In the near future, Microsoft will stop distributing third-party printer drivers through Windows Update. This decision was made due to the introduction of native support for Mopria compatible printer drivers in Windows 10 21H2, which can be used with any USB or Ethernet connected printers. The Microsoft IPP Class Driver offers basic printing functionality without requiring additional software installation.
Microsoft Paint has got image background removal tool
Microsoft has released an updated version of the Paint app (version 11.2306.28.0) to Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Canary channels. It brings with it a new tool that allows removing the image background with a couple of clicks.
Windows 11 Build 25947 (Canary) fixes Explorer and other apps
A new build hits the Canary Channel. Insiders are receiving Windows 11 Build 25947 that doesn't come with officially announced new features, but includes several fixes. It resolves crashes and bugs in File Explorer, Task Manager, and Snipping Tool. Besides, it comes with a slightly updated Microsoft Store.
Windows 11 Build 22631.2271 (Beta) temporarily disabled Ink improvements
Microsoft has released new preview builds of Windows 11 (version 22H2) 22621.2271 and 22631.2271 (KB5030316) to Windows Insiders on the Beta channel. The Beta channel hosts what will become Windows 11 version 23H2, which should become released to everyone this month. The OS is feature complete, so there are no drastic changes anywhere, only fixes. However, a bug prevents Microsoft from keeping on Windows Ink handwriting recognition over text boxes.
OneDrive greatly reduces its free space for everyone
Some users of OneDrive have recently received an email notifying them about upcoming changes to their cloud storage policy. Starting from October 16, 2023, photo albums will be counted separately against the storage quota.
Crop and Lock is a new tool in PowerToys 0.73
The latest release of PowerToys (v0.73) introduces a new tool called Crop and Lock, which allows creating interactive mini-windows. You can crop application windows to display only the specific portion they need on their desktop.
Windows 11 and above will soon stop supporting TLS 1.0 and 1.1
In the near future, Windows will no longer support TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 protocols. Microsoft reminds that currently available versions of Windows, such as Windows 11 22H2 and 21H2, as well as Windows 10, will continue to support these protocols. But this will end in Windows 11 version 23H2 that comes with fall.
Microsoft is killing WordPad in Windows 11
One of the classic Windows apps is reaching its end. After years being bundled with the operating system by default, WordPad found its death with Windows 11. Microsoft has deprecated it and is going to remove it with one of the upcoming OS versions.
Windows 11 Snipping Tool is getting a built-in OCR feature
A few days ago Microsoft introduced an updated Snipping Tool for Insiders in the Dev and Canary channels. The app version 11.2307.44.0 comes with several video recording improvements, and new hotkeys. In addition, it has been discovered that the app now supports text extraction from images.
Google shortens Chrome release cycle
Google has made changes to the release cycle of its Chrome browser. The beta version will now be created just two days after the branch is formed, rather than eight.
