All news with #windows 11 tag

Turn Windows 11 Migration into a Security Opportunity

🔒 Organizations should treat the Windows 11 migration as a strategic security opportunity rather than a routine OS update. While some users resist moving from Windows 10 or explore alternatives like Linux or legacy releases, those choices can introduce operational headaches and security gaps, especially as Microsoft phases out support. Use the transition to validate backups, recovery objectives, and patch posture to reduce exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities that increasingly target MSPs and their clients.

Windows 11 Introduces Cloud Rebuild and PITR Recovery

☁️ Microsoft unveiled two Windows 11 recovery capabilities — Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) and Cloud Rebuild — designed to reduce downtime and simplify device recovery. PITR builds on System Restore by capturing full system snapshots, enabling admins and users to roll a device back to a known-good state, including local files and applications. Cloud Rebuild allows remote reinstallation through Intune, leveraging Autopilot, OneDrive, and Windows Backup for Organizations to restore settings and data.

Microsoft to Natively Integrate Sysmon in Windows 11

🛡️ Microsoft will integrate Sysmon natively into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, removing the need to deploy the standalone Sysinternals tool. The built-in functionality will preserve Sysmon’s capabilities, including support for custom configuration files and advanced event filtering, and logs events to the Windows Event Log. Administrators can enable it via Optional Features or run sysmon -i (or sysmon -i <config>) to load a custom configuration, and updates will be delivered through Windows Update to simplify management and improve coverage in large environments.

Windows 11 Adds Native Support for Third-Party Passkeys

🔐 Microsoft has added native Windows 11 support for third-party passkey managers, beginning with 1Password and Bitwarden. Introduced in the November 2025 security update, the platform-level passkey API lets Windows generate a cryptographic key pair while storing the private key in the chosen manager, and uses Windows Hello (PIN or biometric) to verify logins. Microsoft also integrated its Microsoft Password Manager from Edge into Windows so users can pick their preferred manager. The change aims to improve portability, phishing resistance, and ease of passwordless authentication across devices.

Microsoft fixes Windows Task Manager bug hurting performance

⚠️ Microsoft released a fix for a Windows 11 Task Manager issue introduced by the optional preview update KB5067036 that could leave multiple taskmgr.exe processes running after the window was closed. The defect, blamed for stuttering and CPU hangs on affected systems, is resolved in the November cumulative security update KB5068861. Microsoft recommends installing KB5068861, and users who cannot immediately update can temporarily terminate lingering Task Manager processes by running an elevated Command Prompt and executing taskkill.exe /im taskmgr.exe /f.

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro Reach End of Support Now

⚠️ Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11, version 23H2 Home and Pro editions reached end of servicing on November 11, 2025; the November 2025 monthly security update is the last patch for those SKUs. Devices running those editions will no longer receive monthly security or preview updates protecting against the latest threats. Users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11, version 25H2, available to eligible devices via Settings > Windows Update.

Windows 11 Start Menu Redesigned with Scrollable All Apps

🔔 The Windows 11 Start menu has received its first major redesign since 2021 and is rolling out with the November 11 Patch Tuesday update. The new Start is scrollable and places the All apps list on the main screen, offering a categorized view (groups built locally from a JSON file) and a classic A‑to‑Z grid. The UI adapts column counts to screen size, lets you hide the Recommended feed via Settings > Personalization > Start, and is included in Build 26200.7019 and 26100.7019 or newer though it may not enable immediately after updating.

Microsoft tests faster Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11

🔁 Microsoft is testing a faster version of Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) in Windows 11 that runs a one‑time scan in the Windows Recovery Environment to more quickly identify and apply fixes for systems that fail to boot. When WinRE launches QMR it connects to the internet to upload crash data so administrators can remove problematic updates or adjust settings remotely. The update also lets administrators and users toggle Smart App Control from Windows Security without performing a clean OS install, and is currently available to Insiders on Dev and Beta via Build 26220.7070 (KB5070300).

Windows 11 Store adds Ninite-style multi-app installer

🧰 The Microsoft Store web now enables Windows 11 users to create a Ninite-style multi-app installer that downloads and installs multiple apps from a single executable. Users can select apps on the Store website and click Install selected, which generates a background installer to run the installs. The capability currently works only in the Store web, is limited to a curated set of 64 apps, and restricts packages to 16 apps per download to avoid overwhelming Store servers.

Windows Task Manager Won't Quit After KB5067036 Update

⚠️ Microsoft confirmed a known issue where closing Task Manager does not terminate the taskmgr.exe process after installing the October 28, 2025 preview update (KB5067036). Multiple background instances can consume CPU and cause stutters. As a temporary workaround, end each process in a new Task Manager window or run: taskkill.exe /im taskmgr.exe /f while Microsoft investigates a permanent fix.

Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 Adds Ask Copilot Taskbar

🖥️ Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 introduces a taskbar-based Ask Copilot, allowing testers to query the web, local files, and AI using text or voice. The feature is optional and can be enabled under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar; Microsoft says it may eventually replace the existing Windows Search UI. The update also rolls out a full-screen Xbox handheld experience, a Bluetooth LE-based "Shared audio" preview to stream audio to two devices, and improved x64 emulation support to boost ARM PC performance.

Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 Adds Ask Copilot and More

🗞️ Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 is rolling out to Insiders and introduces three headline features: a taskbar-based Ask Copilot, a new full-screen Xbox experience for handhelds, and Bluetooth Shared audio. Ask Copilot lets users search the internet, local files, and AI using text or voice and can be enabled via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot. The new full-screen experience (FSE) aims to prioritize gaming on compatible handheld devices and can be set under Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience. Additionally, Windows now supports sharing audio to two Bluetooth devices and improves ARM PC performance by expanding x64 emulation support.

Windows 11 Trials Shared Bluetooth Audio on AI PCs

🔊 Microsoft is testing a new Shared audio feature in Windows 11 that uses Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology to stream audio to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously on eligible Copilot+ PCs. The option appears as Shared audio (preview) in Quick Settings in Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115). Initially it is limited to select Surface models with Qualcomm Snapdragon X and a few upcoming Samsung and Surface AI PCs, and requires compatible accessories such as Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

Microsoft fixes Media Creation Tool on affected PCs again

🛠 Microsoft has restored the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool after reports it failed to run on some up-to-date Windows 10 22H2, Windows 11 25H2 and Arm64 systems following the Windows 11 2025 Update. Microsoft says the issue was resolved in the optional KB5067036 preview update published October 28, 2025, and the updated tool is now available for download. As before, users can also obtain Windows ISO files directly to create bootable media.

Microsoft fixes 0x800F081F Windows Update failures

🔧 Microsoft has resolved a known issue that caused Windows updates to fail with error code 0x800F081F on Windows 11 24H2 devices. The problem affected systems that installed the KB5050094 January 2025 preview cumulative update and subsequent updates, and Microsoft traced the failures to missing language packs and feature payloads removed by ACR/MCR cleanup. Microsoft acknowledged the issue on October 15 and fixed it in the KB5067036 October 2025 preview update. Administrators who cannot install the optional preview immediately can perform an In‑Place Upgrade via Windows installation media or the Settings > System > Recovery workflow to restore missing components without losing files or apps.

Windows 11 to Prompt Memory Scans After BSOD Crashes

🔍 Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that prompts users to run a memory scan when signing in after a blue screen of death (bugcheck). If accepted, the system schedules an Windows Memory Diagnostic to run at the next reboot, typically taking five minutes or less, and will notify users post-reboot if issues are found and mitigated. Initially all bugcheck codes will trigger the prompt while Microsoft investigates correlations with memory corruption, with targeting to be refined over time.

Microsoft adds policy to remove preinstalled Store apps

🛠️ Microsoft now enables IT administrators to remove selected pre-installed Microsoft Store apps on Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 and Education 25H2 devices using a new app management policy. The policy can be applied via CSP, Group Policy, or the Microsoft Intune settings catalog and is disabled by default until explicitly enabled by admins. Once enforced, targeted packages and associated local app data are deprovisioned and deleted from devices, removing the need for custom Windows images or brittle scripts.

Microsoft Disables Explorer Preview for Internet Files

🔒 Microsoft has updated File Explorer to disable the preview pane by default for files downloaded from the Internet or marked with the Mark of the Web. The change, included in Windows security updates released on and after October 14, 2025, is designed to block exploits that can leak NTLM hashes when previewed documents reference external resources. When preview is blocked, File Explorer shows a warning and users can manually unblock trusted files via Properties > Unblock or add the location to Trusted sites/Local intranet; a sign-out may be required for the change to take effect.

Microsoft fixes USB input bug that broke WinRE access

🔧 Microsoft released an out-of-band cumulative update, KB5070773, to restore USB mouse and keyboard functionality in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) after October 2025 security updates disabled USB input in recovery on affected client and server builds. The patch began rolling out on October 20, 2025 and Microsoft recommends installing the latest updates. If a device cannot boot to install the patch, workarounds include using a touchscreen’s touch keyboard, connecting PS/2 peripherals, or booting from a previously created USB recovery drive.

Microsoft October update disables USB input in WinRE

⚠ After installing the October 14, 2025 security update KB5066835, USB-wired mice and keyboards do not function in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), Microsoft confirmed. The devices continue to operate normally inside the Windows OS, but WinRE navigation is blocked, affecting Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2) and Windows Server 2025. Microsoft is working on a fix expected in the coming days; meanwhile users can rely on Bluetooth peripherals or legacy PS/2 input devices as a workaround.