Microsoft has released a new version of Windows Subsystem for Android for Windows 11 (2305.40000.2.0). It now allows accessing Windows folders from Android apps if the user grants the permissions. For example, you can access the "Pictures" directory to edit your photos in your favorite editor on Android.
Microsoft plans to secure Edge by enabling Balanced Enhanced security mode by default
Microsoft plans to secure their browser in an advanced way. By default, it will have the Balanced option in the Enhanced secure mode enabled. This change will apply to Windows, x64 macOS, x64 Linux, and ARM64 systems, and it can be reverted via a Group Policy.
Microsoft will discontinue Cortana starting this fall on Windows 11 and 10
Later this year, Microsoft will no longer provide support for Cortana on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The change could be predicted, as Microsoft has already adding superior AI-powered Copilots in almost all its products. Windows Copilot is a new AI assistant, similar to the ChatGPT 's chat mode.
Microsoft Edge 114 is out with Workspaces and mouse gesture support
Microsoft is rolling out the stable version of Microsoft Edge 114. The full release number is 114.0.1823.37. The official changelog mentions the Workspaces feature, several bug fixes, and policy updates. In addition, you can activate mouse gestures (finally in the stable version of the browser).
Windows 11 Build 25381 (Canary) requires SMB signing for shares
Windows 11 Build 25381 is the latest Insider Preview release in the Canary channel as of now. It changes the signing requirement for SMB shares in Enterprise editions of the OS, which has become mandatory. Also, it can now detect issues with webcam and bring up a troubleshooter.
Microsoft Teams ads appear in the Windows 11 Get Help app
Windows 11 comes with a built-in troubleshooter app "Get Help". It is a user-friendly tool that helps resolving various issues. Its user interface is built around the search box that allows entering the problem description. By default it offers quick links that explain how to setup up a scanner , install Office, etc. The app now promotes a Microsoft Teams subscription.
Winget now supports installing apps from ZIP archives
Windows Package Manager, or winget, has reached version 1.4.11071. The release is notable for adding support for installing .zip files, native PowerShell support, and allows disabling app updates with a special command line argument.
Windows 11’s Paint adds dark theme and better zoom for Insiders
The updated Paint app for Windows 11 is being rolled out to Windows Insiders. The new version includes improvements to dark mode and zoom controls, as well as enhanced accessibility features and keyboard shortcuts.
Windows 11 Build 22631.1830 (Beta) adds WPA3 support to the Phone Link’s hotspot
Microsoft has released new preview builds of Windows 11 (version 22H2) 22621.1830 and 22631.1830 (KB5026443) to members of the Windows Insider Program on the Beta channel. Build 22631.1830 comes with new features, while its counterpart has those features disabled by default.
Windows 11 Build 23471 (Dev) makes it easier to view photos from your smartphone
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 23471 to Insiders in the Dev channel. The update allows you to view the smartphone photos with a couple of clicks. For that, there is a new button in File Explorer. Additionally, there are updates for Narrator, better tab drag-n-drop in File Explorer, and the Gallery item available to a wider audience.
