Microsoft has new utilities planned for the next version of PowerToys
It is mere days since the last pair of updates to PowerToys for Windows 10, but there was really very little to get excited about. PowerToys 0.15 and 0.15.1 weren't much more than bug-fix releases, but version 0.16 is something to look forward to.
While it's not known quite when this version will be released, Microsoft seems eager to make it available as soon as possible. This time around, there are new additions to excite you. A total of four new tools, including the return of the Image Resizer PowerToy.
Best Windows 10 apps this week
Three-hundred-and-seventy-six in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 on the Microsoft Store in the past seven days.
Microsoft plans to turn Cortana into a business-focused tool and will remove Home functionality from the digital assistant in the next versions of Windows 10.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 Insider Build 19577
It’s been a couple of weeks since Microsoft last rolled out a new Windows 10 build to Insiders on the Fast ring.
It can’t be said that latest flight, Build 19577, has been worth the wait as it’s mostly a collection of fixes and improvements, although Microsoft is making diagnostic data changes in Settings, and there's a new icon to get excited about too (or not).
Microsoft subdomains hijacked following DNS security blunder
Vulnerability researchers were able to hijack a series of subdomains belonging to Microsoft after the company was found to be employing poor DNS practices.
Subdomains including mybrowser.microsoft.com and identityhelp.microsoft.com were among ten hijacked by a team of security researchers from Vullnerability. In all, more than 670 Microsoft subdomains were found to be at risk of being taken over.
Microsoft releases PowerShell 7 for Windows, macOS and Linux
Microsoft has announced that its cross-platform automation tool and configuration framework PowerShell 7 is now Generally Available.
Available for Windows, macOS and Linux, PowerShell 7 sees Microsoft moving from .NET Core 2.x to 3.1 which enables greater backwards compatibility with existing Windows PowerShell modules thanks to the resurrection of numerous .NET Framework APIs. The cross-platform nature of PowerShell 7 means that Ubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora, Debian and other Linux distro are embraced.
Install the latest PowerToys update for important bug fixes
Microsoft has pushed out two updates in quick succession to the preview version of PowerToys for Windows 10.
PowerToys 0.15 was released and included fixes for nearly 100 problems, as well as a making other key changes -- including notifications about the availability of updates. But mere hours later, PowerToys 0.15.1 was unleashed to fix a further bug.
Microsoft ends Internet Explorer 10 support for Windows Server 2012
Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorer 10 -- the default browser of Windows 8 when it was initially released -- in Windows Server 2012 and Windows Embedded 8 Standard in February 2020.
Microsoft notes that "all updates, paid assisted support options, and technical content updates for Internet Explorer 10" are discontinued as of February 11, 2020; this means that Microsoft won't release security updates for Internet Explorer 10 on the March 10, 2020 Patch Tuesday.
Microsoft gives us a preview of a new Start menu concept for Windows 10
During a Windows Insider webcast, Microsoft shared a new design concept for the Start menu in Windows 10.
In the video stream, the Windows Insider team showed off a new look that is being explored. The team confirmed that Live Tiles are here to stay, but they are not visible in the new design. This is because the new look is only going to be available when Live Tiles are disabled.
Get 'Windows 10 All-In-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition' ($39.99 value) FREE for a limited time
Are you ready to become the resident Windows 10 expert in your office? Look no further! This book is your one-stop shop for everything related to the latest updates to this popular operating system.
With the help of this comprehensive resource, you'll be able to back up your data and ensure the security of your network, use Universal Apps to make your computer work smarter, and personalize your Windows 10 experience.
Microsoft announces cloud-based printing solution Universal Print
Microsoft unveiled Universal Print, a cloud-based print solution today. The new service, available as a private preview at the time of writing, enables a "simple, rich and secure print experience for users" and helps "reduce time and effort for IT", according to Microsoft's announcement.
Universal Print moves "key Windows Server print functionality" to the Microsoft 365 cloud so that it is no longer necessary to install printer drivers on individual devices or maintain on-premises print servers.
Microsoft unveils Phantom Magenta and Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox One controllers
Microsoft loves to release special editions of its Xbox One controllers, and consumers seem to really enjoy buying them. After all, if the controllers weren't selling well, it is doubtful Microsoft would bother. In other words, yes, these "special" controllers are just money-grabs, but hey, if people enjoy them, so be it.
Today, Microsoft announces two new special edition Xbox One controllers -- Phantom Magenta Special Edition and Arctic Camo Special Edition. The former is purple while the latter is a white/gray camouflage.
How to set gorgeous Windows 10 Spotlight lock screen images as wallpaper
Windows 10 has a lock screen mode called Windows Spotlight that pulls attractive, high resolution images from the web on a daily basis. In most instances, you’ll only see these when you log on, or lock your PC.
If you see an image that you’d like to use as Windows wallpaper, you can’t simply right-click and save it, but there is a way to easily use Windows Spotlight images as your desktop background.
How to play the secret surfing game in Microsoft Edge -- and unlock the hidden NinjaCat player
Everyone loves a good Easter Egg, and Microsoft Edge has an absolute belter -- a hidden surfing game that you can even play using your Xbox controller.
The game was originally used by Microsoft when it was revealing the new logo for Edge, and it is designed -- much like Chrome's dino game -- to give you something to do when you're offline. The surfing game itself is a great bit of fun; here's how to access it, and how to unlock the secret NinjaCat character.
Microsoft starts rolling out new icons to all Windows 10 users
It is a few months since Microsoft first unveiled the new look icons for Windows 10 and various applications.
Now, having started the roll out of the new icons to Windows Insiders, the company is giving everyone access to the new designs. At the moment, it seems to be people running Windows 10 version 1909 that are affected, and this means they can enjoy new icons for Mail, Calendar, Calculator, Photos and more apps.
Microsoft is making Cortana much less useful for most people in a business-focused pivot
Microsoft is planning a major re-focus for Cortana; one that will mean the digital assistant becomes far less useful for most people. When Windows 10 version 2004 (or Windows 10 20H1) arrives, users will lose many of Cortana's consumer and third-party skills as Microsoft gives the assistant more of a business focus.
In dropping feature, Microsoft says that Cortana will be "focused on your productivity with enhanced security and privacy". Other significant change is the impending removal of Cortana from the Android Launcher app and a closer relationship with Microsoft 365.
Recent Headlines
BetaNews, your source for breaking tech news, reviews, and in-depth reporting since 1998.
© 1998-2025 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. About Us - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy - Sitemap.