Windows 11 users are finally getting a much-needed bug fix, with Windows 11 Moment 2 fixing a bug that made file copying painfully slow.
Windows 11 version 22H2 introduced a bug that made file copying unusually slow, especially with large files. According to Windows Latest, the fix is finally being rolled out:
Naturally, it’s now included in Windows 11 22H2 Moment 2 update (KB5022913 optional update) and will come through to the release version of Windows 11 via March 2023’s Patch Tuesday release.
Users are reporting that file copying speeds have returned to Windows 10 speeds.
Microsoft Teams is on the verge of receiving a major performance boost thanks to a complete rewrite that should be released next month.
The Verge has learned from sources familiar with the matter that Microsoft has been completely rebuilding Teams, with a focus on improved performance. The new version is slated to have the 2.0, or possibly 2.1, designation.
Rish Tandon, former Microsoft Teams’ CVP of Engineering, teased these coming improvements as early as mid-2021:
Lastly, this architecture will help us add support for multiple accounts, work life scenarios, release predictability, and scale up for the client. It will be a journey but with #Windows11 we have taken key first steps.
It appears the architecture change is finally paying off, paving the way for this current rewrite of Teams. Microsoft has already begun testing the new version internally, with plans to release a preview in March.
According to The Verge’s sources, “the app should use 50 percent less memory, tax the CPU less, and result in better battery life on laptops.”
Given Teams’ status as the most widely used corporate messaging platform, a boost this significant is good news indeed.
Microsoft is upping the ante in its war on unsupported PCs, displaying a watermark on those systems running Windows 11.
Windows 11 has stricter system requirements than its predecessors, requiring a CPU with Trusted Platform Module (TPM). While there are ways of installing Windows on an unsupported machine, Microsoft is not keen on the idea and is making it more irritating to do so.
According to Gizmodo, reports are surfacing of Windows 11 displaying a watermark when running on an unsupported PC. The issue appears to have started with the January 2023 Windows 11 update.
Microsoft already has a major adoption problem with Windows 11 and it’s unlikely this stunt will improve the situation.
Microsoft and Parallels have reached an agreement allowing the latter to bring Windows 11 to Apple’s custom chips.
Parallels is a popular solution for Mac users that need to run Windows apps. While the company has already made the transition to supporting Apple’s M-series custom chips, Windows 11 was a major sticking point, leaving users stuck on Windows 10.
The two companies have reached a deal, however, that will finally bring an Arm-based Windows 11 to Apple’s new machines via Parallels. Alludo, Parallels parent company, announced the news:
Alludo, a global technology company helping people work better and live better, today announced that Microsoft has authorized the use of Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise installed in a virtual machine with Parallels Desktop for Mac for customers on Mac with Apple silicon. IT administrators can now enable their users to run Windows 11 on Arm on the Parallels platform, with the support from Alludo and assurance that Microsoft has authorized this solution.
There are some serious limitations to Windows 11 running in Parallels. Specifically, according to a Microsoft support document, anything that requires additional layers of virtualization is unsupported. As a result, Windows Subsystem for Android, Windows Subsystem for Linux, Windows Sandbox, and Virtualization-based Security (VBS) will not work.
Nonetheless, the news is sure to be welcome by Mac users that need or want to run the latest version of Windows inside Parallels.
“At Alludo, we believe that all employees should have the freedom and flexibility to choose where, when, and how they do their best work. Therefore, the vision for our Parallels portfolio has been to allow users to access their applications on any device, anywhere,” said Prashant Ketkar, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Alludo. “In line with our vision, we are excited to see that, in collaboration with Microsoft, Arm versions of Windows can run in a virtualized environment on Parallels Desktop on the latest Mac systems running Apple’s powerful M-series chips.”
“Three years into the ’new’ world of hybrid work, IDC research indicates that equality of access to enterprise resources is still a top concern for hybrid work and digital workspace strategies,” said Shannon Kalvar, IDC Research Director. “Mac is increasingly an integral part of enterprise’s digital workspaces, and Windows on Arm is a key component in ensuring they have equal access to all corporate resources.”
The PC Security Channel (TPSC) analyzed Windows 11 and found it sends massive amounts of user data to Microsoft, as well as third-party ad companies.
TPSC is a YouTube channel dedicated to cybersecurity and privacy. The channel took a brand-new laptop that had never been used and used Wireshark to monitor the computer’s traffic, starting from the moment it was booted up.
Unsurprisingly, the computer immediately connected to a number of Microsoft services, including Bing, MSN, and the Windows Update service. While it’s not surprising a Windows machine would connect to Microsoft, it is surprising that the Bing traffic was happening without the web browser ever being opened or used.
Even more surprising, Windows 11 also connected to McAfee, Steam, and Comscore’s ScorecardResearch.com, to name just a few. The last one is particularly alarming, as it is an ad-tech company. In fact, when TPSC first tried going to the website to see what ScorecardResearch.com was, the channel’s browser adblocker would not even load the page since it is a known ad and tracking domain.
To make matters worse, Microsoft connects and sends data to these servers without expressly asking the user’s permission. Instead, the company relies on a vague clause in the Microsoft License Terms to constitute permission.
Privacy; Consent to Use of Data. Your privacy is important to us. Some of the software features send or receive information when using those features. Many of these features can be switched off in the user interface, or you can choose not to use them. By accepting this agreement and using the software you agree that Microsoft may collect, use, and disclose the information as described in the Microsoft Privacy Statement (aka.ms/privacy), and as may be described in the user interface associated with the software features.
Tom’s Hardware reached out to Microsoft and was given the following statement:
“As with any modern operating system, users can expect to see data flowing to help them remain secure, up to date, and keep the system working as anticipated,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. “We are committed to transparency and regularly publish information about the data we collect to empower customers to be more informed about their privacy.”
A legitimate case can be made for Windows 11 connecting to Microsoft services, but there is absolutely no valid justification for connecting to and sending telemetry to an ad-tech company.
Interestingly, TPSC ran the same test with Windows XP and found that it only connected to Microsoft update servers, greatly undermining Microsoft’s claim that Windows 11’s connections to third parties were necessary to “remain secure, up to date, and keep the system working as anticipated.”
As we have stated at WPN many times, there is NO EXCUSE for a company that charges handsomely for a product to then turn around and try to monetize its customers’ data, let alone try to do so without express and explicit permission. And no, a couple of sentences buried in a long, legalese licensing document that few people will ever read does not count as express and explicit permission.
Microsoft should be ashamed of itself for this behavior, and one can only hope this revelation will put the companies in the crosshairs of the EU’s GDPR.
In the meantime, TPSC’s question, “Has Windows become spyware?” is one that deserves an answer.
Microsoft Windows users are experiencing major problems updating their systems, with updates failing without explanation.
According to Windows Latest, the problem has been going on for months, but seems to be impacting the most recent security and essential updates. It is impacting some optional updates as well.
KB5022303, the mandatory security update and essential for Windows 11 users, is failing with mysterious error messages, with 0x800f0831 being the most common error code. This bug is also hitting KB5022360, which is the latest optional update for Windows 11.
While failed updates are bad enough, cryptic error messages that do not provide any assistance make it that much more difficult to troubleshoot.
While Microsoft is aware of the situation, there has been no word yet on a possible fix.
Microsoft is reportedly reworking File Explorer to make it better match the rest of the Windows 11 aesthetic and features.
Microsoft has been working to improve File Explorer, adding tabs and remote work improvements in April 2022. The company was rumored to be revamping the app to make it better fit in with Windows 11, but Windows Central has confirmed the company’s plans.
According to the outlet, the overhaul will also help the app better integrate with Microsoft 365 and OneDrive. Everything from button placement to the left sidebar navigation is being improved. The app will also make it easier to see Microsoft 365 comments and email threads about files by looking at the details pane.
File Explorer’s photo handling is also getting a major upgrade, with users able to mouse over photos to see larger previews. Microsoft may even add tagging to make it easier to sort and find files.
The improvements look to be some of the biggest changes File Explorer has undergone in some time and bring welcome upgrades to users.
Windows 8.1 is slated to receive its last update on Tuesday, as Microsoft is sunsetting the operating system once and or all.
Microsoft first released Windows 8 in 2012, but a decade later the OS has reached the end of its life. The aging OS will receive its last official update Tuesday, despite the fact that Windows 11 is still gaining market share at a relatively slow pace.
According to Ghacks, Windows 7 is even outliving Windows 8 by receiving extended support via 0Patch. The company continues to provide support for some operating systems after their end-of-life date and is already planning to support Windows 7 for an additional two years.
Unfortunately, there is no word on continued support for Windows 8.1.
Windows 11 Notepad is getting a major upgrade, with the app poised to receive tab support.
Tabs are commonplace in web browsers and continue to make their way into other applications. Windows 11 File Explorer added tabs earlier this year, and Microsoft appears poised to add tabs to Notepad as well.
According to Windows Central, a Microsoft employee tweeted a screenshot of the feature before deleting it.
Windows 11 Notepad Tabs – Credit Windows Central
The feature will be a welcome improvement to Notepad.
Microsoft appears to be testing yet more ads in Windows 11, this time displaying them in the sign-out menu.
Windows 11 has started displaying ads in more and more elements of the operating system (OS). Microsoft already displays ads in the File Explorer, Start Menu, and Wordpad. According to BleepingComputer, the company seems to be conducting an A/B test regarding the ads.
The ads were first spotted by Windows fan Albacore. The fact that BleepingComputer could not replicate Albacore’s experience seems to indicate the company is still testing the waters to see how the ads will be received.
Do we really need to stuff OneDrive promos in the user session flyout? Anything for that sweet sweet KPI 😭 pic.twitter.com/ZsQGmkntDS
Needless to say, the revelation is not going over well, with some users even pointing out that Microsoft’s actions could be the reason why Windows 11 adoption is proceeding at a near-glacial pace.
Windows 11 may be the latest and greatest but Microsoft has an adoption problem, with only 15% of computers on the OS.
Windows 11 offers many benefits over its predecessors, but users don’t seem keen on embracing its potential. According to Statcounter GlobalStats, Windows 11 usage is sitting at 15.44%.
In contrast, Windows 10 still commands an overwhelming 71.29% of the market. While Windows 10 has been declining in popularity, and Windows 11 rising, the change is relatively slow.
Windows 11 adoption is no doubt being hampered by the requirement of a CPU with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). In fact, recent research shows that as many as 43% of PCs are incompatible with Windows 11.
Microsoft accidentally leaked the next Windows 11 “Moment,” revealing an improved tablet-friendly design.
As Digital Trends explains, Microsoft has taken to referring to its Windows 11 updates internally as “Moments.” The first Moment brought tabs to File Explorer, but the second Moment may bring even more.
In a Windows Insider YouTube video, the Moment 2 build of Windows 11 appeared to have a tablet and touch-optimized taskbar. The new feature could reach users in early 2023.
The latest research shows that a whopping 43% of PCs still can’t install Windows 11, leaving many stuck on Windows 10.
Microsoft changed the install requirements for Windows 11, requiring a CPU with Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Many PCs, including fairly recent ones, do not have a TPM.
As a result, according to Lansweeper, many PCs are being left behind in the transition to Windows 11:
Specifically, only 57.26% of CPUs for workstations tested met the system requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, while 42.74% did not. And while the majority passed the RAM test (92.85%), about 65% of the workstation TPMs tested met the requirements, while over 15% failed and 20% was not TPM compatible or did not have it enabled.
Lansweeper does have some good news, although not quite as good as Microsoft would no doubt like:
Compared to 2021, there are some good signs for Microsoft. The percentage of devices that meet the CPU and TPM requirements have gone up by roughly 12%. The RAM requirement moved up every so slightly by 1.8%. If this growth continues, theoretically all devices should be Windows 11 compatible by 2026. Although this does fall short of the Windows 10 end-of-life on October 14, 2025.
Many businesses looking to upgrade beyond Windows 10, without investing in costly hardware, would do well to look at Linux. The free operating system has a well-earned reputation of breathing new life into old hardware, extending its useful life years beyond what it would have with Windows.
WPN has been running an introductory series on Linux, covering some of the most popular desktop environments, distributions, and best use cases for individuals and small businesses.
Microsoft is re-introducing the tablet-optimized taskbar for Windows 11 to the Dev Channel, giving users a chance to continue testing it.
Microsoft first introduced the updated taskbar in February before removing it from testing to continue developing and improving it internally. The company has evidently made enough improvement to warrant adding it back to the Dev Channel.
“We’re re-introducing the touch-optimized taskbar that’s designed to make you feel more confident and comfortable using your device as a tablet,” the company writes in a blog post. “Your taskbar will automatically transition to this optimized version when you disconnect or fold back the keyboard on your 2-in-1 device. This feature only works on devices that can be used as tablets. It does not work on laptops or desktop PCs.
“As a reminder, there are two states of this taskbar: collapsed and expanded. In the collapsed state, the taskbar gets out of your way, gives you more screen space, and prevents you from accidentally invoking the taskbar when you’re holding your tablet. In the expanded state, the taskbar is optimized to be easier to use with touch. You can easily switch between the two states by swiping up and down on the bottom of your device.”
The new taskbar should significantly improve the workflow on 2-in-1 devices.
Microsoft is warning a bug in the latest versions of Windows could result in data loss when combined with some newer PCs.
Microsoft has issued a knowledge base article detailing possible data loss issues as a result of the latest Vector Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). The impacted hardware will have either AES XEX-based tweaked-codebook mode with ciphertext stealing (AES-XTS) or AES with Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) (AES-GCM).
The company says a recent change in Windows caused the issue.
We added new code paths to the Windows 11 (original release) and Windows Server 2022 versions of SymCrypt to take advantage of VAES (vectorized AES) instructions. SymCrypt is the core cryptographic library in Windows. These instructions act on Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) registers for hardware with the newest supported processors.
Microsoft recommends customers upgrade to the latest preview releases.
To prevent further data damage, we addressed this issue in the May 24, 2022 preview release and the June 14, 2022 security release. After applying those updates, you might notice slower performance for almost one month after you install them on Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 (original release).
To prevent further data damage, we addressed this issue in the May 24, 2022 preview release and the June 14, 2022 security release. After applying those updates, you might notice slower performance for almost one month after you install them on Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 (original release).
Amid ongoing sanctions on Russia, it appears Microsoft may have cut users off from Windows 10 and Windows 11 downloads.
Countries and companies around the world have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Companies from Big Tech to food chains have pulled out of the country in an effort to make the invasion as costly as possible. According to PCMag, Microsoft is taking a step further, prohibiting users inside Russia from downloading Windows 10 and Windows 11.
According to the outlet, multiple users took to Twitter to say they were getting “404 – File or Directory not found” errors when trying to download the Windows Disk Image ISO.
Even the Russian state news agency TASS experienced the same issues but was able to download the ISO by using a VPN service to mask their location. To further test it, PCMag used a VPN server in Russia and received the same error.
Russia is already struggling to deal with other tech-related sanctions. The has talked of banning cloud providers from operating in-country, and the country is on the verge of running out of digital storage.
Some Windows users are less than thrilled with a recent update, as Microsoft is pushing Bing 2.0 on them with no way of uninstalling it.
First spotted by Neowin, Windows users on a number of forums are reporting the installation of an update that includes Bing Service 2.0. Microsoft appears to be pushing the update to both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Microsoft describes the service the following way:
“The Bing Service allows you to retrieve Bing results. Bing can return web and news results in your language, images, and videos for many countries/regions around the world.”
Interestingly, the update creates a new folder in the Microsoft folder within Program Files(x86), called “BingSvc.” When running one of the executables in the new folder, the computer’s wallpaper was changed to a Bing wallpaper.
As Neowin points out, this may be indicative of some plans of Microsoft to incorporate Bing wallpapers on the Windows desktop. Either way, there appears to be no way to uninstall the new update.
Microsoft is encouraging its users roll back the latest optional Windows 11 update, as a result of issues it caused for some users.
Microsoft released update KB5012643 on April 25, but some users experienced issues with .NET framework 3.5 apps.
After installing KB5012643, some .NET Framework 3.5 apps might have issues or might fail to open. Affected apps are using certain optional components in .NET Framework 3.5, such as Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) and Windows Workflow (WWF) components.
Workaround: To mitigate this issue, you can uninstall KB5012643. To do this, select the Start button and type, Windows Update Settings, and select it. On the Windows Update settings window, select View Update History then select Uninstall Update. Find KB5012643 in the list and select it, then select Uninstall.
Microsoft is working on a new feature that promises to increase security on Window 11, but will require a complete reset to enable it on existing devices.
Smart App Control is designed to help protect Windows computers from malicious applications. The feature blocks untrusted and unsigned applications. Unlike some features, which are implemented at a higher level, Smart App Control is part of the core OS, operating at the process level. The feature also uses AI in an effort to increase protection.
Smart App Control goes beyond previous built-in browser protections and is woven directly into the core of the OS at the process level. Using code signing along with AI, our new Smart App Control only allows processes to run that are predicted to be safe based on either code certificates or an AI model for application trust within the Microsoft cloud. Model inference occurs 24 hours a day on the latest threat intelligence that provides trillions of signals. When a new application is run on Windows 11, its core signing and core features are checked against this model, ensuring only known safe applications are allowed to run.
Unfortunately, while new devices will eventually ship with the feature enabled, existing devices will require a reset to activate it.
Smart App Control will ship on new devices with Windows 11 installed. Devices running previous versions of Windows 11 will have to be reset and have a clean installation of Windows 11 to take advantage of this feature.
The feature sounds similar to Apple’s System Integrity Protection (SIP), a feature that is alternately praised and maligned for helping protect Macs while also making them less convenient to use on a daily basis. Either way, it’s unfortunate the feature will require a reset to activate on existing devices.
Windows 11 is getting some welcome improvements, including tabs in File Explorer and hybrid work improvements.
Microsoft has announced the newest features in store for Windows 11 users. One of the biggest is tabs in Windows Explorer. Other operating systems, such as macOS and Linux, have had tabs in their file browsers for some time. Microsoft is finally bringing the feature to Windows 11.
Additionally, we want to help Windows users be more efficient and more productive in every experience. The redesigned, cloud-powered File Explorer makes it easier to find what you’re looking for, allowing you to see all files in one centralized place. You can also pin files and create tabs in File Explorer, bringing what used to take six clicks to get to an important file to one.
Microsoft is also tuning its Zero Trust security specifically for remote or hybrid work. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is designed to help better protect users from phishing attempts, while the Smart App Control will help protect the system from malicious apps.
We are focused on making your jobs easier as you work to protect the productivity of your people as well as your organizations from the most common to the most sophisticated attacks.
Windows will also include new features aimed at helping individuals with disabilities, injuries, or limited mobility.
The company makes it clear it sees Windows 11 powering the future of hybrid work.
Windows 11 and Windows 365 are ready to take us all into the next era of hybrid work. Now is the time to move your business to Windows 11 and Windows 365. We are building Windows for the future, to support the future of your business, offering organizations the most secure, manageable and productive Windows experience on the planet.
Regardless of how customers will use Windows 11, the new features are sure to be welcome improvements.
Windows has a critical, zero-day flaw and the worst part is that Microsoft has known about it for seven months and can’t seem to fix it.
The exploit in question impacts Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server, allowing a user to gain administrative privileges, according to BleepingComputer. Microsoft has already released two separate patches to address the issue, but neither of them has successfully fixed it.
To make matters even worse, Microsoft’s latest effort to fix the vulnerability actually broke an unofficial patch that did fix it. 0patch (Zero Patch) is an independent security organization that provides patches for issues Microsoft cant/won’t fix, as well as older, end-of-life versions of Windows that Microsoft no longer supports. 0patch had successfully patched the fix, but now Microsoft’s patch has broke it.
When BleepingComputer asked Microsoft for info on their future plans to fix the issue, they received this response:
“We’re aware of this report and will take action as needed to protect customers.”
0patch has once again issued a fix that actually works, leading some to wonder why Microsoft can’t seem to do that with a product they made in the first place.
