Category: Windows 11

Microsoft has released new preview builds of Windows 11 (version 22H2) with KB5018490 to Windows Insiders on the Beta channel. Traditionally, Build 22623.746 is for testing new features, and  in Build 22621.746 new features are disabled by default.

Microsoft accidentally revealed a UI design prototype for the next version of Windows at Ignite 2022, which is internally known as "Next Valley". It sports a floating taskbar, something that company earlier denied to be a thing. But in one of the screenshots the taskbar appears with rounder corners floating on the desktop.

Microsoft has shown a new firmware version for Surface Duo running Android 12L with a new UI that replicates the Fluent Design of Windows 11.  It brings with it an updated notification bar, new blur effects, and a redesigned Settings app with Windows 11-like icons. It supports changing  system accent color automatically by picking it from the wallpaper.

Besides the new Surface device announcements, Microsoft also revealed a few more changes that Windows 11 2022 Update, version 22H2, will soon receive. Much to surprise, there are new apps Apple TV and Apple Music, and new features in the Snipping Tool. The latter will allow you to record your screen without installing anything extra.

A new release to Insiders brings with it tabs in File Explorer to everyone. The change comes with Windows 11 Build 22621.675, which is also notable for a few more novelties, such as Suggested Actions, new taskbar overflow menu, and more.

Microsoft has confirmed another issue in the Windows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2) that may cause some users to experience issues using Windows Hello, which is responsible for face and fingerprint recognition, and PIN authentication. The problem does not affect users who set up Windows Hello before updating to Windows 11 2022 Update.

Today is the second Tuesday of the month, so Microsoft traditionally puts a fresh portion of cumulative updates on Windows Update servers. The patches are available for all supported operating systems. As usual, such updates do not include new features. They will fix known bugs and eliminate vulnerabilities.

Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox in Microsoft, has published on Twitter a new photo with a brand new device under the Xbox brand. It is a box for streaming games through the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. The company was talking about it last year. The device is also known under the code name Xbox Keystone.

Along with the latest Dev channel build, Microsoft is rolling out an updated Microsoft Store app. It improves the game listing, so you can clearly see if a game is available through Game Pass, and the price. Besides, there are performance improvements that make the Store even more fast and fluid.

Windows 11 build 25217, which was yesterday released to Insiders in the Dev channel, allows you to change the search position and look on the taskbar. It can show it on the left, making it look like what we used to have in Windows 10. Even the familiar settings to show it as an icon, text box, or hide it are back.