Microsoft today released the first Insider Preview build from the new "Germanium" branch. Insiders in the Canary Channel will receive Build 26052.1000 while Insiders in the Dev Channel will receive Build 26052.1100 (KB5035384). For the latter, Microsoft is testing servicing, so there is no difference between Build 26052.1000 and Build 26052.1100. The release includes a huge number of changes.
Windows 11 Build 22635.3140 (Beta) comes with a few improvements
Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11 (version 23H2) to Insiders in the Beta channel. Build 22635.3140 (KB5034851) includes improvements for Copilot and Start menu, as noted below.
Microsoft Copilot now opens with a larger chat window by default, has new capabilities
Microsoft has made a small but noticeable update to Copilot for Windows. The AI assistant now launches with a larger chat window by default, thanks to user feedback. The window is also resizable and will offer more size options, including full screen, in the future.
Microsoft may release Windows 11 Moment 5 this month, on February 27
Microsoft is preparing to release the next set of features for Windows 11, referred as Moment 5 and February 2024 Update. The main focus will be on bringing the operating system into compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Economic Area (EEA). The latter includes Edge removal and Widget news disabling options, along several others.
The Arcade instant games is now available to everyone
Microsoft is rolling out the Arcade feature for Microsoft Store in Windows 11. Formerly known as Instant Games, its allows playing games without the need to download them beforehand.
The December 1, 10000 date kills Windows 11
A Chinese researcher, known as Love Comparison, has discovered a simple method to kill Windows 11. By manually adjusting the system date and time using the BCDEdit (boot configuration data editor) to 23:59 on December 31, 9999, and waiting until the year 10,000 is reached, the operating system experiences significant malfunctions.
Mozilla has announced a new paid Monitor Plus service
The famous browser maker has announced a new Mozilla Monitor Plus service. It expands the free Mozilla Monitor service with a paid option that allows you to continuously monitor attempts to sell personal data. It is also able to automatically send requests to remove user information from the sites of brokers trying to sell personal data. The service monitors more than 190 sites that sell personal data, including information such as full names, telephone numbers, residential addresses, information about relatives and children, and criminal records. As initial data for monitoring, you are asked to enter your first and last name, city of residence, date of birth and email.
Microsoft will provide news media companies with AI options
Several media companies and journalism schools have been offered access to secure and reliable generative AI services by Microsoft. The company has done this move in response to concerns about the potential misuse of generative AI models. For example, to create misleading news stories, images, and videos that can manipulate public opinion.
Windows 10 users now see full-screen upgrade prompts to get Windows 11
Windows 10 users now see full-screen notifications urging them to upgrade to Windows 11. These notifications have started to appear after an update released in January 2024.
Winaero Tweaker 1.60 is here [Updated to 1.60.1]
It took a very long time, but it finally happened. Winaero Tweaker 1.60 is available for download with several new features and improvements. Here's an overview of new features you will find in this release.
