Ubuntu Preview for Windows Subsystem for Linux is now available in the Microsoft Store
The arrival of Windows Subsystem for Linux in Windows 10 and Windows 11 opened up a world of new opportunities for users of Linux-based distros. Until now, Ubuntu fans have been limited to installing Long Term Supported (LTS) releases, but this is changing.
Recognizing that there are plenty of people who like to be on the cutting edge, Canonical has announced that preview builds of Ubuntu will now also be made available to download and install from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft warns that KB5013943 update is causing authentication failures in Windows 11, Windows Server and more
Following the release of this month's Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft has issued a warning that installing the KB5013943 update can lead to authentication issues for various Windows services.
The update was released on May 10, and was meant to -- among other things -- fix an issue with screen flicker in Safe Mode. But in addition to causing error messages for some users, the KB5013943 update has also led to authentication failures Windows domain controllers.
Google is bringing secure virtual credit cards to Chrome
Making payments online is fraught with potential dangers, and there is risk involved with making purchases with your credit card. To help offer a level of protection, many companies -- including the likes of Revolut -- enable their customers to create virtual, disposable credit cards.
Inspired by this, Google is building the same functionality into Chrome. The company announced the upcoming payment security feature at Google I/O, saying that there will be support for autofilling details to help speed up transactions.
KB5013943 update for Windows 11 is causing 0xc0000135 errors
While each Patch Tuesday sees Microsoft fixing various problems with Windows 11, the following days see the negative fallout. We've become used to the updates that Microsoft releases having unwanted side, and this month's KB5013943 update is a prime example.
With echoes of a previous update fiasco that caused endless problems with printing, Microsoft intended the KB5013943 update to fix an issue with .NET Framework 3.5 apps introduced by another update. But rather than fixing the problem, installing the KB5013943 update seems to have made things worse for some users.
You can now buy official Microsoft Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro USB drives
While the vast majority of people are happy downloading software these days, there are some who still gain comfort from owning physical installation media. Microsoft has listened and you can now buy Windows 11 and install it without the need to download anything -- or even needing an internet connection.
Microsoft has not exactly shouted about the availability of physical Windows 11 installation media, but it does exist. You can buy an official USB drive containing Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
Microsoft releases KB5013943 update to fix screen flicker and app problems in Windows 11
Wish and hope as much as you like, but the days of problematic updates for Windows are far from over. We now live in an age in which Microsoft releases patches for patches, and the latest example of this is the KB5013943 update for Windows 11.
This security update addresses a screen flicker problem experienced by some people who installed the KB5012643 update. It also fixes problems with .NET Framework apps caused by the same update.
Microsoft warns against using leaked beta of unreleased One Outlook app for Windows 11
In recent days the yet-to-be-released successor to Windows 11's Outlook app leaked online. Called One Outlook, this unreleased beta version is known as Project Monarch.
This is not the first we have heard of One Outlook; it was originally scheduled for release last year, but the launch was delayed. But the leak was the first time anyone has been able to try out the app, but Microsoft has issued a warning saying that this is an "unsupported early test version" which is missing features.
Microsoft to release fix for 'code defect' in KB5012599 update for Windows 10
Last month, we wrote about problems experienced by some Windows 10 users who installed the KB5012599 update -- specifically 0x8024200B and 0x800F0831 errors.
While the problems are yet to be publicly acknowledged by Microsoft or added to the list of known issues with the update, the word is that a fix is on the way very soon. Sysadmins that have contacted Microsoft have been advised that a patch is "on track" for delivery this week, with the company blaming a "code defect" for the problems.
GitHub to introduce 2FA requirement for developer accounts
GitHub has announced plans that will require call code contributors to enable at least one form of two-factor authentication (2FA) as a security measure.
Although the requirement for the extra protection will not kick in immediately, it is something that developers need to be aware of if they want to continue to use the platform.
Google announces Sovereign Controls for Google Workspace to boost data protection
In response to new European data rules, Google has announced Sovereign Controls for Google Workspace.
Aimed at organizations in both the public and private sector, the new controls are due to launch at the end of 2022. They will make it possible to control, limit, and monitor transfers of data to and from the EU, and Google says that further capabilities will be added in 2023.
Microsoft warns that the KB5012643 update is causing problems with lots of Windows 11 apps
It is not long since Microsoft released the KB5012643 update for Windows 11, bringing with it a lengthy list of improvements and security fixes. But, as has been the case with so many Windows updates, it also brought problems.
We have already seen issues with screen flicker in Safe Mode, although Microsoft has taken steps to address this. But now the company has issued a warning that Windows 11 users may experience issues with certain types of apps after installing the KB5012643 update.
Microsoft releases new PowerToys v0.58.0, fully embracing .NET 6, fixing a huge number of bugs, and pleasing Windows 11 users
After what seems like an age -- in reality just shy of four weeks -- it is time for a new version of PowerToys! Microsoft has released PowerToys v0.58.0, complete with a lengthy list of fixes and improvements to numerous utilities. Many of the changes will be of particular interest to Windows 11 users.
Under the hood, native ARM64 support is progressing, and NET Core 3.1 has been ditched in favor of .NET 6. More interestingly, there are also important change to FancyZones, File Explorer, PowerToys Runs, Mouse Utility and more.
Microsoft offers advice for ditching Internet Explorer before it is retired next month
Next month, Microsoft is officially retiring Internet Explorer 11. In six short weeks -- June 15 to be precise -- the era of IE11 comes to an end, but Microsoft is keen for organizations to move away from the browser before the big day rolls around.
Acknowledging that many organizations are reliant on IE-dependent sites and may well have entered the final stages of preparation, Microsoft says there is no need to wait until retirement day, saying: "the best way to prepare for IE disablement after June 15, is to proactively retire IE in your organizations before June 15".
Microsoft's SMB security tool, Microsoft Defender for Business, hits general availability
Microsoft has announced that its security tool for small to medium-sized businesses is now generally available. The standalone version of Microsoft Defender for Business helps to protect against ransomware and other cyber threats bringing, Microsoft says, "enterprise-grade endpoint security to SMBs".
Highlighting the importance of its solution, the company says that nearly a quarter of SMBs have experienced a security breach in the last year, often because they do not have the staff and resources available to enterprises. To help with this and to simplify deployment, Defender for Business comes with built-in policies to get customers up and running quickly.
Microsoft issues a fix for Windows 11 Safe Mode problems caused by KB5012643 update
When Microsoft released the KB5012643 update for Windows 11, there were complaints from a number of users about screen flicker when booting into Safe Mode.
Microsoft acknowledged the problem, and confirmed suspicions that it was related to Safe Mode with Networking. The company has now addressed the issue, fixing it with a relatively rare KIR (Known Issue Rollback).