Microsoft is working on a new launcher for their all-in-one PowerToys toolset. It aims to offer a simplified but yet convenient way of starting the apps. Since the number of 'toys' continues to grow, the default 'Settings-like' UI makes it harder to find and run them. Here the new Quick Settings-like UI comes into play.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Microsoft offers to upgrade to Windows 11 during the Windows 10 OOBE
A few days ago, Microsoft released KB5020683 for supported versions of Windows 10. After installing it you may see the upgrade offer to Windows 11 during the initial system setup (OOBE). Obviously, it only appears on devices compatible with the newest OS.
Microsoft has fixed slow file copy bug in Windows 11 22H2
Microsoft has finally fixed a bug that affects file copy performance on Windows 11 22H2. It can significantly reduce the copy speed, up to 40% of the bandwidth. The bug can slow down both network and local file operations. So engineers at Microsoft figured out the cause of the issue and fixed it, but users have to wait a bit more before getting the fix on their computers.
Task Manager on Windows 11 22H2 has accent color issues after installing KB5020044
Yesterday, Microsoft released an optional update KB5020044 (Build 22621.900) for Windows 11 version 22H2. The patch fixes performance issues in games, adds a dedicated Windows Spotlight theme along with OneDrive cloud storage status alerts in Settings. Sadly, the update brought with it a few new bugs.
Google Chrome 108 is available for download
Google has released Chrome 108 to the stable branch. The new version of the browser includes a redesigned cookie manager, two new Memory Saver и Energy Saver resource optimization modes, a price tracker for online shops, search in the side pane, and more.
A Windows 11 22H2 bug in IME may cause apps to become unresponsive
Microsoft has confirmed a new bug in Windows 11 2022 Update. When the user switches input modes using keyboard shortcuts, certain apps may hang. As a workaround, Microsoft suggests switching input modes using the icon in the tasbkar by clicking it. Alternatively, you can install the most recent optional update KB5020044 that contains a fix. But keep in mind that the patch is still in Preview.
Microsoft released some Windows 11 “Moment 2” features with KB5020044 (Build 22621.900)
Microsoft has released a new cumulative update for Windows 11 version 22H2. It is available via the KB5020044 patch and includes a number of hidden slated for the "Moment 2" release. Here's how you can activate them.
How to Enable New Taskbar Search in Windows 11 Build 25252
You may want to manually enable the new taskbar search in Windows 11 Build 25252, as it is available to a limited set of Insiders. There's a high chance that it is hidden for you out of the box, but you can change that with help of the ViveTool app.
Windows 11 Builds 22621.1020/22623.1020 (Beta) finally bring with it the Windows Spotlight theme
Microsoft has released new preview builds of Windows 11 (version 22H2) 22621.1020 and 22623.1020 (KB5020035) to Insiders on the Beta channel. Build 22623.1020 supports new features, such as new Braille displays in Narrator. Both builds include Windows Spotlight with Themes, Microsoft OneDrive subscription options in Settings, and more.
Windows 11 Build 25252 (Dev) adds VPN tray icon overlay, new search styles, and more
Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11 25252 to Windows Insider program participants using the Dev channel. It now shows the VPN connection status overlay icon in the system tray over network icon for the recognized VPN profile. The taskbar includes various options for displaying search on the taskbar. Besides, there are fixes and general improvements.
