Microsoft's goal is to have the majority of Windows users sign in and use a Microsoft account. It is harder to create a local account, and harder to install Windows 11 with a local account. So now a banner in Windows 10 Settings is encouraging local account users to get a Microsoft account.
AI Explorer on Windows 11 will require ARM64 platform and 16 GB of RAM
The AI Explorer feature, akin to an advanced version of Copilot with a built-in timeline, will be part of the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. Build 26100, which is reportedly be the final build of version 24H2, contains references to some of the system requirement for the AI tool.
How to disable Bing and Edge recommendations
Today, we will review a simple method to disable recommendations in Microsoft Edge. From time to time it shows them as desktop popups to promote this or that feature. For example, it may show you a Copilot ad, promote Bing AI search, or offer to set Edge as your default browser.
Following Edge, Windows 11 Photos is getting Designer integration
Earlier we reported that Microsoft is adding Designer support to Edge, so you could quickly edit any image right in the browser. Now the Redmond software giant has announced the similar option for the inbox Photos app in Windows 11. You can now send any image from Photos to Microsoft Designer to create professional quality social media posts, invitations, digital postcards, graphics, and new visuals. It is powered by AI.
Google will do more to combat ad blockers on YouTube
Google has announced stricter controls on third-party apps that violate YouTube's terms of service, particularly ad blockers. The company warns that using such tools may cause buffering issues and display a "Content is not available in this app" error.
Firefox 125 released, improves AV1, PDF viewer and Firefox View, adds URL detection in clipboard
On April 16, 2024, the stable version of Firefox 125 was released with support for the AV1 codec with Encrypted Media Extensions (EME), the ability to highlight text in PDF files, and more conveniently paste URLs into the address bar from the clipboard. Mozilla has published browser builds for Windows, Linux and macOS.
How to Disable Security Questions for Local Account in Windows 11 / 10
You may want to disable security questions for a local account when you create a new one. If you find no use for this security measure, e.g. you use your PC alone home, the requirement becomes annoying. Here's a solution.
Office 2016 and Office 2019 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025
Microsoft has officially announced the end of support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 suites, as well as related solutions, on October 14, 2025. Following this date, security patches and technical support will no longer be provided, potentially resulting in decreased performance and increased vulnerability to security threats.
Firefox is testing vertical tabs, containers, and selected text translation
Firefox Nightly now comes with several new features. First of all, it allows translating a selected text block without translating the web page entirely. It also brings native support for isolated sessions (container tabs) and vertical tab layout.
Windows 11 Build 22635.3495 (Beta): More recommended apps, Copilot in a window
A new preview of Windows 11 version 23H2, Build 22635.3495 (KB5037000) is now available to Windows Insiders on the Beta channel. It puts Copilot into a dedicated window (undocked mode), adds more Spotlight UI variations, a new Linked Devices page in Settings. Also, the earlier spotted apps promotions inside the Recommended section of the Start menu are now officially announced.
