#Microsoft Windows - Page 4

In a surprise move, Microsoft has declared that it is ending support for Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). The feature was first introduced with Windows 11 and allowed users to run Android apps via the Amazon Appstore without taking to third-party emulators. Microsoft is now doing away with it and won't allow users to download new Android apps via Amazon Appstore, starting March 5, 2025. Moreover, from March 6, 2024, users will not be able to search for any new apps on the Appstore. Those that already have Amazon Appstore apps will be able to use it till the support cutoff date.

Microsoft has announced the March 2024 update for Windows 11, the last update for the 23H2 build. The new update brings several new features including an advanced Copilot with new skills, plugin support, and the ability to resize, dock, and undock the Copilot window. You can also use your Android phone as a webcam on your Windows 11 PC, however, currently Windows Insiders can only access this feature. Besides that, you can erase objects using AI in the Photos app, quickly snap windows with smart suggestions, and more.

On Sunday, Elon musk ran into an issue where while setting up his new Windows 11 laptop. He couldn't figure out how to skip the Microsoft account sign up screen. Despite help from Community Notes and a number of other users online, he was having hard time figuring out a solution. So, he went to the source of his troubles, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, asking for tech support.

Windows 11 insider build 26052 has a new feature to let you scan a QR code for seamlessly connecting to a Wi-Fi network. With this, users can simply open the camera app and quickly connect to an available Wi-Fi network.

Windows 11 could have its very own AI Super Resolution feature soon! A new Auto Super Resolution setting has been found in the Windows 11 insider build version 26052. This is similar to DLSS and FSR features that are present in several games today. The feature can be turned on as a default, but also on a per-game basis as per the Windows Insider member who shared images of the Auto SR feature in action.

In an official Windows Insider Blog, Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 version 24H2 will be this year's annual feature update. It means Windows 12 is not coming this year, as earlier speculated. You will be getting the Windows 11 24H2 update in September or October this year. Additionally, Microsoft says that Windows 11 will follow an annual feature update cadence, which will be released in the second half of the year.

Steam no longer is supported on Windows 7/8/8.1 as of January 1, 2024. This decision comes after Microsoft discontinued security updates for pre Windows 10 builds. Lack of security updates are prone to malware and cyberattacks which can cause severe problems for Steam users. Players can still play games owned in their old Windows systems but are recommended to upgrade their operating system soon.

The next Windows update, codenamed Hudson Valley, is expected to bring an assortment of improvements to the operating system. It has been touted as a groundbreaking update which will introduce next-generation AI experiences. New features include Super Resolution for image quality enhancement, AI wallpapers, an advanced Copilot, and more. A new roadmap for Windows updates which will change when new updates arrive is also reportedly in the works.

Windows 10 will retire in October 2025. To keep using it, Microsoft wants you to pay an annual fee for the ESU program. With ESU enabled, you can keep using Windows 10 and Microsoft will provide you with all the required security updates for stable & reliable functionality of the operating system. It will be an annual subscription, and Microsoft is yet to provide pricing details for it.

The new Energy Saver mode works by limiting system performance by a certain threshold. With this, you can permanently save energy even when plugged-in, or if you use a desktop PC. Plus, for laptop users, it will extend battery life further. Microsoft has also added a new Wi-Fi refresh button in the new insider build 26002.