Category Archives: 2020.06

This Windows 10 Weather App Concept Looks Cool, Won’t Happen

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The elements app is among the most widely used items which come pre-loaded in Windows 10, or at best, much more popular than others, therefore it goes without saying that Microsoft should try to keep it fresh and release occasional updates to improve its functionality.

The Weather app, however, has barely received any polishing lately, which convinced a few of the skilled designers out there to generate their own proposals regarding a possible visual facelift for the app.

This is the case from the concept that we have here and which was shared on Twitter by @TaoGeJT.

Essentially a change from the Weather app, the concept includes both light and dark themes and imagines an UI that provides more details in the main screen, without users needing to browse with other menus to access the data.

More info right in the main screen

For instance, the main UI now shares the current climate conditions for those configured locations – you can setup several city to see the present temperature and get all the data right in the main screen.

Furthermore, an in depth forecast for the selected location is displayed right below, while info like map and history is available under dedicated sections that you could browse in the top menu.

The concept looks cool, there’s without doubt about this, however, many could find it a bit too cluttered, especially because a lot info is displayed in one screen. Most likely, it’d be just a matter of time until everybody gets accustomed to it should this type of design go live in the Weather app.

However, you’d do not hold your breath for anything such as this to be sold soon, especially as no major Windows 10 update (for both the apps and also the OS itself) is expected until this time next year

Windows 10 Version 2004 Bug Causes System Tray Icons to Dance on screen

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In case your device was already updated to Windows 10 version 2004, or Windows 10 May 2020 Update, and you noticed a unique animation for the system tray icons, well… that’s not something that’s happening on purpose. And definitely, you’re only some of the one seeing it.

This is really a bug that affects the Windows 10 system tray icons and which in turn causes some sort of jiggling randomly times, and based on some users, everything started following the upgrade to version 2004.

At this time, it’s believed that the whole thing is brought on by the touchscreen drivers, so yes, it’s happening on devices in which a touch screen can be obtained.

Several users have confirmed within this reddit thread the same thing occurred on their own devices too, and most claim it’s only happening in Windows 10 version 2004.

How you can (attempt to) fix the bug

What are your options since this bug happens occasionally and Microsoft is yet to generate a fix?

You will find basically two methods to go.

First, you have to update your touchscreen drivers, of course, if your newer version is available. If it is, make certain you put in it as soon as you possibly can, because this is likely an issue caused by bad drivers. If updating the drivers or perhaps a newer version isn’t available, then the only workaround is really disabling the touch screen completely.

This can be done from Device Manager, even though this isn’t probably the most convenient approach, it seems to become the only way to avoid the dancing icons from turning up once again.

Some state that toggling tablet mode options on and off also resolve the issue temporarily, so you could give this workaround a go too, particularly if nothing else works.

Why Windows 10 Version 2004 Comes Without Update Deferral Options

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Windows 10 version 2004 is now readily available for the very first waves of devices, and the more and more people give it a try, the greater changes under the hood are in fact discovered.

Recently, many users spotted that Windows 10 version 2004 ships without a feature that lots of actually enjoyed in the last feature updates.

Deferring feature updates is no longer possible from Windows Update, as the option is no more there.

Not to mention, many believe this really is something which Microsoft has considered to be able to improve the adoption of their latest Windows 10 version.

In reality, however, Microsoft says it did the whole thing having a simple goal in mind: result in the experience overall more straightforward for everyone.

The feature update deferral option allows users to push back installing a new feature update for as almost as much ast 365 days. In other words, when new feature updates were releases, users could just delay cellular phone by as much as one year.

Starting with Windows 10 version 2004, the choice is no longer there, and Microsoft explains that it’s all because of the automatic push of new feature updates that just happens on devices running OS versions that approach no more support.

“Update less: Last year, we changed update installation policies for Windows 10 to simply target devices running a feature update version that is nearing end of service. Consequently, many products are only updating annually. To enable all devices to make the the majority of this insurance policy change, and also to prevent confusion, we have removed deferrals from the Windows Update settings Advanced Options page starting on Windows 10, version 2004,” Microsoft says.

Living proof in connection with this is the rollout of Windows 10 version 2004. Microsoft started the rollout by offering the May update as a manual download for individuals who clicked the look for updates button in Windows Update.

Soon after that, however, the company started the automated update for devices running Windows 10 version 1809, which is the next OS feature update that’s designed to get to the end of support. So Microsoft only wants to make sure that Windows 10 products are managing a supported form of Windows 10, and also the automatic update is supposed to help complete this this by the time no more support is reached in November.

Now that the deferral option is removed, Microsoft says that IT admins can turn to group policies to configure such a feature if they really need it.

“If you intend to continue leveraging deferrals, you can use local Group Policy (Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business > Select when Preview builds and Feature Updates are received or Select when Quality Updates are received),” the company explains.

What’s vital that you know is that the automatic rollout of Windows 10 version 2004 to any or all devices hasn’t yet started. Microsoft is anticipated to announce general availability for Windows 10 version 2004 later this summer, albeit the company utilizes a very cautious approach to ensure that everything is running according to the plan.

If any bugs are discovered during its phased rollout, the organization can suspend the release for particular teams of devices that could be impacted. This really is made with safeguard holds that are announced every time new issues are found, with Microsoft then working on fixes and lifting the blocks when patches are released. The company doesn’t recommend updating to version 2004 using other methods when safeguard holds are in place.

How to Change Your Password in Windows 10

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Even if you don’t have a treasure map found on your laptop, your Windows 10 password continues to be very important. If you suspect someone has your password, you’ve been re-using passwords and choose to be safer or just seem like changing it, Microsoft provides you with three different choices to carry out securing your device. We’ve tested both ways and laid out how to improve your password in Windows 10 in several easy steps.

You can always select a regular new password–we recommend using a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols. Usually it’s best if these passwords are at least eight characters long, and even though we advise you to make use of an alphanumeric password format because it’s safer, you may also improve your password into a pin or picture that allows you to register for your Microsoft account quicker. So if you feel trying your best to maintain your privacy, be sure you understand how to use Chrome’s incognito windows.

Also, literally start looking when for Windows Hello, which allows you to register to your account through iris, face, or fingerprint detection. But when you prefer the old-school method, here’s how to change your password on Windows 10.

To Change / Set your password

1. Click on the Start button at the bottom left of the screen.

2. Click Settings in the list left.

3. Select Accounts.

4. Select Sign-in options from the menu.

5. Click on Change under Improve your password.

6. In order to change your password, you have to sign in together with your current Microsoft account password. Enter passwords in the box. Click Sign in.

7. Microsoft will be sending you a new code to change your password with the phone number that’s associated with your account. Go into the last four digits of the telephone number to ensure it’s the correct number. Press Enter.

8. You will receive a code in your phone. Enter the code.

9. A new page will direct you to go in your old password and then key in a brand new password. Reenter the new password. Press Enter.

If you notice this message than you successfully changed passwords!

Improve your Password to some PIN

1. Follow steps 1-4 under To modify your Current Password above.

2. Within Sign-in options, click Add under PIN.

3. In order to improve your password, you have to register together with your current Microsoft account password. Enter your password within the box. Click Sign in.

4. Enter a brand new pin within the first box and reenter it in the second one. Click OK. Now you can use this pin to sign into your Microsoft account.

Change Your Password to a Picture Password

1. Stick to the steps 1-4 under Improve your Current Password above.

2. Within Sign-in options, click Add under Picture Password.

3. Enter your Microsoft password to ensure it’s your account. Click OK.

4. Click Choose Picture. Choose a photo from your files.

5. Click on Use this picture if you want it or click on Choose new picture if you do not. You can drag your photo to put it however you want.

6. You’ll have to setup three gestures which will end up part of your picture password. With your cursor, draw lines or circles that coordinate with your photo. I traced three spikes in the crown of the statue of liberty I saw on the streets of New York.

If you notice this message then you definitely successfully created the picture password! This photo can have up when you sign to your Microsoft account. Simply retrace your gestures and you’ll be signed in.

Hopefully that you have learned everything you need to learn about how to improve your password in Windows 10.

How to Disable Test Mode in Windows 10 – Remove Test Mode

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The test mode appears when you are testing or using unsigned drives in Windows 10. Here’s how you can disable or remove test mode in Windows 10.

If you work with unsigned drives or drives not digitally signed by Microsoft, Windows may start in the Test Signing Mode. When that happens, you will see a little watermark at the base right corner stating that you are in Test Mode combined with the Windows version and its build number. Test Signing mode is advantageous to test unsigned drives or software still in the testing phase as you do not have to offer an authentication certificate or proper drive digital signature. This ensures the integrity from the system even while giving you the flexibleness to check new software or drives.

If you are bothered by the test mode in Windows, you can disable test mode by enabling the Drive Integrity Checks and setting Testing Mode to Off. Without further ado, allow me to demonstrate the process to get rid of test mode in Windows.

Steps to Disable Test Mode in Windows 10

To disable test mode you have to switch off the TestingMode flag via Command Prompt. More specifically, we are going to make use of the bcdedit command-line tool in Windows 10.

Follow the steps the following to get rid of Windows 10 testing mode.

Click “Windows Key” around the keyboard to spread out the Start menu.
Search for “Command Prompt” by typing it within the blank field.
Right-click around the Command Prompt result and select “Run as administrator”. This can open the cmd with admin rights.
In the admin Command Prompt window, type “bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF” command and press “Enter”.
After executing the command, you will notice the success message.
Once you see the success message, close the Command Prompt window.
Reboot Windows to use the alterations you simply made.

After restart Windows, the testing mode is going to be removed and disabled. You will no longer see it in Windows. However, do keep in mind that once you disable the test mode, you won’t have the ability to install unsigned drives or make use of the software within the testing phase. If you want to install unsigned drives, you have to disable driver signature enforcement.

Steps to get rid of Test Mode Watermark in Windows

To get rid of the test mode watermark in Windows, you should use the bcdedit command. Here’s how.

Open Run dialog box with “Windows Key + R” keyboard shortcut.
Type “cmd” within the blank field.
Press “Ctrl + Shift + Enter” keyboard shortcut to open Command Prompt with administrator rights.
If you see a UAC prompt, click “Yes” to confirm the action.
In the admin command prompt window, execute this command.
bcdedit.exe -set loadoptions ENABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS
Next, type “bcdedit.exe -set TESTSIGNING OFF” and press Enter to complete the command.
Close the Command Prompt Windows after successfully executing both commands.
Reboot Windows.

Alternative Method

Should you just want to remove test mode watermark without disabling the exam mode in windows you will want to utilize a watermark remover. Let me show you how.

Get Universal Watermark Remove in the official site.
Open the downloaded zip file
In the zip file, double-click around the exe file to open the application.
Click the “Install” button in the application window.
If you see a confirmation window, click “Yes” to continue.
The software can have a prompt telling that it will sign you out to get rid of the exam mode watermark. Save all your work and click on “Ok”.
After singing out, sign back to Windows.
Once signed in, providing begin to see the test mode watermark on Windows desktop.

That is it.

Unpopular Opinion: Windows 10 Version 2004 Is an extremely Solid Update

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Windows 10 May 2020 Update, also referred to as version 2004, was launched a couple weeks ago, and the rollout advances in phases included in a strategy which should provide Microsoft using the possibility of blocking the update from being offered to devices that might experience issues.

So at this time, the update can be obtained for the following two limited sets of users:

Windows 10 version 1903/1909 users who manually look for updates
Windows 10 version 1809 devices as an automatic update

In both cases, devices must be entitled to the upgrade to Windows 10 version 2004 – this means that if Microsoft determines that the certain issue could happen on the device, the upgrade is automatically blocked. Once the bug is resolved, the unit should then be allowed to upgrade.

And at this time, there are several known issues that have triggered upgrade blocks, and by the design of things, users keep finding more and more problems after installing the May 2020 Update.

I upgraded for this new feature update the 2009 week on my main laptop, so that as it turns out, I’m not seeing any of the problems that users are complaining about. While there’s an opportunity that I’m just lucky, I must emphasize that the previous feature updates worked like a dream on my small devices as well, so I’m guessing the hardware configuration plays a vital role this time around.

In case you’re wondering, I’m utilizing a Surface Book to create this article, however this doesn’t necessarily guarantee that everything works flawlessly. Previously, I’ve seen lots of Surface users complaining of numerous difficulties with Windows 10 feature updates.

Right now, however, Windows 10 version 2004 seems to be quite a solid release for me personally, with no major issue discovered in the time I spent running it.

If anything, I find it rather annoying that after the update, there are many Microsoft Edge shortcuts within the Start menu and all of them actually launch the Chromium-based browser which i manually installed soon after the general public release later this season. The dedicated icon used by Microsoft Edge legacy also launches the new browser, therefore it makes no sense to be there alongside the brand new icon, both with the same name.

And considering that I also installed Microsoft Edge Canary, Dev, and Beta, it’s easy to imagine when I type Microsoft Edge within the Start menu.

But apart from that, everything appears to be running pretty well and Windows 10 version 2004 feels quite a smooth update so far. Obviously, bugs will continue to help make the headlines within the coming weeks, however this is one thing that’s not necessarily surprising. There are over 1 billion Windows 10 devices out there, and the much more of options are upgraded to version 2004, the bigger the likelihood of people coming across problems.

The most important thing is perfect for these problems to become limited because a widespread issue will easily turn the May 2020 Update into another flop, just like the October 2018 Update.

Back in October 2018, Microsoft released an update without first testing it within the Release Preview ring, also it all turned out to be an awful idea. The October update shipped having a bug that caused the removal of user files stored in libraries, so Microsoft had no other option rather than pull the update and continue focusing on it to make sure a smoother experience. Exactly the same update was re-released someone month later, although not without other smaller issues that convinced many users to obstruct the upgrade for as long as possible.

Windows 10 Version 2004 Gets an Out-of-Band Bug Fix

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Microsoft has officially released a brand new update to solve a printing bug in Windows 10 version 2004, officially called Windows 10 May 2020 Update.

Not a long time ago, the company confirmed that Windows 10 was influenced by a glitch wearing down printers, including not only the physical devices but also PDF printers.

The company has released patches for all the other versions of Windows 10 versions meanwhile, but version 2004, that is now being presented to users, remained without a fix.

Not offered on Windows Update

Today this fix lands as KB4567523, an update which boosts the OS build number to 19041.331 on devices where it’s installed. Quite simply, this really is pretty much the easiest way to tell if the bug fix is a component of a tool or otherwise – just check the version number by typing winver in the Start menu.

“Addresses an issue that might prevent certain printers from printing. The print spooler might generate a mistake or close unexpectedly when attempting to print, with no output will come in the affected printer. You might also encounter difficulties with the apps you try to print from, for example receiving a mistake, or the app might close unexpectedly. This issue might also affect software-based printers, for example when printing to PDF,” Microsoft says about today’s update.

What you need to know is that this update isn’t shipped automatically to all devices running Windows 10 version 2004, but only offered as a manual download in the Microsoft Update Catalog. Quite simply, it’s not available for those devices, but only for individuals who require it, so users experiencing this bug should check out the link above to get the bug fix.

Most likely, all fixes which are part of this release will also be included in the next cumulative updates shipping as part of the July 2020 Patch Tuesday cycle.

These Are the New Windows Subsystem for Linux Features Available for Testing

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Microsoft has released a brand new testing build to users signed up for the Windows Insider program, and this time you will find major improvements targeted at Linux users.

Windows 10 build 20150, which is now available for users in the Dev channel, further increases the Windows Subsystem for Linux support and adds new capabilities for testing.

First of all, it’s the GPU compute support for WSL 2, and today’s new build comes with support for NVIDIA CUDA.

To provide this new feature a try, you have to be running this preview build with a WSL 2 distro installed, and obviously run the most recent Linux kernel. GPU drivers will also be necessary to enable GPU computer support.

“Additionally, this can also support DirectML, which will empower students and beginners to make use of hardware accelerated training on the breadth of Windows hardware, across AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA GPUs,” Microsoft explains.

Right now, installing the Windows Subsystem for Linux is possible from a dedicated Windows 10 screen that enables users to enable and disable OS features. Needless to say, this isn’t necessarily the most complex process, but however, Microsoft wants the whole thing to be more straightforward.

So today, Microsoft announces a brand new command to install the Windows Subsystem for Linux in Windows 10:
wsl.exe –install

Microsoft states that it’s working to further enhance this command and enable installing Linux distros, thus making the process even more straightforward. For now, the command enables WSL in Windows 10 and then prompts you to reboot the machine.

“You’ll only check this out option on machines that don’t have the ‘Windows Subsystem for Linux’ optional component enabled. In this initial release, this command will enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux optional component, as well as the Virtual Machine Platform optional component, and prompt you to restart your machine. Later on we intend to add support to automatically install WSL distros by using this command too,” the company explains.

Furthermore, Microsoft is also adding a new command for WSL 2 to utilize the kernel. Adding a Linux kernel is one of the highlights in WSL 2, now, the brand new command makes handling the kernel and the available updates a lot more straightforward. The brand new command is:
wsl.exe –update

There are three commands supported at the moment:

wsl.exe –update
wsl.exe –update –status
wsl.exe –update –rollback

The first command is used to manage updates, as the second displays the update status. The 3rd is specifically accustomed to roll back to a previous form of the kernel.

“The rollback command exists to allow users to easily uninstall the latest update as needed. When any new Linux kernel version is installed, your last used kernel is stored as a rollback kernel. When you execute the above command WSL 2 will load using your rollback kernel (i.e: WSL 2 distros will now load making use of your previous kernel version). When a new update is available, your machine will automatically install the latest kernel version and WSL 2 will load by using their latest version,” Microsoft says.

So when are of these going live for all users? At this time, Microsoft is only testing all of them as part of insider builds, and since they’re shipped towards the Dev channel, it means an ETA isn’t yet available. However, it shouldn’t take too much time before they’re brought to everyone – the following Windows 10 feature update is version 20H2, that is scheduled to become finalized in September and released in November.

Microsoft’s Windows 10 Update Strategy Finally Is sensible

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Microsoft has recently confirmed that Windows 10 version 20H2, the update that’s coming in the fall of this year, would just be considered a smaller release, following within the footsteps from the November 2019 Update.

In other words, following the May 2020 Update, that is now rolling to users across the world with massive improvements, including plenty of new features, Microsoft is bringing another smaller update whose purpose would be to refine the knowledge even further and make sure that things are being employed as expected.

This is actually the second time Microsoft brings such a small minor update in the fall after previously shipping a major release early in the year.

Windows 10 version 20H2 will go live like a typical monthly cumulative update, which makes total sense trained with doesn’t include too many new features.

“Windows 10, version 20H2 will offer you a scoped group of features to enhance performance and enhance quality,” Microsoft confirmed.

“We will again deliver Windows 10, version 20H2 using servicing technology (like this used for the monthly update process) for customers running the May 2020 Update who choose to update to the new release. To put it simply, anyone running the May 2020 Update and updating to Windows 10, version 20H2 will have a faster installation experience since the update will install just like a monthly update.”

What all of these mean is that Microsoft is finalizing its long-term strategy regarding Windows Update.

Installing Windows updates continues to be for too much time a Russian roulette that users were instructed to play. Which risky game includes not only the monthly cumulative updates, but also feature updates themselves, and in yesteryear, the short release pace was the one causing all of the headaches.

With two major feature updates shipped every year, Microsoft didn’t have plenty of time to pay attention to refinements and reliability, so a few of these releases often landed with increased or less major bugs. Windows 10 version 1809, or October 2018 Update, is the greatest example in this regard, as it has become Microsoft’s biggest flop as far Windows 10 feature updates are concerned.

Version 1809 shipped with a bug that deleted user files kept in libraries, and Microsoft pulled it only to re-release it after approximately 30 days with other bugs to become resolved.

It had been pretty clear that this fast release pace for Windows 10 feature update was too much and Microsoft just needed to change something. And this is exactly what the clients are doing right now with one of these smaller updates within the fall of the year.

Going forward, Microsoft’s feature update schedule for Windows appears like this:

Spring of the year: major feature update with new features
Fall of the year: small update focused on refinements and usability

The autumn update is also the main one that’s coming with 30 months of updates, so most enterprises will probably stick with these releases for a longer period of your time. This is a double-win of these customers, as they get longer support, in addition to improved reliability overall.

“As this Windows 10 release concentrates for the second half of 2020, commercial customers using Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions of version 20H2 continues to enjoy 30 months of servicing,” Microsoft says about Windows 10 version 20H2.

From this point on, expect Microsoft to stay with this approach going forward, especially because this ensures better reliability in Windows 10. The November 2019 Update shipped with almost no issues, so this is the living proof that Microsoft is embracing the right method for the way forward for Windows 10.

A closer inspection at Windows 10 Dev, Beta, and Release Preview Channels

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Microsoft is once more overhauling the Windows Insider program, and also the main highlight this time around is the migration to channels, which make more sense for everyone going forward.

The Windows Insider program was launched in October 2014 to allow users to try out Windows 10 builds in advance and help test new feature updates before the public launch.

This is a win-win effort, as users reach try everything before Windows 10 gets to be a major update, while Microsoft receives more feedback to help refine the knowledge for everybody.

The Windows Insider program brings builds to insiders included in the following so-called rings:

Fast
Slow
Release Preview

Microsoft also launched a Skip Ahead ring that made it feasible to test new builds a lot earlier, albeit this really is typically enabled only when Microsoft starts the work on a new Windows 10 feature update and also the whole thing is in its very beginning.

Microsoft has become moving for an approach that makes more sense moving forward but which also sounds more familiar for individuals who were already running testing versions of browser like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Fast ring > Dev channel
Slow ring > Beta channel
Release Preview > Release Preview channel

Microsoft Edge, for instance, is updated included in the following channels:

Canary – daily updates
Dev – weekly updates
Beta – updates every 6 weeks
Stable

So Windows 10 now more or less with this approach, and Microsoft says this enables the company to concentrate more on quality.

“It is critical that Insiders have a flighting option that is tailored to their needs. We believe the easiest method to do this would be to shift focus from frequency to quality. Insiders can pick a channel that is representative of the experience they need for his or her device in line with the quality they’re preferred with. Our intention is to ensure Insiders continues to receive frequent updates whichever channel they’ve chosen,” the company explains.

So given all these changes, which channel should you become a part of? Not really a lot changes in this regard, so if you still want to be the first one to check out additional features, the Dev channel is the proper way to go. The Beta channel is the right option for early adopters, while the Release Preview ought to be used for additional stability and release validation.

Like a summary:

Dev channel – Targeted at technical users; early builds with newest code; some instability expected
Beta channel – Aimed at early adopters; builds with a specific ETA; better reliability
Release Preview channel – Targeted at the remainder of testers; new builds in front of public release

Microsoft emphasizes that builds which are shipped included in the Dev channel don’t come with an ETA, which means that you’re testing additional features but don’t be sure when they’re supposed to go live for everybody.

“These builds aren’t matched to a specific Windows 10 release. New features and OS improvements in this channel can have in future Windows 10 releases when they’re ready and could be delivered as full OS build updates or servicing releases. Insider feedback here will help our engineers with major fixes and changes to the latest code,” Microsoft says.

Microsoft says that all these changes will happen automatically, therefore if you’re area of the Fast ring, you’ll be transitioned towards the Dev channel with no input required on your side. Everything will require place in the approaching weeks when Microsoft ships new builds to users signed up for the Windows Insider program.