You may remember that links for official Windows 10 version 22H2 ISO images exist for a while, but you could download the files. This has changed and the links have become active.
Microsoft released out-of-band updates for Windows 11 and 10
Microsoft has released two out-of-band patches for actual Windows versions. Windows 10 receives KB5020435 to fix issues with SSL and TLS, and Windows 11 is getting KB5020387, Build 22000.1100, that resolves the same issues.
Microsoft rolls out power efficiency improvements in Edge 106
Microsoft Edge 106 is the actual stable version of the browser with minor changes. But Microsoft is now deploying enhancements to its built-in Efficiency mode to save even more power for your laptop.
How to enable Widgets settings pane in Windows 11 Build 25211
As you may remember, recent builds of Windows 11 in the Dev channel includes a new settings pane that allows you change behavior of Widgets. You can finally stop them from opening on mouse hover, and disable badges and notifications. However, Microsoft rolls out this change gradually, so not everyone can access it.
Microsoft announced DirectStorage 1.1 with greatly improved performance
Microsoft has announced that they are going to release DirectStorage 1.1 with GPU Decompression to developers by the end of 2022. It will include GPU decompression of game resources which is nearly 3x faster that the classic CPU process.
PowerToys are getting a new hosts file editor tool and settings backup
New tools are coming to the PowerToys suite. First of all, it will be easier to create a backup copy of its options with the "Settings backup and restore" utility. The other tool will allow you to make changes to the hosts file with a convenient UI.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 22621.746 and 22623.746 are in Beta
Microsoft has released new preview builds of Windows 11 (version 22H2) with KB5018490 to Windows Insiders on the Beta channel. Traditionally, Build 22623.746 is for testing new features, and in Build 22621.746 new features are disabled by default.
Microsoft accidentally revealed next-gen Windows UI prototype with floating taskbar
Microsoft accidentally revealed a UI design prototype for the next version of Windows at Ignite 2022, which is internally known as "Next Valley". It sports a floating taskbar, something that company earlier denied to be a thing. But in one of the screenshots the taskbar appears with rounder corners floating on the desktop.
Memory Saver in Google Chrome will get a toolbar button that opens extra details
For quite a while, Google is working on a built-in performance analyzer tool for Chrome. It can be found in Settings of Chrome Canary by clicking the Performance tab. There, you will find a few tools that will help you check and improve Chrome's resource consumption. Memory Saver is one of them, and it can be opened directly with recent changes.
Microsoft demoed Surface Duo running Android 12L with Windows 11-inspired UI
Microsoft has shown a new firmware version for Surface Duo running Android 12L with a new UI that replicates the Fluent Design of Windows 11. It brings with it an updated notification bar, new blur effects, and a redesigned Settings app with Windows 11-like icons. It supports changing system accent color automatically by picking it from the wallpaper.
