Microsoft has announced the introduction of App Actions on Windows, a new AI capability that can boost app engagement and increase feature discoverability. It solves one of the main problems facing developers - to tell the user what the application can do without interrupting their workflow. App Actions allow applications to contextually integrate into the operating system interface.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Model Context Protocol (MCP) support announced for Windows 11
At the Build 2025 developer conference, Microsoft announced native support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) in Windows 11, making it easier to build apps and services that use agent-based AI technologies. MCP is an open standard designed to enable AI models to more effectively interact with data outside of specific apps or services. It facilitates the exchange of contextual information, allowing AI tools and agents to seamlessly use this data.
Windows 11 Build 26100.4188 (Release Preview) comes with a huge number of improvements
Microsoft has released Windows 11, version 24H2, Build 26100.4188 via KB5058499 to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview ring. Notable updates include the expansion of Click to Do’s intelligent text actions to AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ devices, allowing users to summarize, rewrite, or formalize text with ease. The build also enhances Copilot integration, enabling voice interactions and quick access via customizable keyboard shortcuts. Additionally, cross-device functionality now allows users to resume work on OneDrive files started on mobile devices, while energy-saving features can be managed via Microsoft Intune for better power efficiency.
Microsoft Has Announced Edit – An Open-Source Console Text Editor for Windows
Microsoft has unveiled a new text editor for the Windows command line, named Edit. This tool is an open-source project, enabling developers and enthusiasts to build it from the source code. In the coming months, Edit will be introduced in Windows 11 Insider builds, before being integrated into stable versions of the operating system. The lightweight tool occupies less than 250 KB of disk space.
Microsoft open-sources Windows Subsystem for Linux
Microsoft has officially announced the open-sourcing of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing developers and enthusiasts worldwide to download, build, and modify WSL from its source code, as well as contribute fixes, propose enhancements, and actively engage in the subsystem's ongoing development. The announcement was made during the Build 2025 Developer Conference.
Microsoft is removing the default Administrator account from Windows
Microsoft has announced a removal of the default Administrator account in Windows 11, which is being replaced with a new Administrator Protection feature. The new feature is designed to safeguard admin users while enabling them to perform essential tasks requiring elevated privileges.
Quick Machine Recovery options are now in Windows 11 Settings
The latest Dev and Beta channel Insider builds of Windows 11 now include a dedicated Quick Machine Recovery page. The QMR feature is designed to automatically fix common boot issues. Earlier, Microsoft was made it possible to test it, but testing required to activate QMR manually from console. Now, interested users can use a GUI for changing the options.
Windows 11 Build 27858 Adds Emoji Button to Taskbar, Improves Desktop Shortcuts
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 27858 to Insider program participants in the Canary channel. It adds a new Emoji button to the taskbar that joins over system icons in the right corner. Another change is the removal of the colored background for packaged Windows apps that get updates from the Store. This update makes desktop icons larger and easier to read.
Microsoft is Moving “Copy Language” Options from Control Panel to Settings
The process of consolidating options from the Control Panel into the Settings app is pretty fast in Windows 11. "Language for non-Unicode programs" and "Copy current user settings to welcome screen and system accounts/new user accounts" are the latest to make the transition. This means that the eventual removal of these settings from the Control Panel may happen in the near future.
Google to Add Enhanced Security Mode to Android 16
Google has unveiled a new security option for the upcoming Android 16 release: Advanced Protection mode . This new enhancement aims at safeguarding devices against targeted attacks, unauthorized access, and potential compromises. The feature combines existing security options with several innovative mechanisms to provide users with an extra layer of protection.
