Microsoft has just released a brand new cumulative update for Windows Server 2022, though for the time being, it's only a preview that needs the manual installation.

Windows Server 2022 update KB5016693 is therefore a preview for the time being, with Microsoft to incorporate all the changes within this release within the very next cumulative update that will ship in September.

KB5016693 includes changes which have been contained in the newest Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates, including enhancements for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to enhance the opportunity to identify and intercept ransomware and advanced attacks.

Simultaneously, Windows Server 2022 has become capable of compressing a file regardless of its size if the SMB Compression is enabled.

Microsoft says it has also resolved an element that caused a degradation from the BitLocker performance, whilst fixing an insect that caused a Windows device with BitLocker enabled to prevent working.

The company says it's also resolved Windows Update-related and Remote Desktop Session problems.

Addresses an issue that may cause Remote Desktop Session licensing to display a 60-minute disconnection warning after reconnecting.
Addresses an element that causes the Settings app to prevent focusing on server domain controllers (DCs) when accessing the Privacy > Activity history page.
Addresses an element that prevents devices from receiving an offer from Windows Update for the similar extension driver when that extension driver is already installed without the base driver.
Addresses an element that affects input and output within the Storport driver and might cause the body to stop responding.

There aren't any known issues within this update, but we'll learn more information about it as we obtain nearer to the public release when all Windows Server 2022 devices will be supplied with all improvements as an automatic update.

While all eyes take presctiption Windows 11 these days, Microsoft continues the job on Windows 10, because this operating system will continue to receive support until October 2025.

A brand new feature update for Windows 10, for example, is projected to visit live later this season, with Microsoft currently giving the finishing touches to this release with the aid of testers signed up for the Windows Insider program.

The newest Windows 10 preview build went reside in the Release Preview channel now, also it includes two important improvements.

To begin with, IT admins are now able to add languages and additional features related to languages remotely. Secondly, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint now sports an enhanced capability to identify and intercept ransomware.

More alterations in the most recent build

Windows 10 build 19044.1947 also comes with other important fixes:

We fixed a known issue that triggers Microsoft Edge to prevent responding when you use IE mode. This problem also prevents you against interacting with a dialog.
We fixed an element that affects transparency in layered windows when you're in Hi-def remote applications integrated locally (RAIL) mode.
We fixed an element that might generate error 0x1E whenever you turn off or restart a tool.
We fixed an issue that leads to a subscription activation to fail under certain conditions.
We fixed an issue that might cause some game installations to fail due to a licensing issue.
We fixed an element that prevents virtualized App-V Microsoft Office applications from opening or causes these to stop working.
We fixed an issue that may cause the deployment from the Windows Hello for Business certificate to fail in a few circumstances once you reset a device.

Obviously, these changes will quickly go love production devices running Windows 10 too, but an ETA isn't available at this point.

The taskbar has received a major overhaul with the discharge of Windows 11, as Microsoft has placed all icons at the center from the screen, so they're no longer aligned left.

The overhaul from the taskbar, however, is really a work-in-progress, with the software giant working on further polishing, like the drag and drop support, that further enhance the experience around the desktop.

But because it turns out, there's something really big coming to the taskbar in a future Windows 11 update. Or at least, that's what appears to be the case at first glance, so don't be too surprised if this sounds like only the Internet being, well, the Internet.

Someone on reddit claims the most recent preview build shipped included in the Dev channel within the Windows insider has a glitch that enables a rounded taskbar. It's easy to believe this can be a graphics bug in Windows, but based on the user, this isn't the very first time they're seeing the rounded taskbar as well as for some reason, it returned within the latest build.

There's always the possibility that the rounded taskbar isn't actually real because, as Neowin also noted, a credit card applicatoin called RoundedTB can convert the current taskbar into a rounded version with just several clicks. Therefore it could very well be only a rounded taskbar enabled with the app and Microsoft isn't necessarily focusing on anything on this front.

But simultaneously, it's a well known fact that Microsoft is experimenting with all sorts of ideas, therefore it wouldn't necessarily be considered a surprise to see the organization testing a rounded taskbar and then dropping it before it makes its way to users.

In either case, you'd better take this rounded taskbar having a healthy pinch of salt, but if you actually like the design, the aforementioned app is the only way to have it.

Microsoft is betting big around the widgets experience of Windows 11, and this is why the company is working around the clock on bringing more widgets to users.

With support for third-party widgets on the way, it's pretty clear that Microsoft hopes this feature would be a key part of the operating-system. And in the most recent Windows 11 preview build, the organization introduces an all-new Game Pass widget that shows essential information, such as the latest additions and the games that are leaving soon.

Obviously, the widget continues to be in its early days, and Microsoft says it's vital that you bear in mind the present version is just a preview of what's to come when the focus on this front concludes.

"This widget is really a window towards the extensive PC Game Pass library - it'll show the most recent additions, games leaving soon, yet others from highlighted categories and then get you to the Xbox app where you can set them up, see reviews, and go all in," Microsoft explains.

"We're still hard at work on some exciting functionality not far off that will allow you to sign-into your Xbox profile and easily jump back to recently played games in addition to see personalized recommendations of games we believe you'll love."

How to add the Game Pass widget

Adding the brand new Game Pass widget to the widgets screen is simple. Just open the widgets board and click on the + icon near the user profile. Try looking in the list and you ought to see the new Game Pass if you are running the most recent Windows 11 preview build.

"The Game Pass widget preview will come in the widgets board alongside other widgets that bring weather, sports, and other great content closer to you. The widgets board is shown by clicking the left corner of your taskbar or by pressing Win + W. To pin the sport Pass widget, choose the '+' button in the top right corner from the widgets board," Microsoft notes.

While all eyes are now on Windows 11, Microsoft continues to be supporting Windows 10, and it will continue to do until October 2025.

This means the organization would continue to release not only security patches but also further improvements and new features, though it's pretty clear that no big changes are expected until 2025.

Microsoft has recently released Windows 10 version 22H2 towards the Release Preview channel, and as observed by Thurrott, the company has quietly updated the initial post to convey this new feature update would come with a scoped set of features.

Of course, no further specifics have been provided, so we don't understand what these functions will be, but it is obvious we shouldn't expect much anyway.

"This build is focused on validating the servicing technology. Windows 10, version 22H2 includes a scoped set of features and Microsoft will share more details on this update later this season," Microsoft explained.

If you wish to try out Windows 10 version 22H2 early, you only have to download the most recent build from the Release Preview channel.

"We are also making this build open to any Windows Insider in the Release Preview Channel via our "seeker" experience in Windows Update. What this means is Insiders currently in the Release Preview Channel can go to Settings and Windows Update and select to upload Windows 10, version 22H2 if they want. Once an Insider updates their PC to Windows 10, version 22H2, they'll continue to automatically receive new servicing updates through Windows Update (the normal monthly update process)," Microsoft explains.

At this point, there's no ETA regarding once the software giant could start the public rollout of Windows 10 version 22H2, but expect the whole thing to take place in September or October.

Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella praised Windows throughout the company's latest earnings call, explaining the operating-system is recording higher monthly usage.

Nadella also says regardless of the alternation in trends in the PC market, the total sales continue to be over the pre-pandemic levels, not to mention, Microsoft is among the firms that are benefitting in the solid interest in new computers.

"Despite a changing marketplace for PCs throughout the quarter, we continue to see more PCs shipped than pre-pandemic, and therefore are taking share. And we are seeing higher monthly using Windows 11 applications, with increased time spent across creative work, collaboration, gaming, media, and writing code, as people rely on the PC because of its unique productivity capabilities, rich interactive experiences, and to stay connected," Nadella said.

The software giant's CEO also praised the adoption of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, particularly when comparing the quarter's results with the same quarter a year before.

"We're transforming how Windows is experienced and managed with Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Azure Virtual Desktop monthly active usage increased nearly 60 % year-over-year. One year in, we've seen strong adoption of Windows 365 from organizations in every industry - from Hamburg Commercial Bank and Kyndryl, to the LEGO Group and Schroders - because they use Cloud PCs to rapidly onboard new and temporary employees, and speed M&A integration, while reducing IT costs," Nadella said.

Microsoft Edge growing bigger

Microsoft's CEO also praised Microsoft Edge, as the browser keeps gaining share, especially among consumers.

According to Chromium, the new Microsoft Edge browser can be obtained not only on Windows, but additionally on macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

"We're focused on increasing our share and engagement across Edge, Bing, and our personalized content feed Microsoft Start. Daily content consumption across Start in categories like news, weather, finance, and sports, increased 80 percent since we launched the service one year ago. And Edge continues to gain share as consumers utilize it to save money with this built-in coupon and price comparison features," Nadella says.

The upcoming fall will probably be a really, very busy season for Microsoft, because the software giant is gearing up for several major announcements.

On one hand, it's the debut of Windows 11 version 22H2. Like a major Windows 11 update, this is actually the biggest operating system discharge of the year, and users obviously can't wait to get their on the job it.

Microsoft has selected the RTM build, but so far, the organization hasn't said a single thing about if this intends to kick off the rollout to non-insider devices.

Hello, new Surface models!

And also to software new, Microsoft is also on the point of share some pretty exciting hardware announcements.

According to a report in the Verge, the Redmond-based software giant will require the wraps off new Surface models in the fall too, possibly just in front of the Ignite conference in mid-October.

The timing makes sense.

Microsoft will celebrate the 10th anniversary from the Surface in October, and many likely, the company is preparing some pretty big news on the hardware front. A brand new Surface Book, possibly having a major redesign, can also be expected, though this really is obviously just a rumor to date.

Microsoft launched the original Surface RT with much fanfare in October 2012, and while the first device ended up becoming a significant flop, mostly due to the limitations of Windows RT, the long-term resolve for the unit eventually turned it into a major hit.

At this time, the Surface lineup is usually pioneering the Windows experience, as it includes high-end hardware specifically to allow users to make the the majority of the company's latest operating systems. Most likely, the upcoming Surface models will come with Windows 11 version 22H2 pre-loaded, pretty much for that very same reason.

Microsoft's newest Windows 11 cumulative update, that is available today like a preview via a manual download from Windows Update, includes a new option which makes it simpler to upgrade to the new edition from the operating system straight from the OOBE screen.

Quite simply, when you install Windows 11 on a new device, when the version that you deploy isn't the most recent one, the operating system can automatically check for updates and download the update from the out-of-box experience.

This means you can get to the latest version of Windows 11 inside a a lot more straightforward manner, without needing to sign in to the desktop, setup the account after which checking for updates.

The update "provides the choice for eligible devices to update to a newer Windows 11 version during the out-of-box experience (OOBE) when you first register. If you opt to update to a newer version, the update process will begin soon after the update is installed on the device," Microsoft explains in the official changelog of cumulative update KB5015882.

More improvements in the latest cumulative update

The most recent cumulative update preview includes Windows Autopilot improvements.

"Restores functionality for Windows Autopilot deployment scenarios which are impacted by the security mitigation for hardware reuse. This update removes the one-time use restriction for self-deploying mode (SDM) and pre-provisioning (PP). This update also re-enables any User Principal Name (UPN) display in user-driven mode (UDM) deployments for approved manufacturers," Microsoft explains.

Both improvements are projected to become available for all devices running Windows 11 included in the next Patch Tuesday cycle when the cumulative updates that will be released to computers will be offered as automatic updates through Windows Update.

At this time, anyone on Windows 11 can download the most recent update by manually checking for updates in Windows Update.

Microsoft has just released a brand new Windows 11 cumulative update, obviously using the concentrate on security improvements. KB5015814 is therefore readily available for download at this time, and Microsoft recommends users to download and install it right away.

According to the official changelog, this update includes one major change:

"Addresses an issue that redirects the PowerShell command output so that transcript logs do not contain any content. Transcript logs might contain decrypted passwords should you turn PowerShell logging on. Consequently, the transcript logs lose the decrypted passwords," the company explains.

But in addition, this update also comes with exactly what was included in KB5014668, the not compulsory cumulative update that was released on June 23 as a preview.

The largest change is therefore the debut of search highlights, available too on Windows 10.

The search highlights debut

With search highlights, Windows now displays additional information in the actual search UI, including anniversaries, holidays, and so forth, all tailored to each user.

"Search highlights will show notable and fascinating moments of what's special about each day?alike holidays, anniversaries, and other educational moments over time both globally as well as in your region. To see search highlights, click or tap around the search icon in your taskbar. For enterprise customers, search highlights will even feature the latest updates out of your organization and suggest people, files, and more," Microsoft says.

Worthwhile to learn, however, is that the search highlights rollout takes place in stages, as Microsoft says it's trying to figure out if any issues occur in the first phases. However, all users will be able to check out search highlights within the coming months, the company promises.

"Search highlights will roll out to Windows 11 customers over the next several weeks. We're going for a phased and measured approach. Broad availability will exist in the coming months," the software giant explains in the official announcement.

Microsoft announced Autopatch earlier this year, and many individuals believed the company was get yourself ready for no more Patch Tuesday.

At some level, this wasn't necessarily surprising, especially because the wording used by a company executive suggested this could indeed be.

"For organizations who select this method, the second Tuesday of every month will be ??just another Tuesday,'" the announcement read, therefore suggesting that the old idea of Patch Tuesday is going away.

The software giant has already clarified Patch Tuesday and Autopatch are two separate things, and in a graph published now, the company's Jeremy Chapman provides more information on how exactly Autopatch is supposed to work.

As per Neowin, Microsoft already offered more information on Autopatch, so in essence, the chart is really a summary of a longer post.

"Windows Autopatch is really a new service that automates the process of managing and rolling out updates for Windows and Microsoft 365 apps. If you missed the announcement, beginning in early July 2022, this service is going to be generally available if you have a Windows Enterprise E3 license or greater. The takeaway if you are an IT admin? You can keep while using tools and procedures you're accustomed to for managing and deploying updates?aor you are able to take a hands-off approach and let Windows Autopatch do it for you," Microsoft previously explained.

Autopatch can be obtained totally free for Windows Enterprise E3 and above license holders and works with Windows 10 and Windows 11.

"The General Availability Channel is the source for Windows updates through Windows Autopatch. Polices for quality and have updates can be set independently to satisfy your needs. Admins will be able to see what updates have been applied through the Windows Autopatch message center in Endpoint Manager and can find out about what updates to anticipate. The familiar cadence of monthly Windows security and quality updates, also called "B" releases, continues and out-of-band updates is going to be applied as needed," Microsoft said.