Search Results for: windows 11

Microsoft’s insistence on levering ads into Windows 11 in a variety of ways has long been a source of frustration for users. While the company shows no signs of letting up in this department, there is a tiny bit of good news cresting the horizon.

In the latest beta and canary builds of Windows 11, there are new options in the Settings app that make it possible to take control of ads. This is clearly encouraging, but before you get too excited it is important to note that the level of control the new settings afford users is limited, and there remains no way to avoid ads altogether. Predictably, there is even more bad news.

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Zorin OS 17.2 has officially launched, bringing a host of enhancements aimed at improving both the desktop experience and under-the-hood performance. With a focus on customization, speed, and security, this new release positions itself as a strong alternative to Microsoft Windows 11.

One of the standout features in Zorin OS 17.2 is the revamped Zorin Appearance, which allows users to personalize their desktop environment more than ever. Users can now change their cursor theme easily, thanks to a new option in the “Themes” section. A new Third-Party Theme Installation Guide has also been introduced, making it easier to install additional themes and apply custom styles to native apps.

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For those who are keenly awaiting the release of the Windows 11 24H2 update, a recent Microsoft blog post caused a good deal of excitement. It appeared to reveal that this significant feature update is due to roll out this very month; but all was not as it seems

Microsoft has now updated the blog post to clarify that the information it includes has been misinterpreted -- or perhaps that it was not sufficiently clearly written in the first place. Where does this leave us?

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If you have been wondering just when you’ll be able to get your hands on the final version of the Windows 11 24H2 update, wonder no more.

Although Microsoft has not made a big announcement about the release date for this eagerly anticipated feature update for Windows 11, the company has -- seemingly inadvertently -- revealed the release schedule in a blog post. This spills the news that the release of Windows 11 24H2 is just days away.

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As you likely know, Microsoft is preparing to end support for Windows 10 next year, and while you can continue to use that OS, provided you do so safely, the main options will be to upgrade to Windows 11 or wait for the anticipated release of its successor, likely to be Windows 12.

While Microsoft hasn't officially confirmed the next-generation operating system, there have been numerous hints and rumors about what it might be like.

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MX Linux, one of the most popular Linux distributions, has released MX-23.4 (download here), marking the fourth refresh of its MX-23 release. This update brings various bug fixes, kernel updates, and application enhancements. As an ideal Linux distribution for users seeking an alternative to Windows 11, MX-23.4 continues to refine its performance while remaining user-friendly.

If you're already running MX-23, there's no need for a fresh installation -- the updated packages are available through regular update channels. Here’s why MX-23.4 is worth checking out, especially for those ready to make the switch from Windows 11.

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The taskbar and Start menu continue to be features of Windows 11 that divide opinion. And, for better or worse, Microsoft is continually changing things up and making evolutionary developments.

A good example of this is when app pinning was updated so it was possible to drag and drop apps pinned to the Start menu onto the taskbar in order to pin them there as well. Now the company has introduced another significant improvement to taskbar/Start menu pinning that helps to make life much easier.

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ExpressVPN has launched a new version of its app designed to work with Microsoft’s ARM-based Copilot+ laptops. These devices, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips, focus on artificial intelligence capabilities while maintaining efficient battery usage. With this update, ExpressVPN becomes one of the first major VPN providers to offer support for the AI-driven Copilot+ PCs.

When the Copilot+ devices were first introduced, many popular VPN applications, including ExpressVPN, were not available for the ARM-based systems. Now, ExpressVPN has made its ARM application available for download, allowing users of Microsoft’s AI-enhanced laptops to access VPN protection.

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Microsoft has rolled out a new feature in the latest Windows 11 Beta channel build, adding a Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard that supports Xbox controllers. This new layout allows users to navigate and type using their Xbox controllers, incorporating button accelerators for certain functions. For example, the X button functions as a backspace, and the Y button serves as the spacebar.

In addition to the button accelerators, the keyboard keys in this layout have been vertically aligned to enhance navigation patterns when using a controller. This design aims to make it easier for users to move through the keys efficiently with a gamepad.

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AMD and Microsoft have announced a new collaboration to bring Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors to the market. These systems are designed to integrate advanced AI capabilities into personal computing, aiming to enhance productivity, creativity, and collaboration across various industries.

The Ryzen AI 300 Series processors are built to support multi-day battery life and enhanced security features while providing AI-driven experiences that prioritize user privacy. These processors are part of a broader effort to create a hybrid AI network that leverages localized computing alongside cloud resources, offering a versatile platform compatible with a wide range of applications.

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Intel has introduced the Intel Core Ultra 200V series, its most efficient x86 processors to date. These processors are designed to enhance the next generation of AI-enabled PCs, offering a combination of performance improvements, power efficiency, and enhanced graphics capabilities.

With over 80 consumer designs from more than 20 manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI, and Samsung, the Core Ultra 200V series aims to bring advanced processing to a wide range of devices. Systems powered by 200V chips that are running the latest version of Windows will receive Copilot+ PC features as a free update starting in November.

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For anyone using Windows 11 who was hoping to steer clear of the upcoming Recall features, there was a glimmer of hope last week. The KB5041865 update for the operating system included the option to uninstall the controversial activity snapshotting feature, much to the delight of many.

But now Microsoft has dashed the hopes of those with privacy and security concerns, saying that the ability to uninstall Recall was a bug and that it would be fixed. What this means in practice is that Recall will be installed on all Windows 11 machines, and while it can be disabled, it cannot be uninstalled.

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In a surprising turn of events, Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 as the most popular operating system among Steam users. According to the August 2024 Steam Hardware & Software Survey, Windows 11 now claims 49.17 percent of the user base, while Windows 10 has dropped to 47.09 percent. This marks the first time that Microsoft's latest OS has surpassed its predecessor.

The surge in Windows 11's popularity represents a 3.36 percent increase from the previous month, a testament to the growing acceptance and adoption of the OS. Conversely, Windows 10 saw a decline of 3.07 percent, indicating that more gamers are making the switch to the newer platform.

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Nitrux, the Debian-based distribution known for its focus on simplicity and performance, has just released version 3.6.1, codenamed “lp.” This release packs a series of updates and fixes that are aimed at improving the overall experience for both new and existing users.

If you’ve been contemplating a switch from Windows 11, Nitrux 3.6.1 is the perfect alternative. You can download an ISO here now.

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Rhino Linux has released its latest version, 2024.2, bringing a bunch of updates and enhancements that make it a compelling choice for those considering a switch from Windows 11. The release includes improvements to both the distribution and the Rhino Linux wiki, offering a more streamlined and cohesive user experience.

One of the most notable changes in this version is the introduction of an upgraded Unicorn theme. This new theme replaces the previous Yaru-Purple scheme, giving the desktop environment a fresh and vibrant look. The updated theme enhances visual integration across the system, from the Rhino Linux installer to everyday applications like Thunar and XFCE4-Terminal, making the transition from Windows 11 smoother and more visually appealing.

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