future updates Archives

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Arm PCs are getting even better at emulation with the latest beta build

Windows 11 build 27744 in the Canary channel enhances the Prism emulator, allowing broader support for x86-based applications on Arm devices. This update includes support for additional CPU extensions such as AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, improving compatibility with various applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro 2025. The new features are limited to 64-bit x86 applications, with future updates expected to address the limitations for 32-bit apps. Additionally, the build introduces a new gamepad keyboard, reinstates the option to detach a virtual hard disk from the Settings app, and includes minor improvements to Task Manager. Fixes address issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Clipboard History, Windows Sandbox performance, dynamic refresh rates, and remote desktop connections. Users in the Canary channel can access the update by checking for updates on their PCs.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows 11 build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) fixes multi-monitor desktop background and more

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) in the Dev Channel. Key changes include the temporary suspension of the Gamepad keyboard feature, improvements to the Start menu, and enhancements for users typing in Chinese or Japanese, such as hiding the IME toolbar in full-screen mode. Fixes include enhanced reliability and corrected spacing in the Start menu, adjustments in File Explorer for navigation pane padding and RAW image display, taskbar improvements including a search box for auto-hide settings, and general fixes for all users addressing game launch issues and Task Manager display problems. Known issues include a problem with desktop backgrounds not displaying correctly across multiple monitors. Windows Insiders receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually and subject to change based on feedback.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Google could soon address several key issues in Pixel Screenshots app (APK teardown)

Google is preparing a significant update for the Pixel Screenshots app, which will include several new features: - Two new app shortcuts for quick access to the Gallery and Camera. - A new gesture for selecting multiple screenshots. - The ability to incorporate multiple images from other applications. - Enhanced actions for interacting with email addresses and phone numbers in screenshots. The app's home page will be updated to allow users to view all screenshots directly, replacing the current arrow icon with a layout option. A long-press and drag gesture will facilitate selecting multiple screenshots. New shortcuts will be accessible through a long-press on the app icon. The update will also improve integration with the Android system share sheet and provide options for managing email addresses and phone numbers from screenshots. These features are expected to be rolled out in future updates.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 Update Removes Xbox Gamepad Keyboard Feature After Bugs Plagued It

Microsoft has withdrawn the 'Gamepad keyboard' feature from the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update due to unresolved bugs. The feature, aimed at enhancing text input for Xbox controllers and other gaming devices, was disabled in the latest preview update, and users can no longer access it. Microsoft has not provided specific details about the bugs and has omitted the feature from their release notes, indicating a delay in its rollout. The Gamepad keyboard was first introduced in September 2024 and was expected to be part of the October update. Despite this setback, Microsoft has stated that the feature will return in future updates.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Valorant is winning the war against PC gaming cheaters

In 2020, multiplayer games experienced a surge in cheating during COVID-19 lockdowns, with titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, and Destiny 2 struggling against aimbots and wallhacks. Riot Games launched Valorant with its anti-cheat system, Vanguard, which has effectively deterred cheat developers. Vanguard employs a kernel-level driver that detects unauthorized access attempts and has led to a decrease in traditional software cheats, although some cheaters have shifted to hardware solutions like direct memory access (DMA) techniques. Vanguard has also been successful in detecting and blocking suspicious hardware-level DMA attempts. Currently, triggerbots account for about 80 percent of cheats in Valorant. Vanguard was introduced to League of Legends, resulting in over 175,000 account bans. A study from the University of Birmingham indicated that Valorant has the top anti-cheat system, while other games like Call of Duty: Warzone continue to struggle. Riot is exploring collaborations with Microsoft to enhance security and may adjust Vanguard's activation based on Windows 11 features. There are no plans for Linux support due to risks of kernel manipulation. The potential rise of AI-powered cheats presents a new challenge, as AI could replicate human gameplay, complicating anti-cheat efforts.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Respawn blocks Linux users from Apex Legends

Respawn Entertainment has announced that Linux users will no longer have access to Apex Legends due to significant cheating issues associated with the operating system. This change affects Steam Deck users, as the device operates on Linux by default. Players can still access the game on the Steam Deck if they install Windows instead of using Linux. The decision does not impact players using Steam on Windows or other supported platforms.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

This useful Windows tool will vanish from Microsoft Store today, here’s how to keep using it

Paint 3D has been officially delisted from the Microsoft Store, although users who have it installed can continue to use it without interruption. No further updates or new features will be introduced for the app. Microsoft is likely to phase out Paint 3D in the future, as the cessation of updates typically indicates a complete discontinuation. Users are encouraged to consider alternatives for their 3D content needs, with Microsoft suggesting its 3D Viewer app as a replacement. The decision to phase out Paint 3D follows its exclusion from new Windows 10 installations in 2021 and reflects a reevaluation of Microsoft's 3D strategy due to the lack of anticipated success with related initiatives.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 issue causes File Explorer menu to appear outside the screen

In the Windows 11 24H2 update, users have reported that the three-dot menu in File Explorer becomes unreadable in full-screen mode, appearing at the top of the screen instead of below the three dots. This misalignment makes it difficult to access menu options while in full-screen mode. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and plans to address it in future updates, with a significant optional update scheduled for the last week of November and a Patch Tuesday update on November 12. These updates will also include fixes for other critical issues. Regular updates for Windows 11 24H2 will resume in January after a pause in December.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

This simple trick bypasses New Outlook for Windows install on your PC

Microsoft has changed its policies regarding the enablement and disablement of the New Outlook for Windows and Outlook for the web, leading to user dissatisfaction, particularly among those who prefer the Classic Outlook. A Reddit user discovered a method to bypass the installation of the New Outlook by uninstalling it, pausing its installation in the Microsoft Store, and closing the Store, creating a loop that prevents the New Outlook from appearing upon restarting the computer. However, this workaround may not be a permanent solution, as Microsoft could address it in future updates.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Best use cases for an NPU in your Windows 11 laptop

In 2024, many Windows laptops are equipped with dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to enhance computing capabilities by efficiently handling AI workloads. Laptops featuring Intel Core Ultra processors, Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, or AMD 7040 series or later utilize NPUs. Windows Studio Effects allows users to enable features like background blur and eye contact during video calls, utilizing the NPU for energy-efficient processing. Amuse 2.1 is a generative AI application that performs text-to-image generation on-device using an NPU, although it currently lacks support for Intel's NPUs. Adobe Premiere Pro incorporates AI-driven features leveraging Ryzen AI hardware, and GIMP offers text-to-image generation through the OpenVINO plugin for Intel Core Ultra CPUs. Users with Snapdragon-powered laptops have access to features like live captions and image enhancements, with more AI capabilities expected in Windows 11 by 2025.