Microsoft today announced the public roll-out of a new feature update for Windows 10. It is version 21H2, also known as November 2021 Update. As with previous updates, 21H2 is more of a minor cumulative update for Windows 10 version 2004 with a few changes.
WSL gets a new icon and updated Linux kernel in the latest update
Last month, Microsoft released Windows Subsystem for Linux to the Microsoft Store, providing users with a more convenient way to install the subsystem. Previously, to install Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows, users had to use the not-so-easy to find the "Turn Windows Features on or off" window or the winget package manager in Windows Terminal. Now you can install WSL with a single click in the Microsoft Store. The latest update for the subsystem brings a new icon and Linux kernel.
Microsoft adds 76 games to backward compatibility set for Xbox X|S and One
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Xbox brand, Microsoft has added 76 games from the Xbox 360 and the first Xbox generation to its backward-compatible game program for the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. This way, you will be able to replay many of the iconic games created over the past two decades.
WhatsApp Beta UWP for PCs is now available on Microsoft Store
A beta version of the new WhatsApp app for Windows 10 and 11 is now available on Microsoft Store. It is a full-fledged UWP app that looks cool and stylish thanks to an acrylic blur and other modern effects. It supports background notifications and handwriting using a touchscreen or stylus.
Windows Terminal is getting a Windows 11-like Settings UI
Every couple of weeks, Microsoft pushes an update for Windows Terminal—its new app to replace Command Prompt, PowerShell, and other console applications. Microsoft announced Windows Terminal in 2019 at the annual Build conference, and now Terminal is an integral part of Windows 11.
Microsoft does not plan to change its Edge-enforcing policies
The latest preview build of Windows 11 has made some "under-the-hood" changes to prevent users from bypassing Edge-enforcing policies. Those policies make changing the default browser in Windows 11 a painful and annoying experience, and they do not allow opening specific links within Windows 11 in browsers other than Microsoft Edge. For example, you cannot open links from Windows Widgets in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Edge Deflector, a third-party tool from Daniel Aleksandersen, used to fix that annoyance.
Microsoft confirms Intel SST drivers can cause a BSOD in Windows 11
Microsoft has updated the official Windows 11 Health Dashboard documentation with a new known issue. The company says it has found compatibility issues with specific versions of Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) drivers. Systems with an affected driver might crash and show a blue screen of death (which is now of the blue color again).
Windows 11 returns to blue BSOD instead of the black one
One of the less visible changes in Windows 11 (unless you have an absolutely messed up PC with lots of hardware and software issues) is a slightly refreshed blue screen of death or simply BSOD. Instead of a traditional, well, blue BSOD, Microsoft decided to swap colors; thus, a black screen of death was born.
Google Chrome 96 is out, here are the changes
Google is releasing a new version of its Chrome browser 96 for all supported platforms. The released update is version 96. Here are the key changes.
Windows 11 URI Commands to Launch Apps Directly
Here's the most comprehensive list of Windows 11 URI Commands for apps to launch them directly. URI here stands for Uniform Resource Identifier, a special protocol. It can be used to start built-in and Microsoft Store apps directly.
