Articles about Microsoft

It is that time of year again, the time when Microsoft releases another big feature update for Windows 10. Yesterday saw the start of the roll out of Windows 10 October 2020 Update (or Windows 10 20H2), and already a number of issues have been acknowledged.

Actually, with this particular update the number of known issues its not too high, but that does not make them any less annoying for anyone who encounters them. Here's what Microsoft is holding its hands up to so far.

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After months of testing with Insiders, Microsoft has finally released the latest big upgrade for Windows 10. Known variously as Windows 10 October 2020 Update and Windows 10 20H2, the update brings some important and exciting changes to Microsoft's famous operating system.

As is usually the case, Microsoft is performing a staggered rollout which means most people checking Windows Update won't see the update for a number of weeks. But if you want to get up to date right away, you can download the Window 10 October 2020 Update / 20H2 ISO and install it immediately. Here's what you need to know.

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We’ve known for a while that Microsoft has been working on a Linux version of its new Chromium Edge browser, and today the software giant announces the first build for users to try.

Today’s release supports Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and openSUSE distributions and Microsoft says going forward it will be releasing new builds on a weekly basis.

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If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the latest feature update for Windows 10, we’ve got some great news -- it’s rolling out to compatible systems now.

The October 2020 Update, or Windows 10 20H2, if you prefer, includes improvements to Microsoft Edge, a refreshed Start menu, new Settings, and better notifications.

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Over the last couple of weeks, Microsoft was seemingly caught forcibly installing shortcuts to its Office web apps. Users of Microsoft Edge found that their Start menus were suddenly populated with links to Microsoft Office PWAs (progressive web apps).

But rather than being a slightly underhand way of advertising its other apps and services, Microsoft has a different explanation. The company says that the shortcuts started to appear as a result of a bug in the Edge browser, insisting it was not intentional.

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Unbeknownst to Windows 10 users until now, a security vulnerability existed in Windows Setup, the process with runs when installing Feature Updates for the operating system.

The vulnerability (CVE-2020-16908) made it possible for a locally authenticated attacker to run arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. This flaw could be exploited to install software, create new user accounts, or interfere with data.

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A few days ago, Microsoft released a new cumulative update for Windows 10. The KB4579311 update was supposed to fix a range of issues with the operating system including various security problem, but -- once again – this update is proving problematic for many people.

The problems that have been reported range from failed installation with a 0x800f0988, 0x80073701 or 0x8007000d error code, to black screens, printing issues, to not being able to log into Windows 10.

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First introduced in Windows 7, and still working just fine in Windows 10, God Mode is a hidden feature that displays all of the admin tools and control options in Microsoft's operating system, on a single screen. There are actually a number of different God Modes available which offer extra functionality. We explained how to unlock them all here.

If God Mode isn’t powerful enough for you, and you want even more options, then Extended GodMode is the answer.

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Microsoft is no longer an enemy of the Linux or Open Source communities. Believe it or not, the Windows-maker is an ally these days. Shocking, I know, but totally true. Linux is now built into Windows thanks to WSL, and Microsoft has several apps available for Linux.

The company has even made some of its apps open source as well. For instance, back in 2019, Microsoft released the source for Windows Calculator on GitHub. And now, that calculator app has been ported to Linux by Uno Platform. Best of all, its insanely easy to install as it is packaged in Snap format.

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Microsoft is no stranger to using Windows and other software to promote more of its own apps and services. The latest way the company is doing this is via Edge.

Accusations of using its products as an advertising tool or as a means of forcing products onto users are nothing new for the Windows maker, and the company's latest move with Edge does nothing to shake them off. The browser has been found to install Microsoft Office web apps without asking for permission.

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Windows Insiders on the Dev Channel get another new Windows 10 build to play with today.

Build 20236 adds the ability to change the refresh rate of a selected display by going to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings. The rates on offer will vary depending on what your hardware supports, but a higher refresh rate should deliver smoother motion.

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Learn Microsoft Office 2019 provides a comprehensive introduction to the latest versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. With the help of illustrated explanations, this Microsoft Office book will take you through the updated Office 2019 applications and guide you through implementing them using practical examples.

You'll start by exploring the Word 2019 interface and creating professional Word documents using elements such as citations and cover pages, tracking changes, and performing mail merge. You'll then learn how to create impressive PowerPoint presentations and advance to performing calculations and setting up workbooks in Excel 2019, along with discovering its data analysis features.

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If you start to see the error message "Windows can't verify the publisher of this driver software" in Windows 10, it is because of a change Microsoft is making to driver validation.

The change has been introduced with the latest cumulative update for Windows 10 as Microsoft starts to block some third-party drivers from being installed. It also means that when you try to view driver signature properties you may see the error message "No signature was present in the subject".

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For utility lovers keen to live on the cutting edge, Microsoft has released an experimental build PowerToys v0.24.0.

While this is largely a bug-fixing release, it does see the addition of the video conference mute tool which allows for the instant cut-off of video and audio across all chat and video conferencing tools. This release also sees the addition of telemetry for settings.

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Amazon Prime Day has now stretched into a two-day event, giving you a full 48-hours to spend your hard-earned cash on discounted things that you probably don't need. So why not put your money towards something genuinely useful, like a discounted Windows 10 Professional license?

If you've been looking for a cheap way to get hold of Windows 10 Professional, our special offer will save you a massive 80 percent off the usual price. Whether you're looking to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Professional, or you just like the idea of having a spare license around for when you may need it, read on to find out more!

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