KB5012643 update is causing screen flickering for some Windows 11 users
Installing updates for Windows can often be something of a gamble, but this is particularly true when we're talking about the preview versions Microsoft makes available ahead of the monthly Patch Tuesday releases.
The latest problematic patch is the recently released KB5012643 update for Windows 11. Due for a wider release in May, Microsoft has already made a preview version available for those who like to get updated as soon as possible. But some people who have installed the update are reporting problems with flickering screens.
Microsoft launches GitHub Desktop 3.0 with great new pull request features
Microsoft has launched the latest version of its developer tool GitHub Desktop. The company describes GitHub Desktop 3.0 as a "big milestone", with this release bringing enhance pull request integration.
Among the improvements in version 3.0 of the software is the ability to review the status of your pull request check runs. There's also support for high-signal pull request notifications so you can be kept informed of pull request check failures and passes.
Microsoft is preparing to add Microsoft Edge Secure Network, a free VPN, to its web browser
Concerns about online privacy and security mean that more and more people are turning to VPNs. It can be hard to know which VPN to choose, and to determine whether it is best to go for a free or paid-for tool. For users of its Edge browser, Microsoft is readying another solution.
The Microsoft Edge Secure Network is a Cloudflare-powered VPN service which Microsoft is looking to integrate directly into Edge. Microsoft's VPN would not only eliminate the need to install a third-party tool -- something that serves as an obstacle to many people -- it also includes a free data quota to help entice users.
Apple launches Self Service Repair and publishes iPhone repair manuals for DIY phone fixing
Late last year, Apple said that it was planning to let customers fix their own hardware rather than forcing them to bring devices to an Apple Store or authorized third party. Now the company has officially launched the Self Service Repair program in the US, and will bring it to Europe soon.
For now, Apple Self Service Repair applies only to certain iPhone models, but it will eventually encompass some Macs as well. Anyone interested in repairing their own iPhone can download a repair manual from Apple, order the parts they need direct from the company, and even rent the tools required to perform the repairs.
Microsoft and Mastercard join forces to combat digital fraud
Microsoft has teamed up with Mastercard to launch a new identity protection solution which has been designed to help tackle digital fraud.
Mastercard has boosted its existing Digital Transaction Insights solution by adding next-generation authentication and real-time decisioning intelligence capabilities. The system helps merchants to verify customers' identities, and Microsoft will be providing its own insights and integrating the technology across its business.
Microsoft releases KB5011831 update to fix loads of Windows 10 bugs
Ahead of next month's Patch Tuesday, Microsoft has released a preview of a significant update for Windows 10 that addresses a series of bugs in the operating system.
The preview of the KB5011831 update is available for Windows 10 version 20H2, 21H1 and 21H2 and it fixes numerous issues including one that causes a black screen to be displayed. There are also fixes for problems with OneDrive, the news and interest panel, and more.
Microsoft discovers Nimbuspwn privilege escalation vulnerabilities in Linux
Security researchers at Microsoft have found a series of vulnerabilities affecting Linux. Collectively named Nimbuspwn, the security flaws can be chained together to allow an attacker to gain root access to a system.
Microsoft warns that the vulnerabilities, which are being tracked as CVE-2022-29799 and CVE-2022-29800, could also be exploited to execute ransomware attacks and more.
Microsoft is giving the Windows 11 Task Manager a colorful makeover
In recent builds of Windows 11, Microsoft has been giving Task Manager more attention than usual. We have already seen the addition of new keyboard shortcuts and a new Efficiency mode, but there are more changes on the way.
Having given Task Manager a modern makeover, complete with support for dark mode, Microsoft is now giving users the option of adding a splash of color to the utility.
Zoom is slashing the length of free 1-on-1 meetings from May
Zoom is a service that huge numbers of businesses and individuals have come to rely on during the COVID pandemic and associated lockdowns. For people working on a one-to-one basis -- such as therapists and coaches -- the fact that free meetings involving two participants were not subject to the same limitations as larger meetings is a major bonus. But this is about to change.
At the moment, if you want to use Zoom for free, there is a 40-minute limit on meetings involving three or more participants. Free one-on-one sessions have a 30-hour limit. The company has been busy emailing free users advising them that the 40-minute limit will also apply to free meetings with two participants. The result? As well as confusion and annoyance, people are now seeking out free Zoom alternatives.
Microsoft releases KB5012643 update for Windows 11 to fix app button problems and more
Microsoft has released a big new update for Windows 11 that addresses a number of issues with the operating system. Key changes included in this update include fixes for various problems with video subtitles.
With the KB5012643 update, Microsoft has also introduced a change that means the temperature is now displayed on top of the weather icon on the taskbar. Other features of the update include improvements for servicing the Secure Boot, and a fix for a memory leak.
KB5012599 update is causing 0x8024200B and 0x800F0831 errors for some Windows 10 users
Earlier in the month, Microsoft released the KB5012599 update for various versions of Windows 10. The update fixed various issues including a Denial of Service vulnerability on Cluster Shared Volumes, but the patch also introduced problems of its own.
A number of people attempting to install KB5012599 report that they are running into problems, specially 0x800F0831 and 0x8024200B errors.
Microsoft releases KB5012636 update to fix Windows freezing and improve Secure Boot
Microsoft has released a preview of a cumulative update for Windows 10. The KB5012636 update is a non-security update that addresses a number of issues and makes various quality improvements.
Among the issues fixed by the updates are a problem with Windows Defender Application Control that caused Windows to hang, and various remote desktop related problems. The update also improves the Secure Boot component of Windows.
Google introduces a way to reject all cookies... But only in Europe
After being hit with a fairly hefty €150 million fine by regulators earlier in the year, Google has added a new Reject All button to the cookie consent banners that have become ubiquitous on websites in Europe.
Google says that the change is in response to the fact that, "regulators who interpret European laws requiring these banners [...] have updated their guidance for compliance". So what exactly does the change mean, and is it likely to extend outside of Europe?
Google marks Earth Day 2022 with a bleak time lapse of climate change, and shares news of progress towards net zero and sustainability
Today is Earth Day, the annual event that aims to promote protecting the environment. The global event has been running for over fifty years, and the big names from the world of technology play a major role, both in terms of the negative impact they have on the environment with carbon output and energy consumption, and the positive influence they wield.
Like many tech firms, Google has made commitments to reducing its impact on the environment. The company is using Earth Day 2022 to share news of the work it has done, what it continues to do, and what it has planned for the future. There is also a striking Google Doodle that drives home an important message.
Google is making it easier to find the best browser extensions in the Chrome Web Store
Among the supposed benefits of downloading apps and other digital products from an official store is that they should be safe and reliable. But as users of the Microsoft Store, Google Play and the App Store will attest, making an appearance in such a repository is really no indication of quality or trustworthiness.
And the same is true of browser extensions. Once completely unpoliced, this is an arena that Google tried to take control off by introducing the Chrome Web Store. Now the company is introducing two new features which it believes should help Chrome users find extensions that are of a high standard.
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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