Microsoft launches Windows Autopatch for Windows 10 and Windows 11
Having previously released a public preview earlier this year, Microsoft has announced the general availability of Windows Autopatch. Aimed at enterprise users of Windows 10 and Windows 11, the service helps to automate the process of keeping critical software updated.
In addition to Windows itself, Windows Autopatch will also keep Microsoft Edge and Office software up to date, helping to eliminate -- or at least reduce -- the risk of bugs and security issues. As well as ensuring all of the latest patches and updates are installed, the service simplifies the process of rolling back changes should a problematic update be rolled out.
Microsoft warns that Outlook Search might not display recent emails in Windows 11, again
For the second time in the last year, Microsoft is investigating an issue that is preventing Outlook Search from showing recent emails in results in Windows 11.
The last time the problem arose, it was found to be the fault of an update for Windows, but Microsoft is not yet sure what the root cause is this time around. The issue affects people using POP, IMAP and offline Exchange accounts which make use of the Windows Search service to index emails. There is currently not a proper fix for the problem, but there is a temporary workaround.
Best Windows apps this week
Four-hundred-ninety-eight 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.
Microsoft split the Windows 11 Beta channel into two this week to better test new features and improvements.
Microsoft releases PowerToys v0.60.0 with great new Windows 11 features
Microsoft has released PowerToys v0.60.0, and while the company says that this is a release cycle that focuses on stability and improvements, this does not really convey how significant an update it is -- particularly for Windows 11 users.
Among some of the biggest changes and additions are a new zone identification technique for FancyZones, and rounded corner support for AlwaysOnTop. There are also new entries in the Windows 11 context menu for PowerRename and Image Resizer, making these utilities even easier to access. But things do not end there.
Microsoft makes massive improvements to Windows Subsystem for Android in Windows 11
Microsoft has fully embraced Linux with the release of Windows Subsystem for Linux, opening up exciting possibilities for fans of Linux-based distros. The company has also shown support for Android, with the Windows Subsystem for Android making it possible to run mobile apps and games in Windows 11.
Now the company has made a significant update to Windows Subsystem for Android, making huge improvements to its networking capabilities.
Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 22621.290 and Build 22622.290 -- one has new features, the other doesn't
Microsoft has made the decision to split the Windows 11 Beta Channel into two. To go with the move, the company has rolled out two new Windows 11 flights -- Build 22621.290 and Build 22622.290.
As you would expect, both builds share fixes and known issues, but one build also includes new features.
Microsoft splits the Windows 11 Beta Channel into two
Microsoft has announced two Windows 11 builds for the Beta Channel -- Build 22621.290 and Build 22622.290. Why two builds? It’s because the software giant is putting Insiders into one of two groups. This is similar to what the company did back in 2019.
But why, and what’s different about the two builds?
Microsoft releases new versions of free Windows 11 virtual machines
For anyone looking to try out Windows 11 without making a full commitment, opting for a virtualized version of the operating system is a great idea. Microsoft has just released updated versions of its Windows 11 virtual machine images which can be used completely free of charge.
It is Windows 11 Enterprise that Microsoft has made available, and there are various versions available to download. No matter whether you prefer VMWare, Hyper-V, VirtualBox or Parallels, there is a free Windows 11 virtual machine for you.
Windows 7 2022 Edition is everything Windows 11 should be, but isn't
Windows 11 adoption isn't happening as fast as Microsoft would like, but that’s partly down to the fact that Windows 10 suits most people fine; they know where they are with it, and it doesn’t have the same strict hardware requirements as the latest OS.
For a lot of people though, Windows 7 remains the best operating system Microsoft ever made. If you were wondering how it might look if it was released today, we have the answer.
Best Windows apps this week
Four-hundred-ninety-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.
Work on the 2023 feature update for Windows 11 continues. A redesigned Open With dialog is now available for testing.
Microsoft is giving the Open With dialog a great new design in Windows 11
Many of the changes introduced in Windows 11 have divided opinion, from the central Start button to the non-moveable taskbar. An upcoming change that is sure to go down well, however, is Microsoft decision to give the Open With dialog a much-needed overhaul.
As you know, when you double click a file in Windows, it opens in whatever the default app it is associated with is. The Open With dialog can be used to select an alternative app, and with the redesign, Microsoft is not only introducing a new look that is more in keeping with the Windows 11 aesthetic, is also making the dialog more useful.
Windows 11 uptake remains slow
If you recall, two months ago we reported how Windows 11 growth was still glacially slow, as users appeared to be opting to stay with Windows 10, rather than upgrading to the new OS.
Although it didn’t report on Windows 11’s share last month, AdDuplex has returned with figures for June, and if you were expecting a sudden surge of upgrades, well we’ve some bad news for you -- and Microsoft.
Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 25151 with useful fixes for annoying problems
Last week's new Windows 11 flight for Insiders in the Dev Channel -- Build 25145 -- introduced a number of new features, including a OneDrive storage alert, subscription management in Settings, and a Local Administrator Password Solution ("LAPS").
Build 25151, released today, is much less exciting but does offer a set of fixes designed to improve the overall experience for users.
Microsoft performs Known Issue Rollback after Windows update breaks Edge
Microsoft issuing updates for Windows that result in unwanted side effects is far from unknown, and it has happened once again.
With the release of the KB5014019 update for Windows 11, the KB5014021 update for Windows 10, and the KB5014023 update for Windows Server, Microsoft managed to introduce a problem that caused its own Edge browser to stop responding. Rather than issuing a fix, the company has instead opted to use a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) after acknowledging the problems.
Upgrade nag screens coming to Windows 8.1
Microsoft took a huge gamble with Windows 8, betting big that touch screens would replace the mouse as the primary way of interacting with the operating system. The company replaced the Start menu with a Start screen, which a LOT of people hated. It was one of the main reasons Microsoft's attempt at reinventing Windows flopped so badly.
With Windows 8.1, the software giant reintroduced the Start menu, and made a number of other changes that made it more acceptable to users, but even so, few people will list that OS among their all-time favorites.
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.