Microsoft continues to refresh the appearance of aged dialogs in Windows 11. Some of them have not changed since Windows 8, some retain their look from Windows 10. The company's goal is to make the newest OS look consistent by following its Fluent Design guidelines. In Windows 11 Build 25281 you will find an updated "Enter a product key" dialog, thought you have to apply extra efforts to see it.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Windows 11 is getting a new Volume Mixer that exposes audio apps
Microsoft is working on a new Volume flyout for Windows 11 that allows directly adjusting the sound volume level for each of the apps individually. It reminds of the popular EarTrumpet app, but is integrated in the Quick Access feature. It is a work in progress, so doesn't appear by default. But you can enable it easily.
Notepad with Tabs is now available to Windows 11 Insiders
Microsoft has started the roll-out of an updated Notepad app for Windows 11. Participants of the Windows Insider program in the Dev channel now receive a new version of the app 11.2212.33.0, that features a tabbed user interface.
Windows 11 Insiders in Beta channel receive Builds 22623.1180 and 22621.1180
In addition to Windows 11 Build 25281 in the Dev channel, Microsoft today updated the Beta channel with two new builds, 22623.1180 and 22621.1180. Traditionally, the first one is designed for testing new features, and the latter comes with them disabled. The new features in today's release are improved storage alerts for OneDrive in Settings, Widgets that can finally work without a Microsoft account, and a newer Get Help app with a connection issue troubleshooter.
Windows 11 Build 25281 (Dev) greatly improves Windows Spotlight
Microsoft today released Windows 11 Build 25281 to Insiders in the Dev channel. It brings with it different variations of the look and feel of Windows Spotlight, improved Graphics and Bluetooth options, and many fixes.
Windows 11 will soon receive an Experimental Features option
Eagle-eyed enthusiasts have discovered a new hidden option in the Settings app that is responsible for shipping some experimental features to Windows 11 Insiders. While the option does nothing as of this moment, it indicates that Microsoft may want to make its A/B testing more clear and transparent.
Microsoft officially confirmed that they will cut 10,000 employees by March 31
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed in a message to employees that by March 31, 2023, the company will lay off about 10 thousand people, which is approximately 5% of the total number of Microsoft employees.
Special characters in the printer name break printing in Edge 109
A number of reports on the web indicate that a regression in the Edge 109 code breaks its printing feature. It affects all supported platforms, including Windows 10 and all versions of Windows 11. Edge 109 was released just a few days ago. Here's what makes is stall when you press Ctrl + P and how to fix it.
Windows 11 Build 22000.1515 (RP) adds Windows Spotlight theme to Personalization
In addition to an update for Windows 22H2, Microsoft also updates the original release of Windows 11 with KB5019274. The patch is now available to Insiders on the Release Preview channel, and raises the OS version to Windows 11 Build 22000.1515. It brings with it two new features to Settings, a dedicated "Windows Spotlight" theme in Personalization and a new Microsoft Account page with OneDrive subscription options and storage alerts.
Firefox 109 released with Manifest V3 support, Firefox View improvements, and more
The Mozilla team has released the Firefox 109 web browser, along with a long-term branch update to version 102.7.0. Firefox 110 enters Beta, and is scheduled for release on February 14. Firefox 109 is notable for supporting the third version of the Chrome add-on manifest, a refined look of the Firefox View page, and more. Also, it drops Colorways from themes.
