Windows 11 has a brand new privacy tool, currently in beta, that allows you to see which apps have recently accessed sensitive bits of hardware, such as your webcam.
David Weston, Microsoft‘s vice president of enterprise and operating system security, took to Twitter to show off the privacy auditing feature, which appears in new preview builds of Windows 11 (tested in the Dev Channel, the earliest preview builds of the OS are going through their paces).
The feature is under Settings (in Privacy & Security > App Permissions), where you can see a list of recent activity, such as which apps have accessed your microphone in the past week, or your Cameras, another obvious point of call to check for any potentially suspicious activity.
It also keeps tabs on apps that have accessed your contacts, or details related to your location, phone, and more. In each case, the user is also informed of the exact time and date of access to the relevant hardware or feature.
Analysis: A useful way to keep an eye on your application
It’s great to see that the coverage provided here is quite extensive, keeping an eye on all sorts of sensitive information, from the obvious cameras and microphones to contacts and other such details.
This is a good piece of information in terms of transparency related to what the software on the system is doing. Regularly checking the privacy audits that exist in Settings may yield some interesting findings, flagging apps you didn’t know had their claws into some of the more sensitive aspects of the system (or highlighting malicious intent that was flying under the radar) content).
Microsoft has long had a bad reputation for privacy issues with Windows, especially since Windows 10, so it’s good to see the software giant taking a positive step forward on this front — which should help Windows 11 users stay better. Vigilance and overall security of your PC.
Microsoft has started rolling out a much-anticipated new feature for Windows 11 that should make browsing files and folders easier.
In the latest Windows 11 preview build (25136), Microsoft has introduced a new tab system in File Explorer, similar to the one found in web browsers. Instead of opening another instance of File Explorer to browse new file locations, users can now open a new tab, which will be neatly in the same window.
The new-look File Explorer was first released in April at an event focused on Windows 11 hybrid work innovations.
The goal is simple: reduce desktop clutter and make it easier to work across multiple file locations simultaneously by reducing the number of windows open at the same time.
The announcement was well received by Windows fans, who have been calling for the feature for years. It’s pretty much been the case since it was introduced to macOS in 2013. Until now, users had to rely on third-party solutions to enjoy features in Windows 11, but not anymore.
However, the new tab system isn’t the only change to File Explorer. As noted in the new blog post, Microsoft has also revamped the side panel, bringing cloud storage service OneDrive to the foreground.
“File Explorer is introducing a refreshed layout for the left navigation pane, which will allow you to easily navigate to the folders that are important to you,” Microsoft explained. “Updated organizations have easy access to pinned and hot folders and OneDrive cloud profiles added to Windows.”
Additionally, classic folders such as Documents, Images, Downloads, etc. will no longer belong to “This PC”, and the space will now be reserved exclusively for the computer’s hard drive and external storage.
These features can help you save battery and get the most out of Microsoft’s latest updates. Whether you use your computer for work or personal life, now is a great time to master some of Windows’ productivity features. These built-in tricks can help you with everything from setting up taskbar shortcuts to saving battery power. Microsoft isn’t usually as candid about its hidden features as Apple, which can sometimes make it harder to figure out how to take advantage of all that Windows has to offer. But we’re here to give you our list of hidden features you can start using today to get the most out of Windows 11. Let’s have a look!
If your desktop screen is overcrowded with open windows, you can quickly minimize them all except the one you’re currently using. You’ll need to turn this feature on in Windows 11 by going to Settings, System, Multitasking and turning on Window Shaking in Title Bar. Just click on the title bar of the window you want to keep open to select it. Then, hold down the mouse and quickly move the window back and forth — basically shaking it. After a few quick shakes, all other open windows are minimized, leaving only the one you shaken.
2. Open the “Secret” start menu
You know that to get to the Start menu, you need to click the Windows icon at the bottom left of the screen or on the keyboard. But Windows 11 includes a little-known second Start menu, which you can access in two different ways, by pressing Windows key + X or by right-clicking the Windows icon/Start button.
There are at least eight different ways to take screenshots with Windows. If you want to capture and save a picture of the entire screen, the easiest way is to press the Windows key + Print Screen key, and the picture will be saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
To capture only a portion of the screen, press Windows key + Shift + S to open a tool called Snip & Sketch, which allows you to click and drag to create a screenshot and save it to the clipboard.
4. Use keyboard shortcuts to open pinned items from the taskbar
If you’ve pinned programs to the taskbar at the bottom of the screen to create shortcuts, you don’t need to click an icon to open them. Instead, use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + [number keys], which correspond to the location of pinned programs on the taskbar.
5. Know how much space an app takes up
The computer starts to run slower due to lack of space. A quick way to speed them up might be to get rid of apps that take up more space than they should, especially if you don’t use them often. To see how much space apps, temporary files, and documents are taking up, navigate to Settings > System > Storage. Click Show more categories to see the full list. To find out what to throw, click Cleaning suggestions to see Windows 11 suggestions.
6. Close background apps to save battery
To control which apps run in the background and save some battery power and data, go to Settings > System > Power & Battery. Tap Battery Saver, then make adjustments to limit certain notifications and background activities while Battery Saver is on.
The feature should be on by default, but if not, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse and toggle Scroll inactive windows to On when I hover over them. You can then mouse over the window in the background and use the wheel to scroll.
8. Show File Extensions in File Explorer
Microsoft hides file extensions by default, making it difficult for people who need to find certain types of files. To view file extensions in File Explorer:
1. Using Search in the taskbar, type File Explorer Options, and then click it.
2. In the pop-up window, click the View tab.
3. If checked, uncheck the Hide extensions for known file types box. Click Apply, and then click OK.
You can also use the File Explorer options menu to choose to show empty drives, hide files and folders, and more.
9. Use Focus Assist to reduce distractions
It’s frustrating trying to get work done when you’re constantly interrupted by notifications. You can determine how much you get with Focus Assist.
Set it up by going to Settings > System > Focus assistant. Choose from three options: Off, Priority Only (view only selected notifications from your customized priority list, and send the rest to your Action Center), and Alerts Only (hide all notifications except alerts ).
When you buy a new Windows laptop, you need to adjust the new laptop to make it easier for you to use in the future. So are you still struggling with how to set up your new Windows laptop? Here are some things to consider when setting up a new laptop. Let’s take a look together!
Your computer may download a series of Windows 10 updates on its own, so why not force them to install manually to get it done? Steps:
1. Enter “update” in the search box.
2. Click Check for Updates.
Windows will begin searching for and downloading updates, but you don’t need to wait for the process to complete before moving on to the next task.
3. If Windows does not automatically search for updates, select the Check for Updates box.
Uninstall bloatware
Most PC vendors pre-install annoying third-party software on your computer. These outdated software are ready to suck up valuable system resources. To uninstall it:
1. Navigate to Settings. You can get there from the start menu.
2. Select System.
3. Select Apps & Features from the left menu. If you don’t see this option, press and enter Apps in the search box, then select Apps & Features.
4. Select the application you want to uninstall.
5. Click Uninstall.
6. Click the second Uninstall button that appears.
Copy or sync your files
There are several possible ways to move your documents, photos, videos, and other critical files from your old computer.
OneDrive sync: If your important files are stored in OneDrive, they will automatically download to the new PC when you sign in with your Microsoft account.
Dropbox or Google Drive: These services work just like OneDrive, but don’t come with Windows preinstalled. If you used them to store files on the old computer, install them on the new computer.
Manually copy files: Select all files under the Documents, Music, Video, and Photos library, copy them to an external drive, and then copy them to the new machine.
Install antivirus software
If you accidentally click on a wrong link, your entire computer can fall victim to a malware infection – a horrific situation that can usually be avoided with some good antivirus software. The point of antivirus software is to prevent such situations from happening before they happen, and if they fail, to fix them right after. It is vital to have some kind of antivirus software to protect your PC from threats.
With Bitdefender, you can prevent problems before they happen; if anything harmful manages to get into your computer, you can also scan for and eliminate threats after the fact. Here’s a quick guide on how to install Bitdefender Free Antivirus:
1. Click the big green “Free Download” button on the Bitdefender website.
2. Go to your downloads folder and find the bitdefender_online.exe file you just downloaded. click it. Then it will install Bitdefender.
3. To avoid annoying pop-up reminders or any potential long-term issues with Bitdefender functionality, please create a Bitdefender account. It’s as easy as providing your name, email and creating a password. From there, Bitdefender will operate autonomously, allowing you to conduct your internet activities with peace of mind, always protecting you.
Set up Windows Hello fingerprint or face login
Many current laptops come with fingerprint readers or infrared cameras for facial recognition. You should set up Windows Hello, a feature that lets you log in with your finger or with a glance, so you can avoid the hassle of using common passwords. This is another great security feature that protects your files.
1. Navigate to Settings.
2. Click Account.
3. Select the login option.
4. Click the Settings button under Fingerprint or Face Recognition.
5. Click Start.
6. Slide your finger or stare at the camera as instructed. If you don’t have a fingerprint reader or infrared camera, Windows 10 won’t let you continue.
7. Click Set PIN. Windows 10 requires you to have a PIN as a backup in case your finger or face fails to register. If you already have a PIN, you won’t be asked to do this.
8. Enter the PIN and click OK.
Install the browser of your choice
Microsoft‘s Edge browser is fast, lightweight and definitely worth considering. But if you’re used to Chrome and Firefox extensions, you’ll want your favorite browser right away. To set a new browser as the default browser, follow the steps below.
1. Download and run the browser installer of your choice. Chrome at https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/
2. Navigate to Settings. You can get there from the start menu.
3. Click System.
4. Select Default Applications in the left pane.
5. Click the icon under Web Browser. It might say “Choose a default”, or it might have an icon for the current default browser.
6. Select your browser in the pop-up menu that appears.
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Microsoft was forced to warn users to uninstall Windows 11 update KB5012643 because it appeared to crash some apps, especially if they depended on the .NET 3.5 framework.
As WindowsLatest explains, KB5012643 brings some fixes to the OS, but some people are reporting that apps that rely on the .NET 3.5 framework keep crashing after installing the update.
While not all users were affected, and not all applications using .NET crashed, the problem was widespread enough that Windows sent users a rather humiliating message telling them to uninstall the update.
How to uninstall the Windows 11 KB5012643 update
To uninstall the update, open the Start menu and enter Windows Update Settings. From there, click Windows Update, and then click View Update History. Next, click Uninstall Update and select KB5012643, then click Uninstall. Hopefully this will fix the problem, however, you may find that other issues that the KB5012643 update did fix have now returned.
Hopefully Microsoft will release a new KB5012643 update that fixes these issues without introducing additional issues.
At best, having to warn users to uninstall an update is embarrassing enough, but the humiliation is even worse for Microsoft, as it brings back bad memories from a few years ago, when the company was going through more and more More and more broken Windows 10 updates are released.
Those dodgy Windows 10 updates caused more problems than they solved and did a lot of damage to Microsoft’s reputation as well as Windows 10, which until then had been seen as an unwelcome return to form that was Windows 8 ‘s mess.
Anything that reminds people of that regrettable period does Microsoft no favors. There have been some glaring Windows 11 issues lately, so the company definitely doesn’t want people to think the bad days of buggy Windows updates are back — especially if that means they’re holding off on upgrading to Windows 11 as a result.
At least some good news. Since KB5012643 is an optional update that people have to install manually, this means that the number of users potentially affected will be much lower than the automatically installed mandatory update.
Microsoft’s prompt response and transparency on this issue, despite its embarrassing nature, should also be commended and will help minimize the impact of this issue. Hopefully this is just a flash in the pan and not a sign that Windows 11 updates may start breaking more things than they fix.
Whether you’re downloading Windows 11 or using Windows 10 for a long time, you can easily take a screenshot of part or all of your screen. Windows 10 and 11 offer the same built-in tools (Snip & Sketch and Snipping Tool), and several keyboard shortcuts allow you to take screenshots on the fly.
Below we’ll show you how to take screenshots in Windows 10 and Windows 11 using the built-in Windows screenshot tool and other shortcuts, so check it out!
Screenshots and Sketches
The Snip & Sketch tool makes it easier to access, share, and annotate screenshots than the old Snipping Tool. It can now take a screenshot of a window on your desktop, which is a surprising omission.
The easiest way to invoke Snip & Sketch is to use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S. You can also find the Snip & Sketch tool in the alphabetical list of apps accessed from the Start button and in the notification panel where it’s listed as Screen snip. Or, if you haven’t committed the keyboard shortcut to memory, you can just search for it.
Either the keyboard shortcut or the notification button will dim your screen and open a small menu at the top of the screen that lets you choose the type of screenshot you want to take. Once the screenshot is taken, it will be saved to the clipboard and displayed as a notification in the bottom right corner of the screen immediately. Click the notification to open the screenshot in the Snip & Sketch app to annotate, save or share.
If you open Snip & Sketch from the Start menu or via search, it will open the Snip & Sketch window instead of the small panel at the top of the screen. From here, you need to click the New button in the upper left corner to initiate a screen capture and open the small panel. Doing it this way is an extra step, but it also lets you delay screenshots. Click the down arrow button next to the New button to delay the clip by 3 or 10 seconds.
screenshot tool
For several years, Windows has been warning that the Snipping Tool is going away, but it’s still around, including in Windows 11. Snipping Tool has been removed from the list of apps in the Start menu, but is easily accessible via the search bar.
Click the New button to start the screenshot process. The default clip type is rectangular clips, but you can also use freeform, full screen, and window clips. The Snipping Tool does not automatically save your screenshots, you need to manually save them in the tool before exiting, it will automatically copy your screenshots to the clipboard.
print screen
To capture the entire screen, tap the Print Screen key. Your screenshot will not be saved as a file, but will be copied to the clipboard. You’ll need to open an image editing tool, paste the screenshot into the editor, and save the file from there.
You can also set up the PrtScn button to open the Snip & Sketch tool by going to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and toggle “Use PrtScn button to open screenshots” under “Print Screen Shortcuts”.
To capture the entire screen and automatically save the screenshot, tap the Windows key + Print Screen key. Your screen will dim briefly to indicate that you have just taken a screenshot and it will be saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
Alt + print screen
To quickly take a screenshot of the active window, use the keyboard shortcut Alt + PrtScn. This will capture your currently active window and copy the screenshot to the clipboard. You need to open the photo in an image editor to save it.
in the game
Whether you’re playing a game or not, you can use the game bar to take screenshots. Press Windows key + G key to bring up the Game bar. From here, you can click the screenshot button in the game bar or use the default keyboard shortcut Windows key + Alt + PrtScn to take a full screen screenshot. To set your own Game bar screenshot keyboard shortcut, go to Settings > Gaming > Game bar. As a little backup, you’ll also need to enable Game Bar from this settings page by making sure you’ve switched to Record Game Clips, Screenshots, and Broadcasts using Game Bar.
If you’re using a Microsoft Surface device, you can use the physical button to take a screenshot of the entire screen—similar to how you can take a screenshot on any other phone or tablet. To do this, press and hold the Windows logo touch button at the bottom of the Surface screen, then tap the physical volume down button on the side of the tablet. The screen will dim briefly and the screenshot will be automatically saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
With Microsoft announcing plans to eventually disable the SMB1 protocol across all of its operating system versions, sharing files on Windows 11 will soon be more secure.
For those unfamiliar, the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol was originally developed by IBM in the 1980s to make it easier to share access to files, printers, and other resources on a network. Meanwhile, SMB1 is a dialect of the protocol IBM created for sharing files in DOS.
In a new blog post, Ned Pyle, Principal Program Manager for the Windows Server Engineering Group, explained that Windows Insiders on the Dev Channel will be the first to see SMB1 disabled by default on all Windows 11 releases.
This makes sense since Microsoft has released Windows 10 and Windows Server without SMB1 installed since the Fall 2017 Creators Update. Now, however, this will extend to all versions of Windows 11, which will no longer have insecure file sharing protocols enabled.
Still available as an unsupported package
Although SMB1 is an insecure protocol, it is still used today to connect older NAS devices on Windows PCs. While the protocol will no longer be enabled by default after Windows 11, the change will not affect in-place upgrades of end-user machines already using SMB1. Microsoft also plans to remove the SMB1 binaries in a future release.
For businesses that still need to use SMB1 to connect legacy equipment such as factory machinery and medical equipment, the software giant will offer installation packages that are not supported out-of-band.
In his post, Nyle warned that Microsoft’s plans for SMB1 could create pain points for consumers still running older hardware, who might wonder why new business laptops running Windows 11 can’t connect to aging network hard drives Confused.
Windows 11 will get one of the best features of Microsoft Teams thanks to “Voice Clarity,” which will use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to make your voice clearer in calls and recordings.
Microsoft Teams, the app that many people use for video calls, has very similar features that do a great job of reducing and canceling background noise from people in noisy environments, ensuring they can be heard clearly.
Since the feature has been well-received, it’s no surprise that Microsoft is bringing it to the wider Windows 11 operating system, which will allow the feature to work with other video calling apps. Voice Clarity was announced at Microsoft’s recent “Hybrid Work” event, and it’s one of the company’s ways to provide better products for people who now work from home and the office.
While the noise cancelling feature in Microsoft Teams has proven popular, there isn’t much love for the app itself, so its introduction to Windows 11 itself may prove to be a welcome move.
there is a question
While the idea behind making Voice Clarity available to more apps and users is that the feature is currently only available on Microsoft’s relatively niche product, Surface Laptop Studio. That’s a shame, of course, because it means the vast majority of Windows 11 users still don’t have access to the feature.
This may be due to some hardware-specific requirements that only Surface Laptop Studio has. Or, Microsoft might just limit the feature’s availability to help drive interest in Surface Laptop Studio.
But as more of us rely on video calls to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues, any tool that can help improve those calls is certainly welcome, and we’d love to see Microsoft make Voice Clarity even better. Widely available.
