Windows 11

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"It's Not For People" | Windows Weekly

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"Windows 11 is getting updated snipping tool, calculator, and mail apps" Aug 12, 2021 at 12:44

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The updated Mail app for Windows 11. Image: Microsoft

Microsoft is improving some of the built-in apps available in Windows 11. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel can now test new updates to the Snipping Tool, Calculator, Mail, and Calendar apps. Some of the updates are minor, but all are designed to match the new visual style in Windows 11.

Microsoft is replacing the classic Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch apps in Windows 11 with a new Snipping Tool app that combines the best features of both apps. The Win + Shift + S keyboard shortcut will be the main way to take a screenshot in Windows 11, and it will activate the snipping menu with various options for selecting what content to screenshot.

The updated Snipping Tool now has a dark mode. Image: Microsoft

Once a screenshot has been taken, the Snipping Tool includes edit options for cropping, annotations, and more. Microsoft is even finally adding a dark mode to the Snipping Tool, so it’ll match your Windows 11 theme.

Microsoft is also updating its Mail and Calendar apps in Windows 11 to match the operating system’s new visual style. “We have added rounded corners and other adjustments to make them look and feel part of Windows 11,” says Dave Grochocki, a senior program manager lead for Windows inbox apps.

The calculator app in Windows 11 is also getting some minor improvements that will let you set a separate theme to the one you’re using in the rest of Windows. Microsoft has also rewritten the calculator in C#, allowing developers to contribute to its improvements over on GitHub.

Finally, Windows 11 testers can now try out one-to-one and group audio or video calling in Microsoft Teams. You can also share your screen, just as you would in the regular Microsoft Teams app.

These aren’t the only apps that will be updated for Windows 11. Grochocki’s blog post teases more to come as Microsoft looks to finalize Windows 11 in time for its (likely) October release.

-"Windows 11 is getting updated snipping tool, calculator, and mail apps"

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"Microsoft will release Windows 11 on October 5th" Aug 31, 2021 at 08:00

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Microsoft is announcing that Windows 11 will be released on October 5th. The new operating system will be available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs, or on new hardware that ships with Windows 11 pre-loaded.

The free upgrade to Windows 11 will start rolling out on October 5th, but like many Windows upgrades in the past, it will be available in phases. New eligible devices will be offered the upgrade first, and then Windows 11 will become available for more in-market devices in the weeks and months following October 5th.

“Following the tremendous learnings from Windows 10, we want to make sure we’re providing you with the best possible experience,” explains Aaron Woodman, general manager of Windows marketing at Microsoft. “We expect all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022.”

On existing Windows 10 PCs, Windows Update will let people know when the upgrade is available for Windows 11. You can also check to see if your device is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade through Windows Update, or Microsoft’s dedicated PC Health Check app (currently in preview).

Android apps on Windows 11 won’t appear at launch.

While Windows 11 will be launching on October 5th, not all of the announced features will be available. Microsoft is bringing Android apps to Windows 11 in partnership with Amazon and Intel, but this feature won’t be available on October 5th. A preview of Android apps on Windows 11 will be available for Windows Insiders in the coming months, suggesting that it likely won’t launch to all Windows 11 users until 2022.

Microsoft clarified its minimum system requirements for Windows 11 last week, but also revealed a workaround for those who don’t meet them. You can install Windows 11 on any hardware using an ISO method, as long as the PC has a 64-bit 1GHz processor with two or more cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a TPM 1.2 chip. But if you use the workaround, your PC will be in an unsupported state. This means an unsupported Windows 11 PC might not get access to Windows Update, and even security patches.

If your PC isn’t fully compatible with Windows 11, Microsoft is still supporting Windows 10 until October 14th, 2025. It’s not clear how many major updates Microsoft will release for Windows 10 over the next four years, though. A 21H2 update is arriving for Windows 10 users later this year that includes GPU compute support in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), Windows Hello improvements, and WPA3 H2E Wi-Fi security support.

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"Windows 11 available on October 5"

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Today, we are thrilled to announce Windows 11 will start to become available on October 5, 2021. On this day, the free upgrade to Windows 11 will begin rolling out to eligible Windows 10 PCs and PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 will start to become available for purchase. A new Windows experience, Windows 11 is designed to bring you closer to what you love.

As the PC continues to play a more central role in our lives than ever before — Windows 11 is ready to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity.

Here are 11 highlights of this release

1. The new design and sounds are modern, fresh, clean and beautiful, bringing you a sense of calm and ease.
2. With Start, we’ve put you and your content at the center. Start utilizes the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you your recent files no matter what device you were viewing them on.
3. Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops provide an even more powerful way to multitask and optimize your screen real estate.
4. Chat from Microsoft Teams integrated into the taskbar provides a faster way to connect to the people you care about.
5. Widgets, a new personalized feed powered by AI, provides a faster way to access the information you care about, and with Microsoft Edge’s world class performance, speed and productivity features you can get more done on the web.
6. Windows 11 delivers the best Windows ever for gaming and unlocks the full potential of your system’s hardware with technology like DirectX12 Ultimate, DirectStorage and Auto HDR. With Xbox Game Pass for PC or Ultimate you get access to over 100 high-quality PC games to play on Windows 11 for one low monthly price. (Xbox Game Pass sold separately.)

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7. Windows 11 comes with a new Microsoft Store rebuilt with an all-new design making it easier to search and discover your favorite apps, games, shows, and movies in one trusted location. We look forward to continuing our journey to bring Android apps to Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store through our collaboration with Amazon and Intel; this will start with a preview for Windows Insiders over the coming months.
8. Windows 11 is the most inclusively designed version of Windows with new accessibility improvements that were built for and by people with disabilities.
9. Windows 11 unlocks new opportunities for developers and creators. We are opening the Store to allow more developers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to bring their apps to the Store, improving native and web app development with new developer tools, and making it easier for you to refresh the look and feel across all our app designs and experiences.
10. Windows 11 is optimized for speed, efficiency and improved experiences with touch, digital pen and voice input.
11. Windows 11 is the operating system for hybrid work, delivering new experiences that work how you work, are secure by design, and easy and familiar for IT to deploy and manage. Businesses can also test Windows 11 in preview today in Azure Virtual Desktop, or at general availability by experiencing Windows 11 in the new Windows 365.

Thank you to the Windows Insider Community

The Windows Insider community has been an invaluable community in helping us get to where we are today. Since the first Insider Preview Build was released in June, the engagement and feedback has been unprecedented. The team has also enjoyed sharing more behind the scenes stories on the development of Windows 11 in a new series we launched in June, Inside Windows 11. We sincerely appreciate the energy and enthusiasm from this community.

Rolling out the free upgrade to Windows 11 in a phased and measured approach

The free upgrade to Windows 11 starts on October 5 and will be phased and measured with a focus on quality. Following the tremendous learnings from Windows 10, we want to make sure we’re providing you with the best possible experience. That means new eligible devices will be offered the upgrade first. The upgrade will then roll out over time to in-market devices based on intelligence models that consider hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, age of device and other factors that impact the upgrade experience. We expect all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022. If you have a Windows 10 PC that’s eligible for the upgrade, Windows Update will let you know when it’s available. You can also check to see if Windows 11 is ready for your device by going to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates*.

Ready to elevate to 11? There’s never been a better time to purchase a new PC

October 5 is right around the corner — and there are a few things you can do to get ready for Windows 11. First, if you’re in need of a new PC now — don’t wait. You can get all the power and performance of a new Windows 10 PC and upgrade to Windows 11 for free after the rollout begins on October 5**.

We’ve worked closely with our OEM and retail partners to bring you powerful Windows 10 PCs today, that will take you into the future with Windows 11. Here are a few to check out.

The Acer Swift 5 (SF514-55) ultrathin-and-light notebook marries an uber-stylish design with the latest performance technology. Powered by 11th Gen Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 processors and verified to meet the requirements of an Intel Evo platform, the Swift 5 has the power and performance to seamlessly run multiple applications and provides up to 17 hours of battery life for all-day productivity. The touchscreen display is covered with a layer of Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass, and you have the option to further include an antimicrobial solution on the touchpad, keyboard and all covers of the device. Click the link above for more details on the Acer website.

The new Acer Swift X (SFX14-41G) notebook represents a new segment within the Swift portfolio, the first of its series to come powered with discrete graphics, all at 3.06 pounds. Up to a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU, combined with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U Mobile Processor and 16 GB of RAM offers creative professionals such as video editors or photographers plenty of power. True to the Swift family, all this hardware has been fitted into a metal chassis 0.7 in thin. Click the link above for more details on the Acer website.

Asus Zenbook Flip 13 OLED UX363 has an all-new design that combines ultimate portability with supreme versatility. Its NanoEdge FHD OLED display and 360-degree ErgoLift hinge make extra compact, and the super-slim 13.9 mm chassis houses a wide range of I/O ports for easy connectivity. Its Intel Core processor gives effortless performance for on-the-go productivity and visual creativity.

Asus Zenbook 14 UX425 has an all-new design that’s just 13.9mm slim. It has a four-sided NanoEdge display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio for immersive visuals, and there’s a complete set of full I/O ports. The latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and all-new Intel Iris Xe graphics makes it a perfect portable companion.

Each of Dell Alienware’s X-Series laptops include Alienware Cryo-tech cooling technology and this generation features a patent-pending Quad Fan design engineered to provide the highest levels of gaming performance. Both the Alienware x15 and Alienware x17 are made of premium materials, including magnesium alloy and CNC-machined aluminum designed for structural rigidity, and are finished with a carefully formulated stain-resistant paint formula. Built for marathon gaming sessions, these laptops feature HyperEfficient voltage regulation technology which is designed to allow the system to perform at the highest levels for hours of gameplay.

The Dell XPS 13 is crafted using authentic premium materials, precision cut to achieve a flawless finish in a durable, lightweight design. Designed to create the perfect affinity between aesthetics and functional purpose, it delivers powerful performance and a larger 4-sided InfinityEdge display.

If you’re looking for something extra special, the HP Spectre x360 14 features cutting edge 2-in-1 design and superb performance with the latest Intel Core processors along with all-day battery life.

If you’re a creator looking for a device that is as flexible as your workflow, the HP ENVY x360 15 is a mobile creative powerhouse, featuring AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors, and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 for fast connectivity. The Spectre x360 is available at Best Buy and HP.com; the ENVY x360 15 is available at select retailers including Best Buy, Costco, Walmart and HP.com.

Meet the versatile 2-in-1 Lenovo Yoga 7 convertible series, available in 14-inch sizes and designed with rounded edges to feel more comfortable in your hands. Immerse yourself in a vibrant Full HD IPS touchscreen display with your choice of either 11th Gen Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 5000 Series mobile processors plus integrated graphics. Available in Slate Grey hue, go anywhere with a 71WHr battery, a metal chassis that impresses from every angle and thoughtful details such as a webcam privacy shutter. Click the link above for more details on the Lenovo website.

Master multitasking with the thin and light Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro series, offering consumers a choice of an LCD or super-vibrant OLED display for greater immersion. Available in a 14-inch size and Light Silver hue, the laptop features either 11th Gen Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 5000 Series mobile processors – both models offer optional NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics to boost your content creation. Enjoy the convenience of Windows Hello and an IR camera with a raised notch for easier opening, plus a backlit keyboard. Click the link above for more details on the Lenovo website.

Samsung Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360 reshape the PC for mobile-first consumers by bringing together next-generation connectivity, ultra-portable design and elevated performance. Equipped with 11th Gen Intel Core processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, and AMOLED display within super-thin and light body for increased mobility, the Galaxy Book Pro series let you maximize productivity, enjoy immersive entertainment and unleash creativity. With complete Samsung Galaxy ecosystem integration, the Galaxy Book Pro series is now the ultimate link between your devices, fully connecting your digital world. The Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360 are available in 13-inch and 15-inch models with color options ranging from Mystic Navy, Mystic Silver and Mystic Bronze for Galaxy Book Pro 360 and Mystic Blue, Mystic Silver and Mystic Pink Gold for Galaxy Book Pro.

Surface Pro 7 is ultra-light and versatile. Whether at your desk, on the couch, or in the yard, get more done your way with the best-selling Surface 2-in-1 that features a laptop-class Intel Core processor, all day battery life, HD cameras and a stunning 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen display. It transforms from tablet to laptop with pen and touch input, a built-in Kickstand, an optional removable Type Cover, and it easily connects to multiple monitors. Click the link above to learn more about Surface Pro 7.

Surface Laptop 4 offers style and speed. Do it all with the perfect balance of sleek design, speed, immersive audio and significantly longer battery life than before. Stand out on HD video calls backed by Studio Mics. Capture ideas and use your favorite Microsoft 365 applications on the vibrant PixelSense touchscreen display in 13.5-inch or 15-inch models. Choose between 11th Gen Intel Core processors or AMD Ryzen Mobile Processors with Radeon Graphics Microsoft Surface Edition. Click the link above to learn more about Surface Laptop 4, including available color finishes and material options.

We’ll be relaunching the PC Health Check app soon, so you can check to see if your current PC will be eligible to upgrade. In the meantime, you can learn more about Windows 11 minimum system requirements here.

If you’re preparing for the upgrade and you’re not already using OneDrive, check it out. It’s a simple way to help keep your files secure and make it easier to transition through the upgrade or to a new device.

For organizations that are managed by IT, today we announced new capabilities coming in Microsoft Endpoint Manager to help you to assess your readiness for Windows 11 and hybrid work at scale. You can learn more in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager Tech Community blog.

For customers who are using a PC that won’t upgrade, and who aren’t ready to transition to a new device, Windows 10 is the right choice. We will support Windows 10 through October 14, 2025 and we recently announced that the next feature update to Windows 10 is coming later this year. Whatever you decide, we are committed to supporting you and offering choice in your computing journey.

**The first version of a new era of Windows **

As Panos shared in June, Windows is more than an operating system; it’s where we connect with people, it’s where we learn, work and play. We can’t wait to see what Windows 11 empowers you to do and create.

*_Note, certain features require specific hardware; see our Windows 11 specifications page_ for more information.

_**The Windows 11 upgrade will start to be delivered to qualifying devices beginning on October 5, 2021 into 2022. Timing varies by device. _

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"Why can an ad break the Windows 11 desktop and taskbar?" Sep 3, 2021 at 12:00

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Earlier , Microsoft pushed a promotional message to early adopters of Windows 11. The promo intended to promote the upcoming operating system’s integration with Microsoft Teams. Instead, it caused Explorer (the Windows desktop shell) to stop responding and left users without a working Start menu and taskbar.

I was caught up in this problem after restarting my laptop to complete the installation of an unrelated software. It was annoying and frustrating to be left with a broken Windows desktop, but this is what I signed up for as a Windows Insider (early adopter).

Microsoft has acknowledged that there’s an issue and posted a workaround for affected customers. The workaround requires users to open the Registry Editor (regedit) through the Task Manager to make some changes. The company didn’t discuss the problem in detail, however.

I took a closer look at what got downloaded and caused the Windows desktop shell to become unresponsive. Microsoft customers on Twitter and Reddit quickly shared ways to work around the problem and restore the Windows shell. The successful ideas all involved different methods that made the device unable to communicate with Microsoft servers. It became clear that the issue was caused by one of the many cloud services built into Windows.

The problem wasn’t caused by an update delivered through Windows Update. (That would have been more understandable.) Instead, it was caused by a small file downloaded by a Windows component called IrisService. Iris is a part of Windows Spotlight (the Bing wallpaper of the day; and tips, promotions, and suggestions on the Lock screen).

Based on the Microsoft-provided workaround, I narrowed the problem down to a registry key that contained a serialized JSON blob. The blob contained an advertisement for Microsoft Teams. The messaging and imagery in the promotion were identical to the panel you get when you press the Windows key + C on a Windows account not already set up with Teams. It’s unclear if it’s this exact promotion, however.

There’s an enormous elephant in the room, though: how Microsoft could have let this happen? Yes, this is a beta build for early adopters. Yes, rough edges and productivity losses are expected.

However, that doesn’t answer why the Windows shell was so poorly architected in the first place. How come that it would stop responding just because of one failed cloud service? It’s not a crucial cloud service either, and the computer became useless because of a single JSON blob with an advertisement.

Ads in Windows are important to Microsoft. They’re nowhere to be found on the priority lists of Microsoft’s customers. We don’t want them there at all! Millions of people depend on Windows every day, and it simply needs to be more robust than this.

Windows 11 is due for release in October. However, I say it needs to go back on the drawing board. It needs to be rearchitected to decouple it from the cloud. The design requirement is clear: unimportant cloud-dependent systems must be isolated from the core operating system so that they can’t bring the Windows shell to its knees.

I’m not saying Microsoft needs to remove its account, cloud gaming, entertainment, software delivery, and other cloud services. Some of these cloud services do add value to their customers. However, the whole computer can’t grind to a halt over a tiny problem with an unimportant nuisance of a “feature”.

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