Microsoft releases Windows 10 20H1 Build 18945 -- on purpose! -- with improvements to Cortana, Windows Subsystem for Linux and File Explorer
Earlier in the week, Microsoft rolled out a new Windows 10 build on the 20H1 branch. Build 18947 arrived with a new retro Start menu without Live tiles, and a GIF search feature. There was just one problem -- it was released by accident.
Today the software giant rolls out Build 18945, and this one is intended for installation. It comes with a new Cortana experience, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Improvements, and an updated File Explorer.
Best Windows 10 apps this week
Three-hundred-and-forty-five 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 released an internal build of Windows 10 accidentally to Insider devices; the new build featured a redesigned Start menu without live tiles.
Microsoft reveals what you need to do if you have rogue Windows 10 Build 18947
Yesterday, Microsoft accidentally released Build 18947 to all Windows Insiders. The build wasn’t intended for a wide release, and today the software giant reveals how it came to be released, and more importantly, what you need to do to avoid installing it.
If you have already installed the build, with its new ugly Start menu, you can easily remove it.
Microsoft accidentally releases internal Windows 10 preview build with new Start menu and no Live Tiles
Microsoft has unintentionally released Windows 10 Build 18947 to all Insiders, including those on the Slow and Release Preview rings. It was originally believed it was only rolling out to 32-bit devices, but that appears not to be the case. This build hasn’t undergone proper testing, so could cause problems if installed.
Microsoft says it is "looking into" the leak, but in the meantime, if you’re an Insider and you don’t want this build, be sure to reject it when it turns up. However, the new build, which was apparently meant for internal Xbox development, does have an interesting new feature that could tempt you into installing it -- a Start menu without Live Tiles.
Enterprises lagging behind on Windows 10 migration
Windows 7 support comes to an end six months from now, although businesses will be able to pay for Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a further three years -- at a ratcheted cost. Windows Enterprise customers can expect to pay $25 per device for the updates, rising to $100 in the third year. For Windows 7 Professional, the starting figure is $50 per device, rising to $200.
Aware that time is running out, many enterprises have already moved to Windows 10, but a large number remain significantly behind in completing the migration process, according to new findings from endpoint management and security company 1E.
Best Windows 10 apps this week
Three-hundred-and-forty-four 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.
Windows 10 version 1903 had some upgrade blocks lifted this week paving the way for additional upgrades but Microsoft had to add new blocks in place, one even for the company's own Surface Book 2 device.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 20H1 Build 18941, but warns the installation may fail or cause your PC to get stuck in a boot loop
Windows Insiders like to be on the cutting edge, trying out new Windows 10 features well before regular users do. For that reason, most Insiders opt to be in the Fast ring, rather than the Slow or Release Preview rings.
It does mean they are more at risk from potential problems of course, but that’s often a risk worth taking. Often, but not always.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 19H2 Build 18362.10005 to the Slow ring
Windows Insiders on the Fast ring have been receiving weekly Windows 10 builds from the 20H1 branch -- the feature update due out a year from now.
There is another update coming later this year though, and Insiders on the Slow ring are receiving these 19H2 builds as cumulative updates.
German schools ban Microsoft Office 365 because of privacy concerns
The German state of Hesse has banned schools from using Microsoft Office 365 because it fears the software opens up student and teachers' private information to the risk of "potential access by US authorities".
The Hesse Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (HBDI) believes that Office 365 is in contravention of GDPR legislation, and also expressed concerns about the collection of telemetry data by Windows 10.
Microsoft blocks Surface Book 2 owners from upgrading to Windows 10 1903
Having just removed some of the blocks that were preventing people from installing Windows 10 May 2019 Update (Windows 10 version 1903), the company has now introduced a couple more obstacles -- including for its own devices.
One of the new blocks prevents Surface Book 2 owners from installing the update, while another affects systems with Intel 4 series chipset integrated GPUs.
Microsoft fixes some problems that blocked upgrades to Windows 10 version 1903
Installation rates for Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) remain low, and this is at least in part because Microsoft has blocked updates for many people because of a series of problems with hardware and software compatibility.
Now installation numbers may start to increase as Microsoft has removed some of these blocks -- although the company warns that it could take a little while for the update to appear to those who were previously unable to install it.
Best Windows 10 apps this week
Three-hundred-and-forty-three 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 released a preview of Desktop Analytics designed to assist administrators with Windows 10 update readiness checks.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 20H1 Build 18936 with passwordless sign-ins
Even though the next major feature update for Windows 10 isn’t due for a year, Microsoft is rolling out weekly new builds for it.
Windows 10 20H1 Build 18936 offers a number of new features, including the ability to go passwordless on your device, and create calendar events directly from the taskbar.
Microsoft releases public preview of Desktop Analytics to help with Windows 10 update readiness checks
Microsoft has released a public preview of cloud-connected service Desktop Analytics.
Designed to help system administrators to keep Windows 10 devices up to date, Desktop Analytics integrates with System Center Configuration Manager. It allows for the quick and easy creation of app inventories to make compatibility checks simpler.
Best Windows 10 apps this week
Three-hundred-and-forty-two 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 revealed that the next "feature update" for Windows 10, Windows 10 19H2, will be delivered like any other cumulative update for the operating system.
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