What could be more cool than the Windows Snipping tool? How about it's functionality from a keyboard shortcut!

 

We are testing a new process for delivering new feature improvements to our customers outside of major Windows 10 feature updates. Through the Windows Feature Experience Pack, we can improve certain features and experiences that are now developed independently of the OS. Currently, only a limited number of features are being developed this way, so we are starting out very scoped. By testing this process first with Windows Insiders, we hope to expand the scope and the frequency of releases in the future. Eventually, Windows Feature Experience Pack updates will get folded into the already existing servicing process for Windows 10 and delivered to customers that way through Windows Update.

Today, we are releasing Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.1070.0 to the Beta Channel. This update includes the following improvements:

Based on Insider feedback, you can now use the built-in screen snipping experience in Windows (WIN + SHIFT + S) to create a snip of your screen and paste it directly into a folder of your choice in File Explorer to save the screenshot there. Try it out!

Using the touch keyboard in a portrait posture on a 2-in-1 touch device now supports split keyboard mode.

Windows Feature Experience Pack updates will be delivered to Insiders through Windows Update just like builds and cumulative updates are. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel can go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates to receive the Windows Feature Experience Pack update. Please note that in order to receive this update, Insiders in the Beta Channel will need to have 20H2 Build 19042.662 installed. Insiders will need to reboot to enable the above mentioned improvements and can check their Windows Feature Experience Pack version by going to Settings > System > About.

www.windows.com

How to get the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Beginning today (17th Oct 2017) at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will start rolling out to Windows 10 PCs across the world in phases, starting with newer machines first.

As with the Creators Update, the key to our phased approach is actively listening to all available feedback mechanisms and making the appropriate product updates during the rollout. This allows us to provide a high-quality experience for the broadest set of users at an accelerated rate, while also continually increasing the quality and security of Windows 10. This was our approach with the Creators Update released in April and user feedback on this approach was very positive.

For the best experience, we recommend you wait until Windows 10 is automatically offered to your device. You don’t have to do anything to get the update; it will roll out automatically to you through Windows Update if you’ve chosen to have updates installed automatically on your device. Once the download is complete and the update is ready to install, we’ll check with you, so you can pick the right time to finish the installation and reboot.  We do this so we can ensure the update does not disrupt you, and we use active hours to help suggest a good time.

If you don’t want to wait for the update to roll out to you, you can manually check for updates on your personal PC using the steps below. This will only work if your device is eligible to get the Fall Creators Update as part of the initial roll out phase. Alternatively, you can manually get the update today via the Software Download Site. This option is only recommended for advanced users on devices running a licensed version of Windows 10. If you’re using a Windows 10 PC at work, you will need to check with your IT administrator for details on your organization’s specific plans to update.

blogs.windows.com

Microsoft starts rolling out Windows 10 November 2019 Update

12th Nov 2019: Microsoft started rolling out the free Windows 10 November 2019 Update. For those keeping track, this update is Windows 10 build 18363 and will bring Windows 10 to version 1909. You can grab it from Windows Update when it’s served to you, or try to download it manually (when available in your region).

Windows 10 is being developed as a service, meaning it receives new features on a regular basis. Microsoft has released seven major updates so far: November Update, Anniversary Update, Creators Update, Fall Creators Update, April 2018 Update, October 2018 Update, and May 2019 Update. The eighth one arrives this month.

Update - PM 15/11/2019: I have updated my laptop to Win10Pro v1909 - a really fast upgrade: 5-10 mins including download, install & reboot! No visible differences - some minor changes.

www.venturebeat.com

Windows 10 21H2 preview is now available - if you would like to play...

 

Hello Windows Insiders, today we are releasing 21H2 Build 19044.1200 (KB5005101) to the Release Preview Channel.

This update will be offered automatically for Windows Insiders already on Windows 10, version 21H2 in the Release Preview Channel. For Insiders not yet on Windows 10, version 21H2 – this update is offered via our “seeker” experience in Windows Update and ONLY to Insiders who were moved from the Beta Channel to the Release Preview Channel because their PC did not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. This means these Insiders will need to go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and choose to download and install Windows 10, version 21H2.

blogs.windows.com

Windows 10 major “Redstone 5” update due this October

Windows 10 is one of Microsoft’s finest operating systems to date, although it’s not without its problems (I’m looking at you, Windows Update). Each new Windows 10 update brings Microsoft’s OS a small step closer to perfection, which is why you should pay attention to the catchily titled Windows 10 October 2018 Update announced at IFA 2018.

Not much is currently known about the update, although Microsoft has promised more details in the weeks leading to the update. Features expected in the October 2018 update include a “dark mode” colouration for file explorer, the ability to sync your clipboard between different devices using the cloud, and various tweaks to Notepad, Microsoft’s Xbox app, and the ever-maligned Microsoft Edge.

The update will be initially available to those signed up for the Windows Insider program, as a way of testing its features, in early October. The update will roll out to other users shortly after. More information is likely to be shown at Microsoft’s yearly Ignite event between 24 and 28 September, in Florida.

www.alphr.com

Introducing the next feature update to Windows 10, version 21H1

 

Today, we are introducing the next feature update to Windows 10, version 21H1. As people continue to rely on Windows more than ever to work, learn and have fun, we understand the importance of providing the best possible update experience to help people and organizations stay protected and productive. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly and why for the first time an H1 (first half of the calendar year) feature update release will be delivered in an optimized way using servicing technology, while continuing our semi-annual feature update cadence. In today’s blog I will cover details on how we plan to service the release, its scope, and next steps.

Based on feedback and learnings during the past year of extensive remote work, learning and play, version 21H1 will be delivered with servicing technology (like that used for the monthly update process and how 20H2 was delivered).  Windows 10, version 21H1 will have a scoped set of features improving security, remote access and quality. The features we are releasing in this update are focused on the core experiences that customers have told us they’re relying on most right now. So, we optimized this release to support our customers’ most pressing needs.

New features include multicamera support for Windows Hello and security related performance improvements.

Windows Hello multicamera support to set the default as the external camera when both external and internal Windows Hello cameras are present.

Windows Defender Application Guard performance improvements including optimizing document opening scenario times.

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC) updating performance improvement to support remote work scenarios.

TECHREPUBLIC - explain more about the release programme & what's in 21H1.

www.windows.com

Microsoft confirms recent Windows 11 updates break taskbar

 

Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 recently received a non-security update with a bunch of new features and small fixes. Sadly, KB5039302 turned out to be a real troublemaker. Microsoft has already confirmed that it causes infinite restarts on certain systems, and now, there is another known bug.

Microsoft published a new message on its official Windows Health Dashboard website to warn users that KB5039302 is breaking the taskbar on specific Windows 11 editions, namely Windows N.

For those unfamiliar, Windows N is a special version of the operating system with a bunch of media features removed, such as the Windows Media Player app. Microsoft also said that the bug affects customers with regular editions who turned off media features in the "Turn Windows features on or off" UI.

According to Microsoft and the official documentation, affected customers cannot interact with the taskbar, while the rest of the UI and File Explorer continue operating as usual:

After installing the June 2024 Windows preview update (KB5039302), released June 25, 2024, you are likely to face issues with the Taskbar. This issue is only expected to occur if you are using a Windows N edition device or if you turn off the ‘Media Features’ via Control Panel->Programs-> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off. N editions of Windows include the same functionality as other editions of Windows, except for media-related technologies, Windows Media Player, and certain preinstalled media apps.

You might not be able to view or interact with the Taskbar after logging in to your device once the update is installed. Other applications like File Explorer, Desktop and Settings will continue to work.

Microsoft is working on a resolution, which will be available in a future update. As a reminder, KB5039302 is no longer available for download - Microsoft pulled it after confirming reports about infinite restarts.

www.neowin.net

Microsoft releases Win10 update to prevent swollen laptop batteries - affecting various HP Business Notebooks

Microsoft has teamed up with HP to work on a fix for a problem affecting various HP Business Notebooks. The flaw not only causes a reduction in performance and battery life, but can also lead to swollen batteries.

The problem lies with the HP Battery Health Manager, and the update from Microsoft and HP is rolling out to enable a new charging algorithm to help alleviate the issue.

KB4583263 is an optional update that can be optioned via Windows Update, Microsoft Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. HP points out that the update will only be visible to systems that need it, saying: " Windows update KB4583263 only impacts those systems that already have HP Battery Health Manager in the BIOS. KB4583263 will not update your BIOS".

www.betanews.com

Microsoft rolls out emergency patch for critical PrintNightmare flaw

Microsoft has deployed a patch for a vulnerability so critical that even older, unsupported versions of Windows are receiving it. On Tuesday, the company rolled out a fix for the PrintNightmare flaw, (a serious security hole in the Windows Print spooler service) a problem that could allow an attacker to take over a compromised computer to install software, modify data and create new user accounts. Microsoft clearly considered the flaw so severe that it released the patch out of band this week rather than wait until next week's July Patch Tuesday.

Accessible through Windows Update, the patch is available for most versions of Windows for clients and servers, including Windows 7, 8.1 and 10, as well as Server 2004, 2008 and 2019.

The only versions without an available patch are Windows 10 Version 1607, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation), Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation). Microsoft said that these versions will be updated shortly after July 6.

Individual users should check Windows Update to download and install the patch, while organizations should deploy the update through their patch management system.

www.techrepublic.com

Windows 10 v21H2 (November 2021 update) is now available for download & install

 

While we are excited for the next generation of Windows with Windows 11, we are also focused on supporting the more than 1.3 billion monthly active devices on Windows 10. Today, we are introducing the next feature update to Windows 10: Windows 10, version 21H2.

Windows continues to play an important role in people’s lives as they continue to work, learn and have fun in hybrid and remote environments. Our goal is to provide new features and functionality via a fast and reliable update experience to help keep people and organizations protected and productive. Version 21H2 will continue the recent feature update trend of being delivered in an optimized way using servicing technology. Today I will share details on scope, how we plan to service the release and next steps.

Windows 10, version 21H2 will have a scoped set of features focused on productivity and security, prioritized to meet our customers’ needs based on feedback. New features focused on productivity, management and security include:

* Adding WPA3 H2E standards support for enhanced Wi-Fi security

* Windows Hello for Business introduces a new deployment method called cloud trust to support simplified passwordless deployments and achieve a deploy-to-run state within a few minutes

* GPU compute support in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Azure IoT Edge for Linux on Windows (EFLOW) deployments for machine learning and other compute intensive workflows

www.windows.com

Windows 10 version 21H2 will launch later this month

Microsoft has announced that the next Windows 10 feature update, officially known as the November 2021 Update, will begin rolling out this month and that the final build is available now for testing in the Windows Insider Release Preview channel and via ISOs.

Even though Windows 11 is now out, Microsoft isn't abandoning Windows 10. The November 2021 Update is based on the same "Vibranium" platform release that the May 2020, October 2020, and May 2021 updates were based on. This means the update will only take a few minutes to install, and will be no more than a few hundred megabytes in size.

Here's what's new with the Windows 10 November 2021 Update:

* Adding WPA3 H2E standards support for enhanced Wi-Fi security

* Windows Hello for Business supports simplified passwordless deployment models for achieving a deploy-to-run state within a few minutes

* GPU compute support in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Azure IoT Edge for Linux on Windows (EFLOW) deployments for machine learning and other compute intensive workflows

www.windowscentral.com

Can your PC run Microsoft's new operating system: Windows 11?

These are the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC. If your device does not meet these requirements, you may not be able to install Windows 11 on your device and might want to consider purchasing a new PC. If you are unsure whether your PC meets these requirements, you can check with your PC Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or, if your device is already running Windows 10, you can use the PC Health Check app to assess compatibility.

Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade. Free updates are available through Windows Update in Settings>Update and Security.

Processor   1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).

RAM  4 gigabyte (GB).

Storage  64 GB or larger storage device Note: See below under “More information on storage space to keep Windows 11 up-to-date” for more details.

System firmware  UEFI, Secure Boot capable. Check here for information on how your PC might be able to meet this requirement.

TPM  Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Check here for instructions on how your PC might be enabled to meet this requirement.

Graphics card  Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.

Display  High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel.

Internet connection and Microsoft account  Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account.

Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode also requires internet connectivity. 

For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features. A Microsoft account is required for some features.

Certain features require specific hardware. System requirements to run some apps will exceed the Windows 11 minimum device specifications. Check device compatibility information specific to the apps you want to install. Available storage on your device will vary based on installed apps and updates. Performance will scale with higher end, more capable PCs. Additional requirements may apply over time and for updates.

The hardware requirements for Windows 11 are ridiculously high - especially at a time when IT components are in serious constraint, and we are meant to being reducing waste in our work & home lives... 

I ran Microsoft's PC Health Check app on the Donline Workstation (a Fujitsu Celsius W530 Workstation, Intel i7-4770 3.3Ghz, 24Gb RAM, 1Tb SSD, etc) - amazingly it failed to meet the minimum hardware requirements! It is still a very serious beast & significantly more powerful than the vast majority of the computers that I support.

This invariably means that a significant proportion of the PCs & laptops in use in homes & businesses at the moment cannot be upgraded to Windows 11. So what I hear you ask? So this: Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on 14th October 2025. In 4 years time there will be no more Win10 updates or patches!

www.microsoft.com

Updating to Windows 11 24H2? Make sure you have plenty of spare drive space!

Microsoft’s big annual Windows 11 update has ended up being a massive headache for numerous users, with new problems constantly cropping up and getting in the way of otherwise useful changes and features.

Not only have we seen blue screen crashes related to gaming and Intel drivers and disappearing mouse cursors, but the major Windows 11 24H2 update apparently also creates an enormous cache folder during installation that can’t be deleted. How enormous are we talking? An impressive 8.63GB in size, a sizable chunk of all but the largest of drives.

To be clear, the existence of the cache isn’t an issue. Windows always creates a cache when installing Windows updates, which is meant to be a temporary holding place for installation files. What isn’t normal is that the cache can’t be removed after the update is applied.

According to Windows Latest, attempts to delete the cache via the Control Panel are unsuccessful. Although you can select the cache for deletion and initiate the deletion process, the cache remains. Various other methods to remove the Windows update cache failed, too. It only cleared after a clean Windows installation altogether.

www.pcworld.com

Microsoft says uninstall Windows 11 KB5074109 to fix Outlook POP, PST hang, as 2026’s first update causes havoc

If your Outlook Classic freezes or hangs when you use POP accounts or deal with PST files, you’ll need to remove Windows 11 KB5074109 or use webmail. In some cases, third-party apps can also become unresponsive if they save files to cloud storage, such as OneDrive. These two issues are apparently related to a single core problem.

It’s very rare for Microsoft to admit that it messed up, but the January 2026 Update is a disaster, as it continues to break features in Windows 11, including something as basic as Sleep mode (S3) on older PCs. In our tests, Windows Latest found that the update causes a black screen, resets the desktop background, breaks File Explorer customization, among other problems.

KB5074109 is a mandatory update that began rolling out on January 13, 2026 and it installed automatically on our PCs. Your PC is using this update if you see OS Build 26200.7623 / 26100.7623 / in Settings > System > About or winver.

Meanwhile in other news: Windows 11 continues to lose market share to Windows 10. Oh dear Microsoft - when you go for a cash grab, and your code is garbage - you reap what you sow!

UPDATE TheRegister 260126: Microsoft probes Windows 11 boot failures tied to January security updates. Some machines are failing to start after security updates, prompting yet another Microsoft investigation

www.windowslatest.com

Microsoft releases Windows 10 May 2020 Update, version 2004

Microsoft is starting to release the latest twice-annual update to Windows 10, featuring enhancements to the longstanding Notepad app and a way to find your cursor in a sea of text.

Windows is the world’s most popular PC operating system, and more than a billion devices are actively running Windows 10, which debuted in 2015. Last year Microsoft shifted to a cycle of a major update in the spring and a minor update in the fall, rather than a major update in each of those seasons each year. 

Microsoft has been testing different versions of the Windows update with a small pool of users for the past several months and is now ready to provide it to the full base.

www.cnbc.com

Windows 10: October 2018 Update now available. WinVer 1809

I’m happy to announce that Windows 10, version 1809 is now available for download. This new feature update will begin rolling out globally via Windows Update in the coming weeks to ensure the best possible update experience for our customers. 

We recommend that you begin rolling out Windows 10, version 1809 today, in phases across your organisation, to validate that your apps, devices, and infrastructure work well with this new release before broad deployment. Additionally, if you aren’t yet using Windows Analytics to monitor your rollout of this feature update, we encourage you to do so.

www.microsoft.com

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is coming on 17 October

During its press conference at IFA 2017, Microsoft said the Fall Creators Update will roll out worldwide on 17 October. It brings new features as well as improvements to existing tools. 

The next update of Windows 10, the Fall Creators Update, will be available worldwide October 17. With the Fall Creators Update we are introducing some fun, new ways to get creative. As part of the update we will deliver an evolution to the photos experience that will let you tell your story like never before using photos, videos, and 3D effects; enhancements in gaming, security, accessibility, and immersive new experiences made possible by Windows Mixed Reality. All of this innovation will be brought to life by a range of beautifully designed, and feature rich modern devices available from our hardware partners this holiday.

Here is the feature update list for the Fall Creators Update

blogs.windows.com

Microsoft forced to issue emergency out of band updates for Windows 11 after latest security patches broke PC shutdowns and sign-ins

The latest OS updates for Windows 11 introduces two major bugs that caused issues with shutting down your PC or signing into your PC using Remote Desktop.

Microsoft's first update for Windows 11 in 2026 has already caused two major issues that saw users unable to fully shutdown their PCs or sign-in into a device when using Remote Desktop. These are two serious issues that were not spotted by Microsoft during testing, and are so severe that the company has now issued an emergency fix to address the problems.

This isn't the first time Microsoft's lack of quality control has impacted Windows 11 PCs in a major way. Being unable to shut down your PC due to a recent OS update is a huge oversight on Microsoft's part, but this is the latest in a long list of updates over the last year to cause a major issue like this.

The out of band updates, KB5077744 and KB5077797, are available now via Windows Update and is rolling out to everybody. Once installed, your PC should go back to being able to shut down successfully, and signing-in via Remote Desktop should work again.

UPDATED - www.neowin.net: Microsoft has also confirmed problems on classic Outlook as many users claim that the new Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 update, KB5074109, made the app "completely unusable" as there are random hangs and freezes, unsaved email progresses, and more.

www.windowscentral.com

Windows 10 Spring Creators Update - Mk2!!!

Microsoft has been preparing a Spring Creators Update for Windows 10 for a while now, which was recently pushed out as an RTM (Release To Manufacturing) build to all rings of the Windows Insider program. 

Now dubbed the "Windows 10 April Update," Redmond is billing that "lots of new features" are rolling out with this release, including the ability to resume past activities in timeline and a file sharing feature with nearby devices. Also, based on what has been tested in pre-release builds, there will be other features coming as well, including a rebuilt Game Bar with a new Fluent design UI, a diagnostic data viewing tool in the Security and Privacy section, and Cortana is reportedly easier to use with a new Organizer interface and My Skills tab. It is expected Microsoft will be pushing out this update for Windows 10 this week sometime.

This Windows 10 update (Mark 2!) installed on my laptop on Monday. Microsoft had to halt the original rollout, tweak & restart owing to "issues" in the original build. The Version number is still 1803, but the build number has changed from 17133.1 to 17134.1. 

www.hothardware.com

Microsoft has just released a patch to fix the recent Windows DCHP issue

Microsoft is investigating reports that a recent Windows update is stopping some PCs from connecting to the internet.

Update (13 Dec 2016): KB3206632 was released to resolve this issue. Customers should first try restarting their PC, if they are then still unable to connect to the Internet, should then install the update. 

Visit the Windows Update FAQ for more information on keeping your PC up to date.

www.microsoft.com