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.
Some private Bard chatbot conversations have been exposed in online search
In September, researcher Gagan Ghotra discovered that some user queries to the Bard chatbot were visible in search engines as clear text. Even though Google has since closed access to these search results, Bing and Yandex still show some user requests with chatbot responses, including personal data.
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.
ChatGPT no longer limited to data before 2021 when searching online
OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot can now search the internet for reliable information with direct links to sources, expanding beyond its previous data limitations. Currently, this feature is only available to Plus and Enterprise subscribers. But soon it will become available to all users.
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.
Insiders can now try Cocreator in Microsoft Paint
Microsoft has released an update to the Paint app, version 11.2309.20.0. It is available in Windows 11 and includes a preview of the Cocreator feature. At the moment, only Insiders on the Dev and Canary channels can try it in action.
How to Disable Add-on Recommendations in Firefox Address Bar
You may want to disable occasional add-on recommendations in the address bar of Firefox that it shows starting in version 118. The recommendations promote this or that extension from the Mozilla Add-on Store. The suggestion depends on what you have typed in the URL bar.
PowerToys 0.74 released with focus on stability and improvements
Microsoft has released a new version of PowerToys 0.74. The update doesn't bring with it drastic changes or new tools, but it comes with quality of life and stability improvements.
