This week on Pureinfotech: Microsoft finally made available the Windows 10 21H2 on November 16, with minor improvements and a small set of features, and confirmed that Windows 10 is moving to a single annual feature update.
Shortly after the release of the new version, the company also made available the update KB5007253 to fix a bunch of problems with versions 21H2 and 21H1, which was rapidly re-released as build 9044.1381 in the Release Preview Channel to fix problems with the Windows Hello for Business and Azure Active Directory. Also, the software giant confirmed that the emulator to run x64 apps on ARM-based devices will be limited to Windows 11 and won’t be available on Windows 10.
This week, Microsoft announced that it is expanding the availability of Windows 11 to more devices despite the number of known issues and other problems.
Windows 11 received the update KB5007262 was released in the Beta and Release Preview Channels to fix a Microsoft Installer (MSI) problem while updating or repairing apps. Also, Windows 11 build 22504 was made available with new theming settings for the emoji panel, voice typing, and other input experiences. The update also brings a skin tone customization option for a combination of emojis (family members, couples with hearts, kissing, and people holding hands) and various other improvements.
Microsoft also made available the preview of the new Media Player app for Windows 11 in the Dev Channel. The new app supports audio and video playback and replaces the Groove Music app.
In addition, the software company confirmed that the Black Screen of Death will revert to its original blue color in future updates. Also, another update is in the works that will block the EdgeDeflector tool to redirect web links from Windows Search to your preferred browser to force users to use Microsoft Edge regardless of their default app preference.
Furthermore, this week, Xbox turned 20, and to celebrate, 343 Industries surprised gamers by releasing Halo Infinite beta as a free download for anyone with or without a subscription. If you plan to play the game on a Windows computer, these are the system requirements for optimal gameplay. Microsoft also announced over 76 new Xbox 360 and original Xbox games through the backward compatibility program.
Tech tips roundup
This week, you also learned a bunch of tips to get the most out of Windows, including the steps to use the Windows Package Manager to install multiple apps at once on Windows 11.
We also looked at the steps to make Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox the default web browsing experience on Windows 11.
As part of the Windows 10 21H2 rollout, you now know the steps to upgrade using the Update Assistant, how to download the ISO file directly without the Media Creation Tool, and how to check if the new version is already installed on your computer.
If you are still on an older version of Windows, this guide will help you to upgrade from any version to Windows 11 while preserving your files.
Google is preparing a new version of Chrome that will implement Windows 11 visual styles, and you can use these steps to try the new improvements on version 96.