XDA - Microsoft

Snag the Surface Pro 9 for $600 off with this crazy Prime Day deal

Usama Jawad — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 22:00:19 GMT

If you're on the lookout for a new laptop or convertible PC in the latest Amazon Prime Day sale, you may want to consider Microsoft's latest Surface Pro offering. The Intel Core i7-powered Surface Pro 9 with 16GB of RAM is now available for 28% off its regular price, allowing customers to save a staggering $600 on the latest Amazon Prime Day offerings.

Save $100 on the small, but powerful Xbox Series S in this amazing Prime Day deal

Usama Jawad — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 20:10:19 GMT

It's that time of the year again. Amazon's Prime Day sale is upon us, which means there are a lot of opportunities to save money on your favorite products. Although there are several fantastic deals out there for PC gamers, the console crowd hasn't been left out in the cold. In fact, one of the most affordable ways to get into current-gen console gaming is now available for even cheaper. On this Prime Day, you can save a whopping 33% off the list price of the Xbox Series S and grab it for just $199 instead of the usual $299. This is the lowest price we've seen for this affordable console. But don't let its low price fool you.

Grab a discounted Microsoft 365 subscription and get a free Amazon gift card

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 20:05:58 GMT

There are plenty of great laptops and other PCs and Macs on sale for Amazon Prime Day, but something that you'll likely need to go along with it is a Microsoft Office subscription. This ensures that you have access to the latest versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for writing up documents and creating presentations or spreadsheets.

Microsoft's best and most powerful Surface is an insane $1,100 off for Prime Day

Kishalaya Kundu — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:14:28 GMT

If you're in the market for a Windows laptop, one of the best options right now is Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio. As we noted in our review, it not only fixes the mistakes Microsoft made with the Surface Book, but also comes in a laptop form factor that make it a more practical device. It's already a great Windows laptop for most use cases, and the latest Prime Day discount now makes this a more lucrative deal than ever.

Microsoft's Surface PCs are up to $720 off in these crazy Prime Day sales

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:16:16 GMT

If you're looking for a new great laptop or a fancy new Windows convertible, the summer edition of Prime Day is a great time to shop. Running from July 11 to July 12 for Amazon Prime subscribers exclusively, Prime Day brings some steep discounts on plenty of premium Windows devices. In particular, Amazon is slashing prices on some of the best Microsoft Surface devices.

Microsoft fixes camera problems on Arm-based Windows devices

Usama Jawad — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:44:46 GMT

Microsoft releases Windows updates on a monthly basis bringing new features, improvements, and bug fixes. In fact, updates for supported versions of Windows are expected today as well, as the firm initiates these rollouts on the second Tuesday of each month, known as "Patch Tuesday". However, sometimes, its releases cause unforeseen issues that are usually patched in the subsequent monthly update or through out-of-band updates. Now, Microsoft has announced that it has resolved one such niggling issue affecting Arm-based Windows devices.

Windows 11 version 21H2 is reaching end of support soon

Usama Jawad — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:46:15 GMT

Windows 11 was announced back in June 2021 and began rolling out to the public on October 5 of the same year. Since then, the operating system has received multiple major updates including the Windows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2), and Moment updates in October 2022, February 2023, and June 2023. With numerous versions of Windows 11 now available, Microsoft has announced that it is ending support for the original version of the operating system soon.

Access powerful workstations in the cloud through Microsoft Dev Box, now generally available

Usama Jawad — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 21:39:51 GMT

Although Microsoft already offers Windows PCs powered by the cloud through multiple solutions including Windows 365, these workstations do not usually cater to specialized use-cases and have long deployment times. One scenario that Microsoft felt that it had been missing for several years is offering powerful cloud-based workstations to developers, pre-configured and ready for building applications. To tackle this problem, the Redmond tech firm announced Microsoft Dev Box in May 2022, and now, the solution is generally available.

Now anyone can put their Android app on Windows 11

Usama Jawad — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 13:56:44 GMT

Although support for Android apps on Windows 11 was one of the headlining features when the operating system was announced back in 2021, users quickly found out that only a handful of apps in the Amazon Appstore are officially supported in the preview. Even with this limited scope, the associated experience offered by Android apps on Windows 11 wasn't good, and the implementation had a lot of notable issues. However, Amazon and Microsoft have been working out some kinks and the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 has now hit general availability for developers.

Explaining the Windows Insider Program channels for Windows 11 betas

Rich Woods — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 12:00:19 GMT

It's been a few years since Windows 11 first launched, and just like Windows 10 before it, the operating system is always evolving. Microsoft has committed to updating Windows 11 every so often with "Moment" updates, which are basically feature drops every few months. The most recent one was the Moment 3 update, with delivered features like seconds on the clock in the Taskbar, as well as tweaks to the widgets experience.

How to change or tweak keyboard layouts in Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 22:00:19 GMT

Just like macOS, iOS, and even Android, Windows 11 is an operating system that's friendly to many languages. While you already can go into the Windows 11 settings app and add a new language to your operating system, you also can change and tweak keyboard layouts, too. This might be useful if you have an external or internal keyboard that uses a different layout from the standard QWERTY style that's popular in Western and English-speaking countries. And all it takes is a few simple clicks.

Best Android phones in 2023

Ben Sin — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:01:18 GMT

The Android flagship space has already seen some good smartphones in 2023 so far. Samsung and OnePlus kicked things off with their respective flagships, and we've also received some solid mid-rangers in the form of Galaxy A54 5G and Pixel 7a. Samsung's foldable phones also continue to dominate the market, so there's no shortage of reliable Android phones in 2023. So if you are in the market to buy a new Android flagship and can't figure out which one's better, then you've landed on the right page. I have highlighted some of the best phones in each category in the roundup below, so check out the listings to find the one that suits your needs and budget.

How to show hidden icons in Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:00:18 GMT

Windows 11 brings plenty of cool features. You can enjoy Snap Layouts to multitask with efficiency, play with Android apps on your PC, and even link your iPhone to your laptop. One thing that's missing from Windows 11, however, is desktop icons. You might have noticed that desktop icons for some classic system features are missing. Even in the taskbar, some icons might be missing for your favorite apps. There's no icon for My PC, for example. Well, it's super easy to bring these hidden icons back.

How to see how much data you've used in Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 16:00:20 GMT

Browsing the internet on a Windows 11 PC can be similar to browsing the internet on a phone in that not all internet connections have unlimited data. If you have a great 5G laptop, for example, you might be on a limited data plan. Or, if you're on a more affordable home internet plan, you might have a certain amount of data each month before your connection speeds are throttled. So, if you're concerned about how much data Windows 11 is using, the Settings make it easy to find out which apps are using the most data.

Replacing the Mail app will only make Windows 11 worse for touchscreens

João Carrasqueira — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 15:00:19 GMT

For the past few years, we've been hearing about a unified Outlook client for Windows desktops, and we finally started seeing it last year, when it entered preview for Microsoft 365 Insiders (formerly Office Insiders). Microsoft plans to replace both the full-fledged Outlook app and the built-in Mail app in Windows 11 with a web-based alternative, which the company has been taking its time to build up. While that may seem like a good thing, I believe that this update, based on the previews we've gotten to try, will just make Windows 11 worse for touchscreens — an area where Microsoft already struggles somewhat.

Here are all the new features Microsoft added to Teams in June 2023

Usama Jawad — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 13:25:29 GMT

Microsoft Teams gets new features on a regular basis to enhance online communication and collaboration. Back in May 2023, Microsoft added loads of features to the software in order to attract new customers and facilitate the existing ones. Now, the company has published a roundup of all the capabilities it introduced to Teams in June 2023, with the features totaling a whopping 45 in number.

How to enable Windows Copilot in Windows 11 previews

Arif Bacchus — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:00:23 GMT

There's a new feature up for testing if you're a Windows Insider running the Dev channel version of Windows 11. It's Windows Copilot. A bit like Clippy from the good old days, this is a new AI assistant, designed to help make your PC even easier to use. It has a chat-based UI that currently integrates with some Windows features like taking screenshots, enabling dark mode, and even access things from Bing Chat from it.

Here are all the new features Microsoft added to Excel in June 2023

Usama Jawad — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:15:33 GMT

Microsoft Excel is heavily utilized both in enterprise environments and personal use for multiple scenarios like data crunching, visualizations, testing, documentation, and planning, among many other things. As such, the Redmond tech giant regularly adds new features to the software to make sure it meets emerging use-cases and enhances existing ones. It also publishes a roundup of all the capabilities it added to Excel on a monthly basis, and now, it has done the same for the month of June 2023.

How to set up voice access on Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:00:18 GMT

Technology is getting more accessible as time goes on, and Microsoft has made accessibility a big point of many of its products. Products like the Xbox Adaptive Controller or the Surface Adaptive Kit help all kinds of users make the most of their devices. And on the software front, Microsoft recently added a big feature to Windows 11: voice access, which made its debut with Windows 11 version 22H2.

Copilot brings AI to the latest Windows 11 preview

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:00:07 GMT

It's taken some time, but Windows Copilot is finally available for Windows Insiders to try starting today. Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 build 23493 to Insiders in the Dev channel, and the headlining feature is the introduction of the company's new AI assistant, simply called Copilot. We've seen Copilot used for Microsoft 365 and GitHub, but this is the most widespread implementation of it yet. The new build includes a lot more changes, too.

How to enable night light on Windows 11

Ayush Pande — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:00:19 GMT

Windows 11 retains plenty of accessibility from Windows 10, with night light being one of them. It was first introduced in Windows 10 in 2017 to lower the amount of blue light on your computer screen, which can cause eye strain if you use your system for hours in dark surroundings. It can even disrupt your circadian rhythm and sleep cycle by lowering the amount of melatonin produced by your body.

Microsoft announces new AI-powered shopping tools in Bing and Edge

Kishalaya Kundu — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:00:18 GMT

As part of its push to incorporate AI into most of its products and services, Microsoft has now announced new AI-powered shopping tools in Bing and Edge in a move that the company claims will help shoppers save more while buying goods online. In a statement, the company said that the new tools harness the power of AI to make it "easier to discover, research and complete your purchase, all in one place with information you need from expert sources." The new features include Buying Guide, Price Match, and Review Summaries.

New Clippy app gives us a taste of AI in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:41:57 GMT

Remember Clippy? The assistant found in Microsoft Office in the late 90s and early 2000s is making a return, albeit unofficially, with a new app for Windows 11. The new Clippy app brings the idea of a smart assistant to the modern era thanks to the power of AI, specifically leveraging OpenAI's GPT 3.5 large language model.

DeskScapes 11 lets you use video and animations as your Windows 11 background

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:00:21 GMT

Stardock is launching yet another customization tool for Windows 11 today. With tools like WindowBlinds and Groupy 2 under its belt, Stardock has just announced DeskScapes 11, an app for finding and managing Windows 11 wallpapers. It's more than that, though, because it also supports animated wallpapers, something Windows 11 can't do.

June preview update for Windows 11 enables Moment 3 features for everyone

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 18:09:13 GMT

The June preview update for WIndows 11, version 22H2 is now out. Coming in as KB5027303, build 22621.1928, this release is a pretty big one compared to what we've gotten in the past. It enables features from the Windows 11 Moment 3 update for everyone. Previously some of these things were either turned off, or just in A/B testing. There's also a round of improvements, on top of the usual bug fixes.

Microsoft is planning to put Windows in the cloud for consumers

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:38:54 GMT

According to redacted internal documents released to the public as part of Microsoft's legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Windows 11 could soon be heading to the cloud for more users. While Microsoft already offers this as a service for enterprise users, dubbed as Windows 365, the documents make it apparent that the Redmond firm is planning to put Windows in the cloud for consumers, too. That means that soon there's a chance that you might be able to stream and use Windows 11 on any device you own.

Microsoft Surface Duo gets Pixel experience with Android 13

Timi Cantisano — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:37:09 GMT

The Microsoft Surface Duo was an interesting device when it launched, giving users a foldable phone experience produced by two independent screens. The device originally shipped with Android 10, and while the company has issued a number of updates for the handset, Microsoft really hasn't offered the best software support during the life of the device, with sparse updates when compared to its competitors. Thankfully, the Surface Duo was updated to Android 12L towards the end of 2022, but now, it looks like Android 13 is being made available through unofficial means, which could potentially extend the handset's life.

5 things you can do with a pen on Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:01:19 GMT

Owning a great Windows 11 tablet or a Windows convertible comes with one significant benefit. Some of these devices, like a Lenovo Yoga or HP Spectre, might support pen input. In the case of Surface devices, it's always the Surface Pen, and on other devices, it's either a Wacom EMR pen or an AES pen. And while it's not suggested, you even can use a standard capacitive stylus that mimics using your fingers.

How to extend battery life on Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 12:00:19 GMT

We all want our laptops to last as long as possible without having to be plugged in — after all, that's the whole point of a laptop. While there are many things you can do to extend the battery life of your laptop, such as disabling startup tasks to prevent additional battery consumption. But Windows 11 also comes with a "battery saver" feature that helps you extend the battery life of you're laptop, particularly when it's running low. There are also various settings you can change to help improve battery life on your PC.

How to disable display power savings in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 20:00:18 GMT

Battery life is obviously an important factor for any laptop, and because of that, many laptops come with power-saving features that help extend how long you can use them without a charger. A common way to do this is through display power savings, which adjusts the brightness and colors of your screen to save battery when needed. While these features are helpful, they can have a noticeable impact on how colors look on your screen, and they might lessen the experience. It's especially critical if you have color-sensitive work you need to do. As such, it can sometimes be a good idea to disable display power savings.

How to block apps from accessing your webcam and microphone in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:00:19 GMT

Privacy is a major concern in today's world, and being able to protect it has been a big focus for companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. That comes in many forms, but in Windows 11, one of the primary ways you can protect your privacy is by managing access to devices that can be used to collect personal information, such as the camera, microphone, and location. If you don't want a specific app to be able to use these sensors and data, you can block it from doing so.

How to install themes on Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 22:01:17 GMT

Windows 11 ships with a pretty great wallpaper and theme by default. You get the classic "Bloom" wallpaper, in either the Windows light dark mode or Windows light mode theme. The wallpaper is vibrant as it, providing a splash of light, but a great way to spice up the look of Windows 11 and give your great laptop a new feel is with themes. There's a wide variety of preset themes you can choose from Microsoft, like "Glow", "Captured Motion," "Sunrise" and "Flow," but additional themes are also available for download from the Microsoft Store.

How to customize touchpad gestures in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 20:00:20 GMT

The touchpad is an essential part of any laptop, replacing the traditional mouse with a low-profile solution that still allows you to point, click, and do everything you'd expect to do. For many years, touchpads on Windows laptops weren't that great, since each one was made by a different company and had different drivers, not to mention they were often too small and uncomfortable. Thankfully, that's changed in recent years.

Latest Windows 11 Dev channel build helps makes passwords a thing of the past

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:43:49 GMT

It's a busy day today to be a Windows Insider. Microsoft has rolled out both a new Windows 11 Dev channel build, and the usual two builds over on the Beta channel. The Dev channel build, coming in at 23486, adds some passwordless improvements to Windows. Meanwhile, on the beta channel, there's build 22631.1906 for those with new features rolling out and then build 22621.1906 for those with features off by default. We have the scoop right here for you on everything you need to know.

Windows 11 features in preview: Everything you can try right now

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:00:19 GMT

Windows 11 first showed its face on June 24, 2021, and became officially available on Oct. 5 of that same year. Today, most laptops sold come with Windows 11 installed out of the box, but the Windows development cycle never stops, and there's always something to look forward to. That's where the Windows Insider Program comes into play, as it lets fans try out new Windows 11 features in preview before anybody else.

Best tablets in 2023

Karthik Iyer — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:00:19 GMT

It's true that smartphones are getting bigger and better with larger displays, especially when you consider the excellent foldable phones out now, but they're not quite ready to replace tablets just yet. Tablets are still the perfect companions to have alongside your smartphone, laptop, or PC, as they let you work on things more effectively. The best tablets are the ones that are big enough to keep you entertained when you fire up your favorite apps and games, but not so much that it becomes a hassle to carry them around. You should also pick the ones with a wealth of productivity apps and features to help you get some light work done when you are away from your desk. Choosing the right tablet, however, can be tricky because there are a lot of options that fit the bill.

Windows 11 preview update enables Moment 3 features for all Insiders

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 19:25:24 GMT

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 22H2 build to Windows Insiders enrolled in the Release Preview channel. This build is a fairly significant one since it enables many features and enhancements to Windows that were previously in the much dreaded gradual rollout. Essentially, this build enables all the features part of the Moment 3 update.

How to force an app to use the discrete GPU in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 18:01:18 GMT

These days, many of the best laptops, particularly gaming laptops or those aimed at content creators, come with two GPUs inside. It's a bit of a technicality, but laptop processors, such as those from AMD or Intel, always have an integrated GPU that's used for basic display output and rendering on basically every laptop. Gaming laptops may also have discrete GPUs from Nvidia or AMD, but the integrated GPU is still there.

Surface Pro 9 with 5G review: Windows on Arm keeps getting better

Rich Woods — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 18:00:21 GMT

In 2019, Microsoft introduced the Surface Pro X, the first ever Surface Pro not to include an Intel processor. Living side-by-side with the Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro 7+, and finally the Surface Pro 8, the Redmond firm decided this year that Windows on Arm is mature enough to merge the two brands. The Surface Pro 9 with 5G is the first product from the mainstream Surface Pro lineup to include an Arm processor.

How to remove Microsoft Teams on Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 22:00:21 GMT

Windows 11 is home to a lot of great apps that help make your great laptop or PC even greater. You get the Microsoft Edge browser, a Mail app, and even apps like Paint and a video editor Clipchamp. To help you better stay connected with your friends, however, Microsoft also bundles a personal version of its own communication app with Windows 11, appropriately named Microsoft Teams. It's not to be confused with the work version of the app, which you can download separately and will see as Microsoft Teams (work or school). You should see that the personal version of the Microsoft Teams app is pinned to your Taskbar as Chat.

How to create a Dev Drive in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 20:00:21 GMT

At Build 2023, Microsoft announced a couple of new features for developers on Windows 11, including a new Dev Home app and Dev Drive. This is a type of drive designed specifically for development use to speed up access to project files, source code repositories, and so on. Anyone can create a Dev Drive, but if you're not sure how, we're here to help.

How to pair Bluetooth headphones with Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:00:19 GMT

Want some more personal audio when using your Windows 11 PC, or a great Windows laptop? Bluetooth over-the-ear headphones are one of the most convenient ways to get that quality audio for meetings, listening to music, and even watching your favorite shows. Unlike wired headphones, though, you don't have to worry about connecting cables or those cables making a mess of your setup. All you have to think about is how to initially pair these headphones to your system.

Microsoft is finally killing the awful Mail and Calendar apps in Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 17:46:17 GMT

Microsoft is finally killing off the classic Universal Windows Platform (UWP) Mail and Calendar apps in Windows 11. The company announced today in a support page that starting in 2024, all new Windows 11 devices will be shipped with the free and new web-based Outlook for Windows as the default mailbox experience.

Windows 11 version 23H2: Everything you need to know

João Carrasqueira — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:00:19 GMT

Windows 11 is in a constant state of flux, getting new updates on a regular basis to improve the experience. The first big Windows 11 update was version 22H2, which came around last year, and since then, we've been getting smaller Moment updates that add new features and capabilities. The latest of those is the Moment 3 update, which was released in June 2023. But we're already looking at what the future holds, because the next big update, Windows 11 version 23H2, isn't too far off.

How to enable taskbar ungrouping and labels in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 22:00:19 GMT

Windows 11 is a good operating system, but it isn't without its flaws. In fact, it's received quite a bit of criticism due to many features that were removed from previous Windows versions. One notable example has to do with the taskbar, which lost a few features, including the ability to show individual windows and labels, and it forced you to group windows of the same app. Thankfully, Microsoft is finally adding taskbar ungrouping to Windows 11, meaning you can see individual windows and their labels directly on the taskbar.

Windows 11 beta tests ways to reduce annoying notifications from apps

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:45:27 GMT

Microsoft is rolling out new Windows 11 builds to Windows Insiders enrolled in the Beta Channel. There's build 22631.1900 for those with new features rolling out and then build 22621.1900 for those with new features off by default. Both are small releases, but the major changes come in build 22631.1900, which tests ways to reduce annoying notifications from apps.

Xbox Game Pass is coming to Nvidia GeForce Now with Age of Empires IV leading the charge

Usama Jawad — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:00:19 GMT

A few months ago, Microsoft announced that it is bringing Xbox and Activision games to Nvidia GeForce Now. While games from the latter of the two are seemingly on hold as Microsoft works to close its $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company has stayed true to its word on the one thing that it can do right now: bringing Xbox games to Nvidia's streaming service. Starting today, Xbox Game Pass games are coming to Nvidia GeForce Now, with Age of Empires IV leading the charge.

Microsoft Teams is getting collaborative notes in meetings

Usama Jawad — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:45:23 GMT

Online communication and collaboration is a key focus area for hybrid work environments, and it is important for software like Microsoft Teams to keep up with this demand. Microsoft regularly updates Teams with new features and improvements to continue enticing new users. Now, it has added a very useful functionality to Teams in the form of collaborative meeting notes.

Windows 11 is getting an iPad-like inking experience

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:41:37 GMT

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 Dev Channel build, and a new Windows 11 Canary Channel build. For Windows Insiders in the Dev channel, there's build 23481. Those in the Canary channel, meanwhile, are getting Build 25393, but there are no change logs along with it. The highlight of the Dev channel build is a new inking experience and enhancements to Windows Ink, which should be familiar to those who have an iPad and an Apple Pencil.

You can now buy Surface repair parts through the Microsoft Store

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:32:49 GMT

Microsoft is taking another step in making its Surface devices more easily repairable. Starting today, consumers can buy repair and replacement parts for Surface devices through the Microsoft Store, making it easier for anyone to repair their own device without going through Microsoft support or a certified technician. Anyone can buy these parts, and repair guides are also available on the company's website.

Groupy 2 is now officially available, adding tabs to all your Windows 11 apps

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:00:18 GMT

Stardock, a company specializing in Windows customization tools, is officially launching Groupy 2 today, adding the ability to run all of your Windows 11 apps inside tabs. This greatly expands on the built-in tab feature that's only available for a couple of apps, including File Explorer and Notepad. With Groupy 2, all of your apps can become tabs in the same window, so you can group together apps and tabs based on specific tasks or workflows to help you stay organized.

Windows 10 version 21H2 has received its last update for Home and Pro users

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:33:51 GMT

The march of time is unstoppable, and all things must come to an end. That includes support for Windows 10 version 21H2, which received its last update yesterday as part of this month's Patch Tuesday — at least if you're running Windows 10 Home or Pro editions. The 2021 update for Windows 10 has officially reached its end-of-life stage for consumers, who will soon be forced to upgrade to version 22H2. That should be nothing to worry about, considering this is an extremely small update.

Microsoft offers workaround for SMB authentication failing in Windows 11

Usama Jawad — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 08:13:31 GMT

Over a year ago, Microsoft announced that it will no longer ship Windows 11 Home with Server Message Block version 1 (SMB1), since it is a very old network security protocol that has been considered insecure for some time and has been succeeded by newer iterations. That said, SMB is still present in Windows 11, and in fact, the company made SMB signing the default behavior in Windows Insider Enterprise builds earlier this month. However, Microsoft has learned that SMB authentication is failing in certain scenarios, and as such, it has now offered a workaround for the issue.

How to recover deleted files in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 22:00:18 GMT

Have you ever deleted a file you didn't think you'd need only to find yourself looking for it weeks later? You're not alone, and it's not a fun feeling to realize you could have saved yourself a lot of trouble if you had been more careful. Thankfully, when things like this happen on Windows 11, there are ways you can try and recover the files you deleted accidentally or absent-mindedly.

New mandatory Windows 11 update adds seconds to the taskbar clock and more

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:39:10 GMT

It's that time of the month again — Microsoft is rolling out its monthly set of security and cumulative updates for all its supported products, which, of course, include Windows 11 and WIndows 10. The bulk of the interesting changes are for Windows 11, as you might expect, particularly for version 22H2, which is now getting its third Moment update after a preview release late last month.

How to turn off startup tasks in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:00:19 GMT

We're all pretty familiar with the experience of seeing our amazing laptops and computers get slower and slower as time goes on, and there are a few reasons for it. Simply having more programs installed and more files stored can impact performance, but a major factor in making your PC feel slower are startup tasks. Thankfully, you can turn off startup tasks in Windows 11 to get back some of that performance.

Best external monitors for the Surface Pro 9 in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:31:18 GMT

The Surface Pro 9 is Microsoft's latest and greatest Windows tablet, packing 12th-generation Intel Core processors (or an Arm-based Microsoft SQ3 chip in the 5G version), some beautiful new colors, and the same stunning 13-inch display as its predecessor. But as great as that display looks, it does have a downside. It's fairly small, and sometimes, you want to be more productive. If you're using the Surface Pro 9 at your office desk, you might want to plug in some external monitors to expand your workspace, and we've rounded up a few great options for you.

Latest Skype Insider build delivers revamped call tabs, quick access to weather, and more

Timi Cantisano — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:33:11 GMT

Despite Microsoft's shift to Teams, the company has managed to keep Skype fresh with a revamped design and giving it a boost by introducing the new Bing to the platform and apps. The latest Skype Insider build has been updated to version 8.99.76.102, and is now available for download, bringing lots of functional changes and some exciting new features.

Windows Subsystem for Android now supports file sharing

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:42:45 GMT

Microsoft is rolling out the June update to Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 11 to Windows Insiders. The update is a pretty big one, as it enables the option to share files between your main Windows 11 install and the WSA. Also included in the update are some bug fixes and the usual Android security updates.

Xbox Series S now comes in Carbon Black and gets beefy 1TB SSD upgrade

Timi Cantisano — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 18:59:33 GMT

Microsoft held its annual Xbox Games Showcase, and along with announcements for new games, the firm also shared that a new Xbox console would be available later this year. Microsoft showed off the Xbox Series S Carbon Black, which is an upgraded version of the Xbox Series S, that comes in an all-new Carbon Black finish and also has 1TB of internal storage. Although pre-orders will start today, the console won't actually be available until September 1, 2023. Furthermore, the new console gets a $50 price bump from the original, coming in at $349.99.

How to enable the seconds on the Windows 11 clock

Arif Bacchus — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 12:00:19 GMT

Every so often, Windows 11 gets what's known as a "Moment" update that adds new features to the operating system. Recently, the Moment 3 update, released in May of this year, added a critical feature that has long been requested by users of the Windows operating system: seconds on the clock in the Windows taskbar. It's something that can help you keep track of time more accurately, but it's not on by default. You just have to take a quick trip to the settings app to turn it on.

Windows 12: Everything we know and what we want to see

João Carrasqueira — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 22:00:19 GMT

Windows 11 was released on Oct. 5, 2021, over six years after Windows 10 made its debut. Microsoft recently released the first major update for the OS — Windows 11 version 22H2 — but we've heard the next thing on the cards could very well be Windows 12. It sounds like Microsoft is doing away with major annual updates, and instead going for a big, new version of Windows every three years, similar to what used to happen before Windows 10.

Best laptops under $600 in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:30:24 GMT

Buying a new laptop can be an exciting time, especially if you have a keen interest in computers in general. It's the feeling of having a brand-new machine that does exactly what you want, faster than your old laptop did. But for as exciting as it can be, many of the best laptops are not cheap, so finding the right one isn't always easy if you have a tight budget. That's why we have lists focusing on the best cheap laptops you can buy today, and in this particular one, we're going even lower to focus on laptops that cost under $600.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 5 gets a steep discount knocking $350 off

Timi Cantisano — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:23:09 GMT

Microsoft's current lineup of Surface PCs are impressive, and the Surface Laptop 5 is a stand-out product, especially if you're looking for something that resembles a traditional laptop. The Surface Laptop 5 comes in a variety of colors, is available in numerous different configurations, and is now discounted by up to $350. If you've been looking for a premium laptop that not only looks good but performs well, then this is going to be the laptop for you.

Microsoft tweaks Windows 11 narrator again with latest beta build

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:23:42 GMT

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 build to Windows Insiders enrolled in the beta channel. There's build 22631.1835 for those with new features rolling out and build 22621.1835 for those with new features off by default. Both are minor releases, but build 22631.1835 adds some tweaks to the narrator experience, which Microsoft is constantly improving on.

Best Buy is slashing prices on Microsoft's Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5 right now

Timi Cantisano — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:58:49 GMT

If you're looking to get some great deals on Microsoft's latest Surface devices, we've found some incredible offers on the Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5. Furthermore, you'll have plenty of different configurations to choose from. So whether you're looking for a base model or a top-end powerhouse, you won't want to miss this sale.

Vivaldi 6.1 adds support for Bing chat by pretending to be Microsoft Edge

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:21 GMT

Up until now, the new Bing chat experience powered by GPT-4 has been exclusively available through the Microsoft Edge browser, as the company tries to push more users to use its products. However, Vivaldi is joining the fray today as the first third-party browser to officially support Bing chat, and it's all thanks to some trickery to fool Bing.

How to enable the new File Explorer UI in Windows 11 if you're an Insider

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 21:30:19 GMT

Microsoft recently rolled out a new Windows 11 build that enables a brand-new look for File Explorer. This new design has a more streamlined UI for the address bar, and it also improves the Home page, especially for users with an Azure Active Directory.

Windows 11 finally brings the redesigned File Explorer to Insiders

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:36:40 GMT

Windows Insiders are being treated to a couple of new Windows 11 builds today, one for the Canary channel and one for the Dev channel. While there's no changelog for build 25387 in the Canary channel, Dev channel Insiders can look forward to the new File Explorer redesign, which had been reported on earlier this year and teased officially during the Build developer event. Microsoft is also adding a Dynamic lighting page to the Settings app.

Microsoft makes it easier to solve webcam errors in the latest Windows 11 Canary build

Arif Bacchus — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:57:32 GMT

Microsoft has rolled out a new build to Windows Insiders running the Canary channel version of Windows 11. It's not a major release by any means, but this build does bring one new feature. There's a general change in the webcam experience in Windows 11 where it's now easier to solve and understand issues with the webcam.

At last, the Windows 11 Paint app has a dark mode

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:34:56 GMT

It has finally happened! Microsoft is testing an updated Paint app in Windows 11 with dark mode support. The updated app is rolling out first to Windows 11 Canary and Dev channel Insiders, and also comes with what the company is dubbing "a good set of changes and improvements."

Latest Windows 11 Insider build makes it easier to access your phone's camera roll

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 17:33:37 GMT

It's near the end of the week, but Microsoft has some treats and new builds for Windows Insiders. Those with PCs in the Dev Channel will be getting Windows 11 build 23471, which adds a new way to add your phone photos to the File Explorer gallery. Meanwhile, on the Beta Channel, there's build 22621.1830 for those with new features turned on and build 22631.1830 (KB5026443) for those with new features turned off. There's a lot to dig into here, so let's dive right into it for you.

Here are all the new features Microsoft added to Teams in May 2023

Usama Jawad — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:06:34 GMT

Microsoft Teams is one of the most popular online communication and collaboration tools, especially in work environments. Microsoft regularly updates it with new features to attract more customers and also publishes a monthly roundup of all the capabilities it added to its software, similar to Excel. Now, it has revealed a detailed list of the numerous functionalities and improvements it added to Teams during the month of May 2023.

How to use Windows Package Manager (winget) on Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 31 May 2023 21:31:18 GMT

If you're a power user or somebody who's used Linux-based operating systems at some point, you're probably familiar with the concept of a package manager. This is a tool that gives you a centralized way to install and update your apps, while also potentially being faster if you prefer to work with your keyboard. Plus, it can make it easier to restore multiple apps in one go. Microsoft gives Windows 11 (and 10) users its own official package manager, simply called Windows Package Manager, but also known as winget.

Windows 11 gets new widgets for monitoring CPU, GPU, and RAM

Usama Jawad — Wed, 31 May 2023 16:22:43 GMT

At Build 2023 a few days ago, Microsoft announced a new open-source tool for Windows 11 in the form of Dev Home. It offers developers a way set up and customize their development environment through the help of various extensions, such as the built-in Dev Home GitHub extension, and monitor their projects. The app is currently in preview and is available in the Microsoft Store for all Windows 11 users. Interestingly, Dev Home also offers numerous widgets for Windows 11, which are now available.

Here are all the new features Microsoft added to Excel in May 2023

Usama Jawad — Wed, 31 May 2023 13:38:15 GMT

Microsoft Excel is one of the most used spreadsheet software, not only by novice consumers but also in enterprise environments, because of its diverse capabilities and rich features. Microsoft regularly adds new features to Excel throughout the month in order to retain its existing customers as well as entice new ones. Now, it has detailed all the improvements it made to its software during the month of May 2023.

Best replacement chargers for Surface Laptop 5 in 2023

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:00:20 GMT

One of the cool things about the Surface Laptop 5 is that you can charge it in two ways: using USB-C or the proprietary Surface Connect port. Microsoft includes a Surface Connect charger for you in the box, but if you happen to lose it, want a new one, or want to use USB-C instead, you're in the right place. We've put together a collection of some of the best replacement chargers for the Surface Laptop 5. Our picks cover official ones, third-party ones, and more.

Microsoft has a temporary fix for broken Surface Pro X cameras

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:25:56 GMT

Ever since last week, Surface Pro X owners, and those with other Windows PCs that have an Arm-based chip under the hood have been reporting issues with their webcams. Windows would simply spit out an error code when trying to use the integrated webcam in any given app. The issue has now been acknowledged by Microsoft and mitigated with a workaround while the Redmond firm works with device manufacturers and driver partners on a permanent fix.

How to set up live captions on Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 30 May 2023 11:01:18 GMT

Accessibility features in Windows 11 make it possible for more people to make the most out of their devices, and live captions are one feature that's incredibly useful not just for users with hearing impairments, but also for those that may still be learning a language. Essentially, live captions transcribe every piece of dialog played by your computer, making it possible to read text rather than listen to it.

Windows 11: Release date, price, and everything that's new

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 30 May 2023 00:30:18 GMT

Windows 11 is the latest and greatest operating system coming from Microsoft, and it was long overdue. After six years of Windows 10, which was supposed to be the last version of Windows, Microsoft announced Windows 11 in the summer of 2021, bringing many changes to the OS's design and functionality.

How to run an app as an administrator on Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Sun, 28 May 2023 18:00:19 GMT

In Windows 11, just like previous versions of Windows, you can have different user accounts on the same PC. Some of these accounts can be administrator accounts, and others might just be regular accounts. That's because some apps — particularly ones that can change important system files — sometimes require administrator permission to run or to make specific changes. Even if you have an administrator account, many times Windows 11 apps won't run with administrator permissions by default to prevent apps from making potentially harmful changes to your PC without your consent.

How to turn off OneDrive folder backup in Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Sat, 27 May 2023 20:00:18 GMT

In recent months, Microsoft has made a change to the OneDrive client in Windows 11 so that it now automatically backs up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to the cloud. This feature, known as folder backup, isn't new, but it used to be prompted during the initial setup, so you had the option to turn it off. Now, it's just enabled by default.

How to repair or reset an app on Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Fri, 26 May 2023 12:01:17 GMT

At one point or another, everyone runs into some problems with their computer, and sometimes, it's one particular app that's suddenly decided to stop working. If you've ever run into an issue like that, Windows 11 actually lets you repair your apps without having to uninstall and install them all over again.

Best web browsers for Windows in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 25 May 2023 23:00:20 GMT

Most of what we do on our computers, whether they're running Windows 11 or another operating system, is browsing the web. Checking your social networks, doing research, whatever it may be, the browser is the most used app on most computers, so it's important to have a good one. And if you're not sure which one is best for you, this list should help you out.

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i vs Surface Pro 9: Are two screens better than one?

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 25 May 2023 21:01:19 GMT

Lenovo makes some of the best laptops on the market, and in fact, the 2023 Lenovo Yoga 9i is our favorite laptop of the year right now. But while the company is leading the charge when it comes to more conventional laptops, it's also breaking new ground with some out-of-the-box products, like the new Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. This is a laptop with two 13-inch screens, with one replacing where you'd usually find the keyboard.

6 Windows 11 features that were brought back from previous versions

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 25 May 2023 19:16:18 GMT

Windows 11 is over a year and a half old, but if you look at some of the Microsoft Build 2023, you may have noticed some familiar announcements. For example, the company is adding the ability to see individual app windows on the taskbar, along with the ability to see labels for each window, so you can easily identify and switch to the window you want with a single click.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro X cameras aren't working, but luckily there's a temporary fix

Timi Cantisano — Thu, 25 May 2023 00:51:41 GMT

It's been some time since we've seen the Surface Pro X in the headlines. The original and refreshed models offered an excellent design that came in a compact size, that also offered fantastic battery life. However, what really limited the Surface Pro X was that it only supported the installation of 32-bit (x86) apps and 64-bit (Arm64) apps. With all that said, it looks like the Surface Pro X has popped resurfaced in the news, and this time, it's because the cameras on the device have stopped working. The reports of the issue are fairly fresh, and it looks like Microsoft is aware of the problem. Thankfully, if you need to use your cameras ASAP, there is a temporary workaround that should get you up and running.

5 cool Microsoft Build 2023 announcements that flew under the radar

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 24 May 2023 20:45:19 GMT

Microsoft Build is the best time of year to be a Microsoft fan, and this year was no exception. We got many big announcements from the annual developer event this year, including Windows Copilot, the option to restore pinned apps across Windows 11 devices, and even Bing becoming the default search experience in ChatGPT. Beyond the huge announcements though were some smaller ones that we caught tuning into keynotes and breakout sessions. In case you missed them, we rounded up some of our favorites that might've flown under your radar.

Windows 11 Moment 3 update brings a new look for Widgets and Settings improvements

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 24 May 2023 18:55:34 GMT

Microsoft is officially rolling out the Moment 3 update for Windows 11 starting today, bringing with it a handful of improvements to various aspects of the experience. This update is optional for now, but these changes will also be packaged into a mandatory update for next month's Patch Tuesday.

5 Microsoft Build announcements you need to know about

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 24 May 2023 18:45:18 GMT

It's been a big week for Microsoft, as the company hosted its annual Build developer event, gathering attendees in person for the first time since 2019. Not only that, but the company actually had some pretty interesting announcements at the show, covering different facets of its business, including Windows. There was a lot, and if you weren't able to catch up on all the news, we've rounded up our favorite announcements from Build 2023 below.

New Windows 11 preview brings improved backup and restore, taskbar ungrouping

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 24 May 2023 18:02:30 GMT

It may be Build time for Microsoft, but it's also build time for Windows Insiders, as the company is rolling out a new update for Dev channel, bringing us to Windows 11 build 23466. This is one of the biggest updates Microsoft has released to Insiders in a long time, and there are a ton of new features. These include a new backup and restore experience so you can get your apps up and running on a new PC more quickly. It also brings back taskbar ungrouping, a faster storage drive for developers, and more.

Best video editing apps on Windows in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 24 May 2023 18:00:19 GMT

Content creation, whether that's editing photos, music, or video, is a demanding job in more ways than one. Not only does it require a lot of skill and practice to get everything right, but you also need the right tools to be more efficient with your work. That includes having a good laptop or PC, of course, but you also need software that works well for your needs. Thankfully, there's no shortage of apps that allow you to edit videos, stitch them together, add music, and so on.

Windows Copilot will be able to transcribe and translate audio recordings

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 24 May 2023 17:36:34 GMT

Microsoft first shared details about the new Windows Copilot experience to kick off the Build 2023 developer conference, but some additional revelations on the feature have now slipped through the cracks. Windows and Surface Chief Panos Panay shared on stage during the second day of the event today that Windows Copilot will also support transcribing and translating audio recordings, and even help you in casting to monitors.

32-bit Arm apps won't be supported by Qualcomm's Oryon CPUs or Windows 12

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 23 May 2023 21:27:10 GMT

Windows devices powered by Arm processors have been using 64-bit processors for a while now, but just as we've seen in the Android world, support for 32-bit instruction sets and apps usually sticks around for a few years after that. That's been the case with Windows 10 and 11, too, which still support apps compiled for Arm32 today. However, that's going to change with Windows 12 and the next-generation Oryon processor from Qualcomm.

May Windows 11 21H2 preview update fixes printing bugs, improves interaction with search box

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 23 May 2023 21:16:10 GMT

If you're still running the original version of Windows 11, known as Windows 11 21H2, you'll be seeing May's preview update today in Windows Update. Coming as KB5026436, and build OS Build 22000.2003, this update is a minor one, but it does address issues with printing, and updates the interactions you might have with the search box on the taskbar. Here's the scoop on everything that's new and changed.

Microsoft shows off redesigned, modern File Explorer for Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:12:11 GMT

Microsoft is working on a redesigned version of File Explorer for Windows 11, further modernizing the look and feel of the experience. That much had already been reported on earlier this year, but during its Build keynote today, the company gave us a clear, albeit brief look at the experience, even though it was never mentioned.

Microsoft's new Dev Home app for Windows 11 makes it easier to set up your workflow

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 23 May 2023 15:00:20 GMT

Microsoft has announced a handful of new tools and capabilities for Windows 11 to make the life of developers much easier. One of the big news is the new Dev Home app, which is meant to be a centralized hub for all your developments needs. There are also a few smaller updates for Windows 11 that should make things easier not just for developers, but for all kinds of users.

Bing is coming to ChatGPT as the default search experience

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 23 May 2023 15:00:20 GMT

Bing is coming to ChatGPT as the default search experience. The news came during Build 2023, Microsoft's annual developer conference, and is the next level in Microsoft's and OpenAI's partnership.

Luminar Neo and Node now natively support Windows on Arm

Usama Jawad — Tue, 23 May 2023 15:00:20 GMT

Build 2023 is a flagship event that Microsoft holds primarily for developers and enterprise customers on an annual basis. Although the Windows on Arm development community isn't particularly huge, Microsoft continues to add new features to entice more developers to build native apps for the platform. This has resulted in some stellar apps over the years, with the Redmond tech giant even implementing the ability to run a Hyper-V virtual machine with Windows 11 directly on Arm-based devices just yesterday. At its Build conference starting today, the firm has introduced the arrival of lots of native apps to Windows on Arm.

Windows 11 is getting the ability to run Win32 apps in isolation

Usama Jawad — Tue, 23 May 2023 15:00:20 GMT

Microsoft's Build 2023 conference is in full swing with the company announcing Avatars for Teams, Copilot and ChatGPT plugin support in Edge, Copilot in Windows 11, and Microsoft Store improvements. Alongside all of this, it has also revealed Windows 11 enhancements for consumers and commercial users, with the highlight being the ability to soon run Win32 apps in isolation mode.