A new Beta channel release, Windows 11 Build 22635.3350 (KB5035955), has become available to Insiders. It changes the logic behind the "recommended" section in Start, that now can show non-pinned apps. There are fixes, some of which are only available to insiders with the Settings > Windows Update > Get the latest updates as soon as they are available option enabled.
Windows 11 Build 26080 (Dev/Can) improves File Explorer, Copilot and Teams
Microsoft is releasing Windows 11Build 26080 to insiders on both Canary and Dev channels. The update is notable for including a newer version of Teams with extra capabilities, like fast account switching. The Copilot app now comes with much longer list of supported commands to manage the OS. Finally, the taskbar showcases an updated progress animation for running app buttons, and adds Live Captions in Quick Actions. Additionally, File Explorer adds "do it for all conflicts" option for archive operations.
Microsoft has stopped promoting Edge when you change the default browser
In order to adhere to the regulations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union, Microsoft is implementing adjustments to its services and apps. As a result, pop-up advertisements for Edge will no longer appear when users attempt to change their default browser in Windows 10 and 11.
Copilot now uses the GPT-4 Turbo model with free access for users
The latest Copilot GPT-4 Turbo model is now accessible without any charges or fees. Users can also activate the GPT-4 Turbo in either Creative or Precise mode, granting access to a range of new features. Copilot also offers users the choice to stick with the previous version if they prefer.
Microsoft will drop customer support for Windows 10 21H2 on June 11, 2024
On March 12, 2024, Microsoft announced that it would discontinue support for Windows 10 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise version 21H2 on June 11, 2024. After this date, updates and security patches for older versions of the operating system will no longer be provided. Support for the Windows 10 21H2 version for regular users had already ended in June 2023.
Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 and 10, March 12, 2024
Microsoft has released a new set of cumulative updates for Windows 11 and 10. Traditionally, such updates aim at closing vulnerabilities and fixing bugs. They rarely include drastic changes, but may come with general improvements.
ZIP archive support in Windows 11 still uses the code from Windows 95
The native support for ZIP archives, or "compressed folders" in Windows terms, is available since Windows ME. It was first introduced as part of Windows 98's Plus! add-on. The lesser known story behind it is how it was created by Dave Plummer as his pet project , then turned into a shareware "Visual ZIP" product. Finally, Microsoft tried to acquire it despite the fact that Dave Plummer was already a Microsoft employee.
Only signed-in users now see YouTube recommendations
YouTube no longer shows recommended videos to users who are not signed into their Google account or are in incognito mode. Instead, the platform now simply displays the homepage without any videos or suggestions. Previously, even without being logged in or in incognito mode, Google would still load some suggested clips.
Google Chrome will soon allow installing any website as a desktop application
To allow the "Install page as app" option for any website, you can now enable two flags in Chrome Canary. An X user has brought to light this upcoming feature of the Chrome 124 browser. It will allow users to install any web page as a desktop application.
Windows 11 Lock screen had a shortlived QR code ad for Copilot
Recently, some Windows 11 users started seeing a huge QR code in the center of their lock screen that redirected to the Copilot app download page for Android and iOS. Despite Microsoft's efforts to increase awareness of their AI service, Windows 11 users were not receptive to the company's decision to include advertising for apps on different platforms directly on the operating system. They found it intrusive and unwanted advertising.
