Windows 11 gains 'never combined mode' for taskbar buttons and the ability to see Wi-Fi passwords

If you've been holding off jumping on the Insider program for Windows 11, Microsoft just gave you two very good reasons for getting involved.
The latest build of the operating system on the Dev channel includes two long-awaited features. In addition to the option to stop the taskbar from combing app buttons, Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466 also includes, at long last, an easy way to view the password for wireless networks.
Microsoft releases new Windows Backup app for Windows 11

Microsoft has unveiled a new backup app for Windows 11 designed to make it easier to move to a new computer, as well as speed up the process of resetting an existing PC.
Called simply Windows Backup, the app goes far beyond merely creating a backup of files. The new utility also backs up and restores system settings as well as maintaining pinned apps in the Start menu and taskbar.
Microsoft warns of intermittent failures when copying and saving files in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Microsoft has issued a warning to Windows users that saving or copying files might intermittently fail. The problem affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and Microsoft draws particular attention to "Document not saved" error messages in Microsoft Office apps.
While the save and copy issues are more prevalent in commercial and enterprise environments, the problems can affect all users of Windows 10 and Windows 11. There is currently no fix available, but Microsoft has offered up a slightly laughable workaround.
Microsoft starts the roll out of Moment 3 update to Windows 11 users

The wait for the next big update to Windows 11 is over; Microsoft is commencing the rollout of Moment 3 today -- but only for those who seek it out.
The company is making this significant update to the operating system available as part of its monthly update previews, and Moment 3 sees the arrival of an impressive number of new features and options. The update also makes significant improvements to privacy, security and accessibility options. Here's what you need to know.
Microsoft releases KB5026436 update for Windows 11 to fix printer, narrator and audio issues

Microsoft has issued a new update for Windows 11 that addresses a series of problems with the operating system, including various printing-related complications.
The KB5026436 update is a cumulative non-security update that also fixes audio issues and makes improvements to the taskbar search UX. There are also fixes for Narrator problems, and much more.
Microsoft uses open source to kill WinRAR by adding native .rar support to Windows 11

Microsoft is set to bring an exciting update to Windows 11, offering native support for a wider range of archive formats. In a move to enhance compression capabilities, a future Windows 11 update will integrate the libarchive open-source project into the operating system. This update means that users can enjoy improved performance when working with popular archive formats such as tar, 7-zip, rar, gz, and more.
The addition of .rar support in Windows 11 is particularly noteworthy. RAR is a widely used archive format known for its efficient compression algorithms. With native .rar compatibility, Windows 11 eliminates the need for users to install separate extraction tools or software specifically designed for this format. This update streamlines workflows and offers greater convenience, allowing users to manage their files effortlessly within the Windows 11 environment.
Microsoft's Windows Copilot brings the power of AI to Windows 11

At its Build developer conference today, Microsoft announced plans for Windows Copilot, bringing centralized AI assistance to Windows 11.
That's not the only place that Microsoft is introducing AI to its products either -- the company is also introducing new AI features and experiences to the Microsoft Store, and extending Bing Chat plugins to Windows.
Microsoft adds vTPM to Hyper-V to allow for Windows 11 virtualization on ARM

There is a lot to be said in favor of ARM-powered PCs, but there are also limitations. For anyone who has been frustrated by the inability to run a Windows 11 virtual machine on ARM, there is now some good news.
With the release of Windows 11 build 25370 -- an Insider build available to people signed up to the Canary Channel -- Microsoft has added Support for vTPM (virtual TPM or Virtual Trusted Platform Module) in Hyper-V.
Open source JunkCtrl removes unwanted stock apps from Windows 11

Windows 11 comes bundled with a lot of stock apps that you probably have no use for. You can manually remove most of these with no issue, but the new open source JunkCtrl tool simplifies the process.
Created by Belim, the developer behind Windows tools like ThisIsWin11 and BloatyNosy, JunkCtrl doesn't require installation, and can clean up your Windows in a couple of clicks.
80 percent of businesses are not ready for Windows 11

Support for Windows 10 ends on October 14 2025, just over two years away. But new research from Lansweeper shows that eight out of 10 businesses are still running it.
Windows 11 is gradually creeping into the enterprise but the process is slow. October 2022, data from Lansweeper shows just 2.61 percent of Windows 11 compatible devices were running Windows 11. Recently updated Windows 11 adoption rate figures show that this has now increased to 5.47 percent.
Microsoft is working on Windows 11 23H2... but this Moment 4 update will be nothing to get excited about

Microsoft’s new approach to bigger updates for Windows 11 has already seen the release of Moment 1 and Moment 2. The Moment 3 update is due very soon, and the company is already working away on Moment 4.
This fourth update to the operating system is also known as Windows 11 23H2, and it seems that this may be a bit of a damp squib.
deepin Linux V23 can replace Windows 11 on your PC

If you are dissatisfied with Windows 11 or macOS, and intrigued by Linux, deepin, a distro from China, could be a great choice to switch to. It's one of the most beautiful operating systems around, and sports a well-designed user interface.
The newest version of that operating system, deepin V23 Beta, is now ready to be downloaded. This updated version of deepin comes with a number of new features including DDE changes, terminal, cross-version upgrades, and application compatibility.
Microsoft is looking into slow VPN speed problems in Windows 11 caused by recent updates

The curse of the problematic Windows update may have struck again. Some users who installed the KB5025305 preview update or the KB5026372 update for Windows 11 are complaining about a significant slowdown in VPN speeds.
Microsoft says that it is looking into speed issues with L2TP/IPsec VPN connections in Windows 11. The company is yet to provide a fix, but there is a less than ideal workaround available in the meantime.
Microsoft will launch the huge Windows 11 Moment 3 update this summer, but you can have it now!

With Windows 11 Microsoft has made major changes to the approach it takes to updating the operating system, not least of which is the idea of "Moment" updates being used to introduce new features.
We've already seen the release of Moment 1 and Moment 2 for Windows 11, and Microsoft is planning to release the eagerly anticipated Moment 3 in June. If this seems like too long to wait, there's a way to get the update right now and enjoy an update File Explorer, Taskbar changes, an improved Task Manager and much more.
Microsoft releases KB5026372 update for Windows 11 with security fixes and faster update option

It is that time of the month again; Microsoft has released a new update for Windows 11, not only addressing security issues, but adding new options.
With the release of the KB5026372 update for Windows 11, Microsoft has addressed an issue with Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) as well as fixing numerous other security flaws, including three zero days. The update also adds the option for Windows 11 users to receive non-security updates faster in future.