While there is no argument that Microsoft Edge is a decent modern browser with great features and solid performance, everyone seems sick of Microsoft trying to force everyone to use it. Windows 10 is well-known for its shady practices and random resets of default apps, and in Windows 11, Microsoft takes that to a higher level with a messy default app system. Now, instead of using a single switch to select the default browser (one more click to dismiss Microsoft's plea to try Edge), users need to pick a browser for eleven different web formats.
Author: Taras Buria
Taras is here to cover stories about Microsoft and everything around, although sometimes he prefers Apple.
AMD released GPU and chipset drivers with Windows 11 support
A little less than a month before Microsoft ships Windows 11 to the public, AMD joins Intel and NVIDIA with its latest drivers for the newest operating system from Microsoft. Now AMD users can install Windows 11-optimized chipset and GPU drivers for improved compatibility and performance.
Surface Go 2 received September 2021 firmware update
After releasing new firmware for the third-gen Surface Book several days ago, Microsoft pushed another set of patches, this time for Surface Go 2.
How to update firmware on Xbox gamepad on Windows 10 or 11
Updates for Xbox controllers are not that frequent when compared to software updates for Windows or Xbox. Still, sometimes, Microsoft releases new firmware to improve connectivity, fix bugs, or even add new features to existing hardware. For example, Microsoft plans to add Bluetooth Low Energy for reduced latency and multi-device support to existing Xbox Wireless Controllers with Bluetooth. To get those features, you need to update firmware on Xbox Wireless Controller.
Surface Book 3 gets several improvements and security fixes in the latest firmware update
On September 22, 2021, Microsoft holds its Surface event, on which the company plans to unveil new generations of Surface devices. According to numerous rumors, Microsoft will reveal a redesigned fourth-gen Surface Book in a new form factor and name. While Surface fans eagerly wait for the new hardware to drop, Microsoft continues providing firmware updates for existing devices. Those owning a third-gen Surface Book 3 can download a fresh set of patches from Windows Update. New firmware is available for both 13 and 15-inch versions of Surface Book 3.
Microsoft brings next-gen features to existing Xbox Wireless Controllers
In 2020, Microsoft announced new Xbox consoles and updated wireless controllers. Besides having an additional Share button, USB-C, and refined texture, new gamepads offer multi-device connection and Bluetooth LE support for better connectivity and reduced latency. Although previous-gen controllers work with new consoles without problems, those gamepads lack cross-device connectivity and reduced latency. Microsoft wants to fix that with a new firmware now rolling out to Xbox Insiders.
How to Change Time Zone in Windows 11
You can use a number of methods to change Time Zone in Windows 11. Incorrect time zone might be one of the reasons why your computer shows the wrong date and time. Although Windows 11 can detect time zone automatically, the process might fail if there is no active Internet connection.
The ‘View Site Info’ menu in Edge can now show extra details about websites you visit
In Microsoft Edge, to the left from a website address, you can spot a button with a lock icon called "View Site Info." Microsoft uses that button to indicate secured HTTPS connection and provide information about web pages, such as permissions, tracking prevention, etc. Developers now want to provide users with even more data.
Microsoft details how Windows 11 improves performance compared to Windows 10
Microsoft plans to launch Windows 11 on October 5, 2021. The new operating system might feel like a cosmetic-only update with minor feature improvements and controversial changes. Still, there are tons of enhancements and refinements "under-the-hood." Microsoft posted a video where Steve Dispensa, VP of Enterprise Management at Microsoft, details how Windows 11 improves performance on existing hardware compared to Windows 10.
StartIsBack brings back labels and ungrouped icons to Windows 11’s taskbar
To say at least, not everyone is happy with how Microsoft has changed the taskbar and Start menu in Windows 11. Besides quite a radical redesign, Microsoft removed lots of popular features for no apparent reason. Users can no longer move the taskbar, and the left-click menu is gone, icons are always grouped with no option to turn on labels, and the Start menu itself requires more clicks to get to the needed apps. Where Microsoft fails, third-party app developers thrive. Although Windows 11 is one month from the public release, you can already get a dozen of apps to fix Windows 11's annoyances. "StartIsBack" is one such app to make the Start menu and taskbar in Windows 11 more convenient.
