Windows 11 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 open sources Windows Subsystem for Linux

Microsoft has announced the open-sourcing of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which has evolved since its introduction in 2016. WSL was initially designed to enable Windows to run ELF executables natively through a compatibility layer. Compatibility challenges led to the development of WSL2, introduced to testers in 2019. By 2021, Microsoft decided to remove WSL code from the Windows ecosystem to align with the rapid updates of the Linux community. As of 2024, Microsoft has transitioned to a new WSL package, moving away from the original WSL component bundled with Windows. Nearly all previously closed code for WSL is now available on GitHub at Microsoft/WSL, allowing developers to contribute to its evolution. However, the kernel-side driver lxcore.sys and other related components remain part of Windows and are not open-sourced. Microsoft has acknowledged the community's role in shaping WSL but has not clarified the project's future management or the establishment of a steering committee.

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

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This marks the transition from Build 22635.5305, the last update for version 23H2. All Beta Channel Insiders will be automatically upgraded to the latest version. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to perform tasks like editing images or summarizing documents directly from the context menu. Currently supported image actions are Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, with support for .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. New AI actions for Microsoft 365 files, such as Summarize and Create an FAQ, will be introduced soon, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription and enrollment in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Advanced settings have been redesigned and are now accessible via Settings > System > Advanced, including options for enabling long paths, managing virtual workspaces, and displaying Git information in File Explorer. Changes and improvements include added text descriptions for assistive technologies in the Accessibility flyout, notifications for incomplete search results in the Windows search box, and a new visual experience for the widgets board. User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management has been introduced to reduce power consumption during inactivity. Fixes include resolving issues with core Windows surfaces in safe mode, maximizing File Explorer, and loading Bluetooth information in Settings. Known issues involve incorrect build version display post-PC reset, bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers, and ongoing investigations into various features. Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will be based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may not be widely released as they are subject to testing and feedback.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Microsoft’s Edit on Windows is a new command line text editor

Microsoft introduced a new command-line text editor, Edit on Windows, during its Build conference. This open-source tool allows developers to edit files directly within the command prompt by typing “edit” and is designed to enhance the developer experience. Edit on Windows is less than 250KB in size and includes features such as key bindings for menu options, support for multiple files with ctrl + P shortcut, find and replace functionality with match case and regular expression support, and word wrapping capabilities. The motivation for creating Edit was to provide a default CLI text editor for 64-bit versions of Windows, which previously lacked an integrated command-line editor. Edit on Windows will be available through the Windows Insider program in the upcoming months. Additionally, Microsoft is rebranding Windows Dev Home to Advanced Windows Settings, which will simplify customization for developers and integrate additional features into the main Windows 11 settings interface.

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.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Microsoft Triumphs: Resolves Long-Standing Windows Bug from Last Year

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update, version 24H2, released in May 2025, resolves a dual-boot issue caused by the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) feature that made Linux partitions unbootable for many users. Additionally, Microsoft has launched a new 13-inch Surface Laptop, which is the lightest and thinnest version ever produced, weighing 2.7 lbs, and emphasizing portability and performance with advanced AI features.

Winsage

May 18, 2025

This free Windows 11 tool actually makes the File Explorer bearable

Microsoft's File Explorer has introduced a tab-based layout, but users still find it lacking in functionalities. The Explorer Tab Utility enhances the experience by integrating with Windows to transform new File Explorer windows into tabs. It offers hotkey commands for quick access, such as Win + E for the Home page and Ctrl + D to duplicate tabs. Users can customize hotkeys and create custom commands by specifying a name, hotkeys, scope, and action. Actions include opening File Explorer, conducting a tab search, and managing tab visibility. The utility provides a simple setup process and can be managed through a taskbar icon.

Winsage

May 18, 2025

Microsoft Confirms New Update Locks Windows 10 — Or Worse. Here’s What To Do

Windows 10 users are facing issues due to the mandatory KB5058379 update, which has caused some PCs to boot into Windows Recovery mode and prompted the need for a BitLocker key. Some users have also experienced a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The update primarily affects devices with Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) using 10th generation or later Intel vPro processors, particularly on Windows 10 versions 22H2 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021. Microsoft is working on a resolution and plans to release an Out-of-band update soon. Affected users are advised to disable Intel TXT in the BIOS to complete the update successfully and avoid further issues. Windows 11 is not impacted by this problem.