Microsoft Windows 11

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Windows Security

Main article: Windows Security

2023: Addition of AI Copilot, 7-Zip and RAR support

Microsoft released a new pre-build Windows of 11 for Windows Insider members on the Dev channel. Build 22494 contains a number of additional features and improvements, including support for AI Copilot, 7-Zip and RAR formats, and a new home settings page. This became known on June 29, 2023.

AI Copilot is an intelligent assistant that can help users with a variety of tasks such as finding information, creating documents, editing photos and videos, learning new skills, and more. AI Copilot is integrated into the taskbar and can be activated by voice or keyboard. Users can ask him questions, ask for advice or give commands in natural language.

7-Zip and RAR are compression formats files that are now supported in Windows 11 Explorer. Users can view, retrieve, and create archives of these formats without having to install an additional one. software The ability enciphering to protect password 7-Zip archives has also been added.

The updated settings home page offers an easier and more intuitive way to access basic system settings. The home page displays frequently used settings such as network connection, sound, screen brightness and battery control, and quick links to other settings sections. On the home page, you can also see the current status of system updates and security.

In addition, assembly 22494 includes a number of bug fixes and performance improvements. Microsoft reminds that builds in the Dev channel are experimental and can contain errors and work unstable. Users who want more stable versions of Windows 11 can go to the Beta channel or Release Preview^[1].

2022

Microsoft has returned the ability to download and install Windows operating systems in Russia

In December 2022, Microsoft returned the ability to download and install Windows operating systems in Russia - we are talking about Windows 11, 10, Windows 8.1. и Windows 7.

Infection through a fake update

Fake Windows updates infect users through. files JavaScript This became known on October 14, 2022.

piracy Assembly lovers are trapped by intruders.

Magniber's malicious ransomware delivery campaign targets Windows users with fake security updates, according to HP researchers.

Malicious updates are distributed through pirated sites that offer activation keys for software. How potential victims are lured to malicious pages is unknown. Downloaded malicious ZIP archives contain JavaScript files that initiate infection with malware that encrypts files.

The HP report notes that Magniber operators are demanding a fee of up to $2,500 from victims to receive the decoder and restore their files. In addition, Magniber targets builds of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Hackers switched to JavaScript files with the following names:

• SYSTEM.Critical.Upgrade.Win10.0.ba45bd8ee89b1.js;
• SYSTEM.Security.Database.Upgrade.Win10.0.jse;
• Antivirus_Upgrade_Cloud.29229c7696d2d84.jse;
• ALERT.System.Software.Upgrade.392fdad9ebab262cc97f832c40e6ad2c.js.

JavaScript files are confused and use a variant of the DotNetToJScript tool to execute a.NET file in system memory, which reduces the risk of detection by antivirus products on the host. The.NET file decodes the shellcode and injects it into a new process.

The shellcode then deletes the shadow copy files and disables the backup and recovery functions. Magniber uses User Account Control (UAC) traversal on Windows to perform this action. This increases the chances of a ransom as victims have less ability to recover their files.

Ultimately, Magniber encrypts files on the host and downloads a ransom note.

According to HP analysts, Magniber encrypts only certain types of files, but the "pseudo-cache" it generates during enumeration leads to hash function collisions and encryption of also non-target file types^[2].

Enhanced Phishing Protection security feature introduced

It was recently released Windows on 22H2 11, and on September 26, 2022, it became known that it had an updated feature safety called phishing Enhanced Phishing Protection, which warns the user when he enters his password Windows on unsafe or applications websites.

SmartScreen detects and protects against entering a corporate password on phishing sites or applications, reusing a password in any application or site, and passwords entered in Notepad, WordPad, or Microsoft 365.

Microsoft will detect when a user enters a Windows password and then issue a warning to remove the password from the unsafe file or, if it is entered on the site, change the password.

Although phishing protection is enabled by default in Windows 11 22H2, password protection settings are disabled.

To enable these settings, go to Start > Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Security > Application and Browser Management > Reputation-Based Protection Settings.

The "Phishing Protection" section contains two updated options: "Warn about password reuse" and "Warn about unsafe password storage."

The "Warn about unsafe password storage" option will warn the user when he enters his password into the Notepad, WordPad and Microsoft Office application, and then presses the input key.

This security feature for Windows users will help protect against phishing attacks and password theft^[3].

Microsoft has limited the ability for Russians to update computers from Windows 10 to Windows 11

In September 2022, Microsoft limited the ability for Russians to update computers from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

When trying to download and install the update through Windows Update, the operating system offers to go to the official website of the company. On the site, when you try to download a special bootloader of the latest version of Windows, an empty browser window opens, and no download occurs.

Implementing Music CD Copy

The corporation Microsoft has introduced OS Windows a music copying function in 11, compact disks writes The Register. It allows you to save compositions from disks to memory computer in a convenient format, such as FLAC. This became known on July 14, 2022.

The innovation appeared in the pre-build 25158 available to Windows Insider beta participants. All testers can download it, except for Russian ones - in June 2022, Microsoft closed their access to updates due to sanctions.

Microsoft has built the function of copying music CDs directly into Windows Media Player, a standard player of content, including music and films. Now owners of an impressive collection of audio discs, still using optical drives (built-in or portable), can move all tracks from them to their computer or laptop. In the future, they can also post them on the Internet, which may be copyright infringement, that is, piracy.

The standard player in Windows 11, released in the fall of 2021, at first did not know how not only to clone music CDs, but even just play them. Those who had not yet had time to get rid of their collection of Audio-CDs and PCs with a drive had to install an additional player.

In the spring of 2022, Microsoft suddenly decided to build support for music discs into Windows Media Player. The second stage was the function of copying disks to a computer, which is only available to testers so far.

This is not to say that the new-old "chip" of the Microsoft player works perfectly and allows you to abandon third-party applications for grabbing disks. In particular, it does not support MP3 - the most famous format for storing music in the world. Only AAC, WMA, FLAC and ALAC are available to users, writes The Register.

It is possible that^[4] support for grabbing as part^[5] a full-fledged update for the general public of users^[6] Windows Media Player].

Updating a KB5014668 that cannot be installed

On July 6, 2022, it became known that Microsoft had released an update for Windows 11 that could not be installed. This update is designed to fix update installation errors.

As reported, the hopeless situation in which users found themselves concerns an update with the KB5014668 index. Microsoft launched it back in June 2022, after users began to complain about failures when trying to integrate other updates into Windows 11.

The result turned out to be the exact opposite. Instead of fixing code errors once and for all that impede the normal operation of the Microsoft OS update process, this patch itself cannot be installed. Messages about a failure when trying to deploy KB5014668 on the system flooded the official Microsoft forum and numerous third-party resources.

Users who failed in an attempt to install KB5014668 on their PC complained of error messages with different indexes. For example, a Microsoft forum participant with the pseudonym KenMel posted a post on June 25, 2022, in which he spoke about the 0x80000ffff error. According to him, it did not arise immediately, but only when the process of installing the patch reaches 25%.

After that, KenMel restarted the computer, after which the update process reached 48%. Then the error message reappeared. KenMel then tried to install the patch manually, but was notified of the failure again, this time with the index 0x80070002.

By the time the material was published, the problem with the update had not KB5014668 been resolved. On July 6, 2022, the topic of user Dave031387-7595 appeared on the same Microsoft forum, in which he wrote that an attempt to install this update led to error 0x80073701.

Users working in a stable build of Windows 11 will not receive a KB5014668 update at least in the near future. Only participants in the Windows Insider beta testing program have access to it, which quite implies the possibility of its unstable operation.

The Russian testers, employed in the Windows Insider program, everything that happens to KB5014668 will bypass the side. Back in June 2022, Microsoft banned them from participating in testing updates as part of anti-Russian ones. sanctions Again, you can access the program only by changing the Russian address IP to a foreign one.

Some users were still able to install the KB5014668. Among them was a member of the Microsoft CamiAraceli forum. According to him, he managed to contact the technical support of the software corporation, where he was advised to restart his computer several times. For all its banality, this advice really helped. CamiAraceli claims that it still managed to integrate the update into Windows. The number of reboots needed for this, he did not lead.

The update KB5014668 fixes a whole list of flaws in Windows 11 - according to a Microsoft report, there are more than 15 of them. Among them is the problem with Wi-Fi access points - when connected to such a point, the computer loses contact with the Internet and can no longer connect to it.

This problem was created by Microsoft itself, releasing the KB5014697 update in mid-June 2022. At that time, the way out of the situation was a complete ban on installing an update KB5014697 any available methods or, if the update still made its way to the computer, then Microsoft offered to simply refuse to use access points.

Patch KB5014668 was supposed to fix what Microsoft broke, but it is not yet possible to install^[7].

Testing ban for Russians

The corporation Microsoft has banned to Russians participation in the beta program. testings Windows This became known on June 23, 2022. This manifested itself in restricting access to test updates OS of Windows 11 within the Windows Insider program when connected from a Russian IP address.

Windows Insider is an open source beta testing program that has existed in its current form since September 2014. It was originally launched for Windows 10, but in May 2017 its action spread to Windows Server. Since the announcement of Windows 11 in June 2021, this OS has also been participating in this program. All users who have a valid license for any of the three operating systems can join it.

As part of the program, users are testing updates and emerging OS functions that are not yet available in a stable assembly of systems. They also check how these updates affect the health of Windows as a whole, and inform Microsoft about this.

By the time the material was released, Microsoft had not commented on the closure of access to Windows Insider for Russians. Microsoft officials in Russia refused to respond to the source's request.

Nevertheless, confirmation has already begun to appear in the public domain. Internet For example, a user blocked in Russia social networks Twitter under the pseudonym Svyatoslav Demidov (@ svyatoslavd _) wrote that updates for preview versions of Windows really stopped coming when connected from Russia.

If we consider the overall picture of what happened, then Microsoft deprived Russian testers of access to updates to its current operating systems. On the one hand, while this affected a small part of users, on the other hand, it is highly likely that in the foreseeable future ordinary users from Russia will also fall under this restriction^[8] from^[9].

Download ban for Russian users

Microsoft has banned Russian users from downloading Windows 10 and 11. This became known on June 19, 2022. Read more here.

Slow down editor

On June 14, 2022, it became known that Microsoft had turned the classic Notepad editor into a "brake" for Windows.

As reported, Windows 11 users complained about problems in the operation of the Notepad text editor, which is part of the operating system, writes Windows Latest.

According to reports left in Microsoft's Feedback Hub, the recently redesigned tool can be slower than its predecessor in a number of situations and periodically complete its work without demand.

Notepad is the simplest text editor, always distinguished by speed and modest hardware requirements. However, according to Windows Latest, after the procedures for modernizing the program, in some cases it began to show sluggishness.

Windows user Lucas A complained that the updated Notepad runs three times slower than the classic Win32 application - 1.5 seconds instead of 0.5 seconds. At first glance, the difference may seem insignificant, but for those accustomed to working on powerful modern PCs with fast solid state drives (SSDs), such a change can cause irritation. Indeed, on such machines, many much heavier applications, for example, Microsoft Word, start almost instantly.

Some users note the slow operation of the editor with large amounts of information. So, someone Josef U wrote in the "Review Center" that he is experiencing difficulties with inserting data from Microsoft Excel or even from one running instance of "Notepad" into another.

It is worth noting that the program always did not work well with large texts - it was not intended for this. However, this does not exclude the possibility that claims from Josef U may be justified.

Other users complain about uncomfortable text navigation in Notepad compared to other Windows 11 applications. In particular, the lack of smooth vertical scrolling and the presence of a subtle delay in the interval after the rotation of the mouse wheel and before the start of the process are indicated.

Finally, among the most common problems in reviews of the updated Notepad is the sudden shutdown of the application. Moreover, the prerequisites for this can be very different: from typing some rare characters from the keyboard to trying to insert massive text.

According to information published in the official blog of Windows developers, patches that should fix user-identified Notepad performance problems will be tested on Windows Insider participants from June 9, 2022.

Users can expect to optimize performance when scrolling through the contents of massive files or searching with large chunks of text replaced on any Windows 11 devices on board.

In addition, the developers have prepared native (native) builds of Notepad for computers based on ARM64 architecture processors.

When exactly fixes and improvements will become available to a wide range of users, the message does not specify.

Notepad is a text editor that was an integral part of Windows with its very first version, which was released in 1985. However, in the spring of 2021, Microsoft decided to turn the tool into an independent application distributed through the Microsoft Store, separate from Windows 10.

At the same time, the program "moved" from the usual folder "Standard" (Windows Accessories) to the root section of the "Start" menu and received an updated icon that more harmoniously fits into the official style of design of the Windows 10 graphical interface - Fluent Design.

Microsoft did not stop there, and after the release of Windows 11 in the fall of 2021, it tightly took up Notepad for this version of the proprietary operating system. After testings volunteers from among the participants of the Windows Insider pre-evaluation program in February 2022, a very significantly redesigned version of the editor became available to all users.

The Notepad has been transformed both visually and functionally. At the same time, Microsoft chose not to abandon the concept of a "lightweight" text editor.

The application menu has undergone a redesign towards simplification to make it easier for users to find the necessary functions. The editor acquired support for a dark topic - he also learned to adapt to the system parameters on his own. The style of its interface has become much closer to that adopted in Windows 11.

Among the updated features of the editor are tiered cancellation, colorful emojis and the modern search function with replacement^[10].

Discord, Visual Studio and PowerShell breakdown after Windows 11 update

On May 12, 2022, it became known that Bleeping Computer wrote about complaints from Windows 11 users about the inability to launch a number of applications after installing the May operating system update.

The problem affects exclusively owners of PCs running Windows 11 version 21H2 with the cumulative update installed on May 11, 2022 with the KB5012643 index.

The list of applications that refuse to run varies from user to user. According to the information source, among the samples of the problem - ON integrated the development environment; Microsoft Visual Studio customer - VPN service; ProtonVPN Microsoft PowerShell command shell; messenger Discord Built OS into the "Even Viewer" administrator tool a program for managing the settings of sound devices from Creative Sound Blaster Command; a utility for KeePass; storages passwords a tool for taking screenshots and ShareX screencasts.

When trying to send one of the listed programs for execution, the user encounters a critical error with code 0xc0000135, which is accompanied by the message: "The application could not start correctly. Click OK to close the application was unable to start correctly. Click OK to close the application).

As Bleeping Computer notes, error 0xc0000135 occurs when the operating system cannot find the dynamically loaded library (DLL) needed to run this application. In this situation, library files from the Microsoft.NET 3.5 software development platform are necessary. At the same time, according to the observation of some of the users, programs that use later versions of the framework can also stop running.

Microsoft is aware of this problem - its description appears in the list of known KB5012643 update problems published on the company's support portal. It is noteworthy that it is also present in an earlier optional cumulative update of the KB5012643, that is, it has been known about it since at least April 25, 2022.

Windows 11 developers claim that applications that use .NET Framework 3.5 components, such as the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF, needed to exchange messages between programs) and the Windows Workflow Foundation (WWF, support for workflow management technology), are at risk.

Solving the problem

Microsoft experts propose to solve the problem by reactivating.NET Framework 3.5 components through the Control Panel or the command line (one way or another, administrator rights are required).

In the first case, on the "Control Panel" you need to sequentially go to the items "Programs," "Programs and Components," "Windows Components," then in the hierarchical list in the window that appears, find the sections ".NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)" and.NET Framework 4.8 Advanced Services and make sure that they are selected (marked with a "tick"), then click OK. If this did not help, it is probably worth trying to reinstall the mentioned components through the same interface.

Administrators and advanced users can use the dism console utility.

According to Bleeping Computer, removing the KB5013943 update also helps, but it should be borne in mind that it closes several Windows 11 security issues. That is, "rollback" can leave the system vulnerable to cyber threats.

Refusal browsers

In mid-April 2022, it became known that the installation of the latest Windows 10 and 11 service packs at that time led to the inoperability of some web browsers.

An attempt to launch Internet browsers Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox led to a strange error. Antiviruses, in particular, Eset products, were probably to blame for the problem.^[11]

Disabling the default SMB1 for Windows 11 Home Insiders

On April 20, 2022, it became known that Microsoft had disabled the default SMBv1 file sharing protocol on systems running the latest builds of the Windows 11 Home Dev channel, the latest editions of Windows or Windows Server, which still came with SMBv1 enabled.

SMBv1 is no longer installed on Microsoft's default operating system, starting with Windows 10 version 1709 and Windows Server version 1709, and more current versions of Windows use SMBv3.

The innovation will also be implemented by default in the next major release of Windows 11 after participants in the Windows Pre-Evaluation Program can test and leave feedback on the change.

As explained by a Microsoft specialist, the change will not affect devices using SMBv1 after updates in place, since administrators are still allowed to reinstall it.

Users interested in disabling SMBv1 on their servers can request information with detailed instructions.

Microsoft has been recommending that administrators eliminate support for SMBv1 on their network since 2016, as it does not contain additional security improvements added to more current versions of the SMB protocol. Optimization includes integrity checks before authentication to prevent MitM attacks, encryption, blocking unsafe guest authentication, protection against security downgrades, and more.^[12]

Simplifying the default browser installation

On April 13, 2022, it became known that the corporation Microsoft released a mandatory update with the KB5012599 index for its OS Windows 11, fixing a number of problems in the system. After installing this update, Windows 11 will stop preventing users from changing the browser default.

Microsoft has an Edge browser that cannot yet boast of popularity, despite the fact that it has been built into Windows since the summer of 2015. As of March 2022, its share of the global browser market was at 4.05% (StatCounter data). This could be the fault of Internet Explorer, Edge's predecessor, which Microsoft itself has deemed unsafe.

Microsoft is trying in every possible way to draw the attention of users to Edge and even prevents them from changing the default browser installed in Windows 11. For example, in August 2021, this procedure, which used to take only a couple of seconds and several clicks, stretched over time for several minutes.

Microsoft forced users to choose the desired program for each file extension, one way or another related to working on the Internet, and there can be dozens of such extensions. If you forget about at least one of them, then Windows 11 will definitely open it in Edge.

This aroused the indignation of both the users themselves and the developers of other browsers. The Microsoft, however, was in no hurry to solve the problem - it took her eight months. Now in Windows 11 you can simply select the desired browser in the system settings without additional difficulties. At first, such a necessary simplification appeared in the optional KB5011563 update, released at the end of March 2022, which could be abandoned. As for the KB5012599 patch, it is required to be installed and will be built into the system one way or another, unless you disable automatic updates using third-party programs, the registry editor, or making changes to group policies.

The second most important update that Microsoft has built into the KB5012599 package concerns the search function. It is called Search Highlights (in Russian localization - "Highlights").

With this addition, the search function located on the taskbar tracks the date and offers users content directly related to it. For example, if an important event (a holiday or a sports event) is scheduled for a particular day, then the search for Windows 11 will offer information about it.

Users of enterprise versions of the system will find important contacts and recently opened files. Microsoft has tried to make sure that the function does not interfere with work with search and in general with the system. Therefore, date-bound content is displayed on the screen only when the user activates the search function, but does not search for anything himself.

The third Windows 11 update concerns the notification center. Now it has the function of simultaneously displaying up to three pop-up notifications with high priority. The change is aimed at those users who receive dozens of notifications every day in the programs he uses for Windows 11. In total, the system will display four notifications at the same time - three with high priority and one with normal.^[13]

Plan to add multi-tab functionality in a single window

On March 10, 2022, it became known that Microsoft plans to add the ability to work with many tabs in a single window to Windows 11 Explorer.

According to Twitter user Rafael Rivera, a software developer and participant in the Windows Insider pre-test program, the corresponding function is "wired" in the latest build of the operating system for insiders (build 22572) on March 9, 2022. Special skills or third-party tools are required to activate it, since by default it is hidden from the user's eyes.

According to the screenshots published by Rivera, the tab bar is located at the top of the Explorer window - the default Windows main manager, directly above the toolbar. Each tab contains an icon and the name of the folder opened in it. You can add a tab by clicking the "+" button. Whether they can be "uncoupled," thereby turning them into independent windows and attached back, the programmer does not specify.

In general, the ability to manage tabs in Explorer is largely reminiscent of those in modern web browsers like Chrome or Firefox. However, in terms of the approach to navigating a large number of simultaneously opened tabs, the updated Explorer is still closer to the Mozilla browser. When open tabs are no longer placed in the window in one line, the program adds other controls to the beginning and end of the tab bar - arrows to scroll horizontally.

In the official announcement of Microsoft, dedicated to the release of the next assembly for volunteer testers, this change in the work of "Explorer" is not reflected. Among the changes affecting this application, according to information Microsoft, you should expect the possibility to open the context menu "Show additional parameters" when you right-click mice on the desktop or the "Explorer" window with the Shift key pressed.

The tab interface is a popular and expected change to Windows Explorer. This is evidenced by the results of voting in the Windows Feedback Hub, which is the main tool for feedback between OS developers and its users: 3287 English-speaking users spoke out in support of adding additional functionality at the time of publication of this material.

The author of the second most popular proposal regarding the features of placing controls in the Explorer window was able to enlist the support of only 51 people.

The request with the largest number of votes of the audience (17,295 pieces) as a whole is a request to Microsoft with a request to return the ability to place the Windows 11 taskbar on the side or at the top of the screen. However, this request comes exclusively from Windows 11 users, while owners of devices running both current Microsoft desktop operating systems express their wishes about the tabs.

Eight of the ten most "clicked" offers in the "Feedback Center" in all categories are somehow related to complaints about the updated Windows 11 taskbar. In favor of the popularity of the idea of ​ ​ transforming the interface of the Windows file manager, the number of requests for the corresponding topic on the Internet also speaks. So, when searching for the keywords "windows file explorer tabs," the Google engine produces almost 51 million results.^[14].

Add mute and mute during calls

On February 16, 2022, additional 11 features are presented Windows for convenient and productive work.

Users begin to receive updates and have access to functions such as an optimized taskbar with the function of turning on and off during calls, the ability to display weather and time information, as well as two updated applications - Notepad and Media Player.

Windows 11 users no longer need to switch between apps to reply to an interlocutor or turn off the microphone. When ringing, an active microphone icon will appear on the right side of the taskbar, with which you can turn the sound on and off without returning to the call window, even if the Teams interface is not visible on the screen. In addition, you can show the window of any open application in just a couple of clicks. You just need to hover over the application icon on the taskbar and select the "share" item from the menu. This will help you be guaranteed to share only the content that the user wants to show, and nothing else.

In the left corner of the taskbar is the "Weather" icon, so that current weather information is now always visible at first glance. You can use the function by hovering the cursor over the icon - the panel with widgets will open and will remain open until the user removes the cursor. You can fix the video by clicking once on the weather icon.

Using multiple monitors at the same time, users want to access the same information from each of them. Therefore, now when connecting additional monitors, the date and time will be displayed on the taskbar of all connected devices.

To make listening to and watching multimedia content even more enjoyable, Microsoft has updated the Media Player app. The updated player is based on a multifunctional music library that allows you to quickly select and play music, as well as create and manage playlists. All audio and video content on the computer will be automatically displayed in the library, in addition, you can set other places for searching for content in the settings. As part of the update, keyboard shortcuts and access buttons were optimized for keyboard control, as well as other inclusive technologies. The new media player will replace the Groove Music media player, the library and playlists will be transferred from there automatically.

In the redesigned user interface, the application received dark mode, which will be set automatically when using a dark theme or can be manually selected among other topics on the updated settings page. The developers simplified the menu to make it easier to find the desired features of the application, and added new features, including tiered cancellation, colorful emoji and a modern search function with replacement.

The updated Media Player and Notepad apps are available for download from the Microsoft Store.

Compatible with Secret Net Studio 8.8 and 8.6

Secret Net Studio 8.8 and 8.6 Security Code products have confirmed compatibility with Windows 11, Windows 10 21H2 and Win Server 2022. The company "Security Code" announced this on February 7, 2022. Read more here.

2021

Windows 11 will include an updated Windows Media Player

On November 18, 2021, it became known that Microsoft is developing a completely redesigned standard audio and video player for Windows 11. According to The Verge, the program will retain its former name - Windows Media Player.

Windows ^{11 will include an updated Windows Media Player. Photo: cnews.ru.}

As reported, work on the player for November 2021 is in an active stage, although Microsoft has not yet announced the exact timing of its launch. So far, only participants in the Windows Insider closed beta testing program can try the updated Windows Media Player, which will become part of Windows 11.

Windows Media Player is one of the oldest components of OS Windows. Its history began in 1991 with the release, Windows 3.0 although at that time the Windows prefix was not in its name.

The player wandered from one version of Windows to another, gradually acquiring various functions. It was last updated in early October 2021 to version 12.0.22000.194. However, WMP 12 itself was released back in 2009 simultaneously with Windows 7 and has not received large-scale updates since then.

The WMP has shared fate over and over again. browser Internet Explorer The vast majority of users preferred to go to Internet through third-party browsers. Windows Media Player also often lost competition to players from other developers.

Externally, Windows Media Player will hardly change, retaining the design since 2009. But it will look like Windows 11, including rounded window corners and other features of the OS interface.

The updated player will work with both audio and video to keep up with competing programs. Microsoft will turn Windows Media Player into a kind of virtual music library with quick access to songs in your computer's memory. Full support for playlists that can be created from scratch will not go anywhere.

Supports full-screen mode and viewing in a mini-player. And anyone still using the legacy Groove Music app can automatically transfer their data to Media Player.

As for working with video, the player is trained to automatically search for any video content stored in Video and add it to the playlist. If necessary, you can add videos from any other folders and even configure automatic search in them. Due to this function, WMP will be a full-fledged replacement for the basic Movies and TV application in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Other upcoming Windows Media Player, which is likely to receive an index of 13, was not known as of November 18, 2021. However, its release as part of Windows 11 and, possibly, Windows 10, will not oblige users to switch to it.

According to Microsoft representatives, Windows Media Player 12, which has long become a classic, will remain part of the system. If desired, users will be able to ignore the release of this version and continue to play content in it.

What is the point of saving an application 12 years ago in the Windows 11 operating system, which is not even two months old, Microsoft does not specify. Microsoft once used Windows Media Player to force users to ditch Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 in favor of Windows 10. In early 2019, the software corporation secretly removed the function of obtaining metadata for media files from Windows Media Player in Windows 7, as well as from Windows Media Center in Windows 7, 8 and 8.1.

This reduced the functionality of the standard player. The corporation informed users about this change by publishing a short article on its own support portal. The article emphasizes that it will in no way affect the performance of key functions of media players, such as playback, navigation through collections, and media streaming. The text also claims that the decision to disable the metadata service was made based on an analysis of statistics on its use and user feedback, and that it does not affect Windows 10 users^[15].

In Windows 11, you can now run Android applications

October 20, 2021 became the launch of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) system, which allows you to run Android applications in Windows 11. Read more here.

AMD: Windows 11 slows down processors

October 6, 2021 AMD reported the impact of the L3 cache on the performance of their central processing units (CPUs) in computers running Windows 11. The company noted that OS users can feel a decrease in the performance of a number of programs sensitive to cache delays by about 3-5%. As for computer games, their performance may fall even more - by 10-15%.

At the same time, AMD representatives hastened to reassure users, saying that a solution to the problem by October 2021 was in development.

AMD has published a warning on its website that AMD's Microsoft-compatible processors may suffer from delays and scheduling problems in Windows 11, which was officially released in October 2021.

Another problem, according to AMD, is that threads are not assigned to the fastest core, for which the CPU is responsible. This causes programs using the same threads to run more slowly. The company added that the greater impact is felt on processors with 8 or more cores, but did not say how much performance is reduced.

It is also reported that already this month AMD plans to release patches that solve problems, while users are advised to refrain from switching to a new system for now and stay on supported Windows 10.

Velocity Micro CEO Randy Copeland, speaking to CRN, said that similar reports of CPU performance problems in the early days of Windows 11 are not surprising.

We are confident that this is a short-term phenomenon, "Copeland said. - We think that in a month or two everything will be decided and this will happen before many users have the opportunity to switch to Windows 11. There is a possibility that the listed problems will not even be noticeable to them, unless an analysis is carried out.[16]

Windows 11 Worldwide Availability

On October 4, 2021, the company Microsoft announced that operating system Windows 11 would be publicly available worldwide from October 5. Starting this day, eligible and PERSONAL COMPUTER compliant owners Windows 10 will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.

Get Windows 11

• Purchase a PC with Windows 10 that supports free updates.
• Purchase a computer preinstalled with Windows 11 (at the beginning of October 2021, this option is available in some markets. The availability of devices preinstalled with Windows 11 in Russia will be announced later).
• Use the PC Health Check app to check if an existing Windows 10 computer is suitable for a free upgrade.
• M.Video-Eldorado, as an official partner of Microsoft in Russia, offers laptop users to update the operating system to Windows 11 for free - for this it is enough to bring a device that meets the technical requirements to the nearest store and contact the staff.

Windows 11 Highlights

Windows 11 is created with a focus on the interests of the user and makes it easier for him to access the options:

• The Start menu in the center of the screen provides users with quick access to content and applications of interest, and thanks to the capabilities of the cloud and Microsoft 365 (sold separately), it allows you to see the last files they worked on, regardless of which device was used, even if it was an Android or iOS device.
• Widgets are a personalized channel that runs on artificial intelligence and. Internet They allow you to plan the day integration using the calendar Outlook and to-do list from, To-Do view the latest news, the weather forecast for tomorrow, as well as photos OneDrive from in one place.
• Chat Microsoft Teams is an application that helps mice you open a personal account for chat, voice calls or video calls with friends, family and other contacts at one click, regardless of the device or platform on which they work - Windows, Android Mac or iOS.
• Microsoft Store for Windows simplifies access to applications and entertainment - now everything is assembled in one place. On October 5, 2021, applications such as Canva, Disney + Zoom, the Epic Game Store and many others are available on the Microsoft Store for Windows.

Improve productivity

• Snap Layouts and Groups simplify multitasking by optimizing the screen footprint and making it visually clear. Three-part layouts for large screens allow you to conveniently place all the necessary content at hand.
• Users will now be able to create separate desktops that display different sets of applications, as well as customize each desktop for themselves by specifying different names and wallpapers.
• Windows 11 is an inclusive version of OS Windows with accessibility for people with special needs.
• Touch control is optimized in Windows 11 for cases when the user uses a tablet without a keyboard. Now the OS interface has more space between the icons on the taskbar, larger touch objects and added thin visual hints created to make it easier to resize and move windows, and added support for additional gestures.
• An optimized version of voice dialing has been added in Windows 11. Now, with voice typing, the computer recognizes what the user is saying, and even automatically puts punctuation marks.

Developer Tools

Windows 11 was created with a focus on the needs of developers who were able to create applications using the tools, frameworks and languages ​ ​ that they prefer. In addition, Microsoft has simplified the integration of applications into the Microsoft Store.

Windows 11 created for gaming

• If the user's computer is equipped with a display with HDR and Auto HDR support, then more than 1000 DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games will automatically update to an increased dynamic range, displaying a wider palette of colors and brightness.
• Windows 11 has an Xbox app built in. With its help, users will be able to view, download and run more than 100 computer games from the Game Pass library for PC (subscription sold separately).

OS Deployment for IT Professionals

Windows 11 is based on a compatible and familiar Windows 10 database that is easy for IT professionals to manage. From October 5, 2021, organizations can begin migrating to Windows 11 on qualifying PCs via or cloud Windows 365 using virtual the desktop. Azure

Windows 11 provides chip-level protection to the cloud

According to the company, safety it should be built into hardware at every stage from the chip to the cloud. Almost 80% of respondents, according to the company, believe that one software is not enough to protect against emerging threats. Windows 11 was designed with security in mind to deal with problems that may arise in this working environment and beyond.

Windows 11 Exit, OS Installation Procedure

On October 5, 2021 operating system Windows , the 11 became available to users around the world. The platform began to spread through Windows Update, but in stages (depending on the device). Those who want to install Windows 11 manually can download the installation assistant from the site. Microsoft A tool called Microsoft Windows 11 Download Assistant works similarly to what Microsoft used for. Windows 10 The system will download the update for you yourself, and then you can start the installation process at a convenient time.^[17]

In order to check whether a Windows 10-based computer is suitable for Windows 11, it is proposed to install the PC Health Check application. In Russia, official Microsoft partners, including M.Video-Eldorado, offer laptop users to update the OS to Windows 11 for free - for this you need to bring a device that meets the technical requirements to the nearest store and contact the staff.

The minimum system requirements for computers that Windows 11 has:

• Processor: at least two cores with a clock speed of at least 1 GHz on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC);
• Memory: 4 GB;
• Storage: 64 GB;
• Screen: high definition display (720p) with a diagonal of more than 9 inches, 8 bits per color channel;
• Security: TPM 2.0/UEFI Secured Boot;
• Internet: connection required;
• Video adapter: compatible with DirectX 12 or later with the WDDM 2.0 driver;
• OS bit size: only 64-bit.

For more information about system requirements and how you can upgrade some computers or change their settings to meet your requirements, visit the Microsoft website.^[18]

Updating Windows 7 and 8.1 to Windows 11 is possible only after a complete reinstallation of the OS

In mid-July 2021, Microsoft announced that Windows 7 and 8.1 users will be able to switch to Windows 11, but this will require a complete reinstallation of the OS. Therefore, users will have to back up their data before installing Windows 11 on a PC.

Most of the devices available for purchase can be upgraded to Windows 11. You will be able to upgrade, reinstall, or re-image Windows 10 devices to Windows 11. For Windows 7 devices that meet the requirements, you will need to completely reinstall the system to go directly to Windows 11, according to a guide on the Lenovo website.

Although this guide is intended for Lenovo users, these guidelines apply to other devices that use an older version of Windows. However, before installing, make sure your computer is compatible with Windows 11.

Microsoft says users will be able to install Windows 11 on PCs using 8th generation Intel processors, AMD Zen 2 chips, Qualcomm 7/8 series chips or newer. Previously, users could download Microsoft's PC Health Check app to see if the computer met the requirements for installing Windows 11. However, Microsoft acknowledged that the app only added to the confusion among the company's customers and temporarily halted its distribution.

The company clarified that it will return the application in the fall, when Windows 11 is ready for full release. So far, users are being encouraged to visit Microsoft's website for basic system requirements. To install Windows 11, processors are required to be dual-core, have built-in TPM, support secure boot and have a frequency of more than 1 GHz. It also requires a minimum of 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory.^[19]

Windows 11 announcement

On June 24, 2021, the official presentation operating system Windows of 11 took place. B Microsoft positions this product as a platform that will be used to create new platforms. It is with this concept that the main innovations are associated.

Support for older programs

Developers will be able to download all their old programs and applications that they created for Windows 7 to the Microsoft Store. Previously, all these programs were not supported by the store and were posted on different sites.

New Start Menu

The Start menu has been redesigned - in addition to the updated design, now similar to the macOS interface, the button has been shifted closer to the center of the screen. Inside the pop-up menu are search, application icons and the last open documents. In Windows 10, all these elements were located in different places.

High degree of protection

Microsoft claims that Windows 11 is the company's "most secure" OS. It works faster than Windows 10 "in most tasks" - for example, by optimizing work with background tasks.

Microsoft Teams Integration with Windows 11

Users can communicate in the messenger through chat, voice messages and videos out of the box. Windows 11 has also improved integration with Teams productivity features, for example, you can start your presentation or mute the sound directly from the taskbar.

Games

Microsoft says Windows 11 provides the best PC gaming experience, offering Auto HDR, Direct Storage and access to the Xbox app, to launch games with an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Widgets

With widgets, a new personalized feed using artificial intelligence algorithms allows you to view tracked content directly from your desktop. For creators and publishers, widgets are also opening up a new platform in Windows to provide personalized content, Microsoft said.

Redesigned interface

In addition to the changed Start menu, the entire Windows 11 interface has undergone significant redesign. So, the new capabilities of grouping windows and desktops in Windows 11 make multitasking and organizing the Windows workspace easier. New sounds, fonts and icons have also been added.

Improved gestures

Microsoft has improved gestures for more convenient control of Windows through the touch screen - instead of tablet mode, the system adapts to touch the screen. The system is better optimized for tablets. Improved handwriting and voice dialing, some styluses will support tactile feedback. Applications will automatically change position when the device is rotated.

New System Requirements

The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 are as follows:

• Modern 64-bit processor clocked at 1 GHz with two or more cores;
• 64 GB disk space;
• 4 GB OF RAM;
• UEFI, support for Secure Boot and TPM 2.0;
• 9-inch display with a resolution of 1366x768;
• DirectX 12/WDDM 2.x compatible graphics.

Windows 11 was the first version of Windows available only on 64-bit machines. The 32-bit version of Windows is no longer offered. However, 32-bit applications are still supported in Windows 11, so there will be no problems with application compatibility. Microsoft requires all Windows 11 laptops and tablets to be equipped with a webcam.

Windows 11 now supports Android apps

They can be downloaded directly from the Microsoft Store (although in fact they will be downloaded from another store - Amazon Appstore, built into the Microsoft Store). Android programs can be pinned to the desktop and grouped. They work in the same way as standard applications.^[20]

Notes