As the world's number 1 software company, Microsoft has been obsessed about providing users around the globe with state-of-the-art security on absolutely all fronts.

However, regardless of this approach, the Redmond-based tech giant continued for everyone updates on its Update Catalog via HTTP, probably as numerous companies out there were using old browsers, possibly Internet Explorer, to download these updates.

But because spotted by Deskmodder, Microsoft has quietly switched to HTTPS sometimes recently, with all of updates now served through a secure connection.

Internet Explorer about to go dark

Microsoft has warned on several occasions that Internet Explorer is going dark, advising companies to switch to the IE mode bundled with Microsoft Edge.

Ie 11 will be retired on June 15 this season, and Microsoft is already dealing with people to provide a smooth transition to Microsoft Edge.

The company promises Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge will be supported until at least 2029.

"If you're someone using Internet Explorer at home, we recommend you transition to Microsoft Edge before June 15, 2022, to start enjoying a faster, safer and more modern browsing experience. What's promising: you most likely have diabetes already on your device. Search for "Microsoft Edge" while using Windows 10 search engine or search for the icon," the organization said.

"If you don't get it, it is simple to download it here. We've also aimed to make the upgrade to Microsoft Edge simple. Once you've signed up to moving to Microsoft Edge, it's simple to bring over your passwords, favorites and other browsing data from online Explorer in some clicks. And when you run into a site that needs Internet Explorer to open, Microsoft Edge has Ie mode built-in so that you can still access it."

iOS updates don't land all too often, but when they are doing, users out there rush to set up them on their own iPhones as soon as Apple starts the rollout

While you probably have no doubt about, manually going to the software update section in your iPhone triggers a manual check for updates, whereby the unit is automatically provided with the most recent iOS version, if your newer version is obviously available.

In other words, if you manually check for updates, you will get the most recent version of the operating-system without waiting. However, should you don't worry about software updates and don't manually look for updates, it requires up to 4 weeks for an iPhone to notify you in regards to a new version of iOS.

The phased rollout

Just in case you're wondering why the device needs a lot time to let you know an update can be obtained, Craig Federighi, Apple's senior VP of software engineering, has got the answer. Inside a mailed response offered to a reddit user, Federighi explains it's all due to the phased rollout that Apple uses for software updates.

"We incrementally rollout new iOS updates by first which makes them readily available for the ones that explicitly seek them out in Settings, and then 1-4 weeks later (after we've received feedback around the update) increase to rolling out devices with auto-update enabled," he said.

The phased rollout isn't new things within the software world, and for example, Microsoft uses a similar system for major operating-system updates, including the rollout of Windows 11.

The biggest benefit for the parent company and users themselves would be that the phased rollout assists you to find bugs and issues in early phases, and for that reason prevent them from hitting a bigger quantity of devices. Consequently, the rollout can also be suspended if your significant problem was discovered.

Microsoft is working night and day on polishing the taskbar experience of Windows 11, and also the debut of the tablet-optimized version is only the living proof in connection with this.

However, as it happens Microsoft is also going the other way around and sometimes which makes it harder to use certain capabilities in Windows 11.

Just to illustrate, the machine tray icons, because the Redmond-based software giant has removed the ability to drag icons displayed here.

In other words, if you wish to reorder system tray icons, your best option is by using the dedicated page within the Settings app for the entire thing.

Intended behavior

Microsoft has confirmed inside a post in the Feedback Hub this is a change implemented after the debut of the tablet-optimized taskbar in Windows 11 (now available within the preview builds of the operating-system and shipped as part of the Windows Insider program).

"We'll be continuing to monitor this feedback, however with the updates we made for the new tablet-optimized taskbar in Build 22563, we're no more supporting dragging icons within the system tray or between the system tray and also the show hidden icons flyout. Instead, you should use the Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > System tray section to handle these icons," Microsoft explained.

The tablet-optimized taskbar involves Windows 11 users with two different states called collapsed and expanded.

"In the collapsed state, the taskbar gets your way, provides you with more screen space, and prevents you against accidentally invoking the taskbar when you're holding your tablet. In the expanded state, the taskbar is optimized to become simpler to use with touch. It is simple to switch between the two states by swiping down and up on the bottom of your device," Microsoft explains.

At this time, it doesn't seem like Microsoft would like to undo this transformation in regards to the system tray icons, so make sure you post within the Feedback Hub to make the company aware of your opinion.

The most recent cumulative update for Windows 10, still in the preview stage for the time being (and available optionally from Windows Update) includes search highlights.

The feature was originally announced in Windows 11 earlier this year, but it's also making its way to Windows 10.

Windows 10 cumulative update KB5011543 obtainable manually on all up-to-date Windows 10 devices right now if you wish to try out looking highlights on your device. If you're not into optional updates, then the search highlights may also be area of the next cumulative updates shipped for your computer on the next Patch Tuesday cycle.

Search highlights in Windows 10

Search highlights are a new feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that update looking experience with content like holidays, anniversaries, and other personalized information you're going to see in the search UI.

"Search highlights will show notable and fascinating moments of what's special about each day-like holidays, anniversaries, along with other educational moments in time both globally as well as in your region. To determine additional information at a glance, hover, click, or tap around the illustration within the search engine. For enterprise customers, search highlights will feature the latest updates from your organization and suggest people, files, and much more," Microsoft explains.

As it typically happens when Microsoft introduces additional features for Windows devices, the rollout is happening in stages, and also the company explains that could require many months before all Windows 10 devices are supplied with this new feature.

"Search highlights will unveil to Windows 10 customers within the next several weeks. We're going for a phased and measured approach. Broad availability will exist in the approaching months," the company said within the release notes from the optional cumulative update.

The following Patch Tuesday (which is once the search highlights will be part of a non-preview update) takes place on April 12.

With what may be the very first time, an OS said, " It isn't you, it's me." In case your PC doesn't meet the minimum hardware requirements to correctly operate the upcoming Windows 11 operating-system, Microsoft has begun giving users the boot from its ongoing Windows Insider testing program. If you've been testing out the upcoming OS but your system has been found wanting, you'll receive this warning message.

"Your PC doesn't meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11", accompanied by "our device is not eligible to join the Windows Insider Program on Windows 11. Please install Windows 10 to participate in the Windows Insider Program in the discharge Preview Channel."

It seems just like a breakup or just being passed off to a friend as Microsoft is dropping systems they've deemed ineligible from the insider program. Of course, all of this increases the recent fears from PC users that they will now be pushed to purchase entirely new devices if they desire to use the upcoming Windows 11 OS, plus some people are very unhappy about it.

Windows users trying out the upcoming OS started receiving the incompatible message the 2009 week, around the same time Microsoft announced October 5th because the release date for Windows 11. Microsoft alerted testers it's entirely possible that if their systems didn't meet minimum system requirements that they could be booted out.

Microsoft's minimum system requirements for that new Windows 11 OS happen to be a bit confusing, with a number of different lists being discovered, causing concern and confusion. There is an ISO version you can install and use but Microsoft is warning users that this kind of install won't be supported and does not receive Windows updates of any kind.

Microsoft urges users to reinstall Windows 10, that they continues to aid until 2025, only three and half years away. Most loyal Windows users will most likely buy a new PC over the following 3 years anyway, so the tech giant doesn't appear to think it is a serious problem. However, we all know people still use Windows 7 and Internet Explorer, which could get interesting.

Because of its part, Microsoft had justified the minimum requirements in line with the need for security improvements using TPM (Trusted Platform Module) technology and UEFI Secure Boot and virtualization-based security methods, that they discussed once they first announced the upcoming Windows 11 this past June.

Approaching the October 5, release date, Microsoft will most likely enhance the upcoming Windows 11 OS and release more test builds. Will Windows 11 arrive and run smoothly, or will this be a buggy disaster that we will tell our grandchildren about? We shall see.

Meanwhile, without a doubt a scary story about an OS called Windows 8, just kidding.

Everybody knows already that Microsoft is focusing on a major Windows 11 update called Sun Valley 2, and while it's expected to go live in the second 1 / 2 of the year, the software giant has so far remained tight-lipped about this highly anticipated release.

In the meantime, however, the organization has (pretty much) accidentally confirmed the existence of the Sun Valley 2 update within an announcement published in the Feedback Hub.

As spotted by Xeno on Twitter, Microsoft discussed the development of a brand new Settings design in Sun Valley 2, using the company later removing the update reference when the Internet noticed it.

"As a part of SV2 we redesigned a number of Settings pages to ensure they are updated and in conjuction with the remaining app. Prerequisites: All SV2 builds flighted after March 15th may have these features enabled automatically," Microsoft said within the original announcement - SV2 means Sun Valley 2.

The rollout of Windows 11

Before Microsoft ships the following major update for Windows 11, the organization first needs to complete the rollout of the operating-system itself.

The software giant confirmed back in January that Windows 11 entered the ultimate rollout stage, using the process likely to be completed in the very first half of the entire year.

"The upgrade offer to Windows 11 is entering its final phase of availability and it is designated for broad deployment for eligible devices. Since the launch of Windows 11 in October, we view strong demand and preference for Windows 11 with individuals upgrading their eligible PCs at twice the speed we had for Windows 10. Based on this trend, we are advancing the pace of the rollout faster than we originally announced and entering the final phase of availability for Windows 11 ahead of our initial plan of mid-2022," Microsoft said.

Windows 11 arrived last month to somewhat mixed reviews. But according to Microsoft, the rollout is going smoothly and the company addressed the rate of the rollout alongside the discharge of the November 2021 update to Windows 10.

Around the Windows blog, Microsoft announced that with the November 2021 Update to Windows 10 the release pace for Windows 10 and Windows 11 feature updates is going to be moving to once each year, as opposed to the previous pattern of twice-annual updates (via Windows Central).

Microsoft only specified that the update will come in the 2nd half of the year, which means you can't set your calendar for October or November for your major update. For people who haven't updated to Windows 11 yet, you are able to ponder that upgrade for almost four more years as major updates will cease on October 14, 2025.

If you haven't updated to Windows 11 yet, that can be done at any time by using our handy guide on how to download Windows 11, but Microsoft can also be accelerating the rollout so more users is going to be prompted to update without having to download anything manually.

Naturally, in either case you will need to satisfy the Windows 11 system requirements, check those out first. In our Windows 11 review, we felt that the update isn't worth rushing to download as at the moment it largely comes down to "a new coat of paint" around the old operating system. With that in mind, our reviewer was prepared to get on the bandwagon regardless as that new look is really a welcome vary from the fairly dated Windows 10 visuals.

If you are considering either the November 2021 Windows 10 update or even the full jump to Windows 11 you should check the Windows release health page for details on any known issues to ensure it's not going to affect your workflow.

How you can manually download Windows 11

Go to the Windows 11 download page.
Download the Installation Assistant by pressing "Download now."
Select Run because the admin.
Once the body is determined to be compatible, press "Accept and Install" once you have browse the license terms.
Select Restart Now.

One of the greatest additional features within the latest preview build of Windows 11 is called search highlights, and it's essentially a way to make the search UI provide more useful information towards the user without any input on their side.

In other words, looking highlights are meant to make content discovery more straightforward by bringing information like holidays, top searches, and images throughout the net right to the search UI.

"The taskbar search box and check home will periodically update with content, including fun illustrations, that really help you discover more, be connected, and stay productive. Search highlights will present notable and fascinating moments of what's special about each day-like holidays, anniversaries, along with other educational moments in time both globally and in your region," Microsoft explains.

How you can disable looking highlights

For a lot of users, however, this feature only makes the search UI more cluttered, therefore it goes without saying that disabling it is something that makes sense for them.

The good news is that Microsoft is indeed providing users with options to switch off this new experience, and they're obviously located in the Settings app.

Just right-click the taskbar and go Search. Next, you should see a choice called Show search highlights, so change its settings based on your preferences.

Microsoft, however, hopes you wouldn't do that because the search experience overall isn't by any means impacted by the new highlights.

"Search is appropriate there on your taskbar-your window to find out what's trending online, on the planet, and in your business. Of course, you can still type to begin searching for your apps, files, settings, and quick answers on the internet," the company explains.

At this point, the feature is just available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 insiders, but it will probably launch for everyone sooner rather than later.

Microsoft has released a brand new Windows 11 preview build for users within the Dev channel, and naturally, there's a brand new listing of known issues coming too.

First of all, Microsoft says still it hasn't fixed the bug that's resulting in the direct upgrade to the latest builds to fail. The organization offers to fix it sooner rather than later, but an ETA isn't yet available.

Then, File Explorer has a couple of glitches too, as Microsoft says it's working on resolving bugs concerning icon sizing, text clipping, and visual problems in the flyout showing OneDrive storage. There's additionally a problem preventing the outlet of suggested results while entering text in the File Explorer search box.

Bugs impacting widgets

The widget experience includes two known issues, and also the to begin them affects the feed.

"Sometimes when pinning from the Feed, the pinned widget is placed at the top rather than below other pinned widgets. Should this happen this can autocorrect within Half an hour, moving the recently pinned widget towards the expected default location. Or you can sign out of your Widgets board and immediately signing in should correct the problem," Microsoft says.

The second problem causes rendering problems when attempting to rearrange widgets.

"After rearranging widgets within the widgets board, some users experience issues with widgets in the pinned section rendering incorrectly. Should this happen, signing from your widgets board and immediately signing in should correct the issue," Microsoft notes.

And last but not least, the firm has additionally confirmed that some tooltips neglect to properly display the preferred visual setting when Task Manager uses the dark mode.

All these known issues could be resolved in the coming Windows 11 preview builds, as Microsoft has already been conscious of them and working on fixes as we speak.

Windows 11, earning mixed critical-reception scores among tech pundits, didn't receive the glowing reviews Microsoft was expecting. Our recent Windows 11 review (in addition to our why I personally don't like Windows 11 feature) reveals our stance on the brand spankin' new OS: it does not live up to our expectations.

Inside a recent Reddit post (spotted because when to Geek), Microsoft revealed that it'll be focusing its efforts on improving the OS' performance. The Redmond-based tech giant states that it plans to boost how good the OS launches throughout the startup process, however, we will need more than that for all of us to be fully pleased with Windows 11.

Microsoft intends to boost Windows' startup and launch performance in 2022

On Reddit, Microsoft recently opened the ground for feedback. One commenter claimed that Windows 10's performance issues spilled over into Windows 11. "Are you looking to fix this in the near future? Because right now WinUI is an app killer for me personally," Thotaz said.

"Performance will be a place of focus for us in 2022. Lots of that focus will go into startup and launch," a Microsoft rep said. "Most of the UI elements render pretty quickly already, but it would be good to understand should there be specific UI element scaling/slowness issues you're experiencing and we might take a glance into that exact scenario."

Personally, I haven't experienced any significant performance issues on Windows 11, and my colleagues haven't either, however, everyone's experience is different depending on an array of factors. However, there is a consensus that Microsoft should be redirecting its focus to other faulty aspects of the OS which have absolutely nothing to do with performance. For instance, a common grievance is how labrythine it is to change one's default browser. However, it seems like Microsoft is double-downing on this. The Redmond-based tech giant recently blocked EdgeDeflector and other processes that thwart its mission of imposing Microsoft Edge on its users.

With Microsoft's open discussion on Reddit along with other platforms, the organization seems open to hearing users' feedback and determing how you can increase customer satisfaction. If not, macOS will begin to look mighty alluring and attractive to Windows loyalists.

Still, we've faith Microsoft could alter the tides and increase Windows 11's popularity among the masses.