Microsoft is using Update Stack Packages to make Windows 11 updates less disruptive
The Windows updates released by Microsoft have been hitting the headlines for very much the wrong reasons for the last year or so. A seemingly endless string of problematic updates for Windows 10 did not, sadly, come to an end with the release of Windows 11.
But now Microsoft is making an important change to Windows updates. While it will not necessarily help to improve their quality and reliability, it will at least go some way to make them easier to download and install. The new approach kicks off with Windows 11 build 22478 and the arrival of Update Stack Packages.
Microsoft launches open source Linux version of system monitoring utility Sysmon
While Microsoft primarily produces apps and services designed for use with its own Windows operating system, over the years the company has embraced not only macOS but also Linux.
Having recently release Windows Subsystem for Linux to the Windows 11 store, there is a now another treat for Linux user coming out of Redmon. Microsoft has now released a Linux version of Sysmon, the Windows system monitoring tool.
Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 22000.282 with a long list of fixes, including addressing performance issues with AMD Ryzen processors
As soon as Windows 11 hit general availability and started to be downloaded in ever increasing numbers we began seeing reports of problems with the new OS surfacing.
These included slowdowns on some AMD processors. Earlier this week, Microsoft rolled out the first update for Windows 11 designed to fix a known networking issue, and this had the effect of making AMD system performance "much worse".
Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 22478 with new Fluent-emoji
Microsoft rolled out the first update for Windows 11 earlier this week. Continuing the trend we saw with its Windows 10 patches, this one was designed to fix problems, but introduced new ones.
The company is hard at work on adding new features and improvements to its latest OS, and today releases Windows 11 Build 22478 to Insiders in the Dev Channel.
Microsoft is shutting down LinkedIn… in China
Microsoft launched a Chinese version of LinkedIn in 2014, having weighed up the pros and cons of operating under the scrutiny -- and restrictions -- of the Chinese government.
Today, the software giant announces it is pulling the plug on LinkedIn there, citing a lack of success with the social aspects of the site, and the difficulties it faced with complying with the government’s many demands. Microsoft isn’t pulling out of China's blossoming business market entirely though -- rather it’s changing its focus.
Microsoft releases KB5006674 update for Windows 11 to fix networking problems and more
It's now a week since Microsoft started the rollout of Windows 11, and the latest version of the operating system has just received its first cumulative patch.
With the release of the KB5006674 update, Microsoft is addressing one of the compatibility issues that was preventing some people from upgrading to Windows 11. Taking the Windows 11 version number up to 22000.258, the update fixes issues found between the operating system and some Intel networking software.
Microsoft releases PowerToys v0.47.1, fixing bugs in FancyZones and more
With the current PowerToys release cycle, Microsoft had vowed to work on stability and optimization, and the company is making good on this promise.
It is only a couple of weeks since the release of v0.47.0 of the utility collection, but now there is another update to install. This time around, there are fixes for PowerToys Run, FancyZones and Shortcut Guide.
Kubuntu Focus XE is the perfect laptop for Windows-switchers and Linux beginners [Review]
All Linux distributions are not created equally. In other words, it is absolutely not correct to say "Linux is Linux." Not only are there differences under the hood with things like package managers and kernel versions, but more user-focused variations too, such as the actual desktop environment. Unlike Windows that only offers one interface, there are several for Linux-based operating systems. Ultimately, a user's Linux experience can vary wildly based on distro.
But what Linux distribution is best for a beginner? This is an impossible question to answer definitively, but to attempt to do so, it is important to first define what a "beginner" actually is. Are they a first-time computer user or more likely, a longtime Windows user looking to switch to Linux? While the former is a blank canvas, the latter has many existing computing habits and expectations. And so, looking for something that doesn't deviate far from the traditional Windows user interface.
OpenSilver picks up where Silverlight leaves off
Let us pause for a moment to remember Microsoft Silverlight. The web application framework and alternative to Flash and Java reaches the end of its support life today.
Whilst it never had the market penetration of the others, Silverlight had a 15-year lifespan and in 2010 the plug-in was on over 53 percent of browsers.
Download Windows Subsystem for Linux app from the Windows 11 Microsoft Store
Microsoft's embracing of Linux has been slow but steady, and nowhere is this more evident than with Window Subsystem for Linux -- or WSL. Now, a new WSL app has just been released to the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 users.
With this latest release, the company is bringing Windows Subsystem for Linux to a much wider audience. Previously only available as an optional component of Windows itself, in launching a separate WSL app, Microsoft is massively increasing the visibility of the much-loved tool.
Microsoft Translator adds a dozen new languages and dialects
If you like to travel internationally, you know that language differences can be a huge pain point. English speakers are lucky, as that language is often spoken as a second language. That isn't always the case, however, so communication can be a huge barrier. This isn't just an issue for those that travel for pleasure, but for business travelers too.
Luckily, technology has minimized this pain. Software allows convenient translation, making both communication and the consumption of foreign language media much easier. Microsoft Translator is one such great solution, and today, it gets a dozen new languages and dialects!
Microsoft warns of new Windows 11 problems with apps using unusual registry keys
Microsoft has shared details of a new known issue with Windows 11. The company has confirmed that a problem exists with apps that use certain characters in registry keys.
As a result of the discovery, Microsoft has put a compatibility hold in place that means people with problematic apps installed will not be offered Windows 11 via Windows Update. The issue is under investigation.
Microsoft launches 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller
Want to feel really old? The original Xbox was released nearly 20 years ago! Yes, way back on November 15 of 2001, Microsoft officially joined the console wars, competing with companies like Sony, Nintendo, and Sega. While the Xbox consoles have not been a huge success in Asia, they are wildly popular in the USA. Many people doubted Microsoft could succeed with its gaming consoles, but the Windows 11-maker is still going strong two decades later.
To celebrate the upcoming anniversary of the Xbox brand, Microsoft is launching a very special product that is sure to be a hot commodity this Christmas shopping season -- the 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller. This beautiful controller mixes nostalgic designs with modern hardware to create something truly special.
Regret installing Windows 11? Here's how to go back to Windows 10
Windows 11 is currently rolling out to users with compatible hardware, but if you don't want to wait you can jump the queue. You can even install it on PCs without the TPM 2.0 requirement using this hack. Although it’s early days, a number of users have reported problems with the OS, which is to be expected.
If you upgrade to Windows 11 and encounter problems -- or decide it’s simply not for you -- you might want to go back to Windows 10, and wait until the new OS is a bit less buggy. The process is straightforward enough, although there are some downsides to be aware of.
Gartner cautions against speedy enterprise adoption of Windows 11
Research Vice President with analyst firm Gartner has said that Windows 11 could have been released as a feature update for Windows 10 rather than a whole new version of the operating system.
While Stephen Kleynhans praises the removal of Internet Explorer, the addition of Android support and welcomes what he describes as an "overdue facelift", he feels that releasing this as an upgrade rather than just an update is simple marketing by Microsoft. He also advises business and enterprise uses against rushing into adopting Windows 11 and predicts low usage numbers even by 2023.