After the success of Steam Deck, numerous companies have considered releasing their own portable gaming devices that run Windows 11 instead of Steam OS. However, Windows 11 may not be the most user-friendly operating system for devices with smaller screens. Recognizing this issue, Microsoft has been testing various versions of the Windows 11 user interface to provide a more comfortable experience on these portable gaming consoles.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
HoloLens 2 will receive Windows 11 as a free optional upgrade
According to recent news, Microsoft is set to release an optional and free upgrade of Windows 11 for HoloLens 2 headsets in the first half of this year. Customers who prefer to remain on Windows 10 can continue using their mixed reality headset without any issues. But with the forthcoming Windows 11 update, HoloLens 2 headsets will receive additional security features as well as a preview of the newest developer tools.
Release Preview Insiders are receiving new updates
Besides the new Beta builds, the Release Preview channel of the Insider program has also received an update. Microsoft has issued Windows 11 Build 22000.1879 (KB5025298) for the initial OS release, along with Windows 11 Build 22621.1631 (KB5025305), version 22H2. Finally, Windows 10 users are also getting a fresh build, Windows 10 Build 19045.2908. Here are the changes.
Windows 11 Build 22624.1610 (Beta) comes with presence sensing options
KB5025299 brings presence sensing to Insiders in the Beta channel, and allows installing preview updates faster. It raises the OS version to Build 22624.1610. Its counterpart with features disabled by default is Windows 11 Build 22621.1610.
How to disable Print Screen from opening Snipping Tool in Windows 11 and 10
Windows 11 now uses the Print Screen key to open Snipping Tool, but you can disable this new behavior. In previous releases of the operating system, pressing the Prt Scr key captures an image of the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard. This has changed with KB5025310.
PowerToys Run will get ChatGPT integration
The PowerToys software is receiving ChatGPT support that will allow users to perform AI-powered searches within the "Run" tool. Users will be able to enter queries in the PowerToys Run text box and receive answers in the window below it.
Cumulative updates for Windows 11 and 10, April 11, 2023
Microsoft today released a new portion of cumulative updates for all supported operating systems. They include software quality fixes in order to make the OS more stable and reliable. Here are the changes.
April update for Windows Subsystem for Android adds Picture-in-picture mode
The latest version of Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), version 2303.40000.3.0, is out to users via the Windows Insider Channels. The new WSA comes with several enhancements, such reliability and security improvements. Also, it enables picture-in-picture (PIP).
The session list for Microsoft Build 2023 is now available
Although there is still slightly over a month until the commencement of the annual Microsoft Build 2023 developer conference, the list of scheduled sessions has already been revealed. As expected, Microsoft will place a significant emphasis on artificial intelligence, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Graph services, and will talk more about application development, including apps for Windows on ARM.
Game Pass for PC is now available in 40 additional countries
As of today, Microsoft has expanded the availability of PC Game Pass into 40 more countries across the globe. This includes countries such as Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, and Serbia. In celebration of the expansion, Microsoft is providing new users in these countries with a special price on a three-month subscription to PC Game Pass.
