Windows Studio Effects Archives

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Windows 11 KB5055627 update released with 30 new changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5055627 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which introduces new features and bug fixes. This update is part of optional non-security preview updates and does not include security updates. Users can install it via Settings under Windows Update or download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.3915 and includes features such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), improved Windows Search, Narrator enhancements, Phone Link, interactive Widgets, curated views in File Explorer, updated Settings for app recommendations, and Windows Studio Effects. It also addresses bugs related to blue screen errors, DHCP Client connectivity issues, Windows Hello functionality, and provides estimated offline times for updates. Notable issues include potential installation blocks for Citrix components and download issues for Roblox players on Windows Arm devices, with workarounds available.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Windows 11 KB5055523 & KB5055528 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5055523 for version 24H2 and KB5055528 for version 23H2. These updates address security vulnerabilities and system issues and include critical security patches from the April 2025 Patch Tuesday. The build number for Windows 11 24H2 will update to Build 26100.3775, while 23H2 will change to 226x1.5191. New features include: - Enhanced Windows Search powered by semantic indexing models. - Improved search for cloud-stored photos on Copilot+ PCs. - A Gamepad keyboard layout added to the touch keyboard. - A new system tray icon for easier access to emoji and panels. - Live captions and real-time translation for communication on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. - "Top cards" in Settings for quick access to PC specifications. - Voice access now supports natural language commands and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. - Lock screen widgets available on devices in the European Economic Area (EEA). - An icon in the system tray for apps using Windows Studio Effects. - General fixes for various system reliability issues. Some persistent issues include problems playing Roblox from the Store on ARM PCs and an incorrect Event 7023 error regarding SgrmBroker.exe. Users are encouraged to install the updates promptly.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

Get a Windows 11 Pro license for only $9.99

A Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license is available at a discounted price of .99, down from its regular price of 9, for a limited time. The offer can be accessed using the coupon code WINDOWS, valid until March 17. This deal allows for the purchase of the license for two devices at .97. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as a new interface, biometric login, DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming, multitasking capabilities, and enterprise-level features like BitLocker and Remote Desktop access. The deal is available for digital purchase worldwide.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: super-fast file managers for Windows 11, faster Edge, new builds, and more

Microsoft Edge has received performance improvements, particularly for lower-end devices, with the latest version 132 enhancing the user interface. Alternatives to File Explorer for Windows 10 and 11, such as File Pilot, are emerging. Support for Windows 95 has ended in a widely-used application, and Microsoft has released several updates for the Windows Insider Program, including new builds for Windows 11 and 10. The Snipping Tool app has been updated to include a cropping tool for easier editing of screen recordings. Microsoft clarified that a feature to keep Microsoft Accounts always signed in will not be implemented at this time. Additionally, a significant update patched high-severity vulnerabilities in Edge, and the Edge Add-ons website has been revamped. Finalwire's AIDA64 has dropped support for Windows 95, 98, and Me. Battery Flyout has been updated to generate detailed battery reports. Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers can expect new game releases in February 2025, including titles like Avowed and EA Sports F1 24. Sea of Thieves has introduced new content in Season 15, and GTA V on PC will receive an upgrade on March 4. Xbox consoles can now support external hard drives larger than 16TB. The GeForce NOW streaming service has added new titles to its library.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Windows 11 and 10 receive key security improvements

Microsoft has released significant updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10, focusing on system security and user-friendly features. The February 2025 update includes security patches and functional improvements for both operating systems. For Windows 11 users on versions 23H2 and 24H2, notable features include automatic tab restoration in File Explorer, quick access to Windows Studio Effects from the taskbar for devices with Neural Processing Units (NPU), refined taskbar app preview animations, and improvements to Auto HDR for better visual clarity in games. Additionally, issues with slow shutdowns when game controllers are connected and USB camera recognition have been addressed. For Windows 10 users on builds 19044.5487 and 19045.5487, the update integrates the new Outlook app into the system menu while preserving existing email settings and fixes a virtual memory leak issue that caused crashes in resource-intensive applications. Both updates address 55 security vulnerabilities, including: - CVE-2025-21391: risk of unauthorized file deletion in Windows storage - CVE-2025-21377: NTLM hash leakage potentially compromising user accounts - CVE-2025-21194: flaw in the hypervisor that could bypass UEFI security Users are advised to install these updates promptly due to the increased risk of exploitation. Some features will be rolled out gradually over the coming weeks.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for

Microsoft has introduced a new icon on the Windows 11 taskbar that provides access to AI-driven Windows Studio Effects, which enhance video call quality with features like background blurring, simulated direct eye contact, improved lighting, and user centering. The icon appears when compatible applications are using the webcam, allowing users to see which application is accessing it, thus enhancing privacy. However, the feature is limited to devices with specific hardware requirements, including 16GB of RAM and a CPU with a neural processing unit (NPU), potentially restricting access for many users. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to promote AI features, but user feedback has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of traditional taskbar functionalities and questioning the necessity of these enhancements for professional use.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Don’t ignore Microsoft’s February Patch Tuesday – it’s a big one for all Windows 11 users

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday updates, released on February 11, include KB5051987 for Windows 11 24H2 and KB5051989 for Windows 11 23H2. The updates introduce enhancements to the Taskbar and File Explorer, including improved previews and animations for Taskbar icons, a new icon in the System Tray for Windows Studio Effects, and a new simplified Chinese font named Simsun-ExtG. A feature allowing certain applications to automatically restart after signing back in has also been added. File Explorer now includes a "New Folder" command in the context menu and can restore previously open tabs at logon. The updates fix various bugs, including issues with Auto HDR in games, playback interruptions for USB audio devices, and problems with USB audio drivers. They also address issues from the January 2025 security update, such as USB camera recognition and slower shutdown processes with connected controllers. On the security side, the update resolves 56 vulnerabilities, three of which are critical. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-21391 (file deletion), CVE-2025-21418 (remote code execution), CVE-2025-21377 (authentication spoofing), and CVE-2025-21376 (malicious code execution). The updates are set to install automatically, but users can check for updates manually through Windows Update.

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

February 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5051987 & KB5051989 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11, KB5051987 and KB5051989, for versions 24H2 and 23H2, respectively. These updates are mandatory and include the February 2025 Patch Tuesday security enhancements. The build number for Windows 11 24H2 will be updated to Build 26100.3194, and for 23H2 to 226x1.4890. Key features and fixes include: - Taskbar: Enhancements to app previews and animations. - Windows Studio Effects: New system tray icon for compatible applications using a neural processing unit (NPU). - Fonts: Introduction of Simsun-ExtG, a new simplified Chinese font with 9,753 ideographs. - File Explorer: New "New Folder" command, restoration of previously open tabs, and automatic activation of specific settings. Several issues fixed, including search behavior and file properties. - HDR: Fixed oversaturation issues in some games with Auto HDR. - USB audio devices: Resolved issues with USB 1.0 DAC audio drivers and fixed code 10 error messages. - Chinese Pinyin IME: Bing will stop providing automatic suggestions for specific search engines. - USB cameras: Fixed recognition issues post-January 2025 security update. - Passkey: Removed the one-minute timeout for mobile usage. - Power: Addressed slow shutdown issues with connected controllers. - Wi-Fi: Fixed unresponsiveness in Windows Security dialog when signing into certain networks. Microsoft reports no new issues following these updates. Users can check for updates manually to receive the latest enhancements.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 11 update fixes two actively exploited vulnerabilities, among others.

The latest Windows 11 update, released on February 11, 2025, addresses two critical zero-day vulnerabilities that allow malicious actors to delete files and gain unrestricted system-level access. Users are encouraged to implement the update promptly for security. The update also introduces an improved taskbar preview feature for better multitasking and a new system tray icon for applications supporting Windows Studio Effects, particularly on devices with a neural processing unit.