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Have you ever walked into a room and felt a rush of excitement simply because of the colors, decor, and atmosphere? Personalizing your computer offers a similarly invigorating experience! Imagine transforming the blandness of your desktop into a reflection of your personality—one click at a time. Microsoft has dropped a treasure trove of information for us in their latest guide on personalizing Windows PCs. Whether you’re a die-hard customization enthusiast or an everyman just wanting a bit...

In a surprising shift that echoes Michael Jordan’s retirement or the final episode of a beloved sitcom, Microsoft has announced plans to retire the built-in Mail and Calendar apps in Windows 11 by December 31, 2024. This decision has sent shockwaves through the Windows user community, leading to a flurry of questions: What does this mean for users? Should you be worried about losing your beloved apps? Let's dive into the details and implications of this significant change. What Does This...

In a recent debacle that has left many IT administrators scratching their heads, Microsoft has acknowledged that certain versions of Windows Server 2019 and 2022 were inadvertently upgraded to the newly released Windows Server 2025. The situation, described by Microsoft as a “whoopsie,” has elicited a mix of confusion, concern, and a dash of dark humor from the industry. Unexpected Adventures in Upgrading Let’s unpack this rather amusing turn of events. Over the weekend, Microsoft updated...

Microsoft is stirring the pot once again, this time with the anticipated rebranding of its AI features in Windows 11 under the moniker "Windows Intelligence." If you've been following the tech giant closely, this development may spark a sense of déjà vu as Microsoft seems to enjoy dabbling in name changes—first Bing Chat became Copilot, and now we're potentially looking at a significant transformation in how AI is integrated into the Windows experience. What’s Behind the Rebranding...

If you’re experiencing a flurry of nagging notifications about upgrading your beloved Windows 10 to Windows 11, buckle up, because you’re not alone. Recent reports indicate that Microsoft has once again slipped a Windows 10 update into users' systems, subtly urging them to make the leap to Windows 11. This isn't just a one-time occurrence—Microsoft has a history of deploying such persuasive tactics, leaving many users feeling cornered. The Sneaky Approach Imagine settling down to work, and...

On November 11, 2024, a storm of confusion rippled through the IT community when Microsoft addressed a significant error that led to unintended automatic installations of Windows Server 2025 across various systems. This unexpected event arose from a misclassification within the Windows Update mechanism, linking a routine security patch (KB5044284) to a full upgrade of the new Windows Server 2025. This mix-up has prompted widespread concern among IT administrators and raised important...

In a bold move that has sent ripples through the embedded operating system landscape, BlackBerry has announced that version 8 of its QNX microkernel real-time operating system (RTOS) is now available for free—provided it’s used for non-commercial purposes. This new development comes as BlackBerry looks to boost interest in QNX through its recently launched initiative, QNX Everywhere. But before you rush to download, there are a few strings attached that every prospective user needs to...

It’s no secret that Microsoft has been on a modernization spree since the launch of Windows 11, aiming to enhance user experience through a sleeker interface and a wide array of improvements. Yet, as we peer beneath the glossy exterior, certain core applications remain outdated and frustrating to use. In this feature, we’ll unpack the six apps that Microsoft must prioritize for revamps, along with those notorious shortcomings and areas for improvement. 1. File Explorer: Stuck in the Past...

In an alarming trend that underscores the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, hackers are increasingly weaponizing Excel documents to deliver malicious software, particularly the notorious Remcos Remote Access Trojan (RAT). This shift comes in light of Microsoft’s new security measures that block Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros by default, prompting attackers to pivot towards exploiting .XLL files—a lesser-known yet equally dangerous tactic. The Anatomy of the Attack Recently...

Published: November 11, 2024 In a significant turn of events that rattled the IT landscape, Microsoft has addressed a considerable issue that resulted in unplanned upgrades from Windows Server 2019 and 2022 to Windows Server 2025. This problem circularized in the community like a rogue wave hitting unsuspecting docks—a surprise that no one anticipated. The Gory Details: What Went Wrong? The unraveling began shortly after the general release of Windows Server 2025 on November 1, 2024, which...

As technology continuously evolves, so do the tools we rely on. In this week’s AWS Roundup, we reflect on two decades of innovation at Amazon Web Services (AWS), showcase the new capabilities launched recently—including cutting-edge enhancements for streaming and Windows server environments—and highlight events that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the cloud. Let’s dive into the details! 🥳 Happy 20th Anniversary of the AWS News Blog! On November 9, 2024, AWS celebrated the 20th...

The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and sometimes that means saying goodbye to familiar tools. For users of Windows 11, the time has come to officially bid adieu to the Mail, Calendar, and People apps, all of which will no longer be supported. This change, as outlined by PCMag, points to Microsoft’s broader shift towards integrating its users into the more robust Microsoft Outlook, which is now being promoted as the go-to app for managing emails, events, and contacts. The Shift from...

In a surprising twist of events, Microsoft has confirmed that a significant number of Windows Server 2019 and 2022 systems experienced unexpected upgrades to the newly released Windows Server 2025. This snafu, affecting several organizations, appears to be linked to third-party patch management tools, which misrepresented upgrade options, leading unwitting server administrators to hit the “upgrade” button when they weren't supposed to. The Great Upgrade Fiasco As organizations began to...

In a move that leaves many scratching their heads, Microsoft has finally greenlit a feature for Windows 11 that many users argue should have been implemented long ago. The joy of updates hit Windows Insiders recently, with two new builds rolling out—Build 22635.4445 for Beta Channel participants and Build 26120.2222 for those in the Dev Channel. These additions may seem minor at first glance but could enhance the user experience significantly. New Features Worth Noting Run as Administrator...

A cartoon dragon calls "Daddy!" to a man while people nearby urge silence.

If you’ve recently been using Google Chrome and noticed those pesky notifications saying “Link copied” or “Image copied” popping up every time you try to copy something, you’re not alone. With the introduction of Chrome 130, these notifications have become an omnipresent annoyance disrupting our browsing flow. Luckily, there’s a way to turn them off. Let’s dive in! The Rise of the Toast Notifications When you engage in seemingly mundane tasks like copying a link or an image, you are met with...

In a startling turn of events, a chorus of users has emerged, passionately advocating for Microsoft to rethink its decision regarding the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). The demand to retain this feature has been vocalized through various channels, particularly the Feedback Hub, where sentiments are echoing the essential role WSA plays in the Windows 11 ecosystem. Support for WSA Under Threat The anticipated discontinuation of the Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon AppStore in...

In a remarkable twist of brand strategy, Microsoft has announced the revival of the MSN brand, complete with a fresh new logo as we move toward 2024. This strategic shift signifies a departure from the "Microsoft Start" branding that had begun in 2021 and is an intriguing move in the landscape of digital content services that Microsoft offers. The Comeback of MSN The MSN brand, once a household name and the lynchpin of Microsoft's internet strategy, is making its comeback. Microsoft...

If you find yourself staring at a blank screen where your Windows 11 apps should be, you’re not alone. Many users have reported issues with apps failing to launch after updates or for seemingly no reason at all. Fortunately, there are several do-it-yourself (DIY) fixes that can help you get those apps working again swiftly and effortlessly. Let's delve into some of the most effective solutions to this vexing issue. Basic Checks: The First Line of Defense Before diving into more complex...

In a move that marks a significant shift in how Windows 11 users manage their communications and schedules, Microsoft has announced it will phase out the built-in Mail and Calendar applications by December 31, 2024. After this date, users will be required to transition to the web-based Outlook app, profoundly altering the landscape of email and calendar management for Windows enthusiasts. A Seamless Integration or a Troubling Transition? For years, the Mail and Calendar apps have served as...