Jun 20

Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 20150

Hello All, Last Wednesday Microsoft released Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 20150 to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel (Fast ring). yes the new naming is starting to be used, in settings you’ll still see Fast Rng, this will most lightly be changed in one of the upcoming builds

Downloading & installing went smooth & fast on my devices, 1st experince with a build above the 20k build 🙂

1st impression does feel a bit slower than the previous builds, high CPU loads are quite common on tis build it seems.

Bluetooth audio acted a bit weird just after upgrading, seems to fix itself if you’re patient, if not reconnect the Bluetooth device

Enjoy upgrading!

What’s new in Build 20150

Three new Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) features: GPU compute, WSL install, and WSL update

This build contains three new exciting WSL features. The first is GPU compute: a feature that allows your Linux binaries to leverage your GPU, which makes it possible to do more machine learning development and data science workflows directly in WSL. Secondly, we’ve added a new command: `wsl –install` which allows you to install WSL with just one command. Lastly, we’ve added `wsl –update` which gives you the ability to easily manage the Linux kernel version used by WSL 2 distros. To view a summary of these announcements please read this post on the Windows Command line blog, and for in-depth details on GPU compute in WSL please read this post on the Windows Developer blog.

A TensorFlow Docker container running an ML training script inside WSL 2 along with Task Manager showing GPU activity.

Other updates for Insiders

Updating the map data in the Maps app

Earlier this month, the Bing Maps Team announced they’ve started gradually rolling out the new TomTom base map data to Bing Maps and Microsoft first party products. As part of this process, we’re slowly updating the Maps app for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel (Fast ring) to use the new map data from TomTom. We’re asking Insiders to submit feedback on any issues they see as a result of this change directly from the Maps app by selecting Suggest a change at the lower right corner of the app.

General changes & improvements

  • With this week’s build, we’ll be starting to roll out the new search box on the default app settings pages. As part of this, we’ve done some work to improve the performance of the search box.
  • The new Korean IME is now available again for Insiders to use.
  • Based on feedback, we’re updating the text of the Settings > Privacy > Location page to clarify that the icon displayed when your location is being used will be displayed in the taskbar.

Fixes

  • We fixed an issue resulting in Visual Studio windows not consistently accepting clicks.
  • We’ve fixed an issue where the Documents and Downloads sections in Settings > Privacy was showing a broken icon next to their name (just a rectangle).
  • We fixed an issue where, if you paused Windows Update while a new build was downloading and then closed Settings, when you reopened Settings the Windows Update page may appear blank.
  • We fixed an issue where updates made when editing VPN networks in Settings might not persist.
  • We fixed an issue where the copy button under Settings > Network & Internet-Status > Properties wasn’t actually copying the content to the clipboard.
  • We fixed an issue resulting in the data usage number in Network & Internet Settings not displaying correctly in Japanese if the data usage was less than 1 MB.
  • We fixed a crash some Insiders were experiencing when opening Sound Settings.
  • We fixed an issue where the Optimize Drives window position wasn’t preserved on elevation.
  • We fixed a typo in the group policies under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Component > File Explorer > Do not move deleted files to the Recycle Bin.
  • We fixed an issue resulting in the On-Screen Keyboard no longer displaying text predictions.
  • We fixed an issue where double-clicking a OneDrive file in File Explorer might unexpectedly show a notification saying, “Windows Defender SmartScreen is downloading from OneDrive.”
  • We fixed an issue where Resource Monitor could end up showing CPU usage at more than 100 percent.
  • We fixed an issue that could result in qaa-Latn unexpectedly appearing in your list of keyboards after upgrading.
  • We fixed an issue where, with multiple input methods, typing in your password incorrectly on the login screen would result in your keyboard changing back to your default input method (if that’s not what you were typing with).
  • We fixed an issue where the touch keyboard space bar label would disappear when pressing it while using Japanese curve-flick input in abc mode.
  • We fixed an issue that could result in your browser not launching in the foreground after selecting a web link from another app.
  • We fixed an issue that could result in Search not accepting typed input.
  • We fixed an issue where, if pinned to Start, the Windows Security app tile would be missing an icon when the tile was medium sized.
  • We’ve made some updates to improve performance of the Windows Security app if there are a large number of detections.
  • We fixed a few issues that could result in your PC bugchecking.

Known issues

  • We’re working on a fix for an issue causing some systems to crash with a HYPERVISOR_ERROR bugcheck.
  • We’re looking into reports of the update process hanging for extended periods of time when attempting to install a new build.
  • We’re aware of an issue where Notepad might fail to reopen files which were automatically saved during a PC upgrade (or restart, if enabled in Settings). Documents can be recovered from %localappdata%\Notepad.

source: Windows Blogs

Jun 10

Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19645

Hi All, today Microsoft released Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19645 to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring.

Taskbar Icons are fixed, looks like download progress also got an improvement, my 1st 3 devices did not get stuck at 12% Downloading 🙂

Other updates for Insiders

Your Phone app’s audio controls feature now rolling out to the public

The audio controls functionality announced in April is now rolling out to the general public. This feature lets you control your music and audio apps from the Your Phone app. Now you can access and control the audio apps playing from your phone directly within the app, without needing to split your attention between devices or breaking your workflow. Your audio tracks will stay in sync between your phone and PC, and you can switch between multiple sources using the dropdown in the player.

Please make sure you have the latest versions of Your Phone Companion and the Your Phone app to experience this feature.

General changes & improvements

  • We changed the servicing model for the Linux kernel inside of Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 distributions. This build includes this change to remove the Linux kernel from the Windows image, and instead have it be serviced via Microsoft Update, the same way that 3rd party drivers (like graphics, or touchpad drivers) are installed and updated on your machine today. For full details please read this blog post on the Windows Command Line blog and for information about the kernel version please view the kernel docs page here.
  • Support for Nested Virtualization on AMD processors is now available. Being an early release we recommend you read this blog post for details on what platforms currently work as well as how to enable the feature.

Fixes

  • We’ve fixed an issue where some devices booting from eMMC storage bugchecked when resuming from hibernate.
  • We fixed multiple Japanese and Chinese IME issues that impacted IME mode switching within applications and Windows notification area.
  • We’ve fixed an issue where taskbar preview thumbnails weren’t rendering consistently (showing a blank area).
  • We fixed an issue resulting in the handwriting input panel not appearing in certain text fields after being tapped with a pen.
  • We fixed an issue where resizing a snapped application in tablet mode would minimize the app to the taskbar instead of adjusting the app size.
  • We fixed an issue where Windows Hello Setup would crash if facial recognition was already set up and you chose the Improve Recognition button.
  • We fixed an issue for some users where your PC wouldn’t recognize it when you inserted a smart card (event log showing error 621).

Known issues

  • We’re looking into reports of the update process hanging for extended periods of time when attempting to install a new build.
  • We’re working on fixing an issue for a future Insider Preview build where in Settings > Privacy, the Documents and Downloads sections show a broken icon next to their page name (just a rectangle).

source: Windows Blogs

Jun 07

Grabbing Windows 10 2004 – Device Not Ready?

Trying to get the new 2004 Build on you device & running in to this screen on your updates?

‘Your device isn’t quite ready’

This means there’s a reason to temporarily block you from getting the new build. (This is good! You’ve just been saved from possible compatibility issues with your current setup)

These reasons are listed here: Windows 10 Release Health (tip: on the page hit CTRL+F & look for hold)

What should you do?

  • Option A (recommended): Get all your drivers & software updated to be sure you get the build as soon as possible & wait for the fixed drivers or patches from Microsoft
  • Option B (if you feel like taking a risk): Head over to the Update Assistant or media creation tool this will upgrade your build but you will be taking the risk to run into one of the earlier listed issues, so if you’re taking this road, make sure you read through the possible issues you might be facing 1st.

In both cases, keep an eye on the Windows 10 Release Health page for fixes & Workarounds, as soon as your hold reason is fixed it will be updates to a Mitigated state.

Jun 07

Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19640

Hello Windows Insiders, Last Wednesdays Microsoft Released Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19640 to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring.

All Smooth upgrades her except 1 device had some strange 100% CPU load on the 1st logon, non-responsive taskbar, fixed after restarting explorer.exe

Happy Upgrading!!

General changes & improvements

  • Based on feedback, if your Downloads folder is synced to a cloud provider, we are disabling the option to have Storage Sense automatically clear out your Downloads folder on a cycle.
  • We updated our login logic, so if your PC is set up so you need to type in your username when logging in, accidentally starting your username with a space will no longer result in an error.

Known issues

  • We’re looking into an issue where some devices booting from eMMC storage bugchecked when resuming from hibernate.
  • We’re looking into reports of the update process hanging for extended periods of time when attempting to install a new build.
  • We’re working on fixing an issue for a future Insider Preview build where in Settings > Privacy, the Documents and Downloads sections show a broken icon next to their page name (just a rectangle).
  • We’re looking into reports that taskbar preview thumbnails aren’t rendering consistently (showing a blank area).

source: Windows Blogs

May 30

Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19635

Hi all, last Thursday Microsoft released Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19635 to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring.

Another smooth upgrade here, some minor tweaks a fixes, insiders are running smooth 😉

Fixes

  • We fixed an issue resulting in the apostrophes in the Location not available dialog, Mount File dialog, and File Explorer folder options text not being displayed correctly.
  • We fixed an issue where the Work or School account > Allow Windows Search to provide… toggle under Search Settings could be unexpectedly disabled.
  • We fixed an issue resulting in cellular data not working on certain devices.
  • We fixed an issue that could result in Settings crashing when changing display orientation or resolution.
  • We fixed an issue resulting in some Insiders seeing a large number of “Program Compatibility Assistant Service stopped working” critical events in Reliability Monitor.
  • We fixed an issue that could result in constant display flashing on certain devices.
  • We fixed an issue with the camera on certain devices showing unexpected artifacts.

Known issues

  • We’re looking into an issue where some devices booting from eMMC storage may bugcheck when resuming from hibernate.
  • We’re looking into reports of the update process hanging for extended periods of time when attempting to install a new build.
  • We’re working on fixing an issue for a future Insider Preview build where in Settings > Privacy the Documents and Downloads sections show a broken icon next to their page name (just a rectangle).
  • We’re looking into reports that taskbar preview thumbnails aren’t rendering consistently (showing a blank area).

source: Windows Blogs

May 30

Cool Windows 10 Feature: Search With Screenshot

A new option in taskbar search, also available in the recently released 2004 Version of Windows 10 ‘Search with a screenshot’ integrates Bing Visual Search with Snip & Sketch

This enables you to quickly grab a snip of something on your screen and look it up on the internet.

Click or Tap in the ‘Type here to search’ box on your taskbar
Click or Tap the ‘Search wit a screenshot’ button in the right lower corner of search
1st time this notification will appear
As demo I used the snip & sketch interface that shows up to grab this picture of a GIF from my screen
a few seconds later I knew this person is Nick Jonas

This really is a timesaver go ahead an give it a try whenever you need more info on an image on your screen

May 21

#MSBuild: WinGet – Windows Command Line App Installer

At Build Microsoft released their own package repo accessible from any device to facilitate easy deployment of packages & applications

How do you get this on your device?

Step 1

Open the Windows Store to grab your copy of App Installer

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/app-installer/9nblggh4nns1?activetab=pivot:overviewtab

If you already have it installed make sure you get it updated to the latest version (1.0.41331.0 or higher)

Step 2

Fire up a PowerShell window & run Winget Show to list all available packages

The 1st time I ran this on May 19th, the listing had 146 packages, only 2 days later…

Today May 21st we’re up to 194!

[Edit September 5th]

September 5th almost 1000 apps ready to deploy

Example: to install Power Toys

run WinGet install ‘Power Toys’

Easy!

The build in search option make sit easier to find the package you need n this rapid growing repo

Enjoy!

Windows Packet Manager on Github

WinGet info on MSDocs

May 16

Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19628

Hi All, last Wednesday Microsoft released Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19628 to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring.

General changes & improvements

  • We’re adding initial support for DNS over HTTPS, so that you can opt into using encryption when Windows makes DNS queries. Follow the instructions in this blog post to opt in as it will be off by default.
  • Thanks everyone who shared feedback about the updated version of Korea Microsoft IME introduced with Build 18941. For the moment, the IME version will be returning to the previous one while we take your feedback into consideration.

Fixes

  • We’ve fixed an issue causing some devices fail to update with error code 0xc0000409. If you continue to experience this error, please let us know by filing new feedback in Feedback Hub.

Known issues

  • We’re aware Narrator and NVDA users that seek the latest release of Microsoft Edge based on Chromium may experience some difficulty when navigating and reading certain web content. Narrator, NVDA and the Edge teams are aware of these issues. Users of legacy Microsoft Edge will not be affected. NVAccess has released a NVDA 2019.3 that resolves the known issue with Edge.
  • We’re looking into reports of the update process hanging for extended periods of time when attempting to install a new build.
  • We’re working on fixing an issue for a future Insider Preview build where in Settings > Privacy the Documents and Downloads sections show a broken icon next to their page name (just a rectangle).
  • We’re looking into reports of IIS configuration being set to default after taking a new build. You will need to back up your IIS configuration and restore it after the new build is installed successfully.
  • We’re looking into reports that taskbar preview thumbnails aren’t rendering consistently (showing a blank area).

source: Windows Blogs

May 16

Releasing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19041.264 to the Slow & Release Preview rings

Hi All, Microsoft has released 20H1 Build 19041.264 (KB4556803) to Windows Insiders in the Slow and Release Preview rings. This Cumulative Update includes quality improvements. Key changes include:

  • We have fixed a performance issue in Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) that prevents it from working correctly for many users.
  • We fixed an issue that prevents cleaning tools, such as Disk Cleanup, from removing previously installed updates.
  • We have updated the 2020 start date for daylight saving time (DST) in the Kingdom of Morocco. For more information, see KB4557900.
  • Security updates to Internet Explorer, the Microsoft Scripting Engine, Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Microsoft Graphics Component, Windows Input and Composition, Windows Media, Windows Shell, Microsoft Xbox, Microsoft Edge, Windows Fundamentals, Windows Cryptography, Windows Authentication, Windows Kernel, Windows Virtualization, Windows Update Stack, Windows Core Networking, Internet Information Services, Windows Network Security and Containers, Windows Active Directory, Windows Server, and the Microsoft JET Database Engine.

If you installed earlier updates, only the new fixes contained in this package will be downloaded and installed on your device.

For more information about the resolved security vulnerabilities, please refer to the Security Update Guide.

source: Windows Blogs

May 16

How to Set Default Sign-in Option in Windows 10

At the logon screen by default the last used sign in method is shown

You might have many options to choose from,
– Pin
– Password
– Picture
– Microsoft account
– Face Recognition
– Fingerprint (Helo)

If you want to set a default logon method for your users, a reg tweak can do this for you:

It’s stored per user in the Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\UserTile key

key examples, 1st is set to Face, 2nd & 3rd to Password

There are 2 parts to these keys, the Name part is the user’s SID – the Data part the actual selected option

getting a user’s SID can be done by using the following command in an elevated command prompt

wmic useraccount, get name, sid

To set the default logon type for an account, edit the corresponding key with:

  1. PIN: {D6886603-9D2F-4EB2-B667-1971041FA96B}
  2. Picture: {2135F72A-90B5-4ED3-A7F1-8BB705AC276A}
  3. Password: {60B78E88-EAD8-445C-9CFD-0B87F74EA6CD}
  4. Microsoft Account: {F8A0B131-5F68-486C-8040-7E8FC3C85BB6}
  5. Face Recognition: {8AF662BF-65A0-4D0A-A540-A338A999D36F}
  6. Fingerprint Logon: {BEC09223-B018-416D-A0AC-523971B639F5}

There are more types possible, if the one you want to set is not in this list, you can find it under the Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\Credential Providers\ key.