multi-monitor Archives

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft takes Remote Desktop app out back

Support for Microsoft's Remote Desktop application will cease on May 27, 2024, transitioning users to the newly introduced Windows App. The Windows App offers unified access to various Windows services but has received mixed reactions from users. The Remote Desktop app will be removed from the Microsoft Store, requiring users to adapt to the Windows App for services like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. Users must have a school or work account to use the Windows App, which includes features like customizable home screens and multi-monitor support, but lacks certain functionalities such as Private Link support and local Start Menu integration. After May 27, connections via the Remote Desktop app will be blocked.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Windows 11 Patch Tuesday tweaks taskbar and adds handy icon in system tray for AI effects

Windows 11's latest Patch Tuesday updates include several enhancements and fixes: - Taskbar: Improved visual previews and smoother animations for taskbar applications. - Windows Studio Effects: New system tray icon for applications using Windows Studio Effects, with access to the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings. - Fonts: Introduction of Simsun-ExtG, a new simplified Chinese font supporting 9,753 ideographs. - File Explorer: New "New Folder" option in the context menu, restoration of previously open tabs, automatic activation of specific settings, and several fixes related to search functionality and icon updates. - Settings: Users can change time zones without administrative privileges. - Mouse: Fixed issues with cursor disappearance, transparency, and performance. - Pinyin IME: Bug fix for language switching. - Snipping Tool: Resolved distortion issues for multi-monitor screenshots. - Microsoft Excel 2016: Fixed loading screen issue for certain files. - Game Bar: Fixed recording failure issue. - HDR: Corrected oversaturation issues in some games. - DAC: Fixed playback issues with USB audio devices. - USB audio device drivers: Resolved code 10 error message. - Chinese Pinyin IME: Bing no longer provides automatic suggestions for certain search engines. - USB cameras: Fixed recognition issues post-January 2025 security update. - Passkey: Eliminated one-minute timeout for mobile device passkeys. - Power: Improved shutdown times with connected controllers. - Wi-Fi: Resolved unresponsive Windows Security dialog when signing into certain networks.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to Use Windows on Meta Quest 3 Headsets

At Ignite 2024, Microsoft announced enhanced support for Windows applications on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices, allowing users to access Microsoft’s suite of tools without additional software. Users can create multiple virtual windows for multitasking, such as switching between Microsoft Teams and spreadsheets. Previously, users accessed Windows apps via Air Link, Remote Desktop in Horizon Workrooms, or third-party software. The new integration allows streaming from a Windows 11 PC or virtual Windows Cloud PC, enabling quick access to Windows applications in an XR environment. This functionality includes creating multiple virtual monitors or a single large monitor while maintaining visibility of physical surroundings. The experience is supported by a program called “Volumetric Apps.” Microsoft has discontinued its “Windows Mixed Reality” platform but continues to support XR innovators. Microsoft also announced the end of software support for HoloLens 2 in 2027 and hinted at a new deal with Samsung for OLED displays for a future mixed-reality headset.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

Save big on last-minute gifts with Microsoft Store’s Countdown Sale, featuring discounts on Surface Copilot+ PCs, Xbox and PC games, and more

The Microsoft Store is hosting a Countdown Sale with significant discounts on gaming and entertainment products, offering fast and free 2-3-day shipping and flexible payment options. Discounts include up to 50% on PC games, up to 60% on Xbox games, up to 65% on select movies and TV shows, and up to 50% on select apps. Xbox Wireless controllers are discounted until December 22. Customers purchasing the Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition will receive a bonus console wrap until January 1, 2025. Surface devices are also discounted, with offers valid until December 24. A limited-time trade-in offer provides up to 0 cash back for eligible devices until December 31. The Microsoft Store offers free extended returns, 24/7 online support, and price protection through January 31, 2025. An AI-powered Store Assistant is available to help customers find gifts.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Finally! Meta Quest VR headsets can now connect to your Windows 11 PC — with up to 3 virtual monitors

Microsoft has partnered with Meta to introduce Windows 11 to Meta Quest headsets, allowing users to integrate their PC environments into mixed reality. This experience is currently available in public preview. The application, which can be downloaded from the store, connects with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, enabling access to Windows 11 PCs with up to three virtual monitors. The app is free to use and allows users to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings. Known issues include problems with Teams calls, audio routing, the Ctrl-Alt-Delete command terminating connections, lingering inactive connections, and potential quality issues with multiple displays if the PC's graphics specifications are insufficient. Microsoft plans to address these issues and incorporate user feedback. Meta's Quest VR headsets have gained popularity, particularly with the launch of the budget-friendly Quest 3S, and have attracted major gaming franchises and collaborations for mixed reality projects.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Immersive productivity with Windows and Meta Quest

The full capabilities of Windows 11 are now accessible on mixed reality headsets, starting with the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, through a collaboration between Microsoft and Meta. Users can engage in a public preview that allows seamless access to local Windows PCs or Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Connecting a Quest headset to a local PC is straightforward; users can press “Windows + Y” to generate a QR code for scanning. The Windows App on Meta Quest devices provides secure access to Windows 365 Cloud PCs, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. The Meta Quest headset allows users to utilize multiple high-resolution virtual monitors, enhancing productivity while maintaining awareness of their physical environment through the Passthrough feature. This experience is part of an experimental feature rolling out with the v72 software update for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, which will be deployed gradually.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Microsoft launches Mixed Reality Link for Windows 11 — connect your PC to your Meta Quest headset!

Microsoft has launched the Mixed Reality Link app for Windows 11, allowing users to connect their PCs to Meta Quest 3 and 3S headsets. The app enables the use of up to three virtual displays in a VR environment. It is currently in preview and is exclusive to the latest Meta Quest models, with Quest 2 and Quest Pro users awaiting future updates. The app is available for download on the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

2024 – A year in recap

The Windows Accessibility team is focused on making Windows 11 the most inclusive operating system by engaging with the disability community for feedback. Key improvements include enhanced performance for assistive technologies like Narrator and Voice Access, which now features quicker deactivation in scan mode, consistent performance during prolonged use, expanded language support, improved speech recognition accuracy, multi-monitor setup support, and the ability to issue commands through Voice Access. Users can create custom voice shortcuts for specific actions, and new keyboard shortcuts have been introduced for Narrator. AI-generated image descriptions are now more detailed, and users can request descriptions on demand. The team has prioritized reliability, addressing critical issues in assistive tools, and has improved the Spellings & Corrections experience. Users are encouraged to provide feedback and seek assistance through the Disability Answer Desk.

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

Microsoft could tempt PC gamers away from Chrome with nifty new ‘Game Assist’ mode for its Edge browser

Microsoft is testing a new feature called Game Assist in its Edge browser, specifically for PC gamers, as part of the Edge beta version 132. Game Assist integrates into the Game Bar on Windows 11, allowing players to access a compact Edge panel for browsing online tips and guides without disrupting gameplay. Currently, it supports only the English language and a limited selection of games, including Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo IV, Fortnite, and League of Legends. If successful, it may increase the adoption rate of Microsoft Edge among gamers.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Windows 11 KB5046732 23H2 out with new features, direct download .msu

Windows 11 has released an optional update, KB5046732, for versions 23H2 and 22H2, accessible via Windows Update or direct download from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Installing this update upgrades users to Windows 11 Build 22631.4541, introducing several changes: - The "Tailored Experiences" feature is now called "Personalized Offers" and is located in the Privacy & Security section. - Touchscreen settings now allow disabling edge gestures, and mouse options include pointer precision and scroll direction controls. - The taskbar features a more compact date and time format, with the notification bell icon disappearing when "Do Not Disturb" is activated. - File Explorer enhancements enable sharing content directly to Android devices via the context menu, and it resolves spacing issues and search box functionality in smaller windows. - The Start menu allows pinned apps to display jump lists, and users can open items with administrative privileges using Shift and CTRL. - The Dynamic Lighting Settings page shows placeholder messages for unconnected devices and new directional options for lighting effects. - Task Manager's disconnect and log-off dialogs now support dark mode, and users can view disk types in the Performance section. Additional improvements include enhanced audio streaming for Bluetooth LE devices, a fix for mouse issues in multi-monitor setups, resolution of Windows activation problems after motherboard replacements, fixes for IPP USB printer-related system freezes, and more secure operation for Windows Search processes. The update is being rolled out gradually.