Microsoft releases PowerToys v0.70.1 to fix a laundry list of issues
It's not long since Microsoft unleashed PowerToys v0.70.0 to an excited userbase, complete with two exciting new utilities. Just a week later, it's time for yet another release.
This time around there are, sadly, no new toys to play with, but that does not mean PowerToys v0.70.1 is not significant. Described as a patch release, it addresses a large number of problems that have been found in the software as well as making various improvements.
Microsoft updates Paint for Windows 11 with dark mode option, new settings and more
The Paint app that is built into Windows is much-maligned but, while it could hardly be considered a Photoshop-killer, much of the criticism really stems from the state of the app several years ago. Paint may not make it into the toolbox of a serious designer, but it has undeniably come on in leaps and bounds over the years.
And now Microsoft is treating Windows 11 users to an updated version of the not-quite-as-limited-as-you-might-think graphics tool. Among the new features are updated zoom controls and a much-requested dark mode option.
New Microsoft Mac Admins community now available for IT pros using Microsoft products on Apple devices in the enterprise
Acknowledging that not everyone in the world uses a PC, Microsoft has launched a new tech community for people using its products in conjunction with Apple hardware. Called Microsoft Mac Admins, it is described as an "online community for IT professionals who are passionate and knowledgeable about using Microsoft products on Apple Mac devices in the enterprise."
The launch comes as growing numbers of organizations use Microsoft Intune and other products from the company to manage Macs in the enterprise. Microsoft says that the aim of the community is to give Mac admins a way to "connect with other users, share experiences and best practices, learn from experts and peers, get help with common issues, and be inspired by the latest innovations."
Sticking with Windows 7? Mozilla says it will continue to support Firefox for more than a year
There are still a lot of people running Windows 10 rather than upgrading to Windows 11. This is perhaps not astonishing, but there are still a surprising number of users with even older versions of Windows.
With Microsoft no longer supporting Windows 7 or Windows 8.x, sticking with these editions of the operating system is clearly an inadvisable security risk. But for anyone who has no choice, or who simply refuses to move on, Mozilla will continue to offer security updates for Firefox under these versions of Windows until well into 2024, so at least your browser will be safe.
Microsoft's fix for camera issues on Surface Pro X and ARM-based PCs is a bodge
Users of ARM-based devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11 -- including Microsoft's own Surface Pro X -- have been experiencing problems with their built-in cameras for about a week. There have been increasing numbers of complaints about non-functioning cameras and the error message "0xA00F4271<MediaCaptureFailedEvent> (0x80004005)".
Microsoft has provided a workaround to mitigate the issue, but the consequences of implementing it are less than ideal.
Microsoft is installing incompatible AMD GPU drivers in Window 10 and Windows 11
If you're using Windows Update to take care of your driver updates, the current situation for AMD users might serve as a warning. Users of Windows 10 and Windows 11 are finding that Microsoft is replacing their existing GPU drivers with older versions, leading to a range of issues.
Complaints are emerging that the error message "Windows Update may have automatically replaced your AMD driver" is appearing -- and Microsoft has replaced it with one that is incompatible with AMD software. AMD has acknowledged the problem and offered up a solution.
Microsoft makes some bold claims about performance improvements in Windows 11
Microsoft has used the recent release of the Moment 3 update for Windows 11 to look back at the improvements it has made to the operating system since its launch. More than this, there is a "behind-the-scenes peek into how performance improvements are delivered".
The company boasts proudly of the "delightful performance" its developers have delivered to users of Windows 11. Pointing to statistics such as speeding up frequently used shell interaction by up to 15 percent, Microsoft says that over the last year it has made Windows 11 "faster, more reliable, and more efficient".
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.
Google brings new options to Chrome so you can change the look of the browser
Google has used the latest version of Chrome to give users new ways to personalize the browser with backgrounds, themes and color schemes.
While some options, such as themes and colors, affect the entire browser, others are only visible on the New Tab page -- such as background images. Google says that it I has a wide range of "special artist collections commissioned by Asian & Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, Latino, Black and Native American artists", and promises that more are coming later this year.
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 releases PowerToys v0.70 update with powerful new Mouse Without Borders and file preview utilities
Recent updates to PowerToys have seen Microsoft focusing on fixing bugs and improving stability, but with the release of PowerToys v0.70.0, there are two new utilities to play with -- Mouse Without Borders and Peek.
Peek is an impressive tool for previewing files, but it is Mouse Without Borders that is the star of the show. This new module makes it possible to not only control multiple computers with a single mouse and keyboard, but also use a shared clipboard and transfer files between them.
Android should become a more secure platform thanks to new bug bounty program for Google apps
Bug bounty programs have become a common way for companies to track down issues with software before they start to cause security concerns for users. While Google has various existing programs of this nature, the company has just launched the Mobile Vulnerability Rewards Program.
Google Mobile VRP is a bug bounty program that focuses on the company's own software. It lets security researchers and software detectives submit reports about Google's Android apps, earning financial rewards for discovering security flaws.
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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