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Microsoft has introduced shared audio (preview) in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 for Dev and Beta Channels. This feature enables a Windows 11 Copilot+ PC to transmit audio simultaneously to two Bluetooth LE Audio accessories, such as headphones, earbuds, speakers, or hearing aids. Users activate the function via the “Shared audio (preview)” tile in Quick Settings after pairing two compatible devices and end the session using the “Stop sharing” button.
The feature currently supports select Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon X or Intel Core Ultra Series 200 processors, including specific Surface and Samsung Galaxy Book models. Compatible accessories include Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds3, Buds3 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6, and certain LE Audio–enabled hearing aids. Users must enroll in the Windows Insider Program, install the latest OS and driver updates, and ensure LE Audio support is enabled on their accessories. Microsoft recommends using manufacturer apps to verify firmware and re-pair devices if they do not appear in the shared audio interface.
Google has released Chrome 142, introducing enhanced security measures and developer-focused updates.
* The browser now prompts users to confirm access when public or internal websites attempt to reach local system resources, mitigating risks like CSRF attacks on network devices.
* A simplified interface integrates Google account sign-in with data syncing for passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history.
* Origin Isolation improves process separation for sites on systems with more than 4 GB of RAM, while policy-violating extensions are automatically disabled on unmanaged Windows and macOS installations.
The release also adds web platform features, including CSS pseudo-classes :target-before and :target-after, support for Range Syntax in @container and if(), and the interestfor HTML attribute. DTLS now uses post-quantum encryption for WebRTC. DevTools integrates an AI assistant renamed “Debug with AI” and connects to the Google Developer Program.
Chrome 142 addresses 20 vulnerabilities, with Google awarding $130,000 in bug bounties. No critical sandbox escape flaws were identified.
Microsoft has released a new version of the Copilot app for Windows (1.25103.107) that introduces text-based interaction with Copilot Vision. Windows Insiders across all channels can access this update through the Microsoft Store, though availability may vary due to A/B testing. The feature enables users to submit text queries and receive text responses within the same chat window, offering an alternative to voice input.
Users can activate the text mode by clicking the glasses icon in the Copilot window and disabling the “Start with voice” option. After selecting a screen or application to share, indicated by a glowing frame, they can type questions directly into the chat. Copilot Vision retains voice functionality, allowing users to switch back by selecting the microphone icon. Screen sharing ends by clicking the “Stop” or “X” button. Previously, Copilot Vision supported only voice commands and spoken responses.
Microsoft Edge has expanded its Copilot Mode with new AI-powered features:
* Copilot Actions lets users complete tasks like unsubscribing from newsletters or booking restaurants using voice or chat.
* The Journeys feature organizes past browsing sessions into coherent topics, allowing users to resume interrupted projects without managing multiple tabs. With explicit permission, Copilot can now reference browsing history to deliver more relevant responses, such as recalling a previously viewed product or suggesting content based on past interests.
Copilot Mode can be toggled on or off at any time, and data access requires an opt-in via settings. Visual indicators show when Copilot is active, ensuring transparency.
These features are currently available in a free, limited preview for U.S. users.
Microsoft has released an updated version of Paint (11.2509.441.0) to Windows Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels on Windows 11. This update introduces Restyle, an AI-powered feature that transforms the artistic style of images on the canvas. Users access Restyle through the Copilot menu, select a preset style, and generate a new version of their image.
The feature supports adding the restyled image directly to the canvas, copying it, or saving it for later use. Restyle operates exclusively on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs and requires users to sign in with a Microsoft account.
Windows now prevents you from disabling Microsoft Store app updates. Users can no longer disable automatic app updates entirely. Instead, the system now allows only a temporary pause, ranging from one to five weeks.
The interface now displays the message: “You may pause automatic updates for a period of time.” Notably, Microsoft has not documented this change in any public changelog for the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 preview builds 26100.7015 (24H2) and 26200.7015 (25H2) to Insiders in the Release Preview channel via KB5067036. The update introduces a redesigned Start menu with “Categories” and “Grid” views, responsive sizing, and a Link to Phone sidebar supporting Android and iOS, with EEA availability scheduled for late 2025. Voice Access gains Fluid Dictation on Copilot+ PCs, offering real-time grammar and punctuation correction using on-device small language models. It now supports Japanese and includes a configurable delay before command execution.
Click to Do enhances Copilot interaction with locally generated suggestions in English, Spanish, and French, along with translation, unit conversion, and improved object selection tools. Table recognition enables direct export to Excel, though this requires a Microsoft 365 subscription and is limited to Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs initially. File Explorer adds a “Recommended” section, contextual action buttons, and StorageProvider API support. Taskbar and lock screen updates include colored battery icons with percentage display. Windows Setup now permits custom user folder names during OOBE. Admin Guard, a new just-in-time privilege feature, remains disabled by default.
Various fixes address issues in Windows Update, display rendering, input handling, and authentication.
It is all over. Google has discontinued its Privacy Sandbox APIs intended to replace third-party cookies in Chrome and Android. The company initially planned to phase out third-party cookies by 2022 but delayed the move repeatedly due to industry resistance and low adoption of alternative technologies. In spring 2025, Google abandoned the cookie deprecation initiative altogether. Six months later, it also decided to halt promotion and integration of many associated privacy-focused APIs.
The discontinued technologies include IP Protection, Topics API, Attribution Reporting, Private Aggregation, Shared Storage, Protected Audience, Related Website Sets, requestStorageAccessFor, Related Website Partition, Select URL, Protected App Signals, SDK Runtime, and On-Device Personalization. Google will retain only those APIs already implemented in other browsers: FedCM for privacy-preserving identity management, CHIPS for partitioned cookie storage, and Private State Token for bot detection without cross-site identifiers.
Cookies remain alive.
I have fixed the "Inactive Titlebar Color" part of Winaero Tweaker on Windows 11 24H2/25h2. I think the new methods should also work INSTEAD of the previous one on Windows 10, too. Will be able to test it on Windows 10 tomorrow.
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Insider updates
* Windows 11 preview build 26220.6972 (KB5067106) for the Dev channel.
* Windows 11 preview build 26120.6972 (KB5067106) for the Beta channel.
These builds introduce a Mobile Device Settings page under Bluetooth & Devices, enabling users to add, view, and manage mobile devices, including using them as connected cameras or accessing their files via File Explorer. The Start menu now includes a link to the Microsoft account benefits webpage, and Game Pass plan names in Settings reflect updated branding. File Explorer enhancements include dark theme support in the Folder Options dialog and configurable Drag Tray settings for Nearby Sharing.
The update resolves several issues: File Explorer no longer shows error 0x8000FFFF when extracting large archives, and the outdated white toolbar no longer appears unexpectedly. Display fixes address a red tint in videos and games, partial screen freezes during background app refresh, and stuttering on high-resolution monitors. Windows Update error 0x800f0983 has been fixed, along with Outlook credential prompts failing to appear and Remote Credential Guard incompatibilities. Known issues include malfunctioning text actions in Click to Do and Recall, disabled taskbar thumbnail animations, Start menu unresponsiveness via mouse click, dark theme flickering in copy dialogs, and Xbox controller Bluetooth crashes requiring driver uninstallation.
Microsoft released PowerToys version 0.95, introducing performance improvements, stability enhancements, and new features. The update includes Light Switch, a utility that automatically toggles between light and dark system themes based on scheduled times or local sunrise and sunset data, with optional time offsets. Users can apply themes to the system shell, applications, or both and manually switch themes using a customizable hotkey.
The Command Palette now uses an optimized fuzzy search algorithm, significantly reducing response times. Microsoft removed ranking for most extensions, fixed an exception-handling bug, implemented query cancellation logic, and limited default application results to ten entries. The palette also features a grid-based layout and optional animation disabling.
Other updates include Peek activation via the spacebar, a transparency option for Find My Mouse, hotkey conflict notification suppression, crosshair customization, DSC v3 support, Esc-key cancellation for Gliding Cursor, Welsh keyboard layout support in Quick Accent, and smooth scaling in ZoomIt.
⬇️ https://aka.ms/installPowerToys
📝 https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/powertoys-0-95-is-here-new-light-switch-utility-faster-command-palette-and-peek-with-spacebar/
Microsoft released Windows 11 build 27971 to Windows Insiders in the Canary channel. This update introduces enhanced Notification Center functionality, enabling users with multi-monitor setups to open the Notification Center on any active display by clicking the date and time in the system tray. The feature includes a larger clock with seconds display and calendar visibility across monitors, though it rolls out gradually and may not be immediately available to all users.
The build also addresses several issues. File Explorer no longer crashes during file transfers to network drives, and media controls now appear correctly on the lock screen. Microsoft resolved problems affecting pen and ink input caused by microsoft.ink.dll, crashes during playback of protected content, and Hyper-V virtual machine startup failures on ARM64 devices with TPM. Known issues remain: the Settings app may crash when accessing disk information, the new Start menu might scroll unexpectedly, and some users report sleep and shutdown problems.
Microsoft is now positioning Copilot as a main interface of Windows 11 that users can speak to and delegate tasks. The company points to the “Hey, Copilot!” wake word, establishing voice as a third core input method alongside keyboard and mouse. Copilot Vision, now available globally, allows the AI to view the user’s screen with explicit permission, offering guidance on applications, documents, and troubleshooting.
Microsoft is also testing Copilot Actions in a preview program, enabling the AI to perform local tasks such as photo editing within a secure, isolated environment. The assistant displays each step it takes, though Microsoft acknowledges early limitations with complex software. Copilot now appears in the Windows 11 taskbar, accompanied by an enhanced search feature for faster access to files and settings.
Finally, a new advertising campaign promotes these capabilities under the tagline “meet the computer you can talk to,” running side-by-side with the end of support for Windows 10 and encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) to both Dev and Beta Channels, aligning them on the same 25H2-based updates. Insiders in the Dev Channel may switch to the Beta Channel during this alignment window, which will close once the Dev Channel advances to a higher build number.
New features include Ask Copilot in the taskbar for quick access to Copilot Vision and Voice, a full screen experience expanding to more handheld devices like MSI Claw models, and shared audio (preview) for Copilot+ PCs using Bluetooth LE Audio.
The update also enhances Prism emulation for x64 apps on Arm and delivers multiple fixes, addressing USB device recognition, Start menu visibility, File Explorer performance, lock screen memory leaks, and ethernet upload speeds.
Known issues remain with Start menu responsiveness, system tray app visibility, and File Explorer’s dark mode copy dialog.
Microsoft has introduced a simplified naming system for Windows 11 updates to improve clarity and standardize terminology across all Windows platforms. The previous naming convention often included redundant technical details (architecture (x64), OS edition, or date prefixes) that made it difficult for typical users to interpret update content. The new approach displays only essential information: the update type, Knowledge Base (KB) number, and relevant build or driver version.
The simplified names now appear during download and in the update history within Settings > Windows Update. This change applies to monthly OS updates, .NET Framework updates, driver updates, AI component updates, and Visual Studio updates. Major feature updates retain the existing “version 2XHX” naming format. Organizations using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) will not see the new names, as WSUS continues to use the legacy naming scheme.
Microsoft plans to release Windows 11 version 26H1 exclusively for new devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 processors. This targeted launch follows the company’s prior strategy with the 24H2 update, which first appeared on Copilot+ PCs before broadening to all Windows 11 users. The 26H1 version serves as an interim solution focused primarily on enabling support for the new chipset. Despite its limited scope, it will introduce select features not found in the 24H2 or 25H2 updates, offering early access to X2 device owners.
These new capabilities will later integrate into Windows 11 version 26H2, scheduled for a wide release in the second half of 2026. Microsoft has not yet confirmed the 26H1 update through official channels, leaving current details based on insider reports.
Insider builds
* Windows 11 Build 26220.6982 (Dev)
* Windows 11 Build 26120.6982 (Beta)
Windows 11 builds 26220.6982 / 26120.6982 (KB5067109) introduces several new features for Windows Insiders. The Windows search box now includes a “Copy & Search” function that enables users to search clipboard content directly from the taskbar. Voice Access gains a configurable delay setting for action execution. These two are for Copilot+ PC users. A new Proactive Memory Diagnostics tool triggers after critical system errors, offering a quick memory test during the next reboot to detect and address potential hardware issues. This feature remains in early development and excludes Arm64 devices, systems with Admin Protection, and BitLocker-enabled devices lacking Secure Boot.
The update also delivers interface enhancements and fixes. Settings app device cards and the System > About section offer clearer information layout. Search results now scroll within the pop-up window, and Click to Do includes onboarding hints.
The Start menu’s search popup aligns with the larger Start menu design. File Explorer hover actions extend to enterprise users, and Windows Studio Effects now supports non-Intel Copilot+ PCs. Numerous fixes address taskbar, input, File Explorer, Widgets, UAC, and Task Manager issues.
Known issues include USB device recognition failures, Start menu unresponsiveness to mouse clicks, missing system tray apps, and visual glitches in File Explorer’s dark theme.
Microsoft introduced Mico, an expressive avatar for Copilot voice interactions. Mico appears as an animated sphere that changes shape and color to reflect emotions, aiming to make conversations with the AI feel more natural. The feature is optional and can be disabled. Repeatedly tapping Mico transforms it into Clippy, Microsoft’s legacy Office assistant.
The Fall Copilot update also adds group chat support for up to 32 participants, with Copilot summarizing discussions, suggesting solutions, counting votes, and assigning tasks. A new “Real Talk” feature enables Copilot to challenge user assumptions to improve response accuracy, particularly on sensitive topics. Additionally, Copilot Health integrates trusted medical sources like Harvard Health and assists users in locating appropriate healthcare providers. Users can access these features through the latest Copilot update.
Insider Updates
Windows 11 Build 27975 in the Canary channel
The update delivers minor improvements to system stability and user experience. It resolves an issue affecting touch keyboard launch stability and fixes a problem that caused Windows Hello PIN authentication to fail on certain devices. It also addresses a crash in Settings when accessing disk information via System > Storage or through the disk Properties dialog in File Explorer. Known issues include unexpected upward scrolling in the new Start menu and ongoing investigations into sleep and shutdown problems reported by some Insiders.
Windows 11 Build 22631.6132 (Release Preview)
Windows 11 Build 22631.6132 addresses several functional issues across different system components. The update resolves a problem where the touch keyboard failed to register input after the device resumed from sleep, despite displaying correct visual feedback. This affected scenarios such as password entry on the login screen.
The release also corrects a networking issue in which external virtual switches incorrectly reverted to internal switches following a host reboot, disrupting network connectivity. This occurred due to erroneous detection of orphaned virtual switch objects during Host Network Service initialization. Additionally, the update enables the "Personalized Offers" feature during initial system setup and within the Settings app post-login. A separate fix improves disk interaction reliability, eliminating connection errors that previously occurred during upgrades of Azure Stack Hub or Azure Local clusters.
Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed Microsoft is developing a new generation of gaming consoles, currently in the design and prototyping phases. She affirmed the company’s ongoing partnership with AMD and addressed speculation about Microsoft exiting the hardware market, stating the opposite is true. Bond also noted the collaboration with ASUS on the ROG Xbox Ally devices provides gamers with additional portable options alongside Microsoft’s forthcoming next-generation hardware.
Bond clarified that ASUS determines the pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, which retail at $600 and $1,000 respectively. She acknowledged Microsoft had previously worked on its own portable console, codenamed “Project Kennan,” but paused development to pursue the ASUS partnership. Sources indicate the project remains on hold rather than canceled, and insiders believe Microsoft intends to release its own portable Xbox console in the future.
Microsoft has expanded dark theme support to additional classic system applets in Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. Builds 26220.6972 (Dev) and 26120.6972 (Beta) now include dark mode for the Run dialog and Folder Options, following an earlier implementation with file operation dialogs, progress indicators, chart views, and system prompts. The rollout occurs gradually, so you may not see these changes immediately.
But you can enable new dark theme features manually using the ViVeTool utility. This requires downloading the tool, extracting it to a directory such as C:\ViVeTool, and executing a specific command in an elevated Windows Terminal.
c:\vivetool\vivetool /enable /id:58383338,59270880,59203365,48433719
Microsoft issued an out-of-band cumulative update, KB5070773, for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 (builds 26100.6901 and 26200.6901). The company releases such updates only when a critical issue requires immediate resolution outside the regular monthly cycle. This update specifically addresses a problem introduced by the October 14, 2025 Patch Tuesday update KB5066835.
The issue caused USB keyboards and mice to cease functioning within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), thereby blocking access to all recovery options. USB peripherals continue to operate normally in the standard Windows environment. Given the widespread reliance on USB input devices and the lack of alternative ports on modern systems, Microsoft acted to restore WinRE functionality before the problem affected additional devices.
Windows 11's ✂️ Snipping Tool is getting one of the most requested features it was missing for no reason: Text Annotations with some formatting options. This functionality is currently hidden, but it's clear that an announcement and update will be released soon. @phantomofearth on X has found the new feature this weekend.
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Microsoft has released the Windows 11 2025 Update (version 25H2) for general availability as of October 16, 2025. The company initially rolled out the update on September 30, 2025, in a phased manner to monitor performance and address potential issues before broad deployment. Eligible devices with the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” setting enabled can now install the update. Users may check for availability via Settings > Windows Update and select “Check for updates” to proceed.
The update remains optional and requires manual confirmation. Windows 11 Home and Pro devices not managed by IT administrators will receive an automatic upgrade offer, allowing users to schedule or defer installation. Versions 24H2 and 25H2 share the Germanium platform codebase and will receive identical cumulative updates. New features will continue to arrive through monthly updates. Devices blocked from updating due to compatibility concerns will gain access once Microsoft resolves the underlying issues.
Microsoft will soon begin testing deeper integration of its Copilot AI assistant into the Windows 11 taskbar search. The update replaces the traditional search field with a Copilot interface, which users can enable on demand. This interface supports both AI interactions and standard searches for local files and applications. Microsoft states that Copilot will not access user data directly but will rely on existing Windows Search APIs to retrieve results.
The integration aims to provide faster, system-wide access to Copilot, ensuring users can reach the assistant from any application or window. The taskbar will include direct shortcuts to Copilot chat and Copilot Vision. Microsoft confirms the feature will be available to all Windows 11 users, not just those with Copilot+ PCs. A full release is scheduled for 2026.
After adding support for dark theme, I broke a lot of things in Winaero Tweaker. Fixing each and every.
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Microsoft Rolls Out a Bunch of New Features and Enhancements for Windows 11 25H2: First of all, there are new Copilot and agentic experiences that position every Windows 11 PC as an AI PC, with Copilot at its center. The update includes enhancements to File Explorer, such as AI-powered actions for images and document summarization via Microsoft 365, and Microsoft 365 People cards for commercial users. Widgets now support multiple dashboards, a redesigned Discover feed, and customizable lock screen widgets. Narrator gains Braille viewer and improved Microsoft Word integration, while Gaming Copilot (Beta) integrates into Game Bar for real-time assistance.
Security improvements include a refreshed Windows Hello interface, passkey manager integration, and Edge password management upgrades. Parts of the Windows kernel now use Rust to reduce vulnerabilities, and Wi-Fi 7 support is added. Developers benefit from a redesigned Advanced settings page, the new Edit command-line editor, and general availability of Windows ML. Additional updates cover Task Manager metrics, system tray refinements, Recall and Click to Do enhancements on Copilot+ PCs, and new features in inbox apps like Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad. Windows 11 version 25H2 is now available through Windows Update as an optional release.
Microsoft plans to announce "something big" related the Windows operating system on October 16, 2025. The company posted a teaser on X suggesting changes to user interaction methods, though it withheld specific details. The message implied a shift away from traditional input, hinting at reduced reliance on manual commands.
Company executives have previously indicated Microsoft’s focus on voice as a primary input method. Windows division head Pavan Davuluri described a system capable of semantic understanding during multitasking scenarios. David Weston, vice president of corporate security, emphasized enhanced perceptual capabilities, enabling computers to interpret visual and auditory inputs. Analysts expect the announcement to present a vision for an AI-integrated operating system rather than a new Windows version.