New Microsoft Windows 11 feature lets you use your Xbox controller as a keyboard


Microsoft has rolled out a new feature in the latest Windows 11 Beta channel build, adding a Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard that supports Xbox controllers. This new layout allows users to navigate and type using their Xbox controllers, incorporating button accelerators for certain functions. For example, the X button functions as a backspace, and the Y button serves as the spacebar.
In addition to the button accelerators, the keyboard keys in this layout have been vertically aligned to enhance navigation patterns when using a controller. This design aims to make it easier for users to move through the keys efficiently with a gamepad.
Microsoft kills Paint 3D


Microsoft's ongoing updates to its supported Windows operating systems, which includes both Windows 11 and Windows 10, are taking a sad turn with the deprecation of Paint 3D. You see, this app is set to be removed from the Microsoft Store by November 4, 2024.
Initially introduced as a part of the creators update, Paint 3D allowed users to craft three-dimensional images easily but did not become as essential to user workflows as anticipated. And so, Microsoft is killing this app.
Microsoft quietly extends the availability of Windows 11 22H2 updates


To little fanfare, Microsoft has announced that anyone choosing to stick with Windows 11 22H2 will be able to install optional updates for longer than previously planned.
Despite having started to forcibly upgrade some Windows 11 22H2 systems to Windows 11 23H2, Microsoft has had a change of heart about how it will handle updates for the older version of the operating system moving forward. The company had previously said that non-security updates would not be available after this month, but there's a new extended deadline in place now.
Microsoft is working on Windows 11 23H2... but this Moment 4 update will be nothing to get excited about


Microsoft’s new approach to bigger updates for Windows 11 has already seen the release of Moment 1 and Moment 2. The Moment 3 update is due very soon, and the company is already working away on Moment 4.
This fourth update to the operating system is also known as Windows 11 23H2, and it seems that this may be a bit of a damp squib.
If you want to try out Windows 11 Moment 2 now, just jump on the Release Preview Channel


The next significant update to Windows 11 -- known as Moment 2 -- is due for release next month, but if you're eager to try things out, you can do so.
All you need to do is get yourself on the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider program. Microsoft has just released Windows 11 Build 22621.1343 (also known as the KB5022913 update) to this channel, and it includes everything from the upcoming Moment 2 release. And there really is quite a lot to this update.
Microsoft to release Windows 11 Moment 3 to beta testers soon


Windows 11 Moment 3 is rumored to hit general availability towards the end of the first half of this year -- possibly in May. But before this next significant update to Windows 11 is released to the general public, it will first need to undergo beta testing -- and this could be happening very soon indeed.
Although Microsoft is yet to say anything about the release date for Moment 3, reliable leaker PhantomOfEarth has not only revealed that the beta is due for release soon, but also shared details of what it is likely to include.
Microsoft uses KB5022360 update to squash bugs and reduce the number of reboots when upgrading to Windows 11 22H2


Microsoft has released a new update for Windows 11 in the form of KB5022360.
The release is only for Windows Insiders participating in the Release Preview Channel running Windows 11 22H2. Although it may be a little while before it is made available more widely, it sees Microsoft not only fixing a number of issues -- including one relating to searchindexer.exe and another to conhost.exe -- but also introducing changes that reduce the number of reboots experienced by users upgrading to Windows 11 22H2.
Leaked: Microsoft is bringing tabs to more apps in Windows 11


Having revolutionized the way we browse the web, tabs made their way to File Explorer in Windows 11. Now, thanks to a premature -- and now-deleted -- tweet, we also know that Microsoft is looking to do the same with other apps.
A Microsoft employee shared a screenshot on Twitter that depicts an updated version of the Notepad app, complete with two open tabs. It is not known if the addition of tabs will come in the next Moment update for Windows 11, but it is something that is undergoing internal testing.
Microsoft is bringing another big update to Windows 11 in May


With Windows 11, Microsoft changed the way it releases updates for the operating system with its "Moment" updates. So far, there has only been one Moment released, but it was a significant one that saw the addition of tabs in File Explorer and more.
We've already heard rumors that the Moment 2 update is scheduled for release in March next year, but now there are also suggestions that yet another update is due in May. What is not clear, however, it whether this will be Moment 3, or what has been referred to as a Continuous Innovations update.
KB5010414 update for Windows 11 fixes loads of problems as well as adding new features


The latest update for Windows 11 is a big one -- and we're not just talking about the size of the download. The update in question is KB5010414, and it's something we have already touched on a couple of times.
Much of the focus has been, entirely understandably, on the new features the update brings; KB5010414 is about much more than this. Yes, the arrival of support for Android apps is nice, but it's certainly not something everyone is interested in. What is more impressive and interesting about the KB5010414 is the laundry list of changes, tweaks and fixes Microsoft has introduced. This is what makes this the most significant update to Windows 11 yet.
How to check for Windows updates from the context menu in Windows 10 and Windows 11


The importance of installing the latest patches and fixes for Windows cannot really be overstated. As well as helping to boost security and fix problems, updates can also add new features to Windows.
While there is a lot to be said in favor of enabling automatic updates, there's nothing wrong with performing manual check as well or instead. Unfortunately, Microsoft has hidden the option to check for updates away in the Settings app meaning it is a pain to access. Here's how to add an update check option to the context menu in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Microsoft releases KB5008295 update to all Windows 11 users as an out-of-band patch


It recently came to light that a series of problems with Windows 11 -- including apps such as Snipping Tool not working -- were caused by an expired certificate.
Having determined the cause of the issues, Microsoft released a fix; the bad news being that it was only made available to Windows Insiders. Now the patch has been given a wider release and can be downloaded by all Windows 11 users as an out-of-band update.
Despite the threats, Microsoft is delivering updates to Windows 11 on 'incompatible' hardware


Much has been made of the system requirements for Windows 11, and after initially making it seem as though it would not be possible to install the operating system on hardware that did not make the grade, Microsoft relented and said that people could do so at their own risk.
The permission to proceed came with something of a threat, however -- a warning that a computer that did not meet the minimum requirements would not receive updates. But this seems to have been an empty threat. We've just seen the first update for Windows 11 roll out, and KB5006674 was indeed delivered to computers that do not meet the requirements set out by Microsoft. What gives?
Microsoft releases KB5006674 update for Windows 11 to fix networking problems and more


It's now a week since Microsoft started the rollout of Windows 11, and the latest version of the operating system has just received its first cumulative patch.
With the release of the KB5006674 update, Microsoft is addressing one of the compatibility issues that was preventing some people from upgrading to Windows 11. Taking the Windows 11 version number up to 22000.258, the update fixes issues found between the operating system and some Intel networking software.
Microsoft Windows 11 reaches Beta milestone


Last week, we told you that Microsoft had released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22000.100. Was that exciting news? Meh, not really. I mean, look, Microsoft releases a lot of pre-release versions of Windows to its Insiders (aka unpaid testers) so it isn't exactly thrilling anymore. With that said, some people are very enthusiastic about the upcoming Windows 11, so I suppose any news about the operating system is significant right now.
Of course, Windows 11 reaching a major milestone is undoubtedly worth celebrating, and today, that is exactly what has happened. You see, the next version of Windows has officially achieved Beta status! No, it is isn't an entirely new build. Actually, the aforementioned Preview Build 22000.100 has simply been released to the Beta channel.
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