Recent posts

#1
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26090 (Canary and Dev Channels)

The Canary and Dev Channels receiving the same builds is only temporary. During the times in which the Canary and Dev Channels are on the same builds (e.g. Build 26085), the window is open for Insiders in the Canary Channel to switch to the Dev Channel. At some point in the future, the Canary Channel will jump to higher build numbers and the window will be closed.

NOTE: Some features may begin rolling out to the Canary Channel first before the Dev Channel even if the two channels have the same build.

What's new in Build 26090

Widgets board improvements
We are restarting the rollout of the Widgets board improvements that originally began rolling out with Build 26058 to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. Those improvements include introducing a new navigation bar on the left allowing you to switch between a dedicated widgets dashboard and other integrated dashboards like Discover. Give it a try and let us know what you think using the feedback button at the top of the board.

We've added a new Navigation Pane on the left that allows you to switch to My Widgets dashboard.
A full widgets only experience from your favorite apps and services.

[We are beginning to roll this out to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel today, so the experience isn't available to all Insiders just yet.]

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Widgets.

More Server Message Block (SMB) protocol changes
Starting with Build 26085 and higher, we are introducing the following Server Message Block (SMB) protocol changes for QUIC, signing, and encryption.

SMB over QUIC client disable: Administrators can now disable the SMB over QUIC client with Group Policy and PowerShell. To disable SMB over QUIC using PowerShell, run the following command in an elevated console:

  • Set-SmbClientConfiguration -EnableSMBQUIC $true
To disable SMB over QUIC using Group Policy, use GPMC.MSC or GPEDIT.MSC to configure the following setting:

  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Workstation \ Enable SMB over QUIC
SMB over QUIC client connection auditing: Successful SMB over QUIC client connection events are now written to the event log to include the QUIC transport. You can view these events using EVENTVWR.MSC under the following path:

  • Applications and Services Logs \ Microsoft \ Windows\ SMBClient \ Connectivity (Event ID: 30832)
SMB signing and encryption auditing: Administrators can now enable auditing of the SMB server and client for support of SMB signing and encryption. This shows if a third-party client or server doesn't support  SMB encryption or signing. You can configure these settings with PowerShell and Group Policy. To configure SMB client or server signing or encryption auditing using Group Policy, use GPMC.MSC or GPEDIT.MSC to configure the following settings:

  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Workstation \ Audit server does not support encryption
  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Workstation \ Audit server does not support signing
  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Server \ Audit client does not support encryption
  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Server \ Audit client does not support signing
To disable SMB over QUIC using PowerShell, run the following command in an elevated console:

  • Set-SmbClientConfiguration -AuditServerDoesNotSupportEncryption $true
  • Set-SmbClientConfiguration -AuditServerDoesNotSupportSigning $true
  • Set-SmbServerConfiguration -AuditClientDoesNotSupportEncryption $true
  • Set-SmbServerConfiguration -AuditClientDoesNotSupportSigning $true
You can view these events using EVENTVWR.MSC under the following paths:

  • Applications and Services Logs \ Microsoft \ Windows\ SMBClient \ Audit (Event ID: 31998 and Event ID: 31999)
  • Applications and Services Logs \ Microsoft \ Windows\ SMBServer \ Audit (Event ID: 3021 and Event ID: 3022)
For more information on SMB over QUIC in Windows and Windows Server Insider Preview builds, review https://aka.ms/SMBoverQUICServer and https://aka.ms/SmbOverQuicCAC.

For more information on SMB signing and encryption in Windows and Windows Server Insider Preview builds, review https://aka.ms/SmbSigningRequired and https://aka.ms/SmbClientEncrypt.

Changes and Improvements

[General]
  • The build watermark at the lower right-hand corner of the desktop is not present in this build and will return in future Insider Preview builds. This is part of our normal process for preparing Windows 11, version 24H2 for release to customers later this year – but does not mean we're done. Windows 11, version 24H2, will be this year's annual feature update.As mentioned here, Windows 11 will have an annual feature update cadence that releases in the second half of the calendar year.
[Copilot in Windows
  • You can ask Copilot in Windows (in preview) for help ten times when you sign in to Windows using a local account. After that, you must sign in using a Microsoft account (MSA) or a Microsoft Entra IDaccount (formerly Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)). To sign in, use the link in the dialog that appears in Copilot in Windows. If you do not sign in, some Copilot features might not work. To learn more, see Welcome to Copilot in Windows and Manage Copilot in Windows.
[Settings]
  • The redesigned version of the Delivery Optimization settings page under Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization that was first introduced in Build 25987 has been reverted to the previous design starting with Build 26085. We plan to bring back this redesigned settings page in a future flight after fixing some bugs. Thanks to Insiders for all the feedback on this!
#2
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26090 (Canary and Dev Channels)

The Canary and Dev Channels receiving the same builds is only temporary. During the times in which the Canary and Dev Channels are on the same builds (e.g. Build 26085), the window is open for Insiders in the Canary Channel to switch to the Dev Channel. At some point in the future, the Canary Channel will jump to higher build numbers and the window will be closed.

NOTE: Some features may begin rolling out to the Canary Channel first before the Dev Channel even if the two channels have the same build.

What's new in Build 26090

Widgets board improvements
We are restarting the rollout of the Widgets board improvements that originally began rolling out with Build 26058 to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. Those improvements include introducing a new navigation bar on the left allowing you to switch between a dedicated widgets dashboard and other integrated dashboards like Discover. Give it a try and let us know what you think using the feedback button at the top of the board.

We've added a new Navigation Pane on the left that allows you to switch to My Widgets dashboard.
A full widgets only experience from your favorite apps and services.

[We are beginning to roll this out to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel today, so the experience isn't available to all Insiders just yet.]

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Widgets.

More Server Message Block (SMB) protocol changes
Starting with Build 26085 and higher, we are introducing the following Server Message Block (SMB) protocol changes for QUIC, signing, and encryption.

SMB over QUIC client disable: Administrators can now disable the SMB over QUIC client with Group Policy and PowerShell. To disable SMB over QUIC using PowerShell, run the following command in an elevated console:

  • Set-SmbClientConfiguration -EnableSMBQUIC $true
To disable SMB over QUIC using Group Policy, use GPMC.MSC or GPEDIT.MSC to configure the following setting:

  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Workstation \ Enable SMB over QUIC
SMB over QUIC client connection auditing: Successful SMB over QUIC client connection events are now written to the event log to include the QUIC transport. You can view these events using EVENTVWR.MSC under the following path:

  • Applications and Services Logs \ Microsoft \ Windows\ SMBClient \ Connectivity (Event ID: 30832)
SMB signing and encryption auditing: Administrators can now enable auditing of the SMB server and client for support of SMB signing and encryption. This shows if a third-party client or server doesn't support  SMB encryption or signing. You can configure these settings with PowerShell and Group Policy. To configure SMB client or server signing or encryption auditing using Group Policy, use GPMC.MSC or GPEDIT.MSC to configure the following settings:

  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Workstation \ Audit server does not support encryption
  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Workstation \ Audit server does not support signing
  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Server \ Audit client does not support encryption
  • Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Lanman Server \ Audit client does not support signing
To disable SMB over QUIC using PowerShell, run the following command in an elevated console:

  • Set-SmbClientConfiguration -AuditServerDoesNotSupportEncryption $true
  • Set-SmbClientConfiguration -AuditServerDoesNotSupportSigning $true
  • Set-SmbServerConfiguration -AuditClientDoesNotSupportEncryption $true
  • Set-SmbServerConfiguration -AuditClientDoesNotSupportSigning $true
You can view these events using EVENTVWR.MSC under the following paths:

  • Applications and Services Logs \ Microsoft \ Windows\ SMBClient \ Audit (Event ID: 31998 and Event ID: 31999)
  • Applications and Services Logs \ Microsoft \ Windows\ SMBServer \ Audit (Event ID: 3021 and Event ID: 3022)
For more information on SMB over QUIC in Windows and Windows Server Insider Preview builds, review https://aka.ms/SMBoverQUICServer and https://aka.ms/SmbOverQuicCAC.

For more information on SMB signing and encryption in Windows and Windows Server Insider Preview builds, review https://aka.ms/SmbSigningRequired and https://aka.ms/SmbClientEncrypt.

Changes and Improvements

[General]
  • The build watermark at the lower right-hand corner of the desktop is not present in this build and will return in future Insider Preview builds. This is part of our normal process for preparing Windows 11, version 24H2 for release to customers later this year – but does not mean we're done. Windows 11, version 24H2, will be this year's annual feature update.As mentioned here, Windows 11 will have an annual feature update cadence that releases in the second half of the calendar year.
[Copilot in Windows
  • You can ask Copilot in Windows (in preview) for help ten times when you sign in to Windows using a local account. After that, you must sign in using a Microsoft account (MSA) or a Microsoft Entra IDaccount (formerly Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)). To sign in, use the link in the dialog that appears in Copilot in Windows. If you do not sign in, some Copilot features might not work. To learn more, see Welcome to Copilot in Windows and Manage Copilot in Windows.
[Settings]
  • The redesigned version of the Delivery Optimization settings page under Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization that was first introduced in Build 25987 has been reverted to the previous design starting with Build 26085. We plan to bring back this redesigned settings page in a future flight after fixing some bugs. Thanks to Insiders for all the feedback on this!
#3
Security Software Programs / Re: Malwarebytes Version 5 Upd...
Last post by Corrine - March 27, 2024, 03:45:54 PM
Malwarebytes v5.1.1.106 component package 1.0.1204 was released.

From Malwarebytes 5.1:

Issues fixed
  • Unable to close/dismiss notifications
#4
Microsoft released KB5035942 (OS Builds 22621.3374 and 22631.3374 today for Windows 11 23H3 and Windows 11 22H2.

IMPORTANT: The date for optional, non-security preview releases for Windows 11, version 22H2 has been extended from February 27,2024 to June 25, 2025.

Highlights included in the update:

  • This update adds more content to your lock screen. Sports, traffic, and finance content will appear along with weather. To turn on this feature, go to Settings > Personalization > Lockscreen.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects the Settings app. It stops responding when you use it to remove Bluetooth devices.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects USB audio. It fails on some processors. This occurs after you pause, play, or resume from sleep.
  • The Windows share window now supports sharing with WhatsApp in the "Share using" section.
  • This update adds suggestions to Snap Layouts. They help you to instantly snap multiple app windows together.

See the KB article for a separate list of quality improvements included in the update for Windows 11 23H3 and Windows 11 22H2.

Update: To get the update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The link to download and install the update can be found in the Optional updates available area. To get the standalone package for this update, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Windows 11 update history
#5
Microsoft released KB5035941 for Windows 10 version 22H2 optional non-security release preview (Windows monthly updates explained).

Highlights included in the update:
  • New! This update adds Windows Spotlight to your desktop background. This feature displays new images as your desktop wallpaper. If you want to know more about an image, click or tap the Learn More button, which takes you to Bing. To turn on this feature, go to Settings > Personalization > Background > Personalize your background. Choose Windows spotlight.
Note This feature might not be available to all users because it will roll out gradually.
  • New! This update adds more content to your lock screen. In addition to weather, sports, traffic, and finance content will appear.  To turn on this feature, go to Settings > Personalization > Lockscreen. Note: This feature might not be available to all users because it will roll out gradually.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects the touch keyboard. It does not open sometimes.
  • When you sign in, you might see a message that invites you to upgrade to Windows 11. This message only appears if your device is eligible for an upgrade.  Note: This feature might not be available to all users because it will roll out gradually.

See the KB article for the list of quality improvements included in the update.

This update makes quality improvements to the servicing stack, which is the component that installs Windows updates. Servicing stack updates (SSU) ensure that you have a robust and reliable servicing stack so that your devices can receive and install Microsoft updates. For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions.

Update:  To get the update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The link to download and install the update can be found in the Optional updates available area.  To get the standalone package for this update, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Windows 10 update history
#6
Security Alerts & Briefings / Pale Moon Version 33.0.2 Relea...
Last post by Corrine - March 26, 2024, 01:02:42 PM
Pale Moon has been updated to version 33.0.2.  This update is a minor security and stability release.

Changes/Fixes:
  • Fixed an issue with attributes on duplicate html tags.
  • Aligned the behavior of internal pointer structures to be more uniform. DiD
  • Security issue addressed: CVE-2024-2610

Notes:

DiD: This means that a fix is "Defense-in-Depth": It is a fix that does not apply to a (potentially) actively exploitable vulnerability in Pale Moon, but prevents future vulnerabilities caused by the same code, e.g. when surrounding code changes, exposing the problem, or when new attack vectors are discovered.

Pale Moon includes both 32- and 64-bit versions for Windows: Pale Moon for Windows downloads.

Update: To get the update now, select "Help" from the Pale Moon menu at the upper left of the browser window.  Select About Pale Moon > Check for Updates.

Release Notes
Release Cycle
#7
Security Alerts & Briefings / Re: Mozilla Firefox Version 12...
Last post by plodr - March 23, 2024, 12:59:51 PM
FF ESR was updated to 115.9.1.
#8
Security Alerts & Briefings / Mozilla Firefox Version 124.0....
Last post by Corrine - March 22, 2024, 03:35:40 PM
Mozilla sent Firefox Version 124.0.1 to the Release Channel.  The update includes two security updates rated high.

Update: To get the update now, select "Help" from the Firefox menu, then pick "About Firefox." Mac users need to select "About Firefox" from the Firefox menu. If you do not use the English language version, Fully Localized Versions are available for download.

Security Updates
#9
Paint update begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

UPDATE 3/21: The update for Paint that introduces a new size slider for pencil, brushes, and eraser tools has begun rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview Channels.
#10
Spellcheck in Notepad begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Notepad (version 11.2402.18.0)

With this update, Notepad will now highlight misspelled words and provide suggestions so that you can easily identify and correct mistakes. We are also introducing autocorrect which seamlessly fixes common typing mistakes as you type.

Getting started with spellcheck in Notepad is easy as misspelled words are automatically underlined in red. To fix a spelling mistake, click, tap, or use the keyboard shortcut Shift + F10 on the misspelled word to see suggested spellings. Selecting a suggestion immediately updates the word. You can also choose to ignore words in a single document or add them to the dictionary, so they are not flagged as a mistake again. Spellcheck in Notepad supports multiple languages.

This feature is enabled by default for some file types but is off by default in log files and other file types typically associated with coding. You can toggle this setting on or off globally or for certain file types in Notepad app settings or temporarily for the current file in the context menu. We've organized the settings page as well to make it easier to find and adjust Notepad app settings.

[We are beginning to roll out spellcheck in Notepad, so it may not be available to all Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels just yet as we plan to monitor feedback and see how it lands before pushing it out to everyone.]

FEEDBACK: Please share your feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Notepad.