Starting in Build 25169, Microsoft has implemented a new way to enable Spotlight on Desktop. Now you can use a special theme, meant to activate the online desktop backgrounds for you with one click. However, in typical Microsoft's fashion, even this tiny change is under gradual roll-out. So many insiders have no access to it. Here's how to access the new Windows Spotlight theme.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Windows 10 version 22H2 is now available in the Release Preview channel
Microsoft has made available Windows 10 version 22H2 to insiders using the Release Preview channel. Starting today, they receive Build 19045.1865 (KB5015878) in form of an optional update. To install it, you need to check for updates in Settings > Update & recovery > Windows Update and select KB5015878 in the list.
Windows 11 Beta channel has got two new builds, 22621.440 and 22622.440
Following the new scheme, Microsoft has released two new builds to the beta channel. The first one, build 22622.440, includes new features, and the second one doesn't have them enabled. Second group folks can activate them with an optional update.
Windows 11 Build 25169 in Dev adds a new “Spotlight” theme to Personalization
A new Dev channel build includes one more method to quickly enable Desktop Spotlight. There is a new theme option for that starting in today's update. Besides the new personalization option, Windows 11 Build 25169 adds Multi-App Kiosk Mode, and some improvements and fixes.
KB5015882 for Windows 11 delivers recent improvements to the production version
Microsoft has released a new optional "C" update to everyone. As you may already know, such optional updates have a "Preview" tag, and bring up the most recent changes to the stable branch of the OS. This way, interested users can test the new features and fixes a few days before they land in the Windows Update in form of Patch Tuesday updates.
A new Windows 11 default policy makes password brute forcing much harder
Microsoft has activated a new account lockout policy in Windows 11 to protect users against password bruteforce attack. The change is already live in Insider builds of version 22H2. The policy will block the user account for 10 minutes if someone is trying to guess the password via RDP and other methods.
Microsoft has secretly lowered Windows 11 Startup sound quality
A new research shows that Microsoft has updated the sound quality of the Windows 11 startup sound. While they didn't change the melody, the bitrate has been reduced by a half.
Xbox insiders can now use Discord voice chats
Today, a significant change has landed in the Xbox Insider program. Microsoft has made available Discord voice chats to a select group of users, so they can use them from their game console. This update makes it easier to communicate with friends that play on different platforms. The novelty will become broader available in the near future.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25163 is available in Dev
Microsoft has released a new preliminary build of Windows 11 25163 to Windows Insiders on the Dev channel. It includes an updated taskbar, Nearby Sharing improvements and the ability to upload files to OneDrive. The two latter features are also available in the Beta channel since yesterday.
Microsoft Edge has officially received Command Palette (Quick Commands)
Last month, Microsoft has secretly added "Quick Commands" to Edge, a command launcher that runs built-in browser functions and options directly. Now, the company officially revealed it under the Command Palette name.
