Microsoft Windows

Microsoft hints at new features and big changes coming in Windows 11

When compared to Windows Vista and Windows 8, Windows 10 has been a runaway success. That’s not to say that Microsoft’s latest operating system is perfect, but it improved upon its predecessors in nearly every way and has only gotten better in the years since it first rolled out to the public. But nearly four years on, Microsoft has begun to look to the future and may have given us a peek at Windows 11 in a new blog post.

After offering a rundown on all of the latest Windows PCs from a variety of manufacturers, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Nick Parker changed gears to talk about the “modern operating system” that will power all these machines. Although he never mentions Windows by name, he certainly seems to be hinting at something big.

Microsoft hints at new features and big changes coming in Windows 11

Review: Windows 10 May 2019 Update unleashes a spring surprise

After several underwhelming biannual feature updates, Microsoft has finally delivered a truly useful change in Windows 10 version 1903.

We’ve become used to the routine: Microsoft releases one of its twice-annual Windows 10 feature updates, often delayed due to bugs, and the world yawns. And throughout most of the six months of previews for Windows 10 version 1903, a.k.a. the May 2019 Update, it looked like it was going to be the usual routine again.

Review: Windows 10 May 2019 Update unleashes a spring surprise

Windows 10 May 2019 Update: Key enterprise features

Here are several changes in the upcoming feature update to Windows 10, version 1903, that business users and IT admins should know about.

It’s almost time for the next big Windows 10 update. Code-named “19H1” (for 2019, first half), the release is set to arrive in May as version 1903, with “May 2019 Update” as its official name.

At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be a whole lot that’s new in the May 2019 Update. But several of these “little things” could affect the way you use a Windows 10 PC daily for work, or how you manage PCs in your office.

Windows 10 May 2019 Update: Key enterprise features

Windows 10 1903 arrives after stretch of extra testing

In the wake of last fall’s Windows 10 rollout debacle, Microsoft put the follow-up version through additional testing. For enterprises, Windows 10 1903 is now ready for ‘targeted deployment.’

Microsoft today launched Windows 10 May 2019 Update, aka 1903, after running the feature upgrade through additional testing with Insider volunteers, hardware manufacturers and third-party software developers.

“The May 2019 Update is available for customers who would like to install the latest release,” John Cable, director of program management in the Windows delivery and servicing team, announced in a post to a company blog.

Windows 10 1903 arrives after stretch of extra testing

How to block the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, version 1903, from installing

With the May 2019 feature update to Windows 10 (version 1903) almost ready to hit the fan, here are the best ways to ensure you install it when you’re ready — even in the face of recent forced updates from Microsoft.

Surely you remember how the first release of Windows 10 version 1809 turned out — deleted files, panicked users, yanked upgrades that were unyanked and yanked again. Heaven knows that the release of Windows 10 version 1903 couldn’t be any worse, but there’s every reason to wait and see.

How to block the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, version 1903, from installing

The Fall Creators Update, Microsoft’s next major update for Windows 10 is at its last leg of development at this point, and here are all the changes so far.

The Fall Creators Update, Microsoft’s next major update for Windows 10 is at its last leg of development at this point, and here are all the changes so far. Microsoft is now at the tail end of development on the next major version of Windows 10. Dubbed the “Fall Creators Update,” this update is expected to launch on October 17, 2017, and will focus on a whole bunch of new improvements for Windows 10 users.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: The complete changelog

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update may arrive on October 17th

Lenovo leaked the date on an upcoming product page.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update may arrive on October 17th

Coming to Windows 10

Get the latest features and security as soon as they’re available with automatic updates enabled.

Coming soon starting with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Windows 10 news: features, updates & Fall Creators Update release date

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will be released in October. Plus, Microsoft and Amazon are working together to make Alexa and Cortana communicate.

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is coming in October with another bundle of new features

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is now set in stone ahead of release

Latest build is RTM in all but name

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is now set in stone ahead of release

Microsoft Starts Rolling Out Windows 10 Fall Creators Update 16299.15 (Likely RTM)

Microsoft has a thing for late night releases but if you were eagerly looking forward to getting your hands on the Release to Manufacturing build, you are in luck! The company has started to roll out Windows 10 Fall Creators Update RTM build to PC Insiders in the Fast ring. This is the final build, which means if you were waiting for a more stable release, it won’t get any better than this.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update RTM Starts Rolling Out!

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: A Status Check with Two Weeks Until Global Release

As of today we are just two weeks away from the global availability of the fourth major feature update for Windows 10 – the Fall Creators Update – which will begin its rollout on 17 October 2017 as announced by Microsoft in early September at IFA 2017.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: A Status Check with Two Weeks Until Global Release

5 Things To Look Forward To In The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

It’s almost time. Microsoft announced that the next big update for Windows 10—the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update—will be released on October 17. Microsoft frequently updates the Windows operating system in minor ways each month, but the Creators Update is a major update that includes new features and capabilities. It’s sort of like getting a new version of the operating system entirely.

5 Things To Look Forward To In The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Windows by the numbers: Windows 7 acts like it will live forever

Migration watch: In September, Windows 7 surrendered some user share, but it still refused to plan for retirement

September data: Windows 7 acts like it will live forever

Activate GodMode in Windows 10

GodMode puts all of your settings under one roof.

Activate GodMode in Windows 10

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Redstone 4 (Skip Ahead) Build 17004

With new preview builds for the Fall Creators Update focusing purely on fixing stability and performance issues as Microsoft rushes towards its release, it’s the Redstone 4 branch (aka Skip Ahead) where you’ll find new additions beginning to appear.

The latest release for this branch introduces a sizeable number of improvements, as well as a big leap forward in build numbers, jumping from 16362 to 17004.

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Redstone 4 (Skip Ahead) Build 17004

Skip ahead of the Fall Creators Update with Windows Insider preview build 17004

For those who are part of Microsoft’s Windows Insider “Skip Ahead” program, you can look forward to brand-new “Fluent Design” tweaks to Windows 10 with the latest preview, build 17004. Formerly called Project Neon, the Windows 10 visual overhaul will continue beyond the Fall Creators Update and Skip Ahead Insiders can expect to be at the forefront of that with the new build.

Skip ahead of the Fall Creators Update with Windows Insider preview build 17004

Windows Insider Preview build 16299 drops as devs make Ignite appearance

A number of the developers who worked on the newly released Windows 10 Insider Preview build 16299 have taken the stage at this year’s Microsoft Ignite conference to answer questions from the audience. There can’t have been too many about this particular release though, as its list of changes and improvements is much shorter than normal.

Windows Insider Preview build 16299 drops as devs make Ignite appearance

Microsoft adopts a kinder, gentler Windows 10 upgrade pace

As Windows 10 enters its third year, Microsoft has slowed its pace for delivering feature updates. That’s a big change from its first two years, and Windows users are seeing the payoff.

Microsoft adopts a kinder, gentler Windows 10 upgrade pace

How to access the traditional Control Panel lost in the Windows 10 Creators Update

Microsoft is phasing out the traditional Control Panel with the Windows 10 Creators Update, but with a few tweaks you can still access it. Mark Kaelin explains how.

How to access the traditional Control Panel lost in the Windows 10 Creators Update

Microsoft reduces the number of problems Windows 10 users have with the Creators Update… by not giving it to them

According to Microsoft, Windows 10 Creators Update is the best version of Windows 10 ever. But it should be, shouldn’t it? Windows 10 is evolving with each new feature update, so it makes sense that the latest update should also be the greatest. Microsoft isn’t reinventing the wheel with each new iteration, it’s simply polishing it.

Microsoft reduces the number of problems Windows 10 users have with the Creators Update… by not giving it to them

Microsoft: Windows getting more stable, faster, and lasting longer on battery

Even as Windows 10 users grow, support calls are declining.

Microsoft: Windows getting more stable, faster, and lasting longer on battery

Running a Win10 beta build on a Surface Pro 3? Don’t shut down.

Apparently there was no reboot testing on SP3 with the latest Win10 beta, and the SP3 bricks on reboot. Some SP4 owners have complained, too.

Running a Win10 beta build on a Surface Pro 3? Don’t shut down.

Windows Hello for Business: Next-gen authentication for Windows shops

Microsoft has brought biometric sign-in to Windows 10 business and enterprise users with Windows Hello for Business. Here’s how it works and how to deploy it to your users.

Windows Hello for Business: Next-gen authentication for Windows shops

What to expect from the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

The fourth feature update to Windows 10 is scheduled to arrive in October. It’s packed with a wide assortment of new and refined features, including some new security options designed to block zero-day exploits and ransomware.

What to expect from the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update | ZDNet

Running a Win10 beta build on a Surface Pro 3? Don’t shut down.

Apparently there was no reboot testing on SP3 with the latest Win10 beta, and the SP3 bricks on reboot. Some SP4 owners have complained, too.

Running a Win10 beta build on a Surface Pro 3? Don’t shut down.

Bloated Patch Tuesday brings fix for nasty Word/RTF/Net vulnerability

While most of this month’s Windows and Office security patches appear unremarkable, the CVE-2017-8759 fix merits your attention right now, if you’re guarding state secrets

Bloated Patch Tuesday brings fix for nasty Word/RTF/Net vulnerability

What’s so special about Microsoft Surface Studio? 3 important features to know

Microsoft Surface Studio is a powerful computer with exceptional features, including high resolution, multitouch and app integrations.

September Patch Tuesday brings critical updates for Window, Edge and .NET

September brings a relatively large patch profile for Microsoft with 76 reported vulnerabilities, three public disclosures (thank you, Google) and unfortunately one zero day exploit.

September Patch Tuesday brings critical updates for Window, Edge and .NET

Heads up: Malware found in Piriform’s CCleaner installer

If you installed the popular Windows registry scanner and cookie cleaner CCleaner after Aug. 15, you’re likely running a decapitated botnet.

Heads up: Malware found in Piriform’s CCleaner installer

How to Share, Access Files on Multiple PCs Via Homegroup

You can network your Windows PCs and tablets via a homegroup to share files and printers.

How to Share, Access Files on Multiple PCs Via Homegroup

Windows 10: A guide to the updates

What you need to know about each update to Windows 10 as they roll out from Microsoft. Now updated for KB4038788, the latest release from Sept. 12, 2017.

Windows 10: A guide to the updates

Windows 10 Redstone: A guide to the builds

Get the latest info on new builds of Windows 10 Redstone as they roll out from Microsoft. Now updated for Insider Preview Build 16288, released on Sept. 12, 2017.

Windows 10 Redstone: A guide to the builds

Outlook 2010 Tower of Babel patch KB 4011089 breaks VBScript print

In the second significant bug in Outlook security patches this month, installing the September Outlook 2010 security patch disables the VBScript print function in custom forms.

Outlook 2010 Tower of Babel patch KB 4011089 breaks VBScript print

Where we stand with this month’s Windows and Office security patches

September’s Patch Tuesday just arrived, and there are already a handful of known problems

This month’s Windows and Office security patches: Bugs and solutions

Windows 10 in 2018: Microsoft offers new glimpse of life after Fall Creators Update

Microsoft pushes out a new version of Redstone 4 to Windows Insiders.

Windows 10 in 2018: Microsoft offers new glimpse of life after Fall Creators Update | ZDNet

Microsoft releases first Windows 10 Redstone 4 PC test build

Microsoft is starting to test the next version of Windows 10, codenamed Redstone 4. It’s still too early for any new features to go live, however.

Microsoft releases first Windows 10 Redstone 4 PC test build | ZDNet

Windows 10 Insiders: Microsoft won’t tell you about known bugs anymore

Microsoft has decided Windows Insiders don’t need to know about the bugs it’s aware of.

Windows 10 Insiders: Microsoft won’t tell you about known bugs anymore | ZDNet

Microsoft won’t deliver Timeline as part of Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Microsoft won’t be delivering a new automatic application-resume capability — one of the bigger new features expected to be in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update — this Fall, after all.

Microsoft won’t deliver Timeline as part of Windows 10 Fall Creators Update | ZDNet

Windows 10 will give you more control over app permissions

Microsoft is aware that there are still concerns about Windows 10’s privacy, and it’s trying to put some of them to bed with the Fall Creators Update. As part of a post detailing the imminent update’s privacy improvements, the software giant has revealed that you’ll get much more control over what apps are allowed to do with your device. Where you previously only had control over location sharing, the Fall Creators Update will ask you to grant permission before accessing all kinds of potentially sensitive hardware and software features. It’ll ask to use your camera and microphone if you have a video recording app, for instance, or check before offering access to your calendar and contacts.

Windows 10 will give you more control over app permissions

Troubleshooting and repairing Windows 10 problems

The Anniversary Update to Windows 10, version 1607, has been rolling out for the past few weeks, and some early adopters are experiencing issues. Here’s Ed Bott’s guide to some specific fixes for known issues along with time-tested troubleshooting tools and techniques.

Troubleshooting and repairing Windows 10 problems | ZDNet

Windows 10 tip: Run any program (except one) as an administrator

You’re signed in as an administrator, so why does Windows keep running your programs as if you were a standard user? Here’s how to force any program (with one major exception) to run using your elevated credentials.

Windows 10 tip: Run any program (except one) as an administrator | ZDNet

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Build 16288 to the Fast ring

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update rollout is scheduled to begin on October 17th, although if the speed of the previous feature update rollout is anything to go by, it will be quite some time before most users get offered it (although they’ll of course be able to manually update their PCs if they wish.)

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Build 16288 to the Fast ring

Despite launch hiccups, Windows Insider Build 16288 brings big list of bug fixes

Following an issue which prevented it from being downloaded, Microsoft has fixed up its latest Windows 10 Insider preview build, 16288, and has now made it available to all Fast Ring Insiders. As with some of its other recent releases, this one is all about the bug fixes, shoring up all flaws and holes in the run-up to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update release.

Despite launch hiccups, Windows Insider Build 16288 brings big list of bug fixes

How to uninstall Windows 10 and go back to Windows 7 or 8

Did you upgrade to Windows 10 and regret it? You can go back to your older operating system in a few clicks.

How to uninstall Windows 10 and go back to Windows 7 or 8

Windows 10: Microsoft promises to fix an ongoing game-stuttering problem

The problems have apparently existed since the Creators Update launched in March.

Windows 10: Microsoft promises to fix an ongoing game-stuttering problem

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 S upgrade until March

Microsoft is giving Windows 10 S users a bit more time to decide whether they want to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. The company today announced it is extending the upgrade promotion until March 31 2018, three months longer than originally anticipated.

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 S upgrade until March

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Mixed Reality headsets launch October 17

Mixed reality and more.

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Mixed Reality headsets launch October 17

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: 7 Things to Check Out

The next big release of Windows 10 will sport a slick new design and include integration with the leading mobile platforms, and more.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: 7 Things to Check Out

Here comes Microsoft’s next big Windows update, which will let you ‘step inside’ Windows

  • Microsoft’s Windows 10 Fall Creators Update launches on Oct. 17.

  • The update includes support for Microsoft’s Mixed Reality headsets.

Here comes Microsoft’s next big Windows update, which will let you ‘step inside’ Windows

How to choose the right Windows 10 release channel

Individual users and IT administrators alike are confused by the options Microsoft offers for Windows 10 updates. Here’s help choosing the best update method for yourself or your business.

How to choose the right Windows 10 release channel

Cortana: anticipating a true conversational interface for Windows

To make MR truly immersive, Windows will need to evolve from a Graphical User Interface into a Conversational Interactive Interface.

Cortana: anticipating a true conversational interface for Windows