Microsoft Entra Archives

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Windows 11’s Recall feature finally rolls out to AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs – here’s how to try it

Windows 11’s Recall feature is now available on all Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel processors, expanding from its initial exclusivity to Arm-based Snapdragon devices. The latest update, build 26120.2510, introduces both Recall and the Click to Do features, which are currently in a testing phase. Recall is an AI-driven search tool that helps users locate files using snapshots and natural language search. Microsoft has made privacy and security adjustments to Recall based on user feedback. The Click to Do feature allows quick actions with text or images from snapshots. Users interested in trying Recall must install the test build from the Dev channel, which requires registering for the Windows Insider Program and following specific update steps.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

Previewing More Copilot+ Experiences with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2510 (KB5048780) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs, including the Recall feature and an expansion of Click to Do (Preview). To join the Dev Channel, users must register for the Windows Insider Program, link their Microsoft account, select the Dev Channel, and check for updates. The Recall feature allows users to find apps, websites, images, or documents by describing their content and includes timeline control for revisiting past activities. The Cocreator feature in Microsoft Paint enables AI-assisted artwork generation from text prompts. The Photos app has been updated with Image Creator and Restyle Image features for generating new images and applying artistic styles to existing photos, respectively. Click to Do has been enhanced with new activation methods and intelligent text actions, allowing users to summarize or rewrite text. Additional changes include a modernized Windows Hello experience, improvements to the system tray, and various fixes for audio and application stability. Known issues include problems with Recall and Click to Do functionalities, which will be addressed in future updates. The Microsoft Store now supports direct updates for Win32 apps.

Winsage

November 23, 2024

Previewing Recall with Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 (KB5046723) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing features like Recall (Preview) and Click to Do (Preview) for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Users can join the Dev Channel by registering for the Windows Insider Program and selecting the Dev Channel in the settings. Recall allows users to search for previously interacted items on their PC using AI, requiring Windows Hello for authentication and enabling BitLocker and Secure Boot. Users can manage saved snapshots, delete unwanted ones, and ensure their data remains private. Recall detects sensitive information and does not save such snapshots. Click to Do integrates with Recall to enhance productivity by offering actions for recognized text and images within snapshots. This feature is also currently exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. The update includes various improvements and fixes across Windows 11 PCs, such as enhancements to Windows Hello, Narrator, and speech functionalities. Known issues with Recall and Click to Do will be addressed in future updates.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Windows security and resiliency: Protecting your business

Microsoft prioritizes security and is set to unveil new security advancements during Ignite 2024, including insights from a July incident and investments to enhance security measures. The Secure Future Initiative (SFI) has dedicated the equivalent of 34,000 full-time engineers to address security challenges. The upcoming November update will provide insights and actionable learnings for customers. The Windows Resiliency Initiative focuses on improving reliability, enabling more applications to run without admin privileges, implementing stronger controls over applications and drivers, and enhancing identity protection against phishing attacks. Quick Machine Recovery will allow IT administrators to execute fixes remotely, available to the Windows Insider Program in early 2025. Microsoft is evolving partnerships with endpoint security providers through the Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI) and is developing new capabilities for security product developers. A private preview for these capabilities will be available in July 2025, and Microsoft is transitioning to safer programming languages. Windows 11 is designed to be more secure than Windows 10, requiring a hardware-backed security baseline for new PCs. Features like Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security and the Microsoft Pluton security processor enhance security. Windows 11 has led to a reported 62% reduction in security incidents and a threefold decrease in firmware attacks. New features in Windows 11 address challenges such as overprivileged users, unverified apps, and insecure credentials. Administrator protection allows users to make system changes securely without persistent admin privileges. Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is emphasized, with Windows Hello serving as the built-in MFA solution. Smart App Control and App Control for Business policies ensure that only verified applications can run, while Windows Protected Print integrates with Mopria-certified devices to enhance security. Personal Data Encryption safeguards files in known folders, and Hotpatch allows critical security updates without system restarts. Zero Trust DNS restricts devices to approved domains, and Config Refresh helps maintain preferred configurations. Microsoft emphasizes collaboration with OEMs and app developers to ensure Windows is secure by design and default.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

KB5044384: Microsoft fixes Windows 11 24H2 UI, 8.63GB update data, SFC, DirectAccess bugs

Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11, version 24H2, identified as KB5044384 and build 26100.2161, categorized as a non-security preview update for October 2024. The update will be rolled out gradually and includes various enhancements and bug fixes. Key features include the ability to disable notification suggestions from specific apps, a redesigned Wi-Fi password dialog, new shortcuts for the Narrator, a Gamepad keyboard layout for Xbox controllers, and changes to the Start menu. Fixes address issues with ALT + Tab, scanner detection, web sign-in problems, and the Windows Disk Cleanup app. Additional quality improvements include a new button for detaching virtual hard disks, support for UTF-8 encoded SSIDs, the introduction of the Windows Sandbox Client Preview, and various UI fixes. The update also expands the list of drivers vulnerable to BYOVD attacks and resolves issues with the sfc /scannow command and DirectAccess connections.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 KB5044384 update fixes sfc /scannow corrupt file errors

Microsoft has released the optional KB5044384 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which includes twenty-four enhancements, such as fixing the sfc /scannow command's false corrupt file errors. This update is aimed at power users and IT administrators and can be installed via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 to build 26100.2161 and features gradual rollout, new notification management options, an updated Wi-Fi password dialog, new Narrator shortcuts, a new Gamepad keyboard layout, and fixes for various issues, including signing in to accounts from the web and inaccuracies in the Windows Disk Cleanup app. A known issue affects gamers on Arm devices, preventing them from downloading and playing Roblox. Compatibility holds are in place for certain Asus models and specific drivers and software that conflict with the new version. Windows 11 24H2 was officially released on October 1, 2024.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Windows 11 KB5044380 preview update lets you remap the Copilot key

Microsoft has released the optional KB5044380 Preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2, which includes seventeen enhancements. Key features include the ability to remap the Copilot keyboard key, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for Xbox controllers, and fixes for battery consumption issues during Modern Standby, as well as improvements for Microsoft Teams and product activation phone numbers. Users can install the update via Settings under Windows Update, and it upgrades Windows 11 23H2 to build 22631.4391 and 22H2 to build 22621.4391. The update also allows users to disable app notification suggestions and introduces new Narrator shortcuts. There are no known issues reported with this update.

Winsage

October 22, 2024

KB5044380: Windows 11 23H2 non-security update is available

Microsoft has begun rolling out non-security updates for Windows 11, identified as KB5044380, affecting both Enterprise and Education versions of Windows 11 version 22H2 and all editions of version 23H2. The updates include build numbers 22621.4391 and 22631.4391. Key features include the ability to configure the Windows 11 Copilot key, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and options to disable app notification suggestions. The update also introduces a new shortcut for the Narrator to copy spoken content, automatic reading of email messages in Outlook, and various fixes for battery drain, Microsoft Teams meeting access, and printer issues. Users can access the updates through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update under Optional updates. The rollout will occur gradually, and no known issues have been reported with this update.

Winsage

October 8, 2024

Windows 10 KB5044273 update released with 9 fixes, security updates

Microsoft has released the KB5044273 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2, which includes nine changes and essential security updates from October 2024 Patch Tuesday. Users can manually check for updates in Settings, and the update will automatically install. After installation, Windows 10 22H2 will be at build 19045.5011 and 21H2 at build 19044.5011. The update addresses several issues, including: 1. A new feature may reposition the profile picture and change the background color in the Start menu. 2. Resolves instances of Microsoft Edge becoming unresponsive in IE mode. 3. Fixes media playback issues with certain surround sound technologies. 4. Adjustments to the Microsoft Entra single sign-on notice for compliance with the European Digital Markets Act. 5. Updates to Country and Operator Settings Asset profiles for mobile operators. 6. Addresses unresponsiveness in Windows Server when using File Explorer and the taskbar. 7. Introduces opt-in notifications for Windows Update upon user sign-in. 8. Fixes directory enumeration issues related to lengthy symbolic link target names. 9. Resolves synchronization issues with Work Folders files when Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is active. A known issue persists where users may encounter 0x80070520 errors when changing their profile picture.

Winsage

October 3, 2024

How to enroll Windows IoT devices in Microsoft Intune | TechTarget

Device management in enterprises has evolved to include a wide range of devices, particularly IoT devices, which can now be enrolled and managed using Microsoft Intune alongside traditional operating systems. Windows IoT devices, used for applications like digital signage and medical devices, require specific management and enrollment strategies. There are different editions of Windows for IoT, including: - Windows IoT Enterprise: A comprehensive version designed for dedicated devices. - Windows Server IoT 2022: Offers enterprise-level management and security features. - Windows 10 IoT Core: A compact edition that runs a single application. Windows IoT Enterprise is commonly used for fixed-purpose devices and shares management capabilities with other Windows Enterprise devices due to their similar binary foundation. Management options for Windows IoT Enterprise include: - Microsoft Intune: A cloud-based management service. - Microsoft Configuration Manager: A management solution for when cloud options are unsuitable. - Azure Arc-enabled servers: For performance monitoring and settings auditing. Enrollment of Windows IoT Enterprise devices into Microsoft Intune is primarily done through a provisioning package, as Windows Autopilot does not officially support these devices. The steps to create a provisioning package using Windows Configuration Designer include: 1. Open the app and select "Provision desktop devices." 2. Provide project details (name, folder, description). 3. Set up device information (device name, product key, shared use, preinstalled software). 4. Specify network details (Wi-Fi). 5. Manage account settings (enroll in Microsoft Entra ID, refresh credentials, bulk token expiry). 6. Optionally add applications and certificates. 7. Review and create the package. To apply a provisioning package, administrators can do so during the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) or on existing devices by executing the package.