Microsoft makes it easier to leave the Windows 11 beta test
While there is some fun to be gained from being part of the Windows Insider program, testing out beta versions of Windows 11 can also be a frustrating experience. While it has always been possible to leave the beta testing program, it was not an easy or particularly intuitive process.
Now Microsoft has greatly simplified the procedure, so it is now much quicker and easier to unenroll a device from the beta program. With a quick flick of a toggle, it is possible to return to the release build of Windows 11 23H2.
Microsoft is working on a fix for Sysprep error 0x80073cf2 after installing Windows 10 KB5034912 update
Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting some Windows 10 users who have installed the KB5034912 update released in November. The problem means that 0x80073cf2 errors may occur when using the System Preparation Tool (Sysprep.exe).
For now, the company has published details of a somewhat fiddly workaround, but it says that it is working on a proper fix which will be made available "in an upcoming release".
Microsoft fixes broken zip files and fubared Start menu searches with the KB5034204 update for Windows 11
Microsoft has released the KB5034204 update preview for Windows 11 which addresses a series of problems in the operating system. Among the issues that are treated is one that causes some 7-Zip archives to appear empty.
There is also the promise that the update makes video calls more reliable and that some Bluetooth issues have been fixed. Anyone who has been plagued with an unclosable tool tip in the File Explorer Gallery will be pleased to learn that this has been addressed.
Microsoft releases KB5034203 update to fix problems and improve lock screen weather in Windows 10
It's the time of the month when Microsoft releases its latest preview updates for Windows 10 and 11 and, sure enough, we have the preview version of the KB5034203 update for Windows 10.
This cumulative update addresses a number of issues including problems with printers, and it also lays the groundwork for the arrival of a "richer weather experience" on the lock screen. It is not long since the last problematic update for Windows 10, and while the KB5034203 update does not (yet) appear to introduce any new issues, some familiar problems persist.
Apple releases iOS 17.3 with AirPlay hotel support, Stolen Device Protection and more
iOS 17.3 has been one of the more eagerly awaited iOS updates from Apple in some time, and now it is finally here. This is a significant update that brings, among other things, major new security features.
One of the biggest additions is Stolen Device Protection which makes a stolen phone more difficult to use by adding extra security when the handset is in non-typical locations. It will not, however, stop someone from stealing your iPhone in the first place. Other new features include collaborative playlists and the arrival of AirPlay hotel support.
Microsoft's next big release will be Windows 11 24H2; Windows 12 may not launch until 2025
Anyone holding out buying a new PC because they're waiting for Windows 12 should probably just bite the bullet. While many were hoping -- even expecting -- Microsoft to release Windows 12 in 2024, the latest rumors suggest that it's more likely to be in 2025.
But that's not to say 2024 is a write-off; far from it. Microsoft still has a lot in store for Windows 11 users, and the next big update -- codenamed Hudson Valley -- is thought to be dropping in September. Also known as Windows 11 24H2 ad the Windows 11 2024 Update, this is a major release which will Microsoft continuing to inject AI into the operating system.
New tool lets you crash from Windows into Linux via a Blue Screen of Death
The Blue Screen of Death is so-called because it means that a critical error has occurred andy our current session in Windows has died. Ordinarily, this would necessitate -- at the very least -- a restart, but a new project highlighted by the makers of tiny11 could means that you have the option of crashing into Linux instead.
The project is known as BugCheck2Linux and it is a neat little software hack. It makes use of a software driver that can bee used to fire up RISC V emulator running Linux using a BugCheck callback. Could this be the solution to all of your Windows problems?
The Windows 11 Start menu will soon pester you with reminders for Microsoft Teams meetings
There is, it seems, no end of ways in which Microsoft can use and abuse the Start menu. Now a long way from the simple launcher for accessing apps, documents and settings, the bastardized version of the Start menu that appears in Windows 11 has become a clutter and chaotic mess over the years.
And now Microsoft is adding even more to the mix. Soon, the Recommended section of the Start menu -- already controversial for having been used to house advertising -- will be used to show reminders for upcoming meetings scheduled in Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Copilot is pushing up base configurations so Windows AI PCs will need at least 16GB of RAM
2024 looks set to be another year dominated by artificial intelligence, and we are now entering the era of the AI PC. This is something that Microsoft is at the forefront of, and the company's Copilot assistant is playing a major role in shaping the future.
A new report from TrendForce reveals something that many people had suspected for some time -- minimum system specifications will be increasing to herald the new computing age. The research company shares the news that "Microsoft has set the baseline for DRAM in AI PCs at 16 GB". But there is more.
Facebook stalwart Sheryl Sandberg to leave Meta's board of directors but will continue to serve as an adviser
Meta's former COO, Sheryl Sandberg, is stepping down from the company's board of directors later in the year. She has played a major role at the firm since joining Facebook when it was merely a startup, having previously spent time at Google.
Widely respected and seen as one of the most influential women in the world of technology, Sandberg served as Facebook's and Meta's COO for over 14 years and has agreed to remain a board member to help with the transition when she leaves the position. In a message posted to her Facebook page she says that "this feels like the right time to step away".
Google admits that Incognito Mode in Chrome is not as private as you hoped
Those in the know are aware that switching Chrome into Incognito Mode does not mean your browsing is a secret -- but many people assume that the browsing mode offers greater levels of privacy than it actually does.
Now Google has admitted as much. The company is updating its description of Incognito Mode in response to a lawsuit. The revised wording makes it clear that Google continues to collect data about user activity in Incognito Mode.
YouTube seems to be slowing the site for anyone with an ad blocker
YouTube hates ad blockers, and the site has been trying to discourage visitors from using them for quite some time. After introducing warnings last year, the site now appears to be reducing performance for anyone who tries to make use of an ad blocker.
While there has been no official announcement about it, the slowdown has not gone unnoticed by YouTube users. Posts on Reddit reveal the laggy site experience for people using an ad blocker -- lag which disappears as soon as ads are re-enabled.
Microsoft launches Copilot Pro subscription for people willing to pay to supercharge their AI experience
Microsoft continues to throw everything at artificial intelligence, in particular its AI companion Copilot. The company's latest move sees it launching Copilot Pro, a subscription service which gives anyone -- not just businesses and organizations -- access to a more up-to-date and advanced version of the chatbot, including OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo model.
Designed with "power users, creators and anyone looking to take their Copilot experience to the next level" in mind, Copilot Pro is a $20-per-month attempt by Microsoft to squeeze some money out of AI. The company has also expanded the availability of Copilot for Microsoft 365 to more commercial customers.
Microsoft rushes to calm fears about Copilot running automatically in Windows 11
Love it or hate it -- and it is something that has proved incredibly polarizing -- AI is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Microsoft is just one of a stream of tech firm investing heavily in the technology, and this includes the introduction of its AI-power assistant Copilot in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Copilot has already shown itself to be controversial and divisive, but a recent announcement by Microsoft caused such ripples that the company has been forced to go on the defensive. Plans to have Copilot launch automatically in Windows 11 elicited a vocal response from some corners of the internet, compelling Microsoft to issue an additional statement.
PowerToys 2024: Microsoft adds new power user module to its utility collection
Microsoft has released its first update to PowerToys for 2024. With the release of PowerToys v0.77.0 the team behind the software has started a new development cycle that focuses not only on stability and improvements but also the new features users so crave.
And, sure enough, this release includes a brand-new Command Not Found module -- and it's an absolute must for PowerShell users. Elsewhere there are loads of fixes, updates and a handful of new features.
Sofia Elizabella's Bio
Sofia Wyciślik-Wilson is a queer, transgender journalist based in Poland. She has been writing about technology for more than two decades, and after years working for magazines, her writing moved online. She is fueled by literature, music, nature, and vegetables. You can find her on Bluesky and Mastodon. If you like what you read, you can Buy her a Coffee!
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