Microsoft performs an about-face on Office macro security policy -- albeit a temporary one
VBA macros in Microsoft Office are an incredibly common means of delivering malware, and this is precisely why Microsoft made an announcement earlier this year that macros would be blocked by default. But now the company has changed its mind.
The change will not be permanent, however. Microsoft still plans to block macros in documents obtain from the internet -- it's just not quite clear when. The company says that the change of heart is a result of user feedback, and while macros will remain enabled by default for the time being, this will change at some point in the future; it's just not happening as soon as we thought.
Microsoft releases PowerToys v0.60.0 with great new Windows 11 features
Microsoft has released PowerToys v0.60.0, and while the company says that this is a release cycle that focuses on stability and improvements, this does not really convey how significant an update it is -- particularly for Windows 11 users.
Among some of the biggest changes and additions are a new zone identification technique for FancyZones, and rounded corner support for AlwaysOnTop. There are also new entries in the Windows 11 context menu for PowerRename and Image Resizer, making these utilities even easier to access. But things do not end there.
Microsoft makes massive improvements to Windows Subsystem for Android in Windows 11
Microsoft has fully embraced Linux with the release of Windows Subsystem for Linux, opening up exciting possibilities for fans of Linux-based distros. The company has also shown support for Android, with the Windows Subsystem for Android making it possible to run mobile apps and games in Windows 11.
Now the company has made a significant update to Windows Subsystem for Android, making huge improvements to its networking capabilities.
Microsoft releases Windows Terminal Preview 1.15 with new keyboard selection option, scroll marks, and other improvements
It's time for a new Windows Terminal release, and the latest update takes this essential developer tool up to version 1.15.
There is quite a lot to Windows Terminal Preview 1.15, but one of the highlights is the addition of the ability to use your keyboard to select any text in the text buffer with mark mode. There is now also experimental support for scroll marks, and more.
Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 22621.290 and Build 22622.290 -- one has new features, the other doesn't
Microsoft has made the decision to split the Windows 11 Beta Channel into two. To go with the move, the company has rolled out two new Windows 11 flights -- Build 22621.290 and Build 22622.290.
As you would expect, both builds share fixes and known issues, but one build also includes new features.
Microsoft splits the Windows 11 Beta Channel into two
Microsoft has announced two Windows 11 builds for the Beta Channel -- Build 22621.290 and Build 22622.290. Why two builds? It’s because the software giant is putting Insiders into one of two groups. This is similar to what the company did back in 2019.
But why, and what’s different about the two builds?
Microsoft's Bing Maps can now alleviate some of your pain at the gas pump
Does anybody actually use Bing Maps? I mean, I am sure some people do (right?), but I have never met any of them in my travels. In my experience, most folks use either Google Maps or Apple Maps -- I prefer the latter.
However, thanks to some new features being added to Bing Maps, maybe it is finally time to consider trying Microsoft's offering. You see, the Windows-maker has added some new things, such as a parking finder and a distance calculator to its app.
Microsoft releases new versions of free Windows 11 virtual machines
For anyone looking to try out Windows 11 without making a full commitment, opting for a virtualized version of the operating system is a great idea. Microsoft has just released updated versions of its Windows 11 virtual machine images which can be used completely free of charge.
It is Windows 11 Enterprise that Microsoft has made available, and there are various versions available to download. No matter whether you prefer VMWare, Hyper-V, VirtualBox or Parallels, there is a free Windows 11 virtual machine for you.
Windows 7 2022 Edition is everything Windows 11 should be, but isn't
Windows 11 adoption isn't happening as fast as Microsoft would like, but that’s partly down to the fact that Windows 10 suits most people fine; they know where they are with it, and it doesn’t have the same strict hardware requirements as the latest OS.
For a lot of people though, Windows 7 remains the best operating system Microsoft ever made. If you were wondering how it might look if it was released today, we have the answer.
Microsoft adds a new interactive photo sharing feature to OneDrive
If you use Microsoft OneDrive to store your photos in the cloud you’re going to be thrilled to hear that the service is about to get a whole lot more useful.
The company today announces that it is releasing a public preview of OneDrive photo story, a new, interactive feature that "securely connects your favorite moments to the people who matter most."
Microsoft is giving the Open With dialog a great new design in Windows 11
Many of the changes introduced in Windows 11 have divided opinion, from the central Start button to the non-moveable taskbar. An upcoming change that is sure to go down well, however, is Microsoft decision to give the Open With dialog a much-needed overhaul.
As you know, when you double click a file in Windows, it opens in whatever the default app it is associated with is. The Open With dialog can be used to select an alternative app, and with the redesign, Microsoft is not only introducing a new look that is more in keeping with the Windows 11 aesthetic, is also making the dialog more useful.
Windows 11 uptake remains slow
If you recall, two months ago we reported how Windows 11 growth was still glacially slow, as users appeared to be opting to stay with Windows 10, rather than upgrading to the new OS.
Although it didn’t report on Windows 11’s share last month, AdDuplex has returned with figures for June, and if you were expecting a sudden surge of upgrades, well we’ve some bad news for you -- and Microsoft.
Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 25151 with useful fixes for annoying problems
Last week's new Windows 11 flight for Insiders in the Dev Channel -- Build 25145 -- introduced a number of new features, including a OneDrive storage alert, subscription management in Settings, and a Local Administrator Password Solution ("LAPS").
Build 25151, released today, is much less exciting but does offer a set of fixes designed to improve the overall experience for users.
Microsoft releases preview of KB5014666 update which fixes Wi-Fi bug and adds printing features
Microsoft has released a preview of an update for Windows 10. It will receive a wider release next month, but it is available now for eager testers.
The KB5014666 update is a cumulative, non-security update. As well as fixing a number of bugs in Windows 10 versions 20H2, 21H1 and 21H2, the update also introduces a number of new printing features, as well as IP address auditing for incoming Windows Remote Management.
Microsoft performs Known Issue Rollback after Windows update breaks Edge
Microsoft issuing updates for Windows that result in unwanted side effects is far from unknown, and it has happened once again.
With the release of the KB5014019 update for Windows 11, the KB5014021 update for Windows 10, and the KB5014023 update for Windows Server, Microsoft managed to introduce a problem that caused its own Edge browser to stop responding. Rather than issuing a fix, the company has instead opted to use a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) after acknowledging the problems.
© 1998-2025 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy.