616 the new features are disabled by default.
Windows 11 is finally getting text labels for taskbar buttons
The Windows 11 taskbar is missing several practical features that were previously available by default in earlier operating system versions. Among these is the option to display text labels and ungroup app buttons. As you may remember, Microsoft is already working on reviving these features. In November 2022, a hidden feature was found in Insider builds that allowed to ungroup app buttons in the taskbar. Since then, there has been some progress, and now app buttons can display text labels.
How to disable Personalize your web experience prompt in Microsoft Edge
You may want to disable the annoying Personalize your web experience pop-up that Microsoft Edge occasionally shows when you open a new tab page. The dialog looks tricky, as when you click the default blue "Got it!" button, it doesn't dismiss it. Instead, it enables the browser collecting your browsing history and analyze it. After that, Edge will offer you services and sites that it 'thinks' should match your taste and habits.
