account manager Archives

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Web Account Manager: The Foundational Enabler of Single Sign-On for Windows Applications within the Microsoft Identity Ecosystem

Organizations are adopting cloud-first strategies for digital identity management, particularly using Microsoft identity providers and implementing Zero Trust Architecture. Microsoft's Web Account Manager (WAM), introduced with Windows 10, is central to this transformation, enabling secure access and single sign-on (SSO) across applications like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Office 365, Teams, and OneDrive. WAM addresses fragmentation issues associated with traditional authentication methods by centralizing identity management and token handling, thus enhancing security and user experience. WAM mitigates fragmentation challenges by simplifying protocol integration, managing token lifecycle, and reducing operational overhead. It provides seamless SSO for end-users, simplifies integration for developers, and supports compliance and security for organizations. WAM features two primary APIs for token acquisition: GetTokenSilently and RequestToken, which facilitate secure token requests based on device states and application needs. Future enhancements will focus on improving token protection strategies.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 10 KB5061087 update released with 13 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the June 2025 non-security preview update for Windows 10, version 22H2, designated as KB5061087. This optional cumulative update addresses issues with USB multi-function printers' scanning capabilities, Start Menu problems, and a Component Object Model (COM) functionality bug causing remote COM activation failures. The update elevates Windows 10 22H2 systems to build 19045.6036 and includes additional fixes such as an updated curl tool to version 8.13.0, a fix for device registration issues in the Entra ID Windows Account Manager (WAM) plugin, resolution of problems with removing unused language packs and Feature on Demand packages, and correction of a system unresponsiveness issue related to Oplock break requests on SMB shares. Users can install the update via the Windows Settings app or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. A known issue with the update is that CJK text may appear blurry at 96 DPI in Chromium-based browsers. Additionally, home users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no cost after Windows 10's end of life in October, provided they have 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or have enabled Windows Backup. Alternatively, they can purchase a year of extended security updates.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.6029 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.6029 (KB5061087) has been released to the Release Preview Channel. Key updates include enhancements to mobile operator profiles, resolution of COM functionality issues, and an upgrade of the curl tool to v8.13.0. Adjustments in the EEA region for default browsers include automatic pinning to the Taskbar and Start menu, and a one-click button for changing default settings for .pdf files. Issues fixed include device registration in Entra ID WAM, removal of unused language packs, problems with USB-connected Multi-Function printers, jump lists in the Start Menu, incorrect version display in Settings, unresponsiveness in Kiosk devices, and system hangs on SMB shares.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161 (KB5058515) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the Microsoft 365 Text Action in Click to Do, allowing users to draft content in Word by selecting recognized text. Lock screen widget personalization is now available globally, enabling users to customize their lock screens. The update introduces support for multiple dashboards in Widgets, enhancing organization and access to favorite widgets. Improvements include recommendations from the Microsoft Store in the "Open with..." dialog and a new PC-to-PC migration experience in the Windows Backup app. Various fixes have been made to the Start Menu, Task Manager, Narrator, and Voice Access. Known issues include incorrect build version display post-PC reset and Bluetooth issues with Xbox Controllers. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This marks the transition from Build 22635.5305, the last update for version 23H2. All Beta Channel Insiders will be automatically upgraded to the latest version. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to perform tasks like editing images or summarizing documents directly from the context menu. Currently supported image actions are Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, with support for .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. New AI actions for Microsoft 365 files, such as Summarize and Create an FAQ, will be introduced soon, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription and enrollment in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Advanced settings have been redesigned and are now accessible via Settings > System > Advanced, including options for enabling long paths, managing virtual workspaces, and displaying Git information in File Explorer. Changes and improvements include added text descriptions for assistive technologies in the Accessibility flyout, notifications for incomplete search results in the Windows search box, and a new visual experience for the widgets board. User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management has been introduced to reduce power consumption during inactivity. Fixes include resolving issues with core Windows surfaces in safe mode, maximizing File Explorer, and loading Bluetooth information in Settings. Known issues involve incorrect build version display post-PC reset, bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers, and ongoing investigations into various features. Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will be based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may not be widely released as they are subject to testing and feedback.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to edit images and summarize documents via right-click options. Four image actions are available: Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, supporting .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. Upcoming AI actions for Microsoft 365 files include generating document summaries and creating FAQs, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot. Advanced settings have been redesigned for easier access, introducing features like Enable long paths and Virtual workspaces. Improvements include updates to the taskbar, search functionality, and accessibility features. Known issues involve problems with Xbox Controllers and various features in File Explorer and Narrator.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (KB5058496) has been released for the Beta Channel, specifically for Windows 11, version 24H2. Users on version 23H2 can choose to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. The update introduces a new AI-powered agent in Settings for easier navigation and task automation, currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel PCs coming soon. Enhanced intelligent text actions have been added to Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text. A dedicated FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page. Several fixes have been implemented, including improvements to the Start menu, File Explorer, and voice access. Known issues include problems with PC reset display and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5058493) has been released to the Dev Channel. New features include enhanced intelligent text actions in Click to Do for AMD and Intel™-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to Summarize, Create a bulleted list, or Rewrite text. These features are available when the default language is English and at least 10 words are selected. For users with French or Spanish as their primary language, only Summarize, Create a bulleted list, and Refine options are temporarily available. Improvements include the ability to safely remove devices compatible with Dynamic Lighting and the introduction of a FAQs section in Settings to help users find information about their PC. Fixes have been made to the Start menu, File Explorer, Voice Access, Taskbar, Windows Spotlight, and Live captions. Known issues include problems with the PC reset option and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs, allowing access to tools like Cocreator and Generative Fill in Paint, and summarization or rewriting in Notepad. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (KB5055653) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. Insiders on version 23H2 can opt to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. Key changes include the introduction of energy saver management in Microsoft Intune, allowing IT administrators to manage energy settings on Windows 11 PCs. Other updates involve UI experiments in Recall, taskbar enhancements, and graphics improvements for HDR capabilities. Fixes include resolving keyboard focus issues in the taskbar, startup sound playback issues, and scaling problems after sleep/resume. Known issues involve bugs with Xbox Controllers and live captions crashing. Insiders are reminded to keep their devices updated for optimal performance and access to features.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5055651) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - Energy Saver in Microsoft Intune: IT administrators can manage energy saver settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and MDM configurations, optimizing battery usage by limiting background activities and reducing screen brightness. - Taskbar Improvements: The needy state pill for apps has been redesigned, and administrators can allow users to unpin specific pinned apps. - Graphics Enhancements: Improved management of HDR capabilities, including refined wording for HDR settings and independent toggling of Dolby Vision mode. - Fixes: Resolved issues with taskbar keyboard focus, startup sound playback, scaling after sleep, and cumulative update errors. - Known Issues: Users may experience discrepancies in build version display after PC resets and issues with Xbox Controllers causing bugchecks. - Recall (Preview): Users can opt to remove Recall at any time, and intelligent text actions are now moderated locally. - Windows Search: For optimal performance, devices should be connected to power during initial search indexing. - Task Manager: Users may see the System Idle Process showing as 0 after the addition of a new CPU Utility column. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually.