Following up their regular release cycle of every two months, Microsoft has once again released updated virtual machines for Universal Windows Platform app developers. These virtual machines include some of the minimum required tools and frameworks for developers to jumpstart creating apps for Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, HoloLens and Xbox One. They are based on Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607).
Microsoft to shut down PhotoSynth service on February 6, 2017, download your creations now
Some time ago, Microsoft announced that its service for creating 360° panoramas, called Photosynth will shut down in 2017. Keeping this in mind, if you have used this service or any of its apps to create something, you probably want to download your synths to keep them after the service is gone. Microsoft has published instructions to do so about a month ago, but now the company has released a separate app to view them offline.
Windows Update troubleshooting tool for Windows 10, 8.1 and 7
Even though Microsoft is always working to fix bugs and issues that users are running into when using Windows, just like every piece of software, the operating system can't be perfectly bug-free. For example, there are still random errors that users experience with Windows Update so Microsoft is offering a new tool for its users to troubleshoot them. The tool is available as a Fix It package and can be used on Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
Set Tabs Aside in Microsoft Edge (Tab Groups)
You can set tabs aside in Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 Creators Update. This new feature allows you to create tab groups in Edge which can be restored later or added to Favorites. Let's explore this useful addition to the Edge browser.
Manage Apps with Settings in Windows 10 Creators Update
The updated Settings app in Windows 10 Creators Update features a number of changes to its user interface. It brings a new category, "Apps", which provides all the options to manage your installed apps. Let's see what the Apps category is about.
Change Theme and Appearance in Windows 10 Creators Update
As you might be knowing, starting with Windows 10 build 14997, Windows 10 got the ability to change a theme from the Settings app. The old Personalization applet from the classic Control Panel is no longer the only way to apply themes. Let's see how this works.
Create Tile Folders in Start Menu in Windows 10
Starting with build 14997, Windows 10 has live folders in the Start menu. This is a new way to organize app tiles and arrange your Start menu items. You may have seen and used this feature already on your smartphone launcher. Let's see what live folders are in detail and how to use them.
How To Enable Night Light in Windows 10
Windows 10 allows you to enable a Night Light mode (previously known as Blue Light) to reduce eye strain. When enabled, it makes the screen color gamma more comfortable for your eyes at night by reducing blue light. Colors become more warm and the backlight will be dimmed, so it eye fatigue will be less. Let's see how to configure this useful feature.
Enable Network Drive Scan with Windows Defender in Windows 10
By default, Windows Defender in Windows 10 does not scan mapped network drives. SMB shares that you mapped as a drive letter can also include malware. For better security and protection, you can enable this feature. The Defender app does not include an option to control scanning of mapped network drives in the user interface, but there are at least two methods to enable this feature. Let's see how.
