Aptivi3d ago

Windows 11 January 2026 patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this month’s patch is:

  • [Compatibility] This update removes the following modem drivers: agrsm64.sys (x64), agrsm.sys (x86), smserl64.sys (x64) and smserial.sys (x86). Modem hardware dependent on these specific drivers will no longer work in Windows.
  • [Networking (known issues)]
    • Fixed: This update addresses an issue where mirrored networking in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) could fail causing “No route to host” errors and preventing access to corporate resources over VPN connections, even when the Windows host remained connected. This might occur after installing KB5067036.
    • Fixed: This update addresses an issue where you might experience RemoteApp ​​​​​​​connection failures in Azure Virtual Desktop environments. This might occur after installing KB5070311.
  • [Power & Battery] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where devices with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) might stay powered on when idle. This could affect power performance.
  • [Secure Boot] Starting with this update, Windows quality updates include a subset of high confidence device targeting data that identifies devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices will receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, ensuring a safe and phased deployment.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • [Windows Deployment Services (WDS)] This update introduces a change in behavior in which WDS will stop supporting hands-free deployment functionality by default. Detailed guidance for IT administrators is available in Windows Deployment Services (WDS) Hands‑Free Deployment Hardening Guidance.
  • [WinSqlite3.dll] Fixed: The Windows core component, WinSqlite3.dll, has been updated. Previously, some security software might have detected this component as vulnerable. 

To install this update, you can just click on a big Check for updates button in the Windows Update settings. Usually, Windows 11 automatically updates your computer to this patch update. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Patch #preview #PreviewPatch #PreviewUpdates #Updates #Windows #Windows11

AptiviDec 14

Windows 11 December 2025 patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this month’s patch is:

  • [Copilot] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where Ask Copilot didn’t activate the Click to Do window as expected. The window now appears in the foreground when you share data with Copilot.
  • [File Explorer (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where File Explorer briefly flashes white when you navigate between pages. This issue might occur after you install KB5070311.
  • [Networking] Fixed: This update fixes an issue where external virtual switches lose their physical network adapter (NIC) bindings after a host restart. When this happens, the switches revert to internal mode, resulting in loss of network connectivity for virtual machines and blocking normal server operations. ​​​​​​​
  • [PowerShell 5.1] Invoke-WebRequest now includes a confirmation prompt with a security warning of script execution risk. You can choose to continue or cancel the request. For additional details, see CVE-2025-54100 and KB5074596: PowerShell 5.1: Preventing script execution from web content.
  • This update addresses security issues for your Windows operating system.

To install this update, you can just click on a big Check for updates button in the Windows Update settings. Usually, Windows 11 automatically updates your computer to this patch update. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #microsoft #microsoftWindows #patch #preview #previewPatch #previewUpdates #updates #windows #windows11

AptiviDec 2

Windows 11 November 2025 preview patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s preview patch for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this preview patch is:

  • [Agent in Settings]
    • ​​​​​​​New! The search results menu displays more available results, making it easier to quickly find and modify your settings. A scroll bar lets you view all search results.
    • New!  Recommended settings now makes changes faster by showing an inline agent option for recently modified settings.
    • New!  A dialog now appears when settings can’t be adjusted further. It explains why and provides an option to modify the settings as needed.
  • [Click to Do]
    • New! The Click to Do context menu now has a streamlined design that makes it easier to access frequently used actions such as Copy, Save, Share, and Open. You can quickly find what you need.
    • New! ​​​​Whenever a large image or table appears on your screen, the context menu automatically opens so you can quickly access actions and view results.
  • [Camera] New! You can use Windows Studio Effects, which provides AI-powered camera enhancements, on an additional camera such as a USB webcam or your laptop’s built-in rear camera. To get started, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, and select your preferred camera from the connected cameras list. Then, open Advanced camera options and turn on Use Windows Studio Effects. After you turn it on, you can adjust Studio Effects from the camera settings page or the quick settings menu in the taskbar.
  • [File Explorer]
    • New!  The File Explorer Search Box placeholder text has been updated to highlight the enhanced Windows Search experiences.
    • New!  File ExplorerHome on-hover actions for faster file management (previously released in KB5067036) is now available for enterprise customers.
  • [Windows Search] New!  You can now find your AI-categorized photos from the Microsoft Photos app using Windows Search with semantic search.
  • [Advanced Settings] New! You can now turn on Virtual Workspaces in Advanced Settings. Virtual Workspaces allow you to enable or disable virtual environments such as Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox. To access Virtual Workspaces, go to Settings > Systems > Advanced. 
  • [Desktop Spotlight]  New!  When Windows Spotlight is set as your desktop background (Settings > Personalization > Background), the context menu now includes two options: Learn more about this background and Next desktop background.
  • [File Explorer]
    • New! File Explorer now offers a more consistent dark mode experience. Key actions such as copy, move, and delete dialogs have been updated in both default and expanded views. Progress bars and chart views now align with the dark theme to improve readability. Confirmation dialogs for actions like skip, override, and file selection, along with multiple error dialogs, have also been refreshed for a cohesive look.
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​New! The simplified File Explorer context menu for easier navigation. Common actions like Share, Copy, and Move now appear in a single organized menu. This change removes clutter and makes commands easier to find, whether you use a mouse, keyboard, or assistive technology. This change will initially be available to a small group of devices as we evaluate the best approach.
    • Fixed: File Explorer might unexpectedly not show thumbnails for video files containing certain EXIF metadata. 
    • Fixed: A toolbar might sometimes appear unexpectedly in File Explorer. 
    • Fixed: When you right-click a file, the app icon next to the Open option might appear generic instead of showing the default app for that file type. 
  • [Gaming] New! The full screen experience (FSE) is now available on more Windows 11 handheld devices after its initial launch on ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. FSE gives you a console-style interface with theXbox app, making handheld gaming clean and distraction-free. It improves performance by minimizing background tasks, so gameplay stays smooth and responsive. To turn it on, go to Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience, and set Xbox as your home app. You can open FSE from Task View or Game Bar​​​​​​​, or configure your handheld to enter full screen experience on startup.
  • [Input] New!  Pens that support haptic feedback—small vibrations that simulate touch—now provide tactile responses when you interact with the Windows interface. For example, you might feel vibrations when hovering over the close button or when snapping and resizing windows.
  • [Keyboard] New! Keyboard backlight performance has improved on supported HID-compliant keyboards. Compatible keyboards display keys clearly in low-light environments, and the backlight adjusts to help conserve power.
  • [Mobile Device Settings] New! You can add and manage your mobile devices in Settings under Bluetooth & Devices › Mobile Devices. On this page you can manage features such as using your device as a connected camera or accessing your device’s files in File Explorer.
  • [OneDrive] New!  The new OneDrive icon now appears in Settings > Accounts > Homepage.
  • [Recovery] New! Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) now runs a one-time scan on PCs with settings quick machine recovery and automatically check for solutions are both turned on. If a fix isn’t available immediately, QMR directs you to the best recovery options to get your PC running again
  • [Settings]
    • New!  Keyboard settings for “character repeat delay and rate”, and “cursor blink rate”, have moved from Control Panel to Settings. You can now find “character repeat delay and rate” under Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, and “cursor blink rate” under Settings > Accessibility > Text cursor. ​​​​​​​
    • New!  About in Settings now has an updated layout that organizes device details and related options in one place. You can quickly access features such as Storage settings for faster navigation. 
    • Fixed: Settings might become unresponsive when attempting to navigate to the Network & Internet section. 
    • Fixed: The search bar in Settings might become overlapped with the minimum and maximum buttons in the title bar. 
  • [Taskbar & System Tray]
    • New! Animations for app groups on the taskbar have been updated. When you hover over app groups on the taskbar, you can see the preview transition as you slide between apps.
    • New! You can now share an open app window with Copilot directly from the taskbar. When you hover over an open app, you’ll see the option to share its window with Copilot—similar to sharing in Microsoft Teams. Hover over the app icon, select Share with Copilot to start a conversation. Copilot Vision will analyze the content you shared and provide insights based on what’s displayed in that app.
    • Fixed: The Automatically hide the taskbar setting might unexpectedly turn off, after seeing a message saying a toolbar is already hidden on this side of your screen.  
    • Fixed: Voice access doesn’t work correctly when attempting to interact with the taskbar (calling out a number might not invoke that item). 
    • Fixed: The taskbar icons might automatically scale to be smaller, although there is enough room left without scaling changes. 
  • [Widgets]
    • New!  You can choose a default dashboard in Widget Board settings. When live weather is showing, the Widget Board opens the first dashboard in your navigation bar instead of the most recently used one, making the experience consistent. To set your default dashboard, open the full-page Widgets Settings by selecting Settings  in the navigation bar, then move your preferred dashboard to the top. 
    • New!  Dashboard icons in the Widget navigation bar now show numbers that correspond to the number of alerts from that dashboard. Navigation bar badges clear automatically when you leave a dashboard, making it easy to track what’s new. 
  • [Windows Share]
    • New! Drag tray now supports multi-file sharing, shows more relevant apps, and makes it easy to move files to a chosen folder.
    • New! You can now turn drag tray on or off from Settings > System > Nearby sharing.
    • New! You can share OneDrive files through other apps. The options appear under Share using when you select the Copy link. You must be signed into your Microsoft account.
  • [Display and Graphics]
    • Improved: Performance has been improved when apps query monitors for their full list of supported modes. When this happens it could previously lead to a momentary stutter on very high-resolution monitors. This work should help prevent and reduce stuttering in these scenarios. 
    • Fixed: All-in-one PCs might experience issues with their brightness slider, where it unexpectedly reverts to the original brightness when interacting with it. 
    • Fixed: Recently certain games might display the message Unsupported graphics card detected, although a supported graphics card is used. 
  • [Game Pass] References to Game Pass in Settings are now modified to reflect updated branding and benefits.
  • [Start menu] Improved: For users with the new Start menu, the Windows Search panel now matches the new Start menu in size. This update aims to create a smoother transition when searching.
  • [Lock and Sign-in Screens]
    • Fixed: It might be very slow the first time when signing into a new account. 
    • Fixed: When your lock screen is set to slide show, there might be a memory leak. Memory leaks can lead to performance or reliability issues over time.
  • [Smart cards] Fixed: You might unexpectedly see STATUS_NOT_SUPPORTED (0xc00000bb) during sign on when using ECC Smart Card Logon Credential.
  • [Prism] Windows on Arm devices now have emulation support for applications that use AVX and AVX2, as well as related extensions such as BMI, FMA, and F16C.

To install this update, you can click on the Download and Install button that shows up below the cumulative update preview version just like this:

Or, you can enable the faster update rollout option that shows up in the Windows Update page so that you’ll automatically get the preview updates without having to manually check for updates:

Please note that preview updates may have stability issues that are usually fixed in the final update release. Also, we recommend downloading such updates over non-metered connections to avoid extra charges. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #copilot #february #february2025 #intune #microsoft #microsoftWindows #patch #preview #previewPatch #previewUpdates #security #updates #windows #windows11

AptiviNov 11

Windows 11 November 2025 patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this month’s patch is:

  • This update addresses security issues for your Windows operating system.
  • [Gaming]
    • Fixed: This update addresses an issue that affects gaming handheld devices. These devices were unable to stay in low-power states, which caused faster battery drain.
    • Fixed: This update addresses an issue on some handheld gaming devices where after signing in using the built-in Gamepad, the controller might not respond in apps for about five seconds, causing a delay. After you submit your password or PIN, the touch keyboard on the sign-in screen hides automatically.​​​​​​​
  • [Storage] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that could cause some Storage Spaces to become inaccessible or Storage Spaces Direct to fail when creating a storage cluster.
  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​[System utilities (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where closing Task Manager with the Close button didn’t fully end the process, leaving background instances that could slow performance over time.  This might occur after installing KB5067036.
  • [Voice Access] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where Voice Access failed during initial setup if no microphone was connected and the voice model wasn’t installed.
  • [Window management] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where selecting the desktop could unexpectedly open Task View.
  • ​​​​​​​[Networking] Fixed: This update fixes an issue in the HTTP.sys request parser, a Windows component that reads and processes HTTP requests. The parser allowed a single line break within HTTP/1.1 chunk extensions, where the RFC 9112 standard requires a carriage return and line feed (CRLF) sequence to terminate each chunk. This can cause a parsing discrepancy when front end proxies are a part of the setup.

To install this update, you can just click on a big Check for updates button in the Windows Update settings. Usually, Windows 11 automatically updates your computer to this patch update. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Patch #preview #PreviewPatch #PreviewUpdates #Updates #Windows #Windows11

AptiviOct 29

Windows 11 October 2025 preview patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s preview patch for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this preview patch is:

  • Copilot+ PCs
    • [Click to Do]
      • New! 1 The prompt box in Click to Do streamlines interaction with Copilot, helping you work more efficiently. You can type a custom prompt directly into the text box, which sends your prompt and selected on-screen content to Copilot. Suggested prompts appear below the text box and are powered locally by Phi-Silica. These suggestions are available for text selections in English, Spanish, and French. 
      • New! 1 You can now translate on-screen text using Microsoft Copilot with the Click to Do feature. When you select text in a different language than your Windows display language or preferred language setting, Copilot suggests a translation. After you choose to translate, the translated text appears in the Copilot app. You can see the supported regions and languages in Microsoft Copilot.
      • New! 1 Click to Do helps you convert units like length, area, volume, height, temperature, and speed. Hover over a number and unit pair to see a floating tooltip with the conversion. Select the number and unit to open a context menu with more conversion options. You can also access additional conversions through the Copilot app.
      • New! Press and hold two fingers anywhere on your Copilot+ PC touchscreen to open Click to Do. This gesture simultaneously opens Click to Do, selects the item beneath your fingers, and displays relevant actions. 
      • New!  You can now select objects in Click to Do using Freeform Selection, Rectangle Selection, or Ctrl + click. To use Freeform Selection Mode, select the Freeform button on the toolbar, then use your pen or finger to draw freely around the items you want to select. To use Rectangle Selection Mode, select the Rectangle Selection button on the toolbar, then drag a box around the items. Everything inside the rectangle will be selected. You can also use Ctrl + Click to select multiple types of items—such as text and images—by holding down the Ctrl key and selecting each item.
      • New!  Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365 now appear in Click to Do. To view a profile card, press Windows key + click on an email address from your organization. 
      • New! Visual cues now make key items, such as emails, tables, and more, light up on your screen as you open Click to Do. 
      • Fixed: Click to Do might unexpectedly invoke sometimes when pressing Windows key + P.
    • [File Explorer] New!2 When you hover over a file in File Explorer Home, commands such as “Open file location” and “Ask Copilot” appear as quick actions. This experience is available if you’re signed in with a Microsoft account. Support for work and school account (Entra ID) will be available in a future update.
    • [Voice access]
      • New! Fluid Dictation in voice access makes voice-based dictation smoother and smarter. It helps correct grammar, punctuation, and filler words in real time. Powered by on-device small language models (SLMs), it offers fast and private processing. Fluid Dictation is on by default—just open the Voice Access app to start. To turn it on or off, go to Settings or say Turn on Fluid Dictation or Turn off Fluid Dictation. You can use it in most text input apps, but it’s disabled in secure fields like passwords or PINs Fluid Dictation is available in all English locales on Copilot+ PCs. 
      • New! You can now configure a delay before a voice command is executed. To set this up, go to Voice access settings > Wait time before acting, and select the option that best matches your preferences.
      • New!  Voice access now supports Japanese, expanding accessibility for more users. You can now navigate, dictate, and interact with Windows using voice commands. With this update, Windows users who speak Japanese can enjoy a hands-free, voice-powered PC experience.
      • Fixed: Voice access unexpectedly stops working, showing error code 9001.
    • [Agent in Settings] New! The new agent in the Settings experience now supports French.  
    • [Improved Windows Search] New! ​​​​​​​The Improved Windows Search feature, now available through controlled rollout (CFR), is available on all Copilot+ PCs.
  • Windows 11 PCs
    • [Start menu] New! The redesigned Start menu, built to help you access your apps more quickly and smoothly. Its redesigned layout makes it easier than ever to find what you need.
      • Scrollable ‘All’ section: The main page now includes a scrollable “All” section, making it easier to find apps.
      • Category and grid views: Switch between two new views—category view, which groups apps by type and highlights frequently used ones, and grid view, which lists apps alphabetically with more horizontal space for easier scanning. The menu remembers your last selected view.
      • Responsive layout: The Start menu adapts to your screen size. Larger displays show more pinned apps, recommendations, and categories by default. Sections like Pinned and Recommended expand or collapse based on content. You can customize these views under Settings > Personalization > Start.
      • Phone Link integration: A new mobile device button next to Search lets you expand or collapse content from your connected phone. This feature supports Android and iOS devices in most markets and will roll out to the European Economic Area (EEA) in 2025.
    • [File Explorer]
      • New! 3 Recommended files in File Explorer Home are now available for personal Microsoft accounts and local accounts. These files include content you frequently use, have recently downloaded, or added to your File Explorer Gallery. If you prefer not to see the recommended section in File Explorer Home, you can turn it off in File Explorer Folder Options. When this feature is turned off, folders pinned to Quick Access will appear instead.
      • New! StorageProvider APIs are now available for cloud providers to integrate with File Explorer Home. Developers can learn to enable the system to query for suggested files.
      • Fixed: The File Explorer context menu might unexpectedly switch back and forth between the normal view and Show More Options on each right click.
      • Fixed: When opening a folder from another app (for example, opening the Downloads folder from a browser), your custom view — including sorting files by name, changing the icon size, or removing grouping — unexpectedly resets back to default.
      • Fixed: The body of the File explorer window might no longer respond to mouse clicks after invoking the context menu.
      • Fixed: Extracting very large archive folders (1.5gb+) might fail with a “Catastrophic Error” (error code 0x8000FFFF).
      • Fixed: File Explorer might become unresponsive when opening Home.
    • [Lock screen] New! The new battery icons, which include color indicators and battery percentage, now appear in the lower-right corner of the lock screen. This feature makes it easier to check your device’s charging status and battery level at a glance. To learn more about the battery icon feature, see Taskbar.
    • [Microsoft 365 Copilot] New! A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page has been added to the Get Started experience for commercial devices with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. This page helps you learn about Microsoft 365 Copilot features and begin using them more easily.
    • [Settings] New! The “Email & accounts” section is now called “Your accounts.” You manage all your accounts under Settings > Accounts.
    • [Taskbar]
      • New! The battery icons have been updated to make it easier to check your PC’s status at a glance. Color indicators show charging and battery levels: green indicates the PC is charging and in good condition, yellow shows that battery saver mode is on at 20% or below, and red signals a critically low battery. Simplified overlays keep the progress bar visible, and the icons appear in the system tray, Quick Settings, and Settings, with Lock screen support coming soon. To show the battery percentage next to the icon, go to Settings > System > Power & battery, then turn on Battery Percentage. You can still view detailed battery information by hovering over the battery icon or opening the Power & battery settings.​​​​
        • Fixed: If you hover over an app icon on the taskbar, and then select the window preview, the preview might dismiss and not bring the window to the foreground.
    • [Display and Graphics]
      • Fixed: Apps and browsers might display partially unresponsive onscreen content when other maximized or full-screen apps are updating in the background. This issue is especially noticeable when scrolling, as only parts of the window content might update.
      • Fixed: After you install KB5064081, some videos and games might be unexpectedly red.
      • Fixed: If the Connected Devices Platform Service is disabled, Settings might stop responding or close unexpectedly when you try to open Settings > System > Display, including when launched from the desktop context menu.
    • [Input] Fixed: An issue with microsoft.ink.dll and related APIs might cause pen and handwriting input to stop responding in apps or lead to apps closing unexpectedly due to thrown exceptions.
    • [Narrator] Fixed: Narrator fails when trying to launch it while setting up Windows using an ISO.
    • [Open and Save Dialog] Fixed: Certain apps might become unresponsive when launching the Open or Save Dialog.
    • [Remote Credential Guard] Fixed: Remote Credential Guard scenarios between the latest Windows 11 builds and Windows Server 2022 or earlier might unexpectedly fail.
    • [Sign in to your PC]: Improved: Made underlying changes to improve the performance of loading the taskbar after unlocking your PC from sleep. This also helps in cases where the password field and other sign-in screen contents didn’t render when transitioning from the lock screen to the sign-in screen after sleep.
    • [Task Manager] Fixed: Some apps might unexpectedly not be grouped with their processes.
    • [Windows Update]
      • Improved: Addressed underlying issue which can cause “Update and shutdown” to not actually shut down your PC after updating.
      • Improved: Addressed underlying issue which can cause Windows Update to fail to install with error 0x800f0983.
    • [Administrator Protection Preview] New! Administrator protection aims to protect free floating admin rights for administrators. It enables users to perform administrative tasks using just-in-time privileges. This feature is turned off by default and can be enabled using OMA-URI in Microsoft Intune or through Group Policy.
    • [Authentication]
      • Fixed: An issue that caused an ACCESS_DENIED error when users attempted to change passwords remotely on member servers or workgroup devices, even when they had the required permissions.
      • Fixed: This update addresses an issue that affects the Kerberos Key Distribution Center (KDC) service on server domain controllers. When the KDC service is manually stopped, the server cannot retrieve Kerberos tickets.
      • After installing the September 2025 security update for Windows Server 2022 (KB5065432), you might experience repeated reauthentication issues with Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS). ​​​​​​​
    • [Display] Fixed: After the latest updates, text may not render correctly when editing content within a multiline text box in certain apps.
    • [Installation (known issue)] Fixed: The Media Creation tool (version 26100.6584), released on September 29, 2025, might not work as expected on devices with Arm64. Users may encounter an error message such as: “We’re not sure what happened, but we’re unable to run this tool on your PC.” This is a known issue for Windows 11, version 25H2.
    • [Media (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where protected content playback fails on some machines after installing KB5064081.
    • [Networking (known issue)] Fixed: An issue occurred where web servers using HTTP.sys (such as Internet Information Services [IIS]) rejected incoming HTTP requests with a “NOT_SUPPORTED” error.
    • [Screen readers] Fixed: After the latest updates, screen readers may unexpectedly say “legacy window” without reading out the window contents when interacting with certain apps.

To install this update, you can click on the Download and Install button that shows up below the cumulative update preview version just like this:

Or, you can enable the faster update rollout option that shows up in the Windows Update page so that you’ll automatically get the preview updates without having to manually check for updates:

Please note that preview updates may have stability issues that are usually fixed in the final update release. Also, we recommend downloading such updates over non-metered connections to avoid extra charges. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #Copilot #February #February2025 #intune #microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Patch #preview #PreviewPatch #PreviewUpdates #security #Updates #Windows #Windows11

AptiviOct 14

Windows 11 October 2025 patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this month’s patch is:

  • [Browser] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that caused the print preview screen to stop responding in Chromium-based browsers.
  • [Gaming] Fixed: An issue occurred when users signed in to a Windows device using only a Gamepad at the lock screen. If no other input methods—such as touch or fingerprint—were used during sign-in, apps and games did not respond to input afterward. ​​​​​​​
  • [PowerShell]
    • Fixed: This update addresses an issue that affects PowerShell Remoting and Windows Remote Management (WinRM), where commands might time out after 10 minutes.
    • ​​​​​​​Fixed: This update addresses an issue that prevented an audit event from being logged.
  • [Windows Hello] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that affects the setup process for Windows Hello face recognition when using USB infrared camera modules. Users were unable to complete setup due to a persistent error message, such as “Make sure your face is centered in the frame.” ​​​​​​​
  • [Compatibility] This update removes the ltmdm64.sys driver. Fax modem hardware dependent on this specific driver will no longer work in Windows.

To install this update, you can just click on a big Check for updates button in the Windows Update settings. Usually, Windows 11 automatically updates your computer to this patch update. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Patch #preview #PreviewPatch #PreviewUpdates #Updates #Windows #Windows11

AptiviSep 30

Windows 11 September 2025 preview patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s preview patch for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this preview patch is:

  • [Click to Do]
    • New!  New and popular action tags in the Click to Do context menu help you discover the latest and most widely used AI-powered actions.
    • New!  Click to Do provides more concise summaries with Summarize action. The output for text entities is shorter and more focused. Ongoing improvements continue to enhance clarity and precision.
  • [Agents in Settings] New! A direct navigation link to the corresponding settings page is available from agent search results. This improvement is currently rolling out to agents in Settings on Copilot+ PCs.
  • [Desktop] New! You can now move the hardware indicators for brightness, volume, airplane mode, and virtual desktops to different positions on your screen. To change their position, go to Settings > System > Notifications, and then pick from the options in the Position of the onscreen pop-up in the dropdown list.
  • [Taskbar] New! IT administrators no longer need to restart explorer.exe to apply the pinning policy. After applying the policy, users might see a pin on their taskbar within approximately 8 hours, depending on the refresh interval.
  • [File Explorer]
    • New!  Use AI actions in File Explorer to edit images or summarize documents. Just right click (or press Shift+F10) on the file and select AI actions. This experience is not yet available for customers in the EEA (European Economic Area).
       
      ​​​​​​​Image actions: You can now use four AI-powered image actions with .jpg, .jpeg, and .png files. Visual Search searches the web using an image instead of text. Blur Background opens the Photos app to highlight the subject and blur the background. Erase Objects removes unwanted elements from your photo. Remove Background uses Paint to change any image leaving a smooth cut out of the subject.

      AI actions in Microsoft 365 make it easier to work with your documents. With the Summarize action in Copilot, you can quickly generate summaries of files stored in OneDrive and SharePoint—no need to open each one. This AI action requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription and a Copilot license (Microsoft account and Microsoft Entra ID supported).

    • Improved: The File Explorer context menu has been updated to remove the accent colored backplate behind packaged app icons in the Open With list when right clicking a file (for example, Snipping Tool). This change makes icons easier to see.
    • Improved: Made underlying changes to help improve the performance of launching cloud files from File Explorer and loading context menus.
    • Fixed: Icons and text might become overlapping on the desktop when using increased text scaling.
    • Fixed: Icons in the details, preview, and navigation panes of File Explorer aren’t properly mirrored when using an Arabic or Hebrew display language.
  • [Windows Share] New! ​​​​​​​You can pin your favorite apps in the Windows share window to quickly access them when you need them.
  • [Advanced Settings] New! The redesigned Advanced settings page (Settings > System > Advanced) is an update of the For Developers page and makes it easier to find key options. Settings include File Explorer + version control, which shows Git details such as branch, diff count, and last commit message directly in File Explorer when you select a repository folder.
  • [Input]
    • New!  Insert dashes with new keyboard shortcuts. You can quickly insert an en dash (–) or em dash (—) while typing.  Press Windows logo key+Minus (-) to insert an en dash, and Windows logo key+Shift+Minus (-) to insert an em dash. If Magnifier is running, Windows logo key+hyphen (-) will zoom out Magnifier instead of inserting an en dash.
    • Fixed: After waking a PC from sleep, touch input might not work to enter your pin on the sign-in screen.
  • [Narrator]
    • New!  Narrator now includes Braille Viewer, which shows both on-screen text and its Braille equivalent on a refreshable Braille display. To open Braille viewer and start Narrator, press the Windows logo key+Ctrl+Enter, press Narrator key+Alt+B. A new floating window opens and updates dynamically as you navigate with Narrator. Before using Braille viewer, you must set up Narrator for Braille. To download and install the Braille support package, go to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Use a Braille display with Narrator.
    • New!  Narrator offers a smoother, more natural experience in Word, with improved voice feedback, reliable continuous reading, and better navigation for footnotes, comments, lists, and tables. Enhancements include consistent list announcements, clearer table boundaries, and intuitive selection feedback.
  • [Administrator Protection Preview] Administrator protection aims to protect free floating admin rights for administrator users allowing them to still perform all admin functions with just-in-time admin privileges. This feature is off by default and needs to be enabled via OMA-URI in Intune or via group policy.
  • [Passkeys] New!  A seamless plugin passkey manager integration in Windows 11. You can now use plugin credential manager for passkeys. To set up a plugin credential manager, install a credential manager application that supports integration then go to Settings > Accounts > Passkeys > Advanced options. Turn on support and complete user verification using Windows Hello (through face recognition, fingerprint, or PIN). Once verified, you can use your existing passkeys saved to the plugin credential manager or save new passkeys.
  • [Settings]
    • New!  The Manage or clear your Bing search history entry under Settings > Privacy & security > Search > Search history has been removed. You can now manage your Bing search history directly from the Privacy dashboard, accessible via the Privacy resources link under Related settings on that Settings page.
    • New!  More time, language, and keyboard settings have moved from Control Panel to Settings. You can now add additional clocks, change your time server, and customize date and time formatting—including AM/PM symbols—directly from Settings > Time & language > Date & time. Number and currency formats, Unicode UTF-8 support, and options to copy language and region settings to other accounts are now under Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Keyboard character repeat and cursor blink rate settings are now easier to find under Settings > Accessibility.
    • Improved: Made underlying changes to help improve the performance of loading the apps list in Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
    • Fixed: Settings > System > Storage > Disks and Volumes might show a link for BitLocker drive encryption in unsupported cases. Selecting it results in BitLocker opening and displaying error 0x80004005.
  • [Gaming]
    • New!  Xbox controller support for gaming on Windows 11 has been improved. Short pressing the Xbox button opens Game Bar. A new change we’re introducing is when you long press the Xbox button, it will open Task View. Pressing and holding the Xbox button continues to turn off the game controller.
    • Improved: Underlying changes have been made to improve performance when gaming with Game Bar or other overlays active on top of users’ game. This update might especially help users with multiple monitors that have different refresh rates.
  • [Other] New! This feature offers a modern interface that aligns with Windows 11 visuals across several dialogs, including the one shown when an app fails to open.
  • [Voice access]
    • New!  Natural language commanding in Voice access provides users with the flexibility to speak commands naturally, using filler words and synonyms, rather than rigid, predefined commands. This feature is now available for Intel and AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs.​​​​ 
    • Fixed: Voice access might get stuck in a state where it says it’s listening but is stuck and doesn’t respond.
  • [Dynamic Lighting] Fixed: The Dynamic Lighting Background Controller might occasionally consume excessive CPU after unlocking your PC.
  • [High Dynamic Range (HDR)] Fixed: HDR might unexpectedly immediately turn off after being enabled in Settings.
  • [Media (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that affects playback of protected content in certain Blu-ray, DVD, and digital TV apps that use Enhanced Video Rendererwith HDCP enforcement. This can occur after installing KB5064081.
  • [Performance] Improved: Added support for Certificate Revocation List (CRL) partitioning in Windows Certificate Authorities.
  • [Quick Settings]: Fixed: If you had to enter a PIN for your device to cast from Quick Settings, pressing Enter wouldn’t confirm the PIN.
  • [Windows Hello] Fixed: You might unexpectedly see a message saying “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available” when attempting to enter safe mode.
  • [Windows Sandbox] Fixed: When Windows Sandbox is enabled, the VmmemCMFirstBoot process might consume large amounts of CPU after sign-in, causing your PC to become unresponsive.
  • [Hyper-V] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that affects starting Hyper-V virtual machines with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) on ARM64 devices running supported versions of Windows. This can occur after installing KB5064081.
  • [Input]
    • Fixed: An issue where some characters didn’t display correctly when using the Chinese Input Method Editor (IME).
    • Fixed: This update addresses an issue where certain Chinese characters appeared as empty boxes in some text fields, such as those used in Connection Manager Administration Kit, when a character limit was set.
    • Fixed: Addresses an issue in File Explorer where tooltips in the Recent section displayed certain extended Unicode characters—such as Chinese characters from Extension B through Extension F and other four-byte characters—as square boxes or unreadable symbols.
  • [Networking (known issue)]​​​​​​​ Fixed: This update addresses an issue where you might not be able to connect to shared files and folders if you’re using the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol on NetBIOS over TCP/IP NetBIOS (NetBT). This can happen after installing update KB5065426.
  • [Servicing] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that disrupted Windows Update for customers using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
  • [Windows Hello] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that affects Windows Hello PIN setup with error 0x80090010 on devices joined to Microsoft Entra ID domains after installing Windows updates released on or after KB5060842.

To install this update, you can click on the Download and Install button that shows up below the cumulative update preview version just like this:

Or, you can enable the faster update rollout option that shows up in the Windows Update page so that you’ll automatically get the preview updates without having to manually check for updates:

Please note that preview updates may have stability issues that are usually fixed in the final update release. Also, we recommend downloading such updates over non-metered connections to avoid extra charges. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #Copilot #intune #microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Patch #preview #PreviewPatch #PreviewUpdates #security #September #September2025 #Updates #Windows #Windows11

AptiviSep 9

Windows 11 September 2025 patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this month’s patch is:

  • This update addresses security issues for your Windows operating system.
  • [App compatibility (known issue)] ​​​​​​​Fixed: Addresses an issue that caused non-admin users to receive unexpected User Account Control (UAC) prompts when MSI installers perform certain custom actions. These actions might include configuration or repair operations in the foreground or background, during the initial installation of an application.This issue could prevent non-admin users from running apps that perform MSI repairs, including Office Professional Plus 2010 and multiple applications from Autodesk (including AutoCAD). This fix reduces the scope for requiring UAC prompts for MSI repairs and enables IT admins to disable UAC prompts for specific apps by adding them to an allowlist.For more information, see Unexpected UAC prompts when running MSI repair operations after installing the August 2025 Windows security update.
  • [File server] This update enabled auditing SMB client compatibility for SMB Server signing as well as SMB Server EPA. This allows customers to assess their environment and identify any potential device or software incompatibility issues before deploying the hardening measures that are already supported by SMB Server. For detailed guidance, see CVE-2025-55234.
  • [Input]
    • Fixed: This update addresses an issue that caused certain apps to stop responding input in some input method scenarios.
    • Fixed: This update addresses an issue that caused some Internet Information Services (IIS) modules to disappear from IIS Manager, preventing users from configuring IIS using the IIS Manager interface.
  • [Networking (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that affects audio in apps using the Network Device Interface (NDI). Audio stutters when Display Capture is on in OBS Studio Application. This can occur after installing KB5063878.

To install this update, you can just click on a big Check for updates button in the Windows Update settings. Usually, Windows 11 automatically updates your computer to this patch update. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Patch #preview #PreviewPatch #PreviewUpdates #Updates #Windows #Windows11

AptiviAug 30

Windows 11 August 2025 preview patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s preview patch for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this preview patch is:

  • [Recall] New!​​​​​​​ Recall opens to a personalized homepage that puts your recent activity and top-used apps and websites front and center, making it easy to pick up where you left off. After turning on snapshot collection, the homepage highlights key productivity features like Recent Snapshots, which show the latest snapshots to help you quickly resume tasks, and Top Apps and Websites, which display the three apps and websites you’ve used most in the past 24 hours. You can set filters in Settings to control which apps and websites are saved in snapshots. A new navigation bar on the leftmost side of the screen provides quick access to Home, Timeline, Feedback, and Settings.
  • [Click to Do] New! When you launch Click to Do for the first time, you’ll see a quick interactive tutorial. It shows how to complete tasks faster by demonstrating actions on both text and images—such as summarizing large blocks of text or removing image backgrounds. To revisit the tutorial later, select More options  > Start tutorial.
  • [General] New!​​​​​​​ When an app requests access to location, camera, microphone, or other device capabilities, Windows shows a redesigned system dialog box. To emphasize the privacy prompt, the screen dims slightly, and the prompt appears at the center of the screen.
  • [Taskbar]
    • New!​​​​​​​ The larger clock with seconds is now back in the notification center, displayed above the date and calendar. To turn this option on, go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time, and turn on Show time in the Notification Center.
    • Fixed: If you accidentally click and drag your mouse across the taskbar preview thumbnail, the preview might stop working.
  • [Search on the Taskbar]
    • New!​​​​​​​ When you use Search from the Windows taskbar, a new grid view will help you more quickly and accurately identify the desired image within your search.
    • New! Search on the taskbar now provides clearer status information. If your search results are incomplete while your PC is organizing files in the background, Windows shows a notice with a link to check progress. You can dismiss the notice when you’re done. There is also a status for files and folders, so you can easily tell whether they’re available online (cloud) or stored on your device.
  • [Lock screen] New!​​​​​​​ More widget options and support for lock screen widget personalization (previously referred to as “Weather and more”) are rolling out. After initial launch with Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), these updates are expanding to all regions. You can add, remove, and rearrange lock screen widgets such as Weather, Watchlist, Sports, Traffic, and more. Any widget that supports the small sizing option can be added. To customize your lock screen widgets, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
  • [File Explorer]
    • New! Dividers now separate top-level icons in the File Explorer context menu.
    • New!​​​​​​​ When you’re signed in with a work or school account (Entra ID), File Explorer will display people icons in the Activity column and the Recommended section at the top of File Explorer Home. Hover over or select a person’s icon to open their Microsoft 365 Live Persona Card, which shows who they are and how they’re connected to the file.
    • Fixed: If you try to use the unblock open in Properties for a file, it still shows as blocked when you open Properties the next time.
  • [Windows Hello]
    • New!​​​​​​​ As part of the enhanced passkey features released in September 2023, you’ll see a redesigned Windows Hello interface. These modernized visual updates support fast, clear communication that appear across multiple authentication flows, including the Windows sign-in screen, passkey, Recall, the Microsoft Store, and more.

       The Windows security credential experience for passkey offers a cleaner, more intuitive interface designed to support fast, secure sign-in. You can now easily switch between authentication options such as passkeys or connected devices.

    • Fixed: Windows Hello might recognize your face on the login screen, however it would still fail and then prompt you to enter your pin. If you continue experiencing issues, you might need to go to the Facial Recognition section under Settings > Accounts >Sign-in options and select Improve recognition.
    • Improved: Fingerprint login after standby is now more robust.
  • [Settings]
    • New!  Windows activation and expiration prompts match the Windows 11 design and appear as system notifications when action is required. There also have been improvements to messaging under Settings > System > Activation.
    • New! You can go to Settings > Privacy & security > Text and Image Generation to see which third-party apps have recently used generative AI models provided by Windows. You can also choose which apps are permitted to use them—putting you in charge of your device’s AI experience.
    • New! As part of the Copilot+ PC experience, the agent in Settings helps you quickly find and change settings. Initially available on Snapdragon®-powered Copilot+ PCs, agent in Settings now supports AMD- and Intel™-powered Copilot+ PCs. It currently works only when your primary display language is set to English.
    • Fixed: Settings might crash if you attempt to add a security key under Settings > Account > Sign-in options.
  • [Task Manager] New! Task Manager now uses standard metrics to show CPU workload consistently across all pages, aligning with industry standards and third-party tools. If you prefer the previous view, you can enable a new optional column called CPU Utility in the Details tab to display the earlier CPU usage value shown on the Processes page.
  • [Widgets]
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​New! Multiple dashboards are now available in your Widgets Board. This gives you more space for your favorite widgets and helps you stay informed with a feed that connects you to current events. A new navigation bar on the left side makes it easy to switch between your widget’s dashboard and other views like the Discover feed. After initial launch in the EEA, these updates are expanding to all regions.
    • New!  A new visual experience is available for the Discover feed on the Widgets Board. The layout is more organized, personalized, and engaging. Copilot-curated stories are now included, offering a well-rounded view of each topic with summaries, videos, and images from trusted MSN premium publishers. To customize your feed, go to Widgets > Discover dashboard > Personalization settings.
  • [Windows Backup for Organizations] New!​​​​​​​ Windows Backup for Organizations is now generally available! Experience seamless device transitions with enterprise-grade backup and restore. Whether you’re refreshing your organization’s devices, upgrading to Windows 11, or deploying AI-powered PCs, this solution helps sustain productivity with minimal disruption, ensuring business continuity and organizational resilience.
  • [PowerShell 2.0] Starting in August 2025, Windows 11, version 24H2, will no longer include Windows PowerShell 2.0. This legacy component was introduced in Windows 7 and officially deprecated in 2017. Most users won’t be affected, as newer versions such as PowerShell 5.1 and PowerShell 7.x remain available and supported. If you use older scripts or tools that depend on PowerShell 2.0, update them to avoid compatibility issues.
  • [Live captions] Fixed: Changing the opacity of live captions in Settings > Accessibility > Captions > Caption Style, has no effect.
  • [Input]
    • Fixed: Attempting to type Chinese with an IME after copying something with CTRL + C can result in the first character not displaying.
    • Fixed: An underlying issue related to textinputframework.dll could result in certain apps like Sticky Notes and Notepad crashing.
    • Fixed: This update addresses an issue with the Chinese (Simplified) Input Method Editor (IME) where some extended characters appear as empty boxes.
    • [Fixed This update addresses an issue that prevents typing on the touch keyboard when using the Microsoft Changjie, Microsoft Bopomofo, or Microsoft Japanese Input Method Editors (IMEs). The issue occurs after switching to a previous version of the IME.
  • [dbgcore.dll] Fixed: An underlying issue with dbgcore.dll could result in certain apps, including explorer.exe, crashing.
  • [Kerberos]​​​​​​​ Fixed: There might be an underlying crash in Kerberos when attempting to access a cloud file share.
  • [Login] Improved: Addressed some underlying cases which could lead to you seeing a blank white screen, or a screen saying, “just a moment”, for a few minutes when logging into your PC.
  • [Miracast] Fixed: An issue where, on certain devices, audio would initially play but stop a few seconds after casting to a TV.
  • [Audio] Improved: Addressed an underlying audio service stops responding which could impact the ability to play audio in certain cases.
  • [Cryptographic Provider (known issue)] Fixed: Fixed: This update addresses an issue where you might see an error in Windows Event Viewer with Error ID 57. The event displays the following message: The ‘Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider’ provider was not loaded because initialization failed.
  • [Device management] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that prevented some system recovery features from working properly due to a temporary file sharing conflict. This affected certain device management tools and disrupted key functions on some devices.
  • [File system]​​​​​​​ Fixed: An issue in Resilient File System (ReFS) where using backup apps with large files could sometimes exhaust system memory.
  • [Performance] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that slows application installation on ARM64 devices. Some installers might take longer to complete.

To install this update, you can click on the Download and Install button that shows up below the cumulative update preview version just like this:

Or, you can enable the faster update rollout option that shows up in the Windows Update page so that you’ll automatically get the preview updates without having to manually check for updates:

Please note that preview updates may have stability issues that are usually fixed in the final update release. Also, we recommend downloading such updates over non-metered connections to avoid extra charges. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #Copilot #February #February2025 #intune #microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Patch #preview #PreviewPatch #PreviewUpdates #security #Updates #Windows #Windows11

AptiviAug 13

Windows 11 August 2025 patch is out!

Microsoft have recently released this month’s Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 computers and laptops, and they usually contain new features that the normal patches will include. These new features, along with many improvements and bug fixes, will enhance your user experience by making some of the features easier to use. The official changelogs for this month’s patch is:

  • This update addresses security issues for your Windows operating system.
  • [Authentication] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that caused delays during sign-in on new devices. The delay was due to certain preinstalled packages.

To install this update, you can just click on a big Check for updates button in the Windows Update settings. Usually, Windows 11 automatically updates your computer to this patch update. Installation of updates on an SSD should not take more than 10 minutes, but performing the same update on an HDD may take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy the new features!

#2025 #microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Patch #preview #PreviewPatch #PreviewUpdates #Updates #Windows #Windows11