Microsoft reveals how to mitigate the Downfall vulnerability affecting Intel processors running Windows 10 and Windows 11
Following on from the Meltdown flaw and other related vulnerabilities, a more recent security issue was discovered in the form of Downfall. Tracked as CVE-2022-40982, exploitation of the flaw is known as a transient execution attack and it affects Intel CPUs.
Microsoft has not only acknowledged that the problem exists, but has now provided details of mitigation techniques that can be used. In security advisory KB5029778, the company gives instructions for users of Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server.
These horrendous Windows bootlegs have to be seen to be believed
In some countries, it can be hard to get hold of genuine versions of Microsoft Windows. Even if you live somewhere that does sell them, you might not want to pay Microsoft for its operating system.
If you hunt around on the internet, you can find plenty of pirate copies of Windows, but you'll also find some truly horrible bootlegs.
MiracleOS is everything we want Windows 12 to be (and more)
Microsoft is planning on pulling the plug on Windows 10 relatively soon, leaving users with the choice of sticking with an unsupported operating system, or switching to Windows 11. It's possible the software giant will announce Windows 12 before that happens, but Microsoft has so far said nothing about its future OS, although we have seen some hints about it tucked away in Windows 11.
If you're wondering what Windows 12 could look like, take a look at MiracleOS.
Best Windows apps this week
Five-hundred-and-fifty-seven in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
The optional update KB5029331 for Windows 10 brings the Windows Backup app to the operating system. It is not a full backup solution, as it limits backups to specific data and offers to save the data only to OneDrive.
Microsoft confirms UNSUPPORTED_PROCESSOR error reports following latest Windows 11 update
Installing updates for Windows is always something of a gamble, and this is greatly magnified for anyone who chooses to install the preview versions Microsoft releases each month. A good case in point is the KB5029351 update preview that was released for Windows 11 this week.
There are lots of positive changes introduced by this update, but there are also numerous reports of blue screens and UNSUPPORTED_PROCESSOR errors. There's good news and bad news to come.
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The book is filled with useful tips and suggestions that allow you to get the most out of Word, as well as helpful information on the latest features. It also shows you how to customize and configure Word for your optimal workflow.
Microsoft releases KB5029351 update for Windows 11, changing default app options, introducing optional update changes, improving search, and much more
Microsoft has released the latest batch of preview versions of its software updates, including the KB5029351 update for Windows 11 22H2. This is a non-security update, like all previews, but it includes a large number of bug fixes and an impressive number of a changes, additions and improvements.
The first highlight Microsoft draws attention to is a new hover behavior and options for Search, but there's much more to the KB5029351 update. There are numerous Group Policy changes, including the introduction of policy that can be used by administrators to enable optional updates.
Microsoft is willing to make massive cloud concessions to gain UK approval for Activision Blizzard deal
Microsoft's attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard has been a long, drawn-out affair with a seemingly endless series of obstacles along the way. Now the company has indicated a willingness to make major concessions as it submits a revised deal for approval.
Facing regulator opposition to the deal in the UK so far, Microsoft's latest proposal to the CMA (Competitions and Markets Authority) includes an offer to sell cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft.
Microsoft is treating Windows 10 users to more apps from Windows 11
Having already brought Windows 11's backup tool to Windows 10, Microsoft is porting more apps back to the older version of its operating system.
The latest Windows 11 app to be offered to Windows 10 users is the Photos app. But if you are wondering why Microsoft continues to eliminate reasons to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the company has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Microsoft is giving Windows 11 users the option to remove some bloat
Few people would argue with the notion that Windows 11 comes with more than a little baggage. If you buy a computer with the operating system pre-installed, you can almost always expect the inclusion of bloatware from the manufacturer, but there are plenty of unwanted components even after a clean installation.
With the latest build of Windows 11, however, this is changing. Microsoft is apparently aware, and -- more importantly -- taking notice, of the fact that users are annoyed by having apps forced upon them without the option of uninstalling them. So the company is making it possible to remove more of Windows 11's built-in apps and components.
Microsoft reveals a secret keyboard shortcut that makes Task Manager easier to manage
For power users, people troubleshooting problems, and anyone looking to kill a troublesome app, Windows' Task Manager is a seriously useful utility. Having been around for so many years, you might think there would be nothing new to learn about the tool. Think again!
Microsoft has just shared details of a keyboard shortcut that works in the Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions of Task Manager. For anyone who has been frustrated by the speed at which the list of processes changes, this tip is absolute gold.
Microsoft rolls back KB5028244 update and issues advice following ClickOnce issues in Windows 10
Windows 10 users who installed the recent KB5028244 update have been experiencing issues with apps deployed with ClickOnce. The problems have seemingly been widespread as Microsoft has been forced to implement a Known Issue Rollback (KIR).
No details about the cause or scale of the issues have been revealed but KIRs are relatively rare, pointing to serious concerns. Microsoft has also issued some advice to those who have run into problems.
Microsoft is working on a big UI facelift for PowerToys
There can be few tech-heads out there -- particularly if they are readers of BetaNews -- that are not aware of PowerToys. This outrageously useful collection of Windows utilities has an avid following, and each new release is eagerly lapped up as new modules are added.
The latest project for the PowerToys team is to give the app a "new homepage experience". What this means in practice is an update to the app that introduces a central dashboard that provides an overview of which modules are currently enabled, also showing helpful information such as useful keyboard shortcuts for individual utilities.
From humble beginnings to tech giant: Microsoft's trailblazing journey
In the annals of technological history, few narratives are as enthralling as the creation and rise of Microsoft. This powerhouse has been instrumental in shaping our interaction with technology today and owes its inception to two young, passionate, and ambitious individuals: Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
In 1975, Gates and Allen, childhood friends hailing from Seattle, were captivated by the introduction of the MITS Altair 8800, a microcomputer that set their imaginations alight. They envisioned transforming this piece of technology into something more user-friendly and accessible to the everyday person. Their innovative idea was to design a programming language that would simplify interaction with the computer.
Microsoft is bringing Windows 11's new backup tool to Windows 10
A few months back, we learned of Microsoft's new Windows Backup app. At the time it was only made available to users of Windows 11 signed up as Insiders on the Dev channel.
Now this handy utility is making its way to Windows 10 as well. For now, it is included in the build pushed to the Release Preview Channel last week, but this means it won't be long until Window 10 users have access to an official backup tool from Microsoft which is about more than just safeguarding files.
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