All news with #windows 11 tag

Microsoft October Windows Updates Break Smart Card Auth

🔒 Microsoft warns the October 2025 Windows security updates are causing smart card authentication and certificate failures by switching RSA-based smart card certificates to use KSP instead of CSP. Affected systems may report errors such as "invalid provider type specified" or "CryptAcquireCertificatePrivateKey error" and Event ID 624 in the Smart Card Service log. Microsoft provides a manual workaround: set the DisableCapiOverrideForRSA registry value to 0, back up the registry first, then restart. This impacts Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server releases; the company says the key will be removed in April 2026 and urges customers to work with application vendors to resolve compatibility.

Windows 11 updates break localhost HTTP/2 (127.0.0.1)

⚠️ Microsoft’s October Windows 11 updates (notably KB5066835 and the September preview KB5065789) have disrupted HTTP/2 connections to localhost (127.0.0.1), preventing local services and developer tools from completing requests. Users report errors such as "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" and "ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR" when applications attempt to connect to the loopback interface. Affected software includes Visual Studio debugging, SSMS Entra ID authentication, and Duo Desktop; community workarounds include disabling HTTP/2 via Registry entries or uninstalling the problematic updates.

Microsoft adds Hey Copilot wake word to Windows 11 PCs

🤖 Microsoft has added the "Hey Copilot" wake word to Windows 11, letting users initiate conversations with the AI-powered Copilot assistant hands-free. The feature is opt-in and must be enabled in the Copilot app's Settings under Voice mode; when active a chime sounds and a microphone icon appears above the taskbar. Wake word detection uses an on-device 10-second audio buffer stored locally and never recorded, while request processing requires internet access. Copilot Vision can analyze screen content for troubleshooting and guidance, and optional connectors let Copilot generate Office documents and access third-party accounts.

Microsoft Adds Copilot Actions for Agentic Windows Tasks

⚙️ Microsoft is introducing Copilot Actions, a Windows 11 Copilot feature that allows AI agents to operate on local files and applications by clicking, typing, scrolling and using vision and advanced reasoning to complete multi-step tasks. The capability will roll out to Windows Insiders in Copilot Labs, extending earlier web-based actions introduced in May. Agents run in isolated Agent Workspaces tied to standard Windows accounts, are cryptographically signed, and the feature is off by default.

Windows 11 KB5066835 and KB5066793 October 2025 Updates

🔒 Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5066835 and KB5066793 for Windows 11 versions 25H2/24H2 and 23H2 as part of the October 2025 Patch Tuesday. These mandatory updates move systems to Build 26200.6899 (25H2/24H2) and 226x1.6050 (23H2) and address recent security vulnerabilities plus several functional issues. Notable fixes include a Chromium print preview hang, PowerShell Remoting timeouts, Windows Hello USB IR camera setup failures, and a gaming sign-in input bug. The update also removes the ltmdm64.sys modem driver and rolls out new AI, accessibility, and File Explorer features gradually.

Windows 11 Media Creation Tool Fails on Windows 10

⚠️ Microsoft says the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool (MCT) version 26100.6584 released on September 29, 2025, may close unexpectedly on Windows 10 22H2 devices without showing an error. The company is working on a fix and recommends downloading a Disk Image (ISO) for x64 systems as a temporary workaround. Microsoft also notes the MCT is not supported on Windows 10 ARM64 machines, following earlier ARM64 compatibility problems after the Windows 11 25H2 rollout.

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support soon

⚠ Microsoft warned that devices running Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro editions will stop receiving security updates after November 11, 2025. The November 2025 monthly security update will be the final update for those editions. Users should upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 or later to remain protected; note that some PCs may be prevented from upgrading by a safeguard for SenseShield code-obfuscation drivers.

Microsoft Releases Enterprise Windows Backup for Orgs

🔒 Microsoft has made Windows Backup for Organizations generally available, offering an enterprise-grade, opt-in solution to preserve Windows settings, user preferences, and Microsoft Store-installed apps. The capability is available after installing the September 2025 Windows Monthly Cumulative Update on Entra-joined devices and must be enabled by administrators through Intune or backup and restore policy settings. Backups are stored in Exchange Online in the tenant's selected Country/Region, are protected by encryption, and are accessible to Microsoft personnel only under strict oversight for troubleshooting or legal compliance, helping streamline migrations to Windows 11 during device setup.

Microsoft Blocks More Ways to Bypass Windows 11 MSA

🔒 Microsoft is removing further methods that allow creating local accounts and bypassing the Microsoft account requirement during Windows 11 setup. The change appears in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6772 (KB5065797) on the Dev Channel and is expected to reach production releases. Microsoft said it will remove known mechanisms in the OOBE experience because they can skip critical setup screens and leave a device not fully configured. Going forward, OOBE will require internet access and a Microsoft account to complete setup.

Microsoft to Force-Install Microsoft 365 Companion Apps

📌 Microsoft will automatically install the Microsoft 365 companion apps on Windows 11 devices that have the Microsoft 365 desktop apps, beginning in late October 2025 and completing by the end of December 2025. The suite — People, Files, and Calendar — integrates Copilot for contextual AI assistance from the taskbar. IT admins can opt out via the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center or disable app auto‑launch in each app's Settings.

Microsoft Media Creation Tool Fails on Windows 11 ARM64

⚠️ Microsoft has confirmed that the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool (version 26100.6584), released on September 29, 2025, may not run on devices with Arm64 processors after the Windows 11 25H2 rollout. Affected users report an error that reads, "We're not sure what happened, but we're unable to run this tool on your PC," blocking creation of bootable installation media. Microsoft says the tool does not support creating media for Arm64 devices and that the normally available ability for Arm64 systems to produce x64 media is also failing. As a temporary workaround, Microsoft recommends using a PC with an AMD64 processor to create installation media while it investigates and prepares a fix.

Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update) Now Generally Available

ℹ️ Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update) is now generally available. The minor release shares the same platform as 24H2 and is rolled out gradually, with devices on 24H2 updated via small enablement packages (<200 KB) while systems on 23H2 receive a full OS swap. Enterprise-focused changes include Wi‑Fi 7 support, improved vulnerability detection, and an optional Group Policy to remove select preinstalled Store apps. Microsoft also removed legacy tools such as PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC.

Microsoft Partially Resolves DRM Video Playback Issue

🔧 Microsoft says it has partially resolved an issue that caused DRM-protected video playback failures on Windows 11 24H2 systems after the August preview update (KB5064081) or later. Affected applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM for digital audio experienced freezes, black screens, and copyright protection errors. The September preview update KB5065789 contains fixes, though Microsoft warns some audio DRM problems may continue for certain applications.

Windows 11 KB5065789: 41 fixes and new AI actions now

🛠 Microsoft released the optional preview cumulative update KB5065789 for Windows 11 24H2 (build 26100.6725), delivering 41 non-security changes and fixes. Highlights include new AI actions in File Explorer, an updated Click to Do menu, an Administrator Protection Preview, and passkey plugin integration. The update addresses high CPU usage in Windows Sandbox (VmmemCMFirstBoot), WSUS-related update failures, Windows Hello 0x80090010 errors on Entra ID–joined devices, HDR and Hyper-V TPM issues, and gaming performance with overlays. Microsoft lists a known DRM-related playback issue; install via Settings > Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Microsoft Photos adds AI Auto-Categorization on Windows

🤖 Microsoft is testing a new AI-powered Auto-Categorization capability in Microsoft Photos on Windows 11, rolling out to Copilot+ PCs across all Windows Insider channels. The feature automatically groups images into predefined folders — screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes — using a language-agnostic model that recognizes document types regardless of image language. Users can locate categorized items via the left navigation pane or Search bar, manually reassign categories, and submit feedback to improve accuracy. Microsoft has not yet clarified whether image processing happens locally or is sent to its servers.

Microsoft Removes Windows 11 24H2 Safeguard Hold After Fix

🔧 Microsoft removed a compatibility hold that prevented devices with integrated cameras from installing Windows 11, version 24H2 after fixing a face/object detection bug that could cause the Camera app, Windows Hello facial sign-in, and other camera-using apps to freeze. The safeguard (ID 53340062) has been lifted; eligible devices with no other holds should be offered the update via Windows Update within 48 hours, and restarting may speed the offer. Microsoft recommends installing the latest security update, which includes the fix.

Microsoft: Updates Causing DRM Video Playback Issues

🎬 Microsoft confirmed a known issue that prevents some apps from playing DRM-protected video content or from displaying and recording live TV on Windows 11 24H2 systems after installing the August non-security preview update (KB5064081) or later. Applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM for digital audio may encounter copyright protection errors, frequent playback interruptions, freezing, or black screens. The vendor is working on a fix that will be delivered in a future Windows update.

Microsoft Rolls Out Gaming Copilot to Windows 11 PCs

🎮 Microsoft has begun a beta rollout of Gaming Copilot to Windows 11 PCs for users aged 18 and older outside mainland China. Integrated into the Game Bar via the Xbox PC app (Win+G), the assistant offers a Voice Mode for in‑game help, game recommendations, achievement checks and play‑history insights. Microsoft plans to push the feature to the Xbox mobile app on iOS and Android in October. Users can remove the widget from the Game Bar via Settings if they prefer.

Notepad Adds Free AI Writing Tools on Copilot+ Windows 11

📝 Microsoft is adding free AI-powered text features to Notepad on Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, rolling out now to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels on Notepad version 11.2508.28.0. The new Summarize, Write, and Rewrite tools were previously part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions but are available without an extra subscription on Copilot+ devices. Features support English only; subscribers can switch between local and cloud models while unsigned users use the local model. Users may disable the AI options in settings or uninstall the updated Notepad to use classic notepad.exe. Paint and Snipping Tool also received recent updates.

Microsoft to Remove WMIC After Windows 11 25H2 Upgrade

🔧 Microsoft has announced that the legacy WMIC command-line tool will be removed after systems are upgraded to Windows 11 25H2 and later. Administrators are advised to migrate scripts and automation to PowerShell or programmatic alternatives such as WMI's COM API or .NET libraries. The change affects only the WMIC client; the underlying WMI infrastructure remains supported. Microsoft says the removal reduces complexity and limits abuse of WMIC by threat actors.