In response of criticism towards Recall, Microsoft officially commented the situation and is already preparing drastic changes. Its SQLite database and snapshots will now be encrypted, and additional Windows Hello biometric authentication will be required to access the feature, among other changes.
Windows 11 is getting a profile picture editor, here’s how to enable it
Microsoft if working on a built-in profile picture editor for Windows 11. It already reached the Beta and Canary Insider channels, but stays hidden in both. The internal feature reference is AIProfileImage, and it gives us a hint that you will be able to apply AI effects to the image.
Windows 11 Build 22635.3720 (Beta) allows sharing files right from Windows Search
KB5039312 is out to Insiders on the Beta channel, and it raises the OS version to 22635.3720. The Beta channel hosts Windows 11 version 23H2. It brings with it an updated Narrator with Voice Access integration, Suggested Replies in Phone Link for Android, the ability to share local files directly from within the search results shown in the search box on the taskbar, and more.
Windows 11 Build 26120.770 (Dev) adds new Snipping Tool features, and fixes
Microsoft today released Windows 11 Build 26120.770 to Insiders on the Dev channel. It brings with it a newer Snipping Tool version, and some quality of life improvements.
Microsoft has published Automatic Super Resolution system requirements
Microsoft has revealed the system requirements for the Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) feature, part of the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2. This feature is designed to increase frame rates in games by automatically reducing the rendering resolution and then upscaling the image to a higher resolution using artificial intelligence.
Microsoft clarifies problems with USB4 in Windows 11 and offers solutions
Since March 2023, Windows 11 supports USB4 and offers several customization options in the Settings app. The USB4 settings page provides information about the capabilities of the system and connected peripherals if the computer supports USB4. This information will help you troubleshoot if users need help from the device manufacturer or system administrator. However, USB4 implementation has certain issues in Windows 11, so the Redmond firm has finally published a special support page. There, the problems are listed with solutions the user can apply.
Windows 11 Build 26231 (Canary) improves the Snipping Tool, Narrator and sharing
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26231 to Insiders in the Canary channel. It ships a newer Snipping Tool version with screenshot auto-saving, a new folder to store video recordings. Narrator now works in tandem with Voice Access, the Share dialog allows copying the file, and more. Due to the fact that the Canary channel has moved to higher-numbered builds, you cannot now switch to the Dev channel without reinstalling Windows.
How to Enable Parallel Downloading in Google Chrome
You can turn on parallel downloading in the Chrome browser, so it will significantly reduce the time it spends on big files. A huge file will download faster if you split it into smaller parts. This is what the new Parallel Download feature in Google Chrome does.
Despite all claims, Windows Recall is not that private or even safe
Recall is one of the key AI features of the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2. It can analyze everything that happens on your screen by storing snapshots, screenshots and so on. The stored data can be searched, and the apps and documents can be restored to their state at the specific moment of time. However, the way Recall stores that data is a subject of concerns. A researcher has discovered that all the info is not encrypted and can be accessed without much effort.
Windows 11 no longer allows installing with a local account with a wrong email
Microsoft has removed a secret option in Windows 11 that allowed you to create a local account when installing the OS using a non-existent Microsoft Account's email. Previously, you could enter a random email address like a@a.ru, 1@1.11, and so on, specify a random password, dismiss the error, and then create a local account when installing Windows 11. But Microsoft no longer allows that.