Microsoft Entra Archives

Winsage

June 6, 2025

AI-powered Relight and Search now available in Microsoft Photos

The Microsoft Photos app has been updated on Windows 11, introducing new features for Copilot+ PCs. The Relight feature allows users to adjust lighting in images by positioning up to three light sources, changing light color, and setting a focus point, with additional brightness and intensity controls. Built-in presets are also available for quick application. This feature will initially be available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered devices coming soon. The app now includes improved photo search using natural language, enabling users to find images by descriptive phrases. For commercial users signed in with Microsoft Entra ID, access to Restyle Image and Image Creator is now available. Users should update their Photos app to version 2025.11060.5006.0 or higher to access these features.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft is done being subtle – this new tool screams “upgrade now”

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as the end of support deadline approaches. To facilitate this upgrade, Microsoft has introduced Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool designed to streamline backups and assist businesses in migrating to Windows 11. This tool, announced at Microsoft Ignite in November 2024 and currently in limited public preview, helps organizations back up and restore Windows settings during device resets or reimaging. It aims to reduce troubleshooting, ensure smoother transitions, and enhance productivity by minimizing downtime. To use this tool, systems must be Microsoft Entra joined, and organizations need an active Microsoft Intune test tenant with Intune service administrator permissions. As of April 2025, Windows 10 holds a 52.9% market share, while Windows 11 has 43.7%. Microsoft must upgrade a significant portion of its user base by the deadline or encourage enrollment in the Extended Security Updates program.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft unveils “centralized” software update tool for Windows

Microsoft is developing a Windows-native update orchestration platform to improve the software updating experience for IT administrators and end-users. This platform aims to streamline the management of updates across various applications and components within the Windows ecosystem, reducing confusion caused by independent updates for different products. Currently in private preview, developers can access the platform through Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs and PowerShell commands by registering as update providers. The orchestrator will intelligently defer updates based on user activity and system performance, and it will automatically reschedule failed attempts. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing Windows Backup for Organizations to assist with the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This feature simplifies the backup and restoration of settings for Windows 10 and 11 devices. To use this functionality, devices must be Microsoft Entra hybrid joined or Microsoft Entra joined and running a supported version of Windows. The restore feature is compatible only with Microsoft Entra joined devices running Windows 11, version 22H2 and later. The Windows Backup for Organizations feature is currently in a limited public preview for select members of the Microsoft Management Customer Connection Program.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft opens Windows Update to third-party apps

Microsoft has introduced a Windows Update orchestration platform to enhance the update experience for app developers and management tool vendors by centralizing update scheduling across Windows 11 devices. A select group of developers will have access to this framework, which allows applications to register their own update logic through WinRT APIs and PowerShell, enabling centralized scheduling, logging, and policy enforcement. The platform supports MSIX/APPX and Win32 apps that use designated APIs and commands, and is currently available as a private preview. Additionally, Microsoft has launched Windows Backup for Organizations, now in limited public preview, designed to back up Windows 10 and 11 devices while preserving user settings. This service is intended to facilitate system migrations and provide a safeguard against malware or ransomware. Specific requirements for participation include having a supported version of Windows and being enrolled in certain Microsoft programs.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Upgrading to Windows 11 just got easier – Microsoft introduces a new business backup tool

Windows has introduced a new backup tool for organizations, currently in limited public preview, designed to assist in backing up Windows settings during the resetting or reimaging of user devices. This tool supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11, facilitating smoother migration to Windows 11. It was announced at Microsoft Ignite in 2024 and aims to reduce migration overhead and user disruption. Organizations must operate Microsoft Entra joined Windows systems, have an active Microsoft Intune test tenant, and possess Microsoft Intune service administrator permissions to participate in the preview. Additionally, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for businesses unable to upgrade to Windows 11 before Windows 10's end of support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft has also introduced a feature for developers that allows software to seek updates via Windows Update for a more unified app update experience.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Windows 10 relocation assistance with “Windows Backup for Organizations”

Microsoft is launching a public preview of "Windows Backup for Organizations" to facilitate the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool allows for the backup of settings from Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and enables restoration on devices integrated with Microsoft Entra. The initiative aims to streamline the migration process as Windows 10 support ends on October 14. Devices must be "Microsoft Entra joined" or "Microsoft Entra hybrid joined," running a supported version of Windows 10 or 11, with full functionality requiring Windows 11 22H2 or newer, Microsoft Entra integration, and active Microsoft Intune test tenant and administrator rights. Interested participants can apply through a designated form. Additionally, Microsoft introduced a migration assistant within the Insider Beta preview of Windows 11 to simplify transferring files and settings from old PCs to new ones.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft introduces new Windows backup tool for businesses

Microsoft has launched Windows Backup for Organizations, a backup solution for enterprises currently in limited public preview. It allows organizations to back up and restore user Windows settings after device resets or reimaging, aiming to reduce migration overhead, minimize user disruption, and strengthen device resilience. The tool supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems joined to Microsoft Entra. Companies must register and have an active Microsoft Intune test tenant with administrator permissions to participate in the preview. Microsoft advises organizations to enroll Windows 10 endpoints in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program if they cannot transition to Windows 11 by October 14, 2025, and has announced that home users can also opt for an additional year of security updates through the ESU program for a fee. Additionally, Microsoft introduced a new update orchestration platform to unify the updating system across Windows environments.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Can Microsoft Turn PC And Cloud Dominance Into AI Supremacy?

Microsoft is advancing an "agentic" future in enterprise computing by leveraging its strengths in Windows PCs and Azure cloud. At Build 2025, executives presented a vision of an "open agentic web" where intelligent software agents operate across devices and applications. Currently, 15 million developers use GitHub Copilot, and 90% of Fortune 500 firms have developed AI agents using Microsoft tools. GitHub Copilot is evolving into a proactive coding agent capable of performing complex development tasks autonomously. Azure AI Foundry is introduced as a unified environment for AI applications, hosting over 1,900 AI models and enabling enterprises to select optimal models for their needs. Windows is transforming into an AI platform with features like AI-driven shortcuts and local AI model access. The Model Context Protocol (MCP) and NLWeb are central to Microsoft's strategy, promoting openness and interoperability among AI agents. Copilot Tuning allows organizations to customize AI agents for specific business contexts, while Copilot Studio supports multi-agent orchestration. Microsoft's integrated AI approach contrasts with competitors like Google and Amazon, positioning it as a leader in providing comprehensive AI solutions.

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.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Neon Serverless Postgres: Azure Native Integration Now Available

Microsoft and Neon have launched Neon Serverless Postgres as a native integration within the Azure ecosystem, following its initial preview in December 2024. This open-source, serverless database solution is positioned as an alternative to AWS Aurora Postgres. Key features include automatic scaling, branching capabilities, direct database connection from Azure, Azure CLI and SDK support, and Semantic Kernel integration for RAG pipelines. Microsoft has invested millions in Neon as part of a broader funding round to enhance collaboration. Neon’s platform includes autoscaling, branching, and point-in-time restore capabilities, specifically designed for AI applications. EnterpriseDB has appointed Nancy Hensley as Chief Product Officer to lead growth for its EDB Postgres AI platform, which supports various workloads and modernizes legacy systems. Additionally, companies are increasingly adopting passwordless authentication methods, with MojoAuth offering solutions that integrate into applications to enhance security and user experience.