Purple Windows 10 box

Microsoft issues advice for people with Storage Spaces problems in Windows 10 May 2020 Update

If you thought the problems associated with upgrading to Windows 10 May 2020 Update were over, think again. Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with some Storage Spaces configurations with Windows 10 and Windows Server version 2004 installed.

Microsoft says that some users may experience problems accessing Storage Spaces, and warns that partitions may show up in Disk Manager in RAW format. There is an important warning for anyone affected by the issue, as well as some advice about what steps to take.

Broken Google logo

Google teams up with Parallels to allow Chromebooks to run Windows apps

Initially derided as a limited modern take on netbooks, Chromebooks have gathered loyal followers over the years as app support grows. In addition to web apps, there is also support for Android and Linux apps, but Chromebook owners have long dreamed of the day they can run Windows software.

Thanks to a partnership between Google and virtualization specialist Parallels it will not be too long before Windows apps in Chrome OS becomes a reality. The bad news is that there is a slight caveat.

Colorful Microsoft logo

Microsoft releases off-schedule patch for printing problems in Windows 10

As we reported a few days ago, two recent Windows 10 updates started to cause problems with printing for many users. Following an investigation into the KB4560960 and KB4557957 updates, Microsoft has now released an out-of-band update to address the issues.

For now, Microsoft has published patches for versions 1909, 1903, 1809 and 1803 of Windows 10 with the promise that "other affected versions of Windows will have updates released in the coming days".

Microsoft building in California

In Windows 10 May 2020 Update, Microsoft has moved the Fresh Start recovery tool

Windows 10 has always had a number of recovery options for when the time comes to reinstall the operating system. One of these is called Fresh Start, which gives you the option of reinstalling Windows 10 while retaining files and some settings and apps.

In Windows 10 May 2020 Update (Windows 10 version 2004), this handy recovery tool seems to have vanished. In fact, Microsoft has even updated its support pages to indicate that Fresh Start is only available in Windows 10 version 1909 and earlier. But the functionality of Fresh Start is still available -- you just need to know where to look.

PowerToys reboot

How to stop PowerToys complaining about other applications running in administrator mode

The Windows 10 version of PowerToys has been available as a preview for a little while now, and Microsoft is gradually adding more and more handy utilities to it.

But something you may have noticed recently is the appearance of an error message when running certain apps or commands as administrator. Run an app with elevated privileges, and you may see a message that reads: "We've detected an application running with administrator privileges. This blocks some functionality in PowerToys". Here's what's going on and how to fix it.

Microsoft Edge on laptop and smartphone

Microsoft is looking into why Edge is running at startup for some users

Microsoft has acknowledged a problem with Microsoft Edge that sees the browser launching automatically when Windows starts.

For some users, Edge is running at startup regardless of whether it has been explicitly configured to do so. At the moment it is not clear what is causing the issue, and Microsoft is looking for help gathering information about what is going on.

Colorful Microsoft logo

Windows 10 May 2020 Update is causing login problems in Chrome, Edge, OneDrive and more

It seems that few updates from Microsoft are without problems these days, so the fact that a big release such as Windows 10 May 2020 Update is causing issues should shock no one.

A particularly annoying problem that is plaguing some people who have installed the update is that they are not automatically signed into their user account in Chrome. As an extension of this issue, website passwords are not being remembered. Problems have also been found with Edge and OneDrive forgetting credentials after upgrading to Windows 10 version 2004.

Windows 10 box with bugs

Microsoft is investigating printer problems caused by KB4560960 and KB4557957 updates [UPDATED]

Earlier this week, Microsoft released June updates for Windows 10. As has become increasingly common of late, this has led to problems for many people.

Two updates -- KB4560960 and KB4557957 -- are proving problematic, and both updates are causing issues with printing. As well as causing some traditional printers to suffer print spooler errors, the bug is also causing issues with tools for saving files as PDFs.

Windows 11 boxshot

This Microsoft Certified Partner tried to sell me the non-existent Windows 11 [Updated]

Microsoft has previously said that Windows 10 is the last version of Windows. We've talked about Windows 11 concepts here on BetaNews, but that's all they are -- concepts dreamt up by eager designers.

So what was a Microsoft Certified Partner thinking when it popped a pre-order page for Windows 11 on its site? A major update or a new version of Windows is always going to generate a lot of interest -- and probably a lot of money too, particularly with a $174.99 price tag attached. Having stumbled across a site inviting me to "preorder your Windows 11 before anyone else", I decided to investigate and find out what the company had to say for itself. [UPDATED with comments from both Microsoft and the Microsoft Certified Partner]

Colorful Microsoft logo

Microsoft publishes Windows Terminal 2.0 roadmap

Windows 10 is undeniably a graphic-based operating system, but there have always been various text-driven command line options too. With Microsoft increasingly embracing Linux, the arrival of Windows Terminal was pleasing if unsurprising.

The utility provides access to the Command Prompt, PowerShell and WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), and although version 1.0 has only just been released, Microsoft has already published it roadmap for Windows Terminal 2.0.

Twitter Verified account

You will soon be able to request Twitter verification

The coveted blue tick of verification is the goal of many Twitter users, and for a very long time the social media company has closed off the request system that existed.

Having used a secretive system to determine whether an account is deemed worthy of being verified or not, Twitter is now going to bring a "Request verification" option into its apps. The feature is currently undergoing development, but Twitter confirms that there is a new system in the works.

Microsoft Edge ads in Windows 10 Start menu

Microsoft is showing ads for Edge in the Windows 10 Start menu if you search for rival browsers

Microsoft is certainly no stranger to using Windows 10 to promote its own software; there have been numerous instances of the company advertising products within the operating system.

Now, if you use the Start menu to search for a web browser such as Firefox or Chrome, you'll see an ad recommending Microsoft Edge. While with previous in-Windows ads there have been simple steps you can take to avoid or disable them, this time around it seems there is nothing you can do about it.

Microsoft Edge on laptop and smartphone

Microsoft is now pushing out Chromium-based Edge to all Windows 10 users

It is a while since Microsoft adopted the Chromium engine for the new version of Edge, and reception to the browser has been broadly positive.

Until now, Microsoft has given Windows 10 users the choice between whether they what to use the new Chromium-based Edge, or stick with the old legacy version. But now that's changing. The company is pushing out the browser via Windows Update to Windows 10 versions 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, and 2004 -- and it is not possible to keep using old Edge, however much you want to.

Apple logo and padlock

Apple has a new open source project to help improve password security

Apple has launched a new open source project designed to promote collaboration between the  developers of password management software to help improve security for users.

The Password Manager Resources project has been created to make it easier for the developers of password managers to work together to ensure interoperability with websites, and to create a better experience for users. The aim is to integrate the strong password generating capabilities of the iCloud Keychain platform into password management apps.

Purple Windows 10 box

How to free up disk space after installing Windows 10 May 2020 Update

With Windows 10 May 2020 Update now available, many people are rushing to install it. We already know that the update contains various bugs and problems, but even if you've had a problem-free installation, you may be surprised at just how much disk space you've lost.

This is particularly true for anyone with an SSD, which tend to be smaller, but there are steps you can take to claim back this space and free up several gigabytes. Here's what you need to know.

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