Copilot, the new and actively pushing AI assistant in Windows 11, started to show ads. The new behavior reminds of Bing, where some of search terms trigger it to display "shopping tips."
Category: Windows 11
Windows 12 may be available via a subscription, just like Office 365
The slmgr.ini file in Windows 11 insider builds for the Canary channel has lines that point to a new subscription model Microsoft may use in Windows 11's successor, widely referred as "Windows 12". That file is used by the slmgr.vbs script which managing Windows licensing settings.
Windows 11 Build 25967 (Canary) removes Cortana, adds Settings home page
A new Canary Build 25967 brings with it a few UI changes to Insiders. There are the Home page in Settings, a new version of the Microsoft Store, Quick Settings with scrolling support, and more. Also, this build removes Cortana.
Windows 11 Build 23560 (Dev) improves Copilot, fixes File Explorer
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 23560 to Insiders in the Dev channel. Starting in this build, you can switch to/from Copilot with Alt + Tab. Besides, there are fixes for File Explorer, Taskbar, Narrator, and more.
Windows 11 allows you to play the Surf game while it installs updates
Windows 11 now allows the user to play the Edge Surf game during the installation of OS, restoring it from a backup, or deploying updates. The game offer appears after updating the OS for 30 minutes.
Microsoft prevents you from removing Windows Backup, considers it a core app
Windows 11/10 users have observed that they are unable to uninstall the new Windows Backup app. It made its first appearance on Windows 11, and is now available on Windows 10. According to Microsoft, app has been made an integral part of the operating system.
Windows 11 no longer supports file drag-n-drop on address bar
Starting in the most recent version Windows 11 22H2 Moment 4, you can no longer drag a file to the address bar of File Explorer to copy or move it to a parent folder or other folder in the path. The change affects the upcoming major release, 23H2, as well. Microsoft considers the feature not enough popular among users, so the new File Explorer doesn't include it.
Windows 11 no longer accepts Windows 8/7 keys for activation
Microsoft has finally closed the loophole that allowed you to get Windows 11 for free by using a legacy serial number. The algorithm that accepts activation keys from older Windows versions, such as Windows 8/8.1/7, has been disabled. From now on, you have to purchase a Windows 11-specific serial number to activate your copy.
Windows 11 Build 23555 (Dev) comes with several fixes
Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 23555 to Insiders who receive updates from the Dev channel. This time, the OS doesn't include new features, at least none is officially claimed. Instead the release is focused on fixes and improvements.
Microsoft drops offline maps in Windows 11
Microsoft will end support for offline maps in Windows 11. When you open the Maps app, you'll see a notification that this option will no longer be available by the end of 2023.
