Following the preview of new PowerToys Peek utility, Microsoft releases feature-packed PowerToys v0.57.2


Earlier this week we learned about a prototype PowerToys utility called Peek which is set to bring a macOS-style Quick Look feature to Windows 11. There is no word on when this handy tool will be added to the PowerToys suite but in the meantime, there is a new update to install.
With the release of PowerToys v0.57.2, Microsoft introduced an important number of tweaks, changes and new settings for utilities including PowerToys Run and AlwaysOnTop. There is also a key change to FancyZones for Windows 11 users.
Windows 11's upcoming Smart App Control security feature has a major issue


At its Windows Powers the Future of Hybrid Work event earlier this week, Microsoft revealed various new features that are coming to Windows 11. As well as additions such as tabs in File Explorer and folders in the Start menu, the company revealed a lot of upcoming security features.
One of the security highlights is Smart App Control, which works like an enhanced version of the SmartScreen filter already found in Windows. It will help to block malicious apps, but there is a serious downside that will put off a lot of people.
Best Windows apps this week


Four-hundred-eighty-five 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 fixed an issue in its Edge browser that blocked upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 devices. The upcoming Windows 11 feature update, version 22H2, will get several new features, including tabs in File Explorer.
Microsoft is bringing an amazing macOS feature to Windows 11 with a PowerToys update


Imitation, it is said, is the sincerest form of flattery. If this is true, then Microsoft is clearly fawning over macOS as the PowerToys development team are busy borrowing ideas from Apple's operating system.
Just last week we were treated to a big PowerToys update, but it seems that there is even more to look forward to in the future. Influenced heavily by the Quick Look feature of macOS, a new utility called PowerToys Peek is in the pipeline, giving a way to quickly preview files without having to open them.
Microsoft has fixed an Edge issue that blocked upgrades to Windows 11


Microsoft recently introduced a compatibility hold to prevent certain people from upgrading to Windows 11. Safeguard ID 37820326 was put in place after an issue was discovered that saw some Edge users losing data they had stored in Internet Explorer 11.
The company has now addressed the problem meaning that IE users no longer need to take the extra step of importing data to Edge before upgrading to Windows 11.
Windows 11 Build 22593 arrives with loads of important fixes


There was no new Windows 11 build for Insiders last week, but Microsoft is back to its usual release schedule this Wednesday and once again the latest flight is being made available to both the Dev and Beta Channels.
This means that Build 22593 doesn’t have any of the more experimental new features typically found in Dev Channel builds, but it does come with some changes and improvements, as well as a huge number of fixes. Insiders can also easily switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel, should they wish to.
Dynabook Portégé X40-K 14-inch Windows 11 laptop is a beautiful, blue, beast


Dynabook unveiled the Portégé X40-K earlier today, and the laptop is quite impressive. Powered by 12th Gen Intel Core processors (i5 or i7), the notebook can be configured with either Windows 10 or the superior Windows 11. The 53 Wh battery should provide all-day usage, and the 14-inch display will be offered as either a touch or non-touch screen.
If you like the color blue as I do, you will absolutely adore the Portégé X40-K chassis, which is made of a beautiful blue aluminum. The svelte laptop is loaded with useful ports too, such as two USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), two USB-A, Ethernet, and HDMI. It can even be had with an optional Smart Card reader -- an essential slot for many, including those in the military. And yes, you get both a fingerprint reader and IR Webcam for Windows Hello unlocking.
Microsoft reveals new features coming to Windows 11 -- including tabs in File Explorer


Today, at an event to showcase how Microsoft is developing new experiences to "enhance the way we work today, and in the future", the software giant gave us a look at some of the new features coming to Windows 11 in the near future.
While much of the presentation was about business, specifically hybrid working, Microsoft did cover experiences for consumers.
Windows 11 users can now install AlmaLinux from the Microsoft Store


Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is friggin' awesome. If you aren't familiar, it essentially lets you easily run a Linux distribution (and commands) from within Windows 11 (or Windows 10). Best of all, you can install these distros directly from the Microsoft Store. There are many popular Linux-based operating system on that store too, such as Kali and Oracle.
And now, yet another Linux-based operating system has come to the Microsoft Store. You see, as of this month, you can download and install AlmaLinux by clicking here.
Mozilla says Microsoft needs to do more to simplify browser switching in Windows 11


After -- although not necessarily because of -- endless complaints from Windows 11 users about the unnecessarily difficult process involved in changing the default web browser to something other than Edge, Microsoft finally gave in and simplified things.
But while the KB5011563 update means that the process is now much quicker and easier than it was, Microsoft has not gone far enough for many people. Among those voicing concern that the company is still putting obstacles in the way for users is Mozilla. The Firefox-maker says that Microsoft can do more to respect default browser choice on Windows.
Microsoft introduces a new compatibility hold to block upgrades to Windows 11


With a warning that "IE11 data might not be accessible after upgrading to Windows 11", Microsoft has added a new compatibility hold to prevent some people from upgrading to the latest version of its operating system.
The issue affects Windows 11 version 21H2, and Microsoft has not given any indication of how many people might be impacted. It means that some Windows 10 users looking to upgrade to Windows 11 will simply not be offered the update until they have jumped through certain hops.
Best Windows apps this week


Four-hundred-eighty-four 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 launched a new driver blocking security feature to boost Windows security.
Microsoft's Your Phone app gets a name change and a makeover


Microsoft first launched Your Phone three years ago, allowing Android users to access their text messages and photos on a computer, as well as run Android apps and make and receive calls in Windows.
Today, the software giant announces the app has a new name, and a new interface with an updated design for Windows 11.
Bad news for Microsoft as Windows 11's growth stalls dramatically


After enjoying a couple of months of stellar usage growth which saw Windows 11 double its share, putting it on close to 20 percent of PCs, the new operating system had a nightmare March.
AdDuplex’s report for the current month -- still presented in the Ukraine flag colors of blue and yellow -- will make for shocking reading for Microsoft and for fans of the new operating system.
Microsoft launches new driver blocking feature to boost security in Windows


Microsoft is giving Windows users an easy way to avoid drivers that are known to contain vulnerabilities, helping to improve security.
The company is adding a vulnerable driver blocklist option to Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) which will help to ensure that only trusted drivers can be installed. The new security measure is available to users of Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2016 on systems with hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI) enabled, and Windows 10 in S Mode.
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