Jul 27

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26257 (Canary Channel)

Hi all, Last Wednesday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26257 to the Canary Channel.

Tab dupilication in explorer is great, a very usefull option

Windows Key + C stopped opening Copilot (again) (https://aka.ms/AArlxyp)

Taskmanager colors in darkmode looking funny is back in this build (https://aka.ms/AAqtf01)

Clipboard history issues reported earlier seem to be back too (https://aka.ms/AAqqht8)

Sandbox does not launch with error message (https://aka.ms/AArkc93)

Upgrades went smooth on all my Canary devices

Happy Upgrades!

Changes and Improvements

[File Explorer]

  • We’re rolling out the ability to duplicate a tab by right-clicking on a tab in File Explorer.
Option to duplicate tab when right-clicking on a tab in File Explorer highlighted in a red square.
Option to duplicate tab when right-clicking on a tab in File Explorer highlighted in a red square.

[Input]

  • [ADDED] We have updated Settings > Bluetooth & Device > Mouse to now include the option to turn off enhanced mouse pointer precision for those that would prefer to not use it and have added a new option for changing mouse scrolling direction.
New options for enhanced mouse pointer precision changing mouse scrolling direction highlighted in red boxes.
New options for enhanced mouse pointer precision changing mouse scrolling direction highlighted in red boxes.

[Networking]

  • If you use the netsh wlan show networks command, you should be able to read SSIDs that are UTF-8 encoded. This means that Wi-Fi SSIDs with Unicode characters (like emojis) should be properly displayed in netsh output. This change is beginning to roll out so not all Insiders in the Canary Channel will see it right away.

[For Developers]

  • Updated the logic for the “End Task” option in the taskbar so that it no longer shows a Not Responding dialog to give confirmation before ending the task.

[Other]

  • Updated System Info (msinfo32) to now follow your text size preference under Settings > Accessibility > Text Size.

Fixes

[General]

  • Fixed an underlying issue causing some Insiders to see bugchecks in recent builds citing KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE.

[File Explorer]

  • Did some work to help address an issue where the address bar dropdown might appear unexpectedly while you were using File Explorer.

[Settings]

  • Fixed an underlying issue leading to some of the pop-up windows in Settings unexpectedly appearing left aligned, for example, the window for selecting a custom color for Dynamic Lighting.

Known issues

[General]

  • [IMPORTANT NOTE] We are investigating reports that some Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels are stuck on Build 26040 or Build 23620. The investigation is ongoing, however if you are impacted by this and really want to get onto the latest build in the Canary or Dev Channel today – you can download the latest ISO here and do a clean install and opt your device back into flighting in the Canary or Dev Channels.

[Windows Sandbox]

  • [NEW] Windows Sandbox will fail to launch with error 0x80370106.

[Input]

  • [NEW] We are working on the fix for an issue causing the emoji panel to close when trying to switch to the kaomoji and symbols sections, or after selecting an emoji.
  • [ADDED 7/25] We’re working on the fix for an issue causing text suggestions for the hardware keyboard to not work properly (selecting one unexpectedly concatenates).

[Task Manager]

  • [ADDED] We’re investigating an issue causing graphs on the Performance page in Task Manager to not show the correct colors when using dark mode again.

source: Windows Blogs

Jul 20

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26252 (Canary Channel)

Hi all, July 10th Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26252 to the Canary Channel.

Upgraded my main device on a vacation house wireless connection, post got a bit delayed to some r&r

Download took a bit longer than usual but the upgrade went smoothly

Task mamager strange colors are fixed:

Happy Upgrading!

Changes and Improvements

[Lock screen]

  • We’re beginning to roll out Weather and more to your lock screen starting with this build in the Canary Channel. Stay informed and efficient with dynamic updates that bring finance, traffic, and sports to your Lock screen, alongside weather. The card design has been improved with acrylic blur, card size, spacing, and font optimizations. To turn on this feature, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. To learn more, see Personalize your lock screen.
Finance, traffic, and sports content along with weather on the Lock screen.
Finance, traffic, and sports content along with weather on the Lock screen.

[Start menu]

  • You can now also pin apps from the Start menu to the taskbar by dragging and dropping items directly to taskbar from the pinned section in the Start menu.

[Settings]

  • Evaluation copy expiry date information is now visible under Settings > System > About.
Evaluation expiration date highlighted in a red box on the About settings page.
Evaluation expiration date highlighted in a red box on the About settings page.
  • We are beginning to roll out a new energy recommendation for turning off HDR to conserve energy on PCs with HDR displays under Settings > Power & battery > Energy recommendations.
New HDR energy recommendation highlighted in a red box in Settings.
New HDR energy recommendation highlighted in a red box in Settings.

Fixes

[Input]

  • Fixed an issue causing Insiders to see errors when attempting to use Voice Typing with certain languages such as Chinese.
  • Fixed an issue where if you went through Windows Setup (OOBE), pinyin would be unexpectedly displayed twice in the list of available input methods.

[Task Manager]

  • Fixed an issue causing colors in the Performance section to not display correctly in dark mode.

[Settings]

  • Fixed an issue causing the icons in Settings > Apps > Startup too be way too large for the available space for some users, causing them to be cut off.
  • Fixed an issue where Settings > System > Power & Battery unexpectedly had duplicate text when showing a warning about a slow charger.
  • Fixed an issue where the Windows Update page in Settings was not displayed correctly for some Insiders after the previous flight (no text shows). If you are impacted by this, the update to this build with the fix should still happen on its own, however you may need to wait a little bit.

Known issues

[General]

  • [IMPORTANT NOTE] We are investigating reports that some Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels are stuck on Build 26040 or Build 23620. The investigation is ongoing, however if you are impacted by this and really want to get onto the latest build in the Canary or Dev Channel today – you can download the latest ISO here and do a clean install and opt your device back into flighting in the Canary or Dev Channels.

source: Windows Blogs

Jun 29

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26244 (Canary Channel)

Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26244 to the Canary Channel.

Upgrades went smooth, the post reboot phase did seem to take a bit longer than usual

One of the older Feedbacks, happened again on 2 devices after upgrade:

When your device is in presentation mode when the restart to upgrade happens, after reboot pressing whenever the enter key is pressed, it does not apply the enter, but opens up control panel in the power profile settings page, only fixed with truning presentation mode off or on & off again.

Feedback Hub: https://aka.ms/AAm18y8

Happy Upgrades !

Changes and Improvements

[General]

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Windows Backup]

  • If you have both Personalization and Other Windows settings toggled on under Settings > Accounts > Windows backup, many of your sound settings (including chosen sound scheme) will be backed up which can be restored via the Windows Backup app.

[Settings]

  • To ensure you don’t lose access to your Microsoft account, we’re beginning to roll out a new banner with a “Add now” button under Settings > Account for adding a recovery email address if you haven’t added one for your Microsoft account yet. This will only show if you are signed in with a Microsoft account.
  • We are introducing a new Game Pass recommendation card on the Settings homepage. The Game Pass recommendation card on Settings Homepage will be shown to you if you actively play games on your PC. As a reminder – the Settings homepage will be shown only on the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 and if you’re signed into Windows with your Microsoft account.
New Game Pass recommendation card highlighted in a red box on the Settings homepage.
New Game Pass recommendation card highlighted in a red box on the Settings homepage.
  • We’re beginning to roll out a change that redirects links for the Fonts Control Panel page to the Fonts settings page at Settings > Personalization > Fonts. Insiders who see this change can still access the Fonts Control Panel UI by navigating to the system fonts folder in File Explorer and a link to the system fonts folder is also provided on the Font settings page.

Fixes

[Other]

  • Fixed the underlying issue causing some Insiders to see a Pcasvc.dll error dialog pop-up with the message “Missing entry: PcaWallpaperAppDetect” after upgrading from Windows 11, version 22H2/23H2 to a 26xxx build.

Known issues

[General]

  • [IMPORTANT NOTE] We are investigating reports that some Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels are stuck on Build 26040 or Build 23620. The investigation is ongoing, however if you are impacted by this and really want to get onto the latest build in the Canary or Dev Channel today – you can download the latest ISO here and do a clean install and opt your device back into flighting in the Canary or Dev Channels.

[Windows Update]

  • [NEW] We’re investigating reports that the Windows Update page in Settings is not displaying correctly for Insiders using certain languages after the previous flight (no text shows). If you are impacted by this, the update should still happen on its own, however you may need to wait a little bit.

[Task Manager]

  • We’re working on the fix for an issue where the colors in the Performance section aren’t displaying correctly in dark mode.

[Voice Typing]

  • [NEW] We’re working on the fix for an issue causing Insiders to see errors when attempting to use Voice Typing with certain languages such as Chinese.

source: Windows Blogs

Jun 23

How to Use Intune to Install Selected PWA Apps for Your Users

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a fantastic way to provide your users with an app-like experience, leveraging the capabilities of modern web browsers. They’re fast, reliable, and can be installed directly onto a user’s device, much like a traditional application. Microsoft Intune can help you deploy these PWAs to your users’ devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Intune to install selected PWA apps for your users.

Step 1: Sign In to the Intune Portal

Begin by signing into the Intune portal. This is your central hub for managing devices and applications within your organization.

Step 2: Create a Configuration Profile

Navigate to Devices > Windows > Configuration profiles and select Create profile. Choose ‘Windows 10 and later’ as the platform and ‘Settings catalog’ as the profile type.

Step 3: Configure the Profile

On the Basics tab, provide a descriptive name for your profile. Optionally, you can also add a description to help identify the policy later.

Step 4: Add Settings

Click on Add settings and search for ‘Web Apps’. Select the Microsoft Edge category and find the setting named Configure list of force-installed Web Apps.

Step 5: Input the Details of Your PWA

You’ll need to specify the details of the PWA you want to install in a JSON format. This includes the URL of the web app, any custom names, icons, and whether you want to create desktop shortcuts. Here’s an example of what your JSON might look like:

JSON

[
  {
    "url": "https://www.technine.be",
    "custom_name": "Technine PWA",
    "create_desktop_shortcut": false,
    "default_launch_container": "window",
    "fallback_app_name": "Technine PWA",
  }
]
example of the policy

Step 6: Assign the Profile

After adding your settings, assign the profile to the target device group. This will determine which devices receive the PWA installations.

Step 7: Monitor the Deployment

Once assigned, monitor the deployment to ensure the PWAs are installed successfully on the targeted devices. You can verify the installation by checking for the PWA shortcut icons and app list in Microsoft Edge.

PWA shows up in the users start menu
TechNine PWA showing the homepage

Conclusion

Deploying PWAs using Intune is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your users’ experience by providing them with quick access to essential web applications. By following these steps, you can ensure that your selected PWAs are installed seamlessly across your organization’s devices.

You can only assign one of these policies to a user or endpoint so you might have to create several policies if you need to provide different set of pwa’s to other groups of users

Remember, the key to a successful deployment is careful planning and testing. Make sure to test your configuration on a small set of devices before rolling it out organization-wide. Happy deploying!

Tip: if you need to publish more than one PWA you can add the in the same JSON by comma separator

JSON – Multiple PWA’s

[
  {
    "url": "https://www.technine.be",
    "custom_name": "Technine",
    "create_desktop_shortcut": true,
    "default_launch_container": "window",
    "fallback_app_name": "Technine PWA",
  },{
    "url": "https://www.technine.be",
    "custom_name": "Technine",
    "create_desktop_shortcut": true,
    "default_launch_container": "window",
    "fallback_app_name": "Technine PWA",
   }
]

Jun 23

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241 (Canary Channel)

Hi all, last Wednesday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241 to the Canary Channel.

Quick update to this build not to many detectable changes, the strange color in Task Manager made the known issue section (Feedback Hub: https://aka.ms/AAqtf01)

Studio Effects is continuing to have some struggles with the NPU, from time to time the camera freezes or just disappears from availability to Teams or Camera app, disabling & re-enabling the NPU in device manager restores normal operation after a few seconds. (Feedback Hub: https://aka.ms/AAqtf01)

Happy Upgrades!

Changes and Improvements

[General]

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[File Explorer]

  • Drag-and-drop files with your mouse functionality between breadcrumbs is now available in the File Explorer Address Bar – thanks again Insiders that shared feedback about this! 👍

Fixes

[Taskbar]

  • Updated the app icon flashing in the taskbar to be a bit easier to see.

[File Explorer]

  • As some Insiders have noticed, we’ve updated File Explorer so it’s a little easier to see when you have files or folders selected, by adding a thin border to the selected area.
  • Fixed an underlying issue causing File Explorer to crash when going to Home for some Insiders in the last few flights.

[Notifications]

  • We’ve updated the underlying logic for when we suggest turning off notifications for certain apps, so that it requires a longer period of time without engaging with notifications from that app in order to trigger.

Known issues

[General]

  • [IMPORTANT NOTE] We are investigating reports that some Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels are stuck on Build 26040 or Build 23620. The investigation is ongoing, however if you are impacted by this and really want to get onto the latest build in the Canary or Dev Channel today – you can download the latest ISO here and do a clean install and opt your device back into flighting in the Canary or Dev Channels.

[Task Manager]

  • We’re investigating an issue where the colors in the Performance section aren’t displaying correctly in dark mode.

source: Windows Blogs

Jun 16

Unleashing the Power of Microsoft Presenter+ in Teams Calls

In the era of remote work and digital collaboration, Microsoft Teams has become a staple for communication and presentations. Enhancing this experience, Microsoft introduces the Microsoft Presenter+, a tool designed to streamline and elevate your Teams calls to new heights of professionalism and engagement.

What is Microsoft Presenter+?

The Microsoft Presenter+ is a sleek, wireless presentation remote certified for Microsoft Teams. It’s crafted to assist you in delivering engaging presentations and actively participating in Teams meetings, whether they’re online, in-person, or hybrid.

Key Features

  • Seamless Integration with Teams: With a dedicated Microsoft Teams button, joining meetings is just a click away.
  • Mute Control: A large mute button allows you to quickly mute and unmute yourself during calls, ensuring you’re heard only when you want to be.
  • Laser Pointer: Highlight key points in your presentation with the virtual laser pointer feature.
  • Navigation Buttons: Easily navigate through your slides with the back and next buttons.
  • Customization: Tailor the Presenter+ to your needs using the Microsoft Accessory Center app, adjusting settings like laser pointer size and color.

The Benefits for Teams Calls

  • Effortless Presentation Control: Move through your slides without being tethered to your computer, giving you the freedom to present from anywhere in the room.
  • Increased Engagement: Use the laser pointer to draw attention to specific content, keeping your audience focused and engaged.
  • Quick Mute Access: The mute button’s prominent placement means you can control your audio without fumbling, maintaining a professional demeanor.
  • Customizable Experience: Set up the Presenter+ to suit your presentation style, whether it’s adjusting volume or starting a presentation with a button press.
  • Hand-Raising Feature: Signal your desire to speak in a meeting by raising your hand with a simple button press, even if you’re away from your keyboard.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Presenter+ is more than just a remote; it’s a game-changer for anyone who frequently presents in Microsoft Teams calls. Its intuitive design and powerful features make it an indispensable tool for educators, managers, and professionals aiming to deliver top-notch presentations and foster interactive meetings.

Embrace the future of presentations with Microsoft Presenter+ and transform your Teams calls into dynamic, memorable experiences.

Since I got this device, I’ve been using it for every Teams call and meeting quick acces to all the important buttons in the palm of you hand.

Jun 16

Staying Ahead of the Curve: The ExpertZone Advantage

In the fast-paced world of technology, staying informed and up-to-date is not just a necessity; it’s a competitive edge. Microsoft’s ExpertZone is a beacon for sales professionals who aspire to be at the forefront of the tech industry. Here’s how ExpertZone can transform your knowledge base and keep you ahead of the curve.

Unlocking the Gateway to Expertise

ExpertZone is more than just a learning platform; it’s a journey towards becoming an informed and passionate advocate of Microsoft’s ecosystem1. By providing the latest information and powerful sales tools, ExpertZone empowers you to influence both your peers and customers effectively.

Tailored for Your Growth

Whether you’re on the sales floor or on the go, ExpertZone is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. With the introduction of the EZ mobile app, accessing this wealth of knowledge has never been quicker or easier.

Achieving New Heights

ExpertZone’s mission is to support partner sales professionals on their ascent to the peaks of knowledge. It’s not just about learning; it’s about applying that knowledge to make a lasting impact in your sales and customer interactions.

The ExpertZone Experience

Here’s what you can expect when you dive into the world of ExpertZone:

  • In-depth Product Knowledge: Get to know Microsoft products inside out, from the latest Surface devices to the newest updates in Windows.
  • Sales Enablement: Equip yourself with powerful sales tools that can help you close deals and provide exceptional customer service.
  • Continuous Learning: With a variety of courses and content, you’re always learning something new that can be applied directly to your work.
  • Achievement Badges: As you progress, earn badges that not only signify your expertise but also motivate you to reach higher levels of proficiency.

Conclusion

ExpertZone is more than a platform; it’s a commitment to excellence. By staying updated with the latest from Microsoft, you not only enhance your knowledge but also position yourself as a trusted expert in the eyes of your customers. Embrace the ExpertZone advantage and watch your professional growth soar to new heights.

For those looking to get started, setting up an account is straightforward, and you’ll soon be on your way to exploring content, building new skills, and earning achievement badges. If you ever encounter issues logging in, remember that support is just a click away, and clearing your browser’s cookies/cache or trying another browser might just do the trick.

Join ExpertZone today and become a true expert in the world of Microsoft products. Your journey to the top begins here.

Jun 15

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.961 (Dev Channel)

Hi all, Last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.961 (KB5038575) to the Dev Channel.

The updates on all DevChannel devices, including Windows365, have been successfully implemented. Enjoy your upgrades!

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*

[General]

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

Microsoft Store Update

Windows Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels running version 22405.xxxx.x of the Microsoft Store and higher will see the following improvement rolling out:

Fast, safe checkout with Microsoft Wallet: Make quick and easy purchases in Store using Microsoft Wallet. Not only can you earn Microsoft Rewards points in the Store, but you can also easily redeem your points for a gift card during checkout to apply towards your purchase. Wallet is fast, safe, and easy to use!

New Microsoft Wallet dialog when making purchases in the Microsoft Store.
New Microsoft Wallet dialog when making purchases in the Microsoft Store.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.

Known issues

[Live Captions]

  • We are investigating an issue where Live Captions may not work after installing this update.

source: Windows Blogs

Jun 15

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26236 (Canary Channel)

Hi all, last Wednesday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26236 to the Canary Channel.

Some tweaks to the Canary Channel in this build,

Studio Effects started acting a bit strange in this build, camera freez & button not working as expected in quick actions (Feeback Hub: https://aka.ms/AAqvd0v)

Taskmanager is still monochrome on the performace tab (Feedback Hub: https://aka.ms/AAqtf01)

All soomth upgrades here, Happy upgrading!

Changes and Improvements

[General]

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Start menu]

  • This update starts the roll out of the new account manager on Start menu. When you sign in with a Microsoft account, the new design gives you a quick glanceable view of your account benefits and makes it easy to manage account settings.
New account manager experience on the Start menu showing account settings and an action needed that needs to be taken to secure your Microsoft account.
New account manager experience on the Start menu showing account settings and an action needed that needs to be taken to secure your Microsoft account.

Fixes

[Taskbar]

  • Fixed an issue causing the taskbar to not appear for a small number of Insiders in the last couple flights.

[Audio]

  • Fixed an underlying issue which was causing the preferred audio volume (under Settings > System > Sound > Volume Mixer) for Microsoft Edge to not persist across restarting the app.

Known issues

[General]

  • [IMPORTANT NOTE] We are investigating reports that some Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels are stuck on Build 26040 or Build 23620. The investigation is ongoing, however if you are impacted by this and really want to get onto the latest build in the Canary or Dev Channel today – you can download the latest ISO here and do a clean install and opt your device back into flighting in the Canary or Dev Channels.

[Task Manager]

  • [New] We’re investigating an issue where the colors in the Performance section aren’t displaying correctly in dark mode.

Microsoft Store Update

Windows Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels running version 22405.xxxx.x of the Microsoft Store and higher will see the following improvement rolling out:

Fast, safe checkout with Microsoft Wallet: Make quick and easy purchases in Store using Microsoft Wallet. Not only can you earn Microsoft Rewards points in the Store, but you can also easily redeem your points for a gift card during checkout to apply towards your purchase. Wallet is fast, safe, and easy to use!

New Microsoft Wallet dialog when making purchases in the Microsoft Store.
New Microsoft Wallet dialog when making purchases in the Microsoft Store.

source: Windows Blogs

Jun 09

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.770 (Dev Channel)

Hi all, last Friday Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.770 (KB5039314) to the Dev Channel.

A quick update for who is ion the Dev channel andhas the option enabled to get the latest updates as soon as they are available set to on:

Smooth update on all my DevChannel devices, Happy Upgrading!

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out to the Dev Channel with toggle on*

[General]

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

Snipping Tool Update

We are rolling out an update for Snipping Tool (version 11.2405.24.0 and newer) to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels that introduces automatic save for screen recordings. This feature works the same as automatic save for screenshots. Your recordings will automatically be saved to Screen Recordings folder (inside your Videos folder). You can choose to turn this off in Snipping Tool settings.

Snipping Tool showing new banner for screen recordings now automatically being saved to your Screen Recordings folder.
Snipping Tool showing new banner for screen recordings now automatically being saved to your Screen Recordings folder.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Snipping Tool.

source: Windows Blogs