Author: Sergey Tkachenko

Microsoft has released yet another update to the Paint app (version 11.2406.34.0) for Windows 11. It brings improvements to the pen / stylus experience. At the moment, only Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary channels can evaluate the changes.

Microsoft has updated the Photos app by adding even close integration with the Designer service. It allows using AI when editing an image right in the app, without opening Microsoft Designer in your web browser.

As part of update delivery optimization, Microsoft is introducing Windows 11 checkpoint cumulative updates. Windows 11 version 24H2 will be the first version of the OS to use this new mechanism. It will allow you to get features and security enhancements via the latest cumulative update through smaller, incremental differentials containing only the changes since the previous checkpoint cumulative update. This means that you can save time, bandwidth, and hard drive space.

Dev channel insiders have received a new build of Windows 11. This time it is Build 26120.1252, and it continues the roll-out of new features. The latter have been earlier announced but shortly paused. Besides, there are a number of improvements made to the Start menu, File Explorer, and Widgets.

As you remember, Microsoft is working on a new "All apps" view for the Start menu. In addition to the list view (used now), it is getting a grid with big icons. Finally, a new research reveals that Microsoft is adding a "Category view" for All apps.

Insiders in the Beta channel running Windows 11 version 23H2 are now receiving Build 22635.3930. The update includes a revamped look of the Home page in File Explorer, the option to remove the notification bell from the taskbar, and more. The taskbar supports navigation by letters between open apps, and Nearby Share now allows you to quickly share data with your Android device.

Microsoft has released KB5040525 with Windows 10 Build 19045.4713 to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview channels. Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview channels will receive the same builds of Windows 10, but the Beta channel will receive new features that are in development and not yet ready for public distribution.

Microsoft today released Windows 11 Builds 22621.3951 (22H2) and 22631.3951 (23H2), KB5040527 to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. It includes options to duplicate a tab in File Explorer, to pin shortcuts from the Start menu to the taskbar and make a desktop shortcut with drag-n-drop, and more.

Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 26252 to Windows Insider program participants on the Canary channel. This update brings weather, sports, stock market, and traffic widgets to the lock screen. Also, the Start menu supports drag and drop to the taskbar and desktop, the Settings app shows build expiration date, and more.