Build 2025 Archives

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft is giving Windows 11 power users and developers new Advanced Windows Settings

Microsoft has introduced Advanced Windows Settings, replacing the previous For Developers segment, aimed at enhancing user control for developers and power users. This feature consolidates various options into a single interface, making it easier to access settings that were previously hidden or difficult to find. Key features include easy toggles for displaying file extensions, options to show folder paths in Explorer’s top bar, and a method to run software as a different user. The Advanced Windows Settings will allow users to customize their experience with powerful settings, such as enabling File Explorer with GitHub version control, currently available in the Windows Insider Program. To access these features, users must install the latest Beta or Dev build of Windows 11 and activate the new settings page using the command: vivetool /enable /id:56005157.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Securing the Model Context Protocol: Building a safer agentic future on Windows

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a lightweight, open protocol functioning as JSON-RPC over HTTP, facilitating standardized discovery and invocation of tools. MCP defines three roles: MCP Hosts (applications accessing capabilities), MCP Clients (initiators of requests), and MCP Servers (services exposing functionalities). Windows 11 will incorporate MCP to enable developers to create intelligent applications leveraging generative AI. An early preview of MCP capabilities will be available for developer feedback. MCP introduces security risks, including cross-prompt injection, authentication gaps, credential leakage, tool poisoning, lack of containment, limited security review, registry risks, and command injection. To address these, Windows 11's MCP Security Architecture will establish security requirements for MCP servers, ensuring user safety and transparency, enforcing least privilege, and implementing security controls like proxy-mediated communication, tool-level authorization, a central server registry, and runtime isolation. MCP servers must comply with security requirements, including mandatory code signing, unchanged tool definitions at runtime, security testing, mandatory package identity, and declared privileges. An early private preview of MCP server capability will be offered to developers post-Microsoft Build for feedback, with a secure-by-default enforcement strategy planned for broader availability. Microsoft aims to enhance defenses continuously and collaborate with partners to bolster MCP's security framework.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft confirms new “Advanced” Settings for Windows 11

Microsoft introduced the 'Advanced Settings' page in Windows 11 at the Build 2025 developer conference, replacing the 'For Developers' tab and enhancing user customization. It can be accessed via Settings > System > Advanced and offers features such as showing file extensions, hidden and system files, full paths in the title bar, options to run applications as different users, and visibility of empty drives. A new section for 'File Explorer + version control' allows users to link Git repository folders, improving workflow for developers. The 'Advanced Settings' page will be open-sourced on GitHub for ongoing maintenance and updates.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft Makes “Edit” Command Line Editor Open-Source, WSL Going Open-Source Too

Microsoft announced several open-source initiatives at its Build 2025 developer conference, including the introduction of Edit, a new command-line text editor for Windows, which is open-sourced on GitHub, crafted in Rust, and licensed under MIT. Edit is designed to enhance the user experience in Windows Terminal and is currently in early development, with plans to be included in future Windows releases. Additionally, Microsoft open-sourced GitHub Copilot within Visual Studio Code to improve collaborative coding, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is transitioning to an open-source model, with its source code now available on GitHub.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft Build 2025: What to expect, from Azure to Copilot upgrades

Microsoft's annual Build developer conference will occur from May 19 to 22, focusing on new AI integrations, services, and applications for Windows. Last year's conference featured the integration of Copilot into Microsoft Teams and the introduction of AI-powered PCs. This year, deeper integrations of Copilot generative AI are expected, catering to consumer and enterprise needs. Keynotes will be streamed online for free. Microsoft raised prices on various software products by 5% last November and may use new AI features to justify these increases. Copilot is anticipated to have significant enhancements, with reports suggesting Microsoft is considering alternative AI models from xAI, Meta, Anthropic, and DeepSeek. Copilot may gain “agentic” capabilities for executing basic PC tasks, with references to an Action button found in the Copilot client for Windows. Microsoft is rumored to have developed a suite of models called MAI to compete with OpenAI’s offerings, potentially to be unveiled at Build. There are also rumors about a successor to the Azure Maia 100 AI Accelerator, possibly named “Maia 2,” with Marvell contracted for its production.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Microsoft Build 2025: What to expect from Copilot, Windows 11 and AI agents

Microsoft's commitment to artificial intelligence and its Copilot initiative is ongoing, with a focus on AI at the upcoming Microsoft Build developer conference from May 19 to 22. The conference will highlight AI, which has become a central theme in recent years. CEO Satya Nadella and CTO Kevin Scott will host the opening keynote, available for viewing on the Build website, with real-time updates provided by Engadget. This year, discussions are expected to include the integration of AI agents into the Windows 11 Settings app, enhancements to File Explorer for easier file management, and upgrades to the start menu for app discovery. A notable feature for Copilot, called Copilot Vision, will allow the AI assistant to observe user activities and engage in relevant dialogue, with an expanded version teased for desktop environments. In March 2025, Microsoft introduced a "Researcher" tool within Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscribers, enabling research aggregation from various sources. There has been no announcement regarding its availability for free users, but potential plans may be revealed at Build 2025. Additionally, updates on Azure, .NET, and GitHub will be part of the conference agenda.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox features for PCs, useful tools for Windows 11, and more

Microsoft refreshed the Windows Health Dashboard, providing updated information on known bugs affecting Windows 11 version 24H2, including a fix for users unable to modify specific date and time settings and a workaround for difficulties with Windows updates via USB or CD media. A guide was shared on restoring Dolby Digital (AC-3) support in Windows 11 version 24H2, and two debloating applications, WinScript and NoBloatbox, were introduced for system optimization and bloatware removal. This week's preview builds for Windows 11 included a significant update for MIDI and allowed users to customize widgets on their lock screens. An update for the Microsoft Store now permits users to choose which components of games to download. Optical Character Recognition has returned in the Photos app for Windows Insiders with enhancements and bug fixes. Microsoft announced the dates for its upcoming developer conference, Build 2025, scheduled for May 19-22 in Seattle, Washington. Firefox 135 was released with a redesigned new tab page and privacy enhancements, while Microsoft Edge 133 launched with an updated downloads interface and an AI-powered scareware blocker. Chrome version 134 is set to enhance picture-in-picture mode. In gaming news, several Xbox titles, including Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Mythology: Retold, are being released for PlayStation 5. EA's Criterion Games is focused on the next Battlefield installment, leaving the future of Need for Speed uncertain. Microsoft will host the first ID@Xbox showcase on February 24, 2025. Valve updated Steam to include a banner for abandoned games, and Nvidia announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles, and Amazon Prime members have access to several free games.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: What’s next for Windows 11?

The Windows Central Podcast features hosts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden discussing the evolving landscape of Windows 11, including anticipated features and the integration of Selenium. They reflect on the Copilot+ PC's complexities and user satisfaction. The upcoming Build 2025 event is confirmed, with high expectations for attendees. The podcast also covers the rivalry between Qualcomm and Arm regarding Snapdragon laptops and its implications for the PC market.