Welcome to this week’s highlight from the land of Windows! If you’ve been navigating through the intricate waves of Windows 11, brace yourself for a recap packed with notable updates, lingering bugs, and a peek into what lies ahead. Today, we delve into the latest installment of Microsoft Weekly, where the shift from bug fixes to newly discovered issues is as common as passing through one of those infamous Windows blue screens!
Some newly discovered features include:
Interestingly, as this ongoing saga unfolds, enthusiasts discovered snippets pointing to customization options for lock screen widgets in future builds. While these findings aren't officially confirmed, it keeps the speculative ball rolling within the community.
So, perpetually watchful Windows users, continue to explore, provide feedback, and keep riding the wave of updates and upgrades. Much like those moments of unexpected BSODs, the journey through Windows is always an adventure—often frustrating, but ultimately rewarding.
What new features or bugs have you encountered this week? Let’s spark a conversation in the forum below!
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 bugs fixed and new discovered
Bug Fixes and Compatibility Issues: What’s New?
Starting with the silver linings, Windows 11 is still firmly in the limelight, albeit not without some hiccups. Microsoft has made great strides in fixing compatibility issues that previously hindered users from updating to Windows 11 version 24H2—that’s the latest major release, and boy, does it come loaded with features! For those who were stuck due to faulty interactions with the Voicemeeter app—a popular audio mixing software—good news is on the horizon. Microsoft has lifted the update blocks that led to dreaded blue screens of death (BSOD) for many users. With those pesky driver issues sorted, it opens the floodgates for updates, provided you don’t get another obstacle in your path.Notable Updates:
- Update KB5001716 was also quietly installed. While it brought some fixes, it inadvertently broke OpenSSH for many users. Not exactly what you want under the festive holiday lights, but there’s a workaround—fear not!
- On the hardware front, some ARM-based PCs are having trouble installing printers with the standard installer. Microsoft is aware and is working on a resolution.
A Peek into the Insider Program
The Windows Insider program continues to be a hotbed for those who crave a sneak peek into the upcoming features and tweaks. This week delivered four new preview builds that add functionality and, you guessed it, a little more chaos. The Canary Channel introduced build 27744, while the Beta Channel unleashed build 22635.4445, which improves file sharing options.Some newly discovered features include:
- Enhanced ways to share files directly from the Start menu or taskbar jump lists.
- Updates to Notepad are integrating AI for quick text rewriting—perfect for those late-night coding sessions!
- Paint is getting a revamp with new Generative Fill and Erase features. Perhaps they'll help erase the years of frustration that came with the previous Paint iterations?
The Bug Cycle Continues
If you thought it was all sunshine and roses after the updates, hold on to your hats because new bugs are brewing. As exciting features continue to roll out, some users have uncovered more damage to context menus, indicating a possible regression in stability.Interestingly, as this ongoing saga unfolds, enthusiasts discovered snippets pointing to customization options for lock screen widgets in future builds. While these findings aren't officially confirmed, it keeps the speculative ball rolling within the community.
The Broader Microsoft Ecosystem
Beyond Windows 11, Microsoft continues its march forward with several exciting developments in its vast ecosystem. This past week saw a range of updates across PowerToys, Outlook, and the lifecycle of Windows apps, affirming their commitment to improving user experiences. Even as classics like Windows Mail face the sunset with an end-of-support date set for December 31, 2024, the hope lies in the evolving nature of the replacements that Microsoft is putting forth.The Hardware Front
For enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals, there’s a lot more than software in this week’s offerings. New hardware reviews circled around a battery-powered portable NAS, showcasing how connectivity and storage needs are evolving. The desktop hardware landscape is facing updates too, with SEGA announcing the delisting of over 60 games, signaling a potentially poignant moment for nostalgic gamers.Gaming Updates
Microsoft's updates extend into the gaming sector as well, with Forza Motorsport introducing features involving NASCAR, enhancing the gaming experience for speed-lovers. And in the world of Game Pass, new games are continuously rolling in, supporting Xbox’s ambition to entice gamers to dive deeper into their library.Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Windows
As we wrap up this week’s summary, it’s evident that while Windows 11 is rife with its trademark quirks and complications, Microsoft’s responses denote a pathway forward. The balancing act of introducing new features while tackling existing bugs is no small feat. For many users, the system maintains its promise of innovation and usability.So, perpetually watchful Windows users, continue to explore, provide feedback, and keep riding the wave of updates and upgrades. Much like those moments of unexpected BSODs, the journey through Windows is always an adventure—often frustrating, but ultimately rewarding.
What new features or bugs have you encountered this week? Let’s spark a conversation in the forum below!
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 bugs fixed and new discovered