On January 9, 2024, Microsoft released the KB5034441 security update for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2. It comes in addition to Patch Tuesday's KB5034122, and addresses the BitLocker encryption bypass vulnerability (CVE-2024-20666). Sadly, this security patch gives headache to numerous users worldwide. The installation process terminates with the error code 0x80070643.
Category: Windows 11
Windows 11 Builds 22621.3078/22631.3078 (RP) expands handwriting over text boxes to more regions
The Release Preview insider channel is now receiving Windows 11 Builds 22621.3078 and 22631.3078. The updates is expanding the ability to use digital handwriting in edit boxes for Windows Ink in several new languages and locales. It is also adding a feature for backing up and transferring eye control system settings, resolving issues with 7-Zip files appearing as empty in File Explorer, fixing a deadlock issue that prevents search from working on the Start menu, addressing issues with Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3), and much more.
Windows 11 Build 22635.3061 (Beta) adds weather to the Lock Screen, improves Sharing
Today, Beta channel insiders are getting a new update, Windows 11 Build 22635.3061. It adds a weather widget to the Lock Screen, allows sharing links directly to popular messengers and platforms, and much more. The release ships an extra set of features to insiders with the Settings > Windows Update > Get the latest updates as soon as they are available option enabled.
Windows 11 Build 23615 (Dev) introduced USB 80Gbps and Copilot autostart
A new preview release is now available to insiders in the Dev channel. Windows 11 Build 23615 brings with it blazing fast USB 80Gbps speeds, and also adds an option to start Copilot automatically when you sign in to the OS. It also includes the option to share a link from the browser to the WhatsApp, Gmail, and other popular web platforms. Finally, there are some fixes and improvements.
Windows 11 Notepad is getting AI-powered Cowriter feature
The inbox Notepad app will soon get a new AI-powered feature "Cowriter". It will offer a number of text processing options such as rewrite, make text shorter or longer, change its tone, and so on.
Windows 11 24H2 is required for Wi-Fi 7, not version 24H1
Previously, Dell's slide erroneously stated that Windows 11 24H1 was necessary for Wi-Fi 7, which led to widespread assumptions about the arrival of a new Windows version in April. However, it has now been clarified that this was a typo, and the correct version of the operating system needed for Wi-Fi 7 is Windows 11 24H2. Therefore, it is indeed version 24H2 that is required for Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.
Cumulative updates for Windows 11 and 10, January 9, 2024
The first of this year, a set of cumulative updates comes to everyone running stable versions of Windows 11 and 10. These updates, widely known as Patch Tuesday, aim at fixing bugs and shipping various improvements to the OS. Here are the changes.
WordPad will never officially return to Windows 11
According to Microsoft, WordPad will not be included as a feature on demand. This means it will be removed permanently in a future update. The change has already been observed by those who have installed Windows 11 Build 26020 from the Canary channel.
Windows 11 version 24H1 may be coming in April 2024
Dell's XPS marketing and tech specs mention Windows 11 version 24H1, and says it will be available for download in April 2024, and in August 2024 for factory install. Perhaps it is the first mention of the "Moment 5" update in commercials.
Windows 11 Copilot is getting a quick action menu in the taskbar
Microsoft is working on a menu with quick actions for the Copilot taskbar icon. That menu includes direct commands to process the clipboard content with one click. The menu appears when you hover over the taskbar icon with your mouse pointer.
