At its annual developer conference, Build 2025, Microsoft unveiled a series of significant updates to the Microsoft Store. Among the key announcements was the elimination of registration fees for individual developers, marking a pivotal step in reducing barriers to entry for creators worldwide.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Microsoft Edge Gets Several AI-powered Features
At Build 2025, Microsoft unveiled a series of updates and innovations for Microsoft Edge, focusing on enhanced AI capabilities, user convenience, and enterprise-grade security. These developments aim to empower developers, streamline workflows, and provide robust protections for organizations.
Enable Text Extraction Keyboard Shortcut in Snipping Tool
Recently, Microsoft added a Text Extraction feature in the Snipping Tool, designed to streamline the process of recognizing and copying text directly from your screen to the clipboard. This eliminates the need to take a screenshot before extracting text, saving time and effort. To save your time, Dev and Beta channel releases now include a Win + Shift + T hotkey, which launches the Text Extraction tool directly. However, it is a gradual roll-out, so not everyone is seeing it. But you can enable it immediately using the ViveTool utility. Here's a guide on how to enable it ahead of the gradual roll-out.
Enable Image Compression in Share Dialog on Windows 11
Microsoft has introduced an updated Share window feature that allows users to select image compression levels when sharing files. Instead of the previous 0-100 scale, the new interface provides three straightforward options: High Quality , Medium Quality , and Low Quality . However, this feature maybe not enabled by default, as it is a gradual roll-out. In this case it requires manual activation using the ViveTool utility. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you enable and use this enhanced functionality.
How to Enable Text Descriptions for Accessibility in Quick Settings
Windows 11 continues to evolve with new features designed to enhance accessibility and user experience. One such feature is the addition of text descriptions for assistive technologies like Narrator, Voice Access, and others in the Quick Actions window. These descriptions make it easier for users to locate and utilize these tools, improving accessibility and usability.
How to Enable AI Actions in File Explorer
AI Actions in File Explorer is a new feature in latest Dev and Beta insider builds, but are a gradual roll-out. You can enable them with ViVeTool. It allows users to interact more deeply with their files without leaving their workflow. AI Actions use artificial intelligence to perform tasks like editing images, summarizing documents, and more - everything directly from the context menu. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you enable them right now, without waiting for the gradual rollout wave to reach your PC.
Windows 11 Build 26120.4151 (Beta) improves Widgets, File Explorer, Snipping Tool, and much more
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486, version 24H2) to Windows Insider program participants in the Beta channel. As a reminder, 22635.5305 was the last build of Windows 11 version 23H2 for the Beta channel. With today's build, all Insiders will be automatically updated to Windows 11 version 24H2.
Windows 11 Build 26200.5603 (Dev) adds AI actions to File Explorer
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488), to Windows Insiders in the Dev channel. It includes improvements to File Explorer, Copilot, Widgets, and much more. The change log is pretty huge.
Microsoft unveiled Windows AI Foundry platform for working with AI
At the Build 2025 developer conference, Microsoft announced the launch of Windows AI Foundry, a new platform designed to simplify the creation, customization, and deployment of artificial intelligence solutions on the Windows operating system. Built on the Windows Copilot Runtime, this platform aims to invent accessible, efficient, and scalable AI tools.
Microsoft makes Post-Quantum Cryptography available for Windows Insiders
The company has introduced post-quantum cryptography (PQC) capabilities to Windows Insiders and Linux users, marking a major milestone in preparing for the post-quantum era. Microsoft is integrating PQC algorithms into its core systems, allowing organizations to experiment with and implement quantum-resistant solutions. This will protect sensitive data from situations such as “collect now, decrypt later” threat, that refers to attackers collecting encrypted data today with the hopes of decrypting it once quantum computers become powerful enough.
