Tweak the registry to make sure you're protected against the PrintNightmare Windows vulnerability
The accidental revelation of the PrintNightmare security vulnerability in Windows set off a chain of workarounds, third-party patches, official patches and problems with patches. But even after two weeks of back and forth, there are still steps you need to take to ensure that you're fully protected.
Microsoft recently updated its security advisory notice about the vulnerability to include additional details that system administrators should check. A quick visit to the registry is all it takes to ensure complete security.
Microsoft has its own Linux distro called CBL-Mariner
It's no secret that Microsoft has been showing Linux a lot more love in recent years -- just look to Windows Subsystem for Linux as an example. Nonetheless, it might surprise you to learn that Microsoft has its very own Linux distribution.
A recent blog post by a member of the Microsoft Azure team shares details on the company's Linux distro. In it, Juan Manuel Rey sheds light on the creation, and gives an intriguing insight into it. Called CBL-Mariner the distro is used by Microsoft engineering teams to build its cloud infrastructure and edge products and services.
Here are the new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11
With the upcoming release of Windows 11, there is a lot of attention focused on certain areas of the operating system -- notably centering of the Start menu, the arrival of widgets, and the visual tweaks that Microsoft has introduced.
But there are also new keyboard shortcuts. These provide easy access to many of the new features of Windows 11 and are a faster way of getting around than using a mouse or trackpad. Not only are there completely new shortcuts to learn, but some key combinations have changed from Windows 10, and have inherited new functions in Windows 11.
Microsoft's KB5004945 update to fix PrintNightmare is breaking some printers
The PrintNightmare vulnerability that was accidentally revealed recently has led to an almost laughable chain of events. After Microsoft suggested a workaround, a third-party released a patch, an official patch was eventually released, and said patch was found to not actually do the job it was supposed to.
The patch is not only ineffective -- although Microsoft disagrees -- it is also, very much in the tradition of patches for Windows, causing issues. People installing the KB5004945 patch report that they then have problems with printing.
Ubuntu Linux-maker Canonical is 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year finalist
Microsoft has been getting more and more friendly with both the Open Source and Linux communities in recent years. For instance, the Windows 11-maker offers its some of its popular software for Linux-based operating systems these days, such as Windows Calculator and the Chromium-based Edge web browser. No to mention, Linux is essentially integrated into Microsoft's desktop operating system thanks to the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
To show just how close-knit Microsoft and the Linux community are, today, something fairly shocking is announced. You see, Ubuntu-maker Canonical is a 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year finalist. Wow.
Microsoft releases a new Windows 11 build with loads of changes, fixes and improvements
Last week, shortly after confirming its existence, Microsoft rolled out the first preview build of its new, forthcoming operating system, Windows 11.
Today, the software giant releases Windows 11 Build 22000.65 to those Insiders in the Dev Channel and it comes with a long list of changes and improvements, as well as plenty of fixes. As you might expect, there are lots of known issues to be aware of too.
Microsoft is seeking feedback in a new Windows 11 bug bash
It has been a while since Microsoft held a Bug Bash to discover problems with Windows and gather feedback about features. In fact, the last one was back in May.
But with the impending launch of Windows 11, it is perhaps not surprising that it is Bug Bash time again. Over the next week, Insiders using Windows 11 preview builds are invited to take part in quests and earn themselves an exclusive badge in return for helping out.
Unimpressed with Windows 11? Don't worry... Microsoft says there's 'much more to come'
If you have installed Windows 11 as part of the Insider program, or if you've obtained the OS through other channels, there's a chance that you may not be blown away by what you see.
But -- thankfully -- Windows 11 is not yet finished. There are kinks to be ironed out, things to be tweaked and, Microsoft promises, "much more to come".
Microsoft patch for PrintNightmare vulnerability fails to fix critical security flaw
The recently revealed PrintNightmare vulnerability has been something of a farcical episode after details of the Windows security flaw were mistakenly revealed. Microsoft suggested a workaround but, as it broke printing, it was less than ideal.
Micropatching experts at 0patch released a free fix until Microsoft then released an official patch. The next chapter in the saga should surprise no one: Microsoft's patch has a problem. It doesn't really fix the security issue, leaving systems vulnerable.
If you change your mind after installing Windows 11, the clock is ticking
When Windows 11 is released, there will be millions of people scrambling to upgrade. There will undoubtedly be a huge number of people moving to the latest version of Windows, but there will be some who regret the upgrade and decide they preferred Windows 10.
No problem, you might think. A quick uninstall is all it will take to return to the fuzzy, warm comfort of Windows 10. And this is true... but there's a time limit if you’re looking for the easy route out.
An upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 11 will have to be a clean install
Microsoft's announcements about Windows 11 have raised as many questions as they answered, primarily around the issue of system requirements. While the operating system is due for launch later this year, it is not expected to roll out as an upgrade for users of older versions of Windows until some time in 2022.
In the meantime, however, hardware manufacturers are busy preparing for the launch, as well as preparing their customers for what will be involved. Lenovo is among the companies sharing helpful details, and this includes the fact that Windows 7 users will need to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 rather than an in-place upgrade.
Here's what you can expect from Windows 10 21H2
We may not have an exact release date for Windows 10 21H2 -- and interest may be focused on Windows 11 at the moment -- but details about what we can expect from the update are starting to creep out.
When the Windows 10 October 2021 Update rolls out in a few months' time, it introduces a number of new features that will be of interest to anyone who is sticking with Windows 10 rather than jumping to Windows 11 -- whether through choice or necessity. Information about just what there is to look forward to has been spotted on Microsoft's own support pages.
Microsoft issues emergency patches for critical PrintNightmare security flaw
Microsoft has released a series of out of-band security patches for the PrintNightmare bug that was recently exposed. The remote code execution vulnerability exits in the Windows Print Spooler; it affects all versions of Windows, and the company is even offering patches for the unsupported Windows 7.
Previously, Microsoft had only been able to suggest workarounds to mitigate against the security problems, so it was left to 0patch to help out with a free bug-fix. But now patches are available for this serious security issue (CVE-2021-34527) that leaves systems at risk of attack.
ASUS provides details of motherboards that support Windows 11
If you have been following news recently, you can't have missed the fact that there is confusion and annoyance about the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. As well as making some relatively recent processor effectively obsolete, the latest version of Windows's need for TPM 2.0 is standing in the way of many potential upgrades.
For system builders concerned about the compatibility of their hardware, ASUS has updated its support documents to provide details information about which of its motherboard are compatible with Windows 11.
This registry hack lets you bypass the TPM 2.0 requirement and install Windows 11
As excitement builds around the launch of Windows 11, eager computer users are scrambling to use utilities such as WhyNotWin11 and Win11SysCheck to see if their system is compatible and up to the job.
The biggest stumbling block is the requirement for TPM 2.0, and while Microsoft has indicated that some OEMs will -- with approval -- be able to bypass the need for TPM support. While this is not an option that will be available to the average user, it is possible to edit the registry to make it possible to install Windows 11 on a computer that does not have TPM 2.0.
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