In this episode of Microsoft Weekly, we look at Microsoft adding more ads to Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge, Patch Tuesday updates with their fixes, compatibility blocks and full-screen banners, Moment 5 update arriving every users, older versions of Windows Server. leaks (they’re old after all), new wallpapers, Windows XP celebrates ten years since its last security update, and more.
Contents:
- Windows 10 and 11 news
- Windows Insider Program
- Updates are available
- Gaming News
- Good deals to check out
- A blast from Microsoft’s past
- Random fact about Microsoft
Windows 11 and 10
Here we talk about everything that’s happening around Microsoft’s latest operating system in the stable channel and preview releases: new features, removed features, controversies, bugs, interesting discoveries, and more. And of course, you might find a word or two about the oldies. but still supported versions.
Microsoft has released April 2024 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 10 and 11. This month’s release is particularly noteworthy as it brings the features of the Moment 5 update to all users. Windows 11 received KB5036893 and Windows 10 received KB5036892.
Shortly after receiving the April 2024 Patch Tuesday updates, Windows 10 users began complaining about full-screen banners promoting Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, even though Windows 10 has over 18 months of active support ahead of him. Yeah.
Besides the slightly Intrusive advertisement of Windows 11, latest Patch Tuesday updates would irritate users with all kinds of bugs, instabilities, slowdowns and error codes, such as 0x8007000d/0x800705b9.
On the bright side, Microsoft has finally lifted a two-year-old upgrade block preventing Windows 10 users from upgrading to Windows 11. It was related to the Intel Smart Sound Technology Audio Controller driver on systems with Intel Core processors from 11th generation. Affected customers can now get the patched drivers from Windows Updates and safely upgrade to Windows 11 without worrying about blue screens of death due to poor compatibility.
The next generation of Windows PCs on ARM will arrive in a few months, and according to a new report, Microsoft is pretty confident in its latest venture. Leaked documents revealed that the company is confident that new AI PCs powered by ARM processors would be able to beat Apple’s M3-based MacBook Air. The Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 will be among the first AI PCs to hit the market this summer. .
Windows enthusiasts have discovered that Microsoft updated the appraisers.sdb file in Windows 11 build 26100 and added a whole bunch of apps that could theoretically prevent you from updating to Windows 11 version 24H2. See the full list here.
Speaking of Windows 11 24H2, it turned out that the leaked LTSC version does not check the hardware requirements if you select the IoT Enterprise LTSC edition.
Recent Patch Tuesday updates also quietly introduced a new UCPD driver that prevents apps from changing your default settings using registry edits and hacks. Microsoft has not officially announced this change, so its exact purpose is currently unknown.
Windows Insider Program
Here’s what Microsoft released this week for testing in the Windows Insider Program:
The biggest Windows Insider (and Windows in general) story this week was Microsoft adding more ads to the Start menu. The latest Windows 11 beta channel now offers an app recommendations ads “to help you discover great apps from the Microsoft Store.” The operating system could even have a dedicated announcements and promotions button in the taskbar.
All of these publicity shenanigans have led to a few Microsoft veterans calling out the company, poking fun at the current state of things, the poor performance of Windows 11’s Start menu, and more.
Microsoft hasn’t announced it yet, but Windows Insiders have already spotted many new features coming soon to the Snipping Tool app. Upcoming updates should allow users to add emojis to their screenshots, fix HDR images for SDR monitors, and scan QR codes on screenshots.
Finally, here are some new features regarding Windows Server 2025, which is currently in preview. Microsoft has published a blog post with a feature summary of its server-focused version of Windows 11. If that’s not enough, check out Windows Server 2012 build 8019, which has leaked onto the internet in all its glory.
Updates are available
This section covers software, firmware, and other notable updates (released and upcoming) offering new features, security fixes, enhancements, fixes, and more from Microsoft and third parties.
Microsoft will hold its annual Build conference in May 2024, and its schedule is already spoiling some news. The official Build 2024 website revealed that Microsoft is working on AI-based “advanced collage” for PowerToys and other AI-based experiences for Windows 11.
Microsoft has updated Outlook for Android with a new feature that lets you use the email client to securely sign in to your Microsoft account. Microsoft says that with this feature, you “don’t need to remember, enter a password, or use a one-time SMS code.”
Speaking of security, Microsoft Edge received patches in the stable channel to address three high-severity Chromium vulnerabilities. The update also fixes sync-related issues that can cause browser crashes.
Start11, everyone’s favorite Start Menu alternative, has received a new update with early optimizations for Windows 11 version 24H2. Since the app doesn’t rely on existing code to do its magic, it shouldn’t fall victim to Microsoft’s crusade against UI changes. applications like ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack.
Other notable updates include:
Here are the latest drivers released this week:
Here’s our weekly roundup of new features coming soon to Microsoft’s productivity apps, like Outlook, Teams, and more.
To end the updates section, check out these recently released wallpapers found in the recently announced and launched Surface Pro 10 for Business. If you want to spice up your desktop with alternate color variations of the “Bloom” wallpaper, you’ll love these four new backgrounds.
On the gaming side
Find out about upcoming game releases, Xbox rumors, new hardware, software updates, giveaways, deals, discounts and much more.
EA Play, a subscription service that lets you access dozens of Electronic Arts games for a monthly or annual fee, now costs more. This week, EA announced the first price increase for EA Play and EA Play Pro.
Forza Motorsport received the latest update with a new track, new set of cars and many miscellaneous fixes. Runners can now head to Brands Hatch, a popular running track in the UK. New cars include the 2019 Ginetta G55 GT4, the 1970 Matra-Simca #146 Equipe Matra-Simca MS650 Tour de France and the 2016 Ligier #11 Euro International JS P3.
Bethesda has finally set the release date for Fallout 4″ next generation update. It will be available on April 25, alongside additional PC optimizations, Steam Deck checks, and other exciting upgrades for the game in post-apocalyptic Boston.
Sea of Thieves is coming to PlayStation 5 soon, and the game’s official account is already making a lot of noise claiming that its closed beta is seeing a high volume of players, leading to longer wait times to access it. This could indicate that the game is ready. be a big success on Sony’s console.
Offers and gifts
The Epic Games Store offers Ghost Runner until next Thursday. As usual, for more deals and specials, check out our weekly Weekend PC Game Deals series.
Other notable gaming news includes:
To finish off the games section, check out Robbie Khan’s Gulikit KK3 Max review. This high-end controller offers excellent performance, solid materials, built-in memory for adjustments, and a bunch of additional accessories.
Good deals to check out
Every week we cover lots of deals on different hardware and software. The following discounts are still available, so be sure to check them out. You might find something you want or need.
Accessories:
Network:
PC components:
Phones, tablets and laptops:
Monitors and televisions:
A blast from Microsoft’s past
John Callaham’s weekly ‘Look Back’ series takes a trip down memory lane, detailing the company’s products, partnerships, incidents and successes from years ago.
This week, Windows 3.1 celebrated 32 years of its RTM. Named “Janus”, this rather minor update brought some notable changes, such as support for TrueType, Windows Media Player, screensavers, support for SVGA, and more.
Another rather sad anniversary is Windows XP’s 10th anniversary since its last security update. On April 8, 2014, Microsoft ended the five-year period of Extended Security Updates for one of the most legendary versions of Windows ever released. .
Random fact about Microsoft
And here’s a randomly selected anecdote about the company, Windows and other things Microsoft created.
The European Union is now attacking large companies, forcing them to adopt practices more favorable to competition. The situation is anything but new, and Microsoft is no stranger to it. Did you know that in late 2005, the Korea Fair Trade Commission forced the software giant to release a special version of Windows XP without Windows Media Player and Windows Messenger?
Windows XP Home (K) and Pro (KN) were released in the South Korean market and both included links to third-party messengers and media players, similar to how iOS displays third-party browsers when setting it up in the EU.
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