Microsoft is working on a new Windows App SDK-based version of File Explorer. While Microsoft is yet to decide what the new app will be like, its first bits are already in Windows 11 build 25300. The new app, while retains the appearance of the current version of File Explorer, adds a semi-working Gallery, and has a new icon. The latter may have been added to differentiate the new and "old" app.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Windows 11 will soon allow easily setting the default keyboard layout for sign-in screen
Microsoft is working to make it easy to set the default keyboard layout for the sign-in screen. Currently it is buried in the classic Control Panel applet. But the updated Settings app has got a new option for that in the Time & Language section.
The Settings app in Windows 11 Build 25300 has got new Home page, VHD management, and more
Turns out Windows 11 Build 25300 is full of hidden features. The previously reviewed ability to kill apps from the taskbar (WIP) and the new Snap layouts are just the tip of the iceberg. The Settings app in this build also reveals tons of forthcoming updates.
Microsoft Store has received visual changes to its homepage, search results, and more
Along with Windows 11 Build 25300, Microsoft has released an update to the inbox Store app. Currently available to the Dev channel, it brings with it some visual changes to the Store’s homepage, search results, and more.
Windows 11 and 10 received new patches in the Release Preview channel
Besides the new Widgets in the Beta channel, users of Windows 11 and Windows 10 running the OS in the Release Preview channel have also received some goodies. Both OSes released a good set fixes. In addition, Windows 11 has received an advanced auto-learning feature for facial recognition.
Windows 11 Beta channel updates 22621.1325 and 22623.1325 add more Widgets
Windows 11 version 22H2 has received KB5022914 in the Beta channel. It brings with it more Widgets, including Messenger, Spotify, Phone Link and Xbox (Game Pass). Besides, there are new Group Policies and fixes.
Windows 11 now officially supports Macs with Apple Silicon chips
Microsoft has revealed that they officially allows using Windows 11 on Macs with Apple M1 and M2 processors with help of Parallels Desktop 18. In fact, Mac users have been able to use it in this way for long, but now there is an official guide for that. And this is the only way to run Windows 11 on a device with an Apple Silicon processor.
Microsoft is working on AI-powered smart window snapping in Windows 11
Microsoft has high hopes for AI and its ability to improve software. The company is actively adding artificial intelligence to many of its products. You may have heard of the AI-powered Bing and Office apps. Windows 11 is also getting some improvements in the same fashion.
Windows 11 will soon allow you to kill an app from the taskbar
A great improvement is coming to Windows 11. In addition to the ability to close an app normally from the taskbar right-click menu, it will soon allow you to force-terminate the process.
How to Enable the new Snap Layouts in Windows 11 build 25300
As you may have already learned from the build change log, Windows 11 build 25300 includes a set of experimental snap layout implementations. You may or may not have one of them out of the box, but there is also a high chance that you won't see the change. Microsoft has made it available to a small select group of Insiders. Luckily, you can enable them manually and switch between them.
