Windows 11

Platforms like VMware Workstation are essentially for many organizations and developers, providing a way to access different operating systems to test the software they are developing. Of course, they also provide a secondary OS that you can test, play with, or customize. This week, VMware Workstation 17.0 Pro is becoming available.

With this latest version of the popular virtualization service, VMware is adding a bunch of new features. Among them is support for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. You may know this as one of the mandatory component requirements for PCs to be able to run Windows 11.

That means with support for TPM 2.0, VMware Workstation 17.0 Pro officially supports Windows 11. Of course, there was a workaround before but this is now an official integration where Windows 11 is available as a guest OS.

Elsewhere in this release, there is support for RHEL 9, Debian 11.x, Ubuntu 22.04, and Windows Server 2022.

New Features

As well as expanded OS support, Workstation 17.0 Pro also comes with a collection of new features:

“New Full or Fast Encryption features

You can now choose between security (Full) and performance (Fast) options for encyption.

Improved Graphics Support: OpenGL 4.3

Workstation Pro now supports OpenGL 4.3 for the virtual machines.

• Guest Operating System Requirements
  • Windows 7 or higher
  • Linux with Mesa 22.0.0 and Linux kernel 5.16.0Support for WDDM 1.2

    Workstation Pro now supports WDDM (Windows Display Driver Model) version 1.2 for the virtual machines.”

    Tip of the day: The Windows Sandbox gives Windows 10/11 Pro and Enterprise users a safe space to run suspicious apps without risk. In out tutorial we show you how to enable the Windows Sandbox feature.

Source  Winbuzzer

Microsoft’s Phone Link app for Windows 11 and Windows 10 is receiving a new update this week. In an upcoming release, the service will receive the ability to stream audio from an Android phone to a Windows PC.While the feature will not roll out widely at first, it will eventually be available to everyone. It works in a similar way to the Connect now feature on Spotify. Basically, Phone Link will ask if you want to connect phone audio to your PC.Elsewhere, Microsoft is also bringing “Continuity Browser History” to the Phone Link experience. As the name suggests, this feature allows you to share browsing history across PC and phone seamlessly.However, this ability is only available on Samsung devices as part of Microsoft’s partnership with the company. Samsung smartphones have wider Phone Link features than other Android devices.

Your Phone

If you’re unfamiliar with Phone Link, you may know it better as Your Phone. That was the name prior to the launch of Windows 11 when Microsoft rebranded the app. Your Phone arrived three years ago as a bridging application that lets users view and use their smartphone on their Windows desktop.Phone Link provides access to images, documents, messages, and other content from phone to PC.Microsoft recently rolled out a new update for Phone Link, adding a new Instant Hotspot ability.

At its core, the feature allows a Windows 11 PC to access the hotspot of a mobile phone through Phone Link. This means connecting to the Wi-Fi/4G/5G of a phone will be more seamless. For example, users will be able to avoid using a password when a phone is paired with Phone Link.

Starting with the Server and Domain Controller problem, Microsoft says Windows 10 and Windows 11 are experiencing issues with Kerberos authentication. In its post, the company points to the following symptoms:

• “Domain user sign in might fail. This also might affect Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) authentication.
• Group Managed Service Accounts (gMSA) used for services such as Internet
• Information Services (IIS Web Server) might fail to authenticate.
• Remote Desktop connections using domain users might fail to connect.
• You might be unable to access shared folders on workstations and file shares on servers.
• Printing that requires domain user authentication might fail.”

On the Windows Health Dashboard, Microsoft is starting the new week by confirming a new issue and also a fix for a previously known problem. According to the company, the November Patch Tuesday cumulative is causing issues on Windows 10 and Windows 11 Server and Domain Controller. Furthermore, Microsoft is also fixing a DirectAccess issue.

Source Winbuzzer

Microsoft is rolling out an out-of-band update for Windows 11 2022 Update that fixes an SSL/TLS handshake problem caused by this month’s Patch Tuesday update. This known issue was causing failures in SSL/TLS handshakes for client and server versions of Windows 11 (22H2).

The update that caused the issues was a Windows security update that landed on October 11 alongside the overall Patch Tuesday releases. It resulted in affected Windows 11 2022 Update devices seeing the error SEC_E_ILLEGAL_MESSAGE within apps that are connected to servers.

Microsoft is now sending out KB5018496 preview cumulative update to remedy the problem:

“We address an issue that might affect some types of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) connections. These connections might have handshake failures,” Microsoft reports.

“For developers, the affected connections are likely to receive one or more records followed by a partial record with a size of less than 5 bytes within a single input buffer.”

KB5018496 is a preview and is optional, so you will need to grab it manually if you need the fix. To do just that, on your Windows 11 device head to Settings > Windows Update and then “Check for Updates”. Choose the optional KB5018496 from the available updates list.

Updating Older Windows Versions

At the same time, Microsoft is also issuing standalone updates for older Windows versions. These out-of-band releases fix the same problem across the following Windows builds:

Microsoft has been rolling out Windows 11 22H2 – Windows 11 2022 Update – since last week. While plenty of users are starting to receive the update, a subset of users with Intel PCs cannot get it. Microsoft says it is blocking the update for devices with the Intel SST Audio controller.

It seems Windows 11 2022 Update is not playing nicely with this driver and is causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors.

Microsoft has confirmed the issue and says anybody affected will be unable to install Windows 11 22H2. Moreover, users with Windows 10 are also included in the block. Microsoft points out this issue affects all hardware regardless of the operating system.

In its support document, Microsoft says the driver IntcAudioBus.sys running file versions older than 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152 are causing the compatibility problem.

Users can check their situation with Intel SST Audio by heading to the Device Manager on their Windows PC (searching Device Manager is the fastest path). In the manager, search for hardware with the “Intel” branding and then the “Smart Sound Technology (Intel® SST) Audio Controller”.

Affected Driver

If you are unfamiliar with this driver, it manages voice commands and music playback on Atom and Core CPUs. Microsoft says it is specifically blocking any hardware that is running the above versions of the driver.

Microsoft has not said anything about providing ways to avoid this issue and is simply blocking Windows 11 2022 Update instead. However, there are updated versions of the driver which will mitigate the issue. The availability of those updates will depend on your OEM.

Tip of the day: For the most part, Windows apps are stable, but they can still be still thrown out of whack by updates or configuration issues. Many boot their PC to find their Microsoft Store isn’t working or their Windows apps aren’t opening. Luckily Windows 11 and Windows 10 have an automatic repair feature for apps that can resolve such issues.

Source  Winbuzzer

Last September, Microsoft launched a new Windows Photos app. The redesigned application was released to coincide with the launch of Windows 11, while also borrowing design tropes from its parent OS. However, just a year later Microsoft is already testing a new design for the Windows 11 Photos app.

Rather than a complete overhaul, it seems Microsoft is tweaking the design of Photos. The biggest change is a new gallery view, which provides various ways to sort and view images. Microsoft confirmed the changes in a blog post.

According to the company’s Dave Grochocki, the new gallery view will offer a simpler way to find, managing, and view photos on Windows 11. Furthermore, Microsoft will improve the Memories feature, but there are no details on the nature of the improvements.

While the useful image editing tools Microsoft launched earlier this year will be available, the company is depreciating video editing tools. When the new Photos app arrives, you will no longer be able to edit your videos in it.

Editing

Instead, Microsoft is redirecting users to Clipchamp. The company acquired Clipchamp last year and has since made it the default video editor on Windows 11. If you prefer to have video editing within Photos, Microsoft will maintain the Microsoft Photos Legacy app in the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft launched the new Photos app for Windows 11 back in September. Aside from matching the Flow aesthetic of Windows 11, the new Photos experience also adds WinUI 2.6 controls. Other new additions include more ways to view a photo and Mica effects.

The new Photos app is landing on the Dev Channel for Windows Insiders this Wednesday.

Tip of the day: Did you know that you can assign keyboard shortcuts for starting applications quickly in Windows 11 and Windows 10? This is a great way to have your most used programs always at your fingertips. In our tutorials we show you how to set those hotkeys for your favorite apps.

Source  Winbuzzer

Just yesterday I was speculating on the potential release date for Windows 11 22H2 following the first availability of ISO files. It was clear the launch of the first Windows 11 feature update was imminent. Fast forward to today and Microsoft has announced the general availability of the Windows 11 2022 Update.

Before getting into the features and details of this update, it is worth noting Microsoft has gone with the branding first discussed back in August. Specifically, the Windows 11 2022 Update name. Microsoft says Windows 11 will only receive one major update each year, so attaching the year to those updates makes sense. So, we can expect next year’s release to be called Windows 11 2023 Update.

Now that Windows 11 2022 Update is rolling out to over 190 countries, it is reaching users in the usual staged manner. This means some users/regions will receive the update before others. Microsoft has published a Windows Blog post discussing the main changes to the platform.

Start Menu/Taskbar

• Drag and Drop: Making its return to Windows, drag and drop in the Start menu.
• Recommended Content: Microsoft is reducing the amount of recommended content is shows in Start.
• Folders: Initially absent in Windows 11, Start menu folders are now making their return.
• Microsoft Teams: On the taskbar, Teams users can now access microphone muting and window sharing.
• Quick Settings: Bluetooth actions in the Quick Settings, allowing quick connection to Bluetooth devices.

File Explorer

• Pin Files to Favorites: File Explorer now allows users to pin individual files (not just folders) to Quick Access, which has been rebranded as “Favorites”.
• Folder Previews: The ability to preview folders is now available alongside the existing file previewing feature.
• OneDrive Integration: File Explorer now works more seamlessly with OneDrive, including information on available space and sync status.
• Copy Path to File: There is a new shortcut (Press Ctrl + Shift + C) to copy the path to the selected file.

UI Improvements

• Volume Slider: Microsoft has finally replaced the old volume slider, a left-over from Windows 8.
• Windows Spotlight: Windows 11 2022 Update adds support for Windows Spotlight on desktop. Change desktop wallpaper with images from Bing.
• Lock Screen: A new design for the Lock Screen allows the media controls to fit with the overall aesthetics of Windows 11.
• Icon Updates: Minor tweaks to icons and the Mica effect makes them more visible and easier to understand.

Settings App

Microsoft is continuing its years-long migration from the Control Panel to the Settings app. In 2022 Update, the company is transitioning the following Control Panel features to Settings:

• “The Programs & Features section of the legacy Control Panel now opens in the Settings app under the Settings > Apps > Installed Apps page.
• Uninstalling Windows updates now happens in the Settings app, not the Control Panel.
• Some entry points for network and devices in the Control Panel now redirect to corresponding pages in the Settings app.
• Finally, you can manage advanced sharing settings in the “Advanced Network Settings” inside the Settings app. This includes Network Discovery, File and Printer Sharing, and Public Folder Sharing.”Elsewhere in the Settings app, Microsoft has made the following changes:
  • Do Not Disturb: Windows 11 now has a proper do not disturb (previously Focus Assist) that turns off notifications.
  • Focus: While similar, Focus is more advanced and allows users to focus on specific tasks by creating focus sessions.
  • Better AirPods Support: The introduction of wideband speech support improves audio quality on voice calls.

  Task Manager

  • New Design: Microsoft is introducing the first visual update to Task Manager since 2012. Specifically, it now follows Dark Mode and system accents.
  • Efficiency Mode: The Task Manager now allows users to reduce apps or processes with high resource loads.

  Accessibility

  • Live Captions: Users can now access Live Captions system-wide. Windows 11 can transcribe any audio, including from microphones.
  • Voice Access: A new feature that allows users to control the Windows platform with their voice.
  • Natural Narrator: Microsoft has given the US English version of Narrator more natural voices.

  Tip of the day: The Windows Clipboard history feature provides the functionality across device, space, and time, letting you copy on one computer and paste the text days later on a different PC. All of it is possible via the Windows 10 clipboard manager, which lets you view, delete, pin, and clear clipboard history at will.

  In our tutorial we show you how to enable the feature, clear clipboard history, and enable/disable clipboard sync to meet your preferences. You can also create a clear clipboard shortcut for quick removal of stored content.

  Source Winbuzzer

We are edging closer to Microsoft’s upcoming Surface Event, although no specific date has yet been given. It does seem October is more likely instead of Microsoft’s traditional launch month of September. Either way, one of the new devices – like the Surface Pro 9 – has cleared the FCC.

Twitter user @Lilputingnews found 21 Microsoft filings under the FCC listing C3K1997. While most details in the filings are confidential, the tidbits of info we do get point to this being the Surface Pro 9 5G.

Of course, all hardware must pass the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates communications (radio, TV, Bluetooth, etc.) in the United States.

While the filing does not confirm the Surface Pro 9, there are enough clues to put two and two together. In terms of communication options, the filings point to the following device connectivity:

“This device contains the following capabilities: 850/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 850/1900 WCDMA/HSPA, Multi-band LTE, Multi-band 5G NR, 802.11b/g/n/ax WLAN, 802.11a/n/ac/ax UNII (5GHz), Bluetooth (1x, EDR, LE).”

Recently, I reported on Microsoft’s plans to combine the Surface Pro X with the regular Surface Pro range. This means there will likely be a variant of the Surface Pro 9 with an ARM processor. This effectively streamlines Microsoft’s Windows on ARM hardware efforts.

Surface Devices 2022

A Surface Pro 9 is almost inevitable and the known quantity of Microsoft’s upcoming event. However, little is known about what other devices the company will introduce. One of the more interesting rumors has been that Microsoft will launch a Surface Gaming Laptop.

The apparent spec sheet points to an Intel Alder Lake H Core i7-12800H and Core i5-12500H being the CPUs that will drive two variants of the new laptop.

It will also boast a dedicated graphics card, with the i5 model pairing with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GPU and the i7 model using a RTX 3070 Ti 8GB GPU. Other notable specs include 16GB (i5) or 32GB (i7) of LPDDR4x RAM, storage up to 2TB (SSD), and a 16-inch 1440p PixelSense Flow screen. Furthermore, the device will run Windows 11 with Microsoft’s DirectStorage API.

Tip of the day: With many reachable wireless access points popping up and disappearing again, the available networks list can become quite annoying. If needed you can use the allowed and blocked filter list of Windows to block certain WiFi networks or all unknown WiFi networks.

Source  Winbuzzer

Microsoft has not yet put a specific date on when the mass-market-ready version of Windows 11 22H2 will leave preview and become generally available. It is known the company is close to the roll-out and it could come soon. In fact, some say as soon as this week (September 20). The fact ISO files for the update are now showing up suggests the release is indeed imminent.

At the time of writing, two ISO download links appeared on the TechBench dump site. ISO files are often the precursor for a wider system launch. In other words, it is now only a matter of time until Microsoft makes download links for Windows 11 22H2 active.

When that happens, users who want to update to the new version can do so. Of course, I always recommend holding off on an early install of a major update launch. Either way, if your system/PC is compatible you will be free to install 22H2 if you want.

Last of its Kind?

Windows 11 22H2 is Microsoft’s annual update for Win11. The company says there will only be one major update for the platform each year. However, the recent introduction of Windows 11 Moments in preview could change the update landscape for the platform.

This will introduce a new schedule for sending out new features. Microsoft wants to roll out new features throughout the year.

This would be an extension of the company delivering updates to Windows apps whenever they are ready. Windows 11 Moments could be evidence of Microsoft using regular updates and no longer sending out annual releases.

Tip of the day: With many reachable wireless access points popping up and disappearing again, the available networks list can become quite annoying. If needed you can use the allowed and blocked filter list of Windows to block certain WiFi networks or all unknown WiFi networks.

Source Winbuzzer

Microsoft has not yet put a specific date on when the mass-market-ready version of Windows 11 22H2 will leave preview and become generally available. It is known the company is close to the roll-out and it could come soon. In fact, some say as soon as this week (September 20). The fact ISO files for the update are now showing up suggests the release is indeed imminent.

At the time of writing, two ISO download links appeared on the TechBench dump site. ISO files are often the precursor for a wider system launch. In other words, it is now only a matter of time until Microsoft makes download links for Windows 11 22H2 active.

When that happens, users who want to update to the new version can do so. Of course, I always recommend holding off on an early install of a major update launch. Either way, if your system/PC is compatible you will be free to install 22H2 if you want.

Last of its Kind?

Windows 11 22H2 is Microsoft’s annual update for Win11. The company says there will only be one major update for the platform each year. However, the recent introduction of Windows 11 Moments in preview could change the update landscape for the platform.

This will introduce a new schedule for sending out new features. Microsoft wants to roll out new features throughout the year.

This would be an extension of the company delivering updates to Windows apps whenever they are ready. Windows 11 Moments could be evidence of Microsoft using regular updates and no longer sending out annual releases.

Tip of the day: With many reachable wireless access points popping up and disappearing again, the available networks list can become quite annoying. If needed you can use the allowed and blocked filter list of Windows to block certain WiFi networks or all unknown WiFi networks.

Source  Winbuzzer