Microsoft's most recent Windows 11 preview build comes with lots of fixes for File Explorer, the default file manager that a lot of users are sticking with in the operating-system.

File Explorer is evolving substantially these days, and in addition to big additional features, such as the support for tabs, the application is also being supplied with a plethora of fixes which are first tested by Microsoft as part of the Windows Insider program.

The newest Windows 11 preview build that landed within the Dev channel makes no exception, so File Explorer gets plenty of fixes, these designed to further polish the experience with the file manager.

One of the most important concerns the support for tabs, as Microsoft says it has were able to correct an insect that caused a crash when dragging tabs around. Simultaneously, it also fixed a memory leak when utilizing tabs.

Listed here are the tab-related fixes which are area of the latest build:

Did some try to fix a memory leak when utilizing tabs with File Explorer.
Fixed a problem in which the preview thumbnail for File Explorer within the taskbar, ALT + Tab, and Task View might show the title of an adjacent tab and not the currently selected one.
Fixed an issue where Narrator wasn't reading the titles of tabs as focus moved through them.
Fixed a problem in which a closed tab might appear again in File Explorer after you dragged File Explorer across your monitors.
Fixed a problem in which the tab row might unexpectedly expand vertically, covering the command bar contents.
Fixed a problem where the add new tab button wasn't clearly visible when utilizing Aquatic or Desert contrast themes.
The add new tab button shouldn't overlap using the minimize button in the title bar when using text scaling with many different tabs open anymore.

Each one of these fixes are currently exclusive to the Dev channel.

Microsoft has finally addressed certainly the most recent controversies regarding its products, because the company confirmed that paid open-source apps will feel at home on the Microsoft Store.

The entire saga started a couple weeks ago when Microsoft updated the Microsoft Store policies to convey that paid open-source apps were not allowed around the store.

At some level, this made sense, as the software giant was attempting to increase the security provided to users who download apps from the Microsoft Store, but on the other hand, the developer response continues to be extremely negative, to say the least.

Go forward to this week, and after further debate, the Redmond-based company has decided to undo its original decision and it is now allowing all paid open-source apps on the Microsoft Store.

Policy update now removed

The aforementioned Microsoft Store policy update continues to be removed, Microsoft's Giorgio Sardo explained on Twitter.

"Last month, we shared several updates to Microsoft Store policies to assist protect customers from misleading product listings. We heard your feedback, now we designed a switch to policy 10.8.7 and 11.2," Sardo explained.

"To clarify our intent, we removed the prior mention to spread out source pricing. We're committed to building an open Store and enabling dev choice and adaptability. Should there be ip concerns about an app, please report it. There are lots of great free and paid OSS apps in the Microsoft Store, and we anticipate welcoming more."

Moving forward, the paid open-source apps should feel at home on the Microsoft Store, and certainly, this is great news for developers who are investing in such applications. At the same time, it's also making the Microsoft Keep one place for all software, an idea that Microsoft itself continues to be aiming for because the debut of Windows 8.

Microsoft has announced a new update for the modern Media Player experience on Windows 11, because the company has completed the development of CD ripping support.

While for many people out there CD ripping feels like a super-outdated feature, Microsoft wants to make the new Media Player a feature-complete application, so even such old functionality is sensible in the long term.

The brand new feature belongs to the most recent update, though worthwhile to learn is that merely a number of formats are currently supported.

"Back in March, we introduced CD playback support to Media Player. Using the latest update, we are adding support for CD ripping as well. Supported formats within this release include AAC, WMA, FLAC, and ALAC," Microsoft announced.

The new CD ripping functionality is available as part of version 11.2206.30.0.

The brand new Media Player

Microsoft officially started the rollout from the new Media Player back in November, with the company explaining that it is purpose was to offer a modern multimedia experience of Windows 11. The legacy form of Windows Media Player continues to be available, but of course, it's not receiving any new updates.

"We designed the brand new Media Player to make listening to and watching your multimedia content more fun on Windows 11, and we're really excited to introduce it to all of you! Media Player beautifully showcases your local music and video collections and compliments the new feel and look of Windows 11," Microsoft explained.

"At the center of Media Player is really a full-featured music library that permits you to quickly browse and be a musician, as well as create and manage playlists. If your music collection is within Groove Music today, your library and playlists will automatically migrate for this new experience. The update towards the new Media Player will switch the Groove Music app. The dedicated playback view features album art and rich artist imagery; these can look within the full screen and mini player experiences as well."

Microsoft rolled out a new OneDrive account management page in the Windows 11 Settings app captured having a Dev build shipped included in the Windows Insider program.

And now the very same improvement is making its method to the Beta channel, therefore moving closer to the public release - probably, it'll go love production devices with the release of Windows 11 version 22H2, but at this time, no confirmation about this front is available.

Using the new feature, users can manage their OneDrive accounts right from the Settings app pre-loaded using the operating system, something which is available in very handy, especially if you're spending money on more storage.

Unavailable for all insiders

The brand new page provides storage alerts too, giving customers the option of buying more storage with only a few clicks.

"Starting with today's build, we've begun enabling OneDrive Standalone 100GB subscriptions in the Accounts page within Settings, like the Microsoft 365 subscriptions. This will allow you to view your recurring billing, payment method, and OneDrive storage usage within Windows 11. Additionally, if you're near to or above your OneDrive storage limit, you'll be informed on the same page," Microsoft explains.

Microsoft explains that it's not yet making the feature readily available for all insiders in the Beta channel, as the company says it's currently trying to collect additional feedback from users before bringing it to any or all insiders

As for the public rollout, this is something which nobody knows for sure at this time, but it's believed it could start when the windows are 11 version 22H2 update later this year. The RTM build was already announced, so at this time, Microsoft happens to be giving the finishing touches towards the update prior to starting the rollout to non-insider devices.

Google has released an emergency security update for Google Chrome, because the clients are patching a 0-day vulnerability within the browser.

While not a lot of specifics have been offered, the vulnerability is already being exploited within the wild, with Google obviously urging its users to install the latest update as quickly as possible.

The new version is Chrome 103.0.5060.114, and when you want to do the installation today, simply check for updates within the browser' settings page.

Based on Google itself, the brand new browser update involves resolve three different security vulnerabilities, which are rated with a high severity rating.

High CVE-2022-2294: Heap buffer overflow in WebRTC. Reported by Jan Vojtesek in the Avast Threat Intelligence team on 2022-07-01
High CVE-2022-2295: Type Confusion in V8. Reported by avaue and Buff3tts at S.S.L. on 2022-06-16
High CVE-2022-2296: Use after free in Chrome OS Shell. Reported by Khalil Zhani on 2022-05-19

The first of these is currently exploited within the wild, based on Google.

Google Chrome happens to be the world's number 1 browser, and needless to say, any potential security vulnerability could therefore affect millions of users.

Depending on the market share analysis, Chrome controls between 65 and 70 percent of the market (including here both desktop and mobile). Microsoft Edge may be the second most widely used choice around the desktop with a share of around 10 %, though it's worth keeping in mind that Microsoft's browser has additionally switched towards the Chromium engine.

Simultaneously, Microsoft Edge is also pre-loaded with modern versions of Windows, for example Windows 10 and Windows 11, so it's offered as the default browser to users of Microsoft's operating-system.

The most popular Google Chrome rival on mobile is actually Safari, as Apple's application is provided as the default choice on iPhones (as well as on macOS around the desktop).

Microsoft has released a brand new preview build to users within the Release Preview channel, and Windows 11 testers can find it as being update KB5014958.

Obviously, the purpose of this cumulative update, which increases the OS build number to 22621.169, is to help Microsoft test a brand new series of improvements targeted at Windows 11 users before the company ships them out publicly.

And a glance at the changelog provided by the software giant confirms Microsoft has been focused specifically on polishing the Windows experience, though overall, there's little to be excited about if you're a home user.

However, one fix that's worth being conscious of concerns the Windows Sandbox, as Microsoft has were able to resolve a glitch that prevented Microsoft Edge from being available.

Otherwise, most of the changes are targeted at IT pros and enterprises.

"We fixed an element that occurs when the Active Directory Lightweight Directory Service (AD LDS) resets the password for userProxy objects. When you try to reset someone else's password and you are authenticated utilizing a simple bind, the password reset fails. The error is much like, "00000005: SvcErr: DSID-03380C23, problem 5003 (WILL_NOT_PERFORM), data 0," the organization explains.

Only available within the RP ring

There's also two improvements that are marked as new and that could also come in handy to system admins.

"We added Server Message Block (SMB) redirector (RDR) specific public File System Control (FSCTL) code FSCTL_LMR_QUERY_INFO. We added support for Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3 in Windows client and server Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) implementations," Microsoft further explains.

Remember that each one of these fixes are presently available only for Windows Insiders in the Release Preview ring, and for the moment, there's no ETA as to once they could go survive production devices running the stable version of the operating-system.

Microsoft is ready to start the rollout of search highlights on Windows 11 devices that are not signed up for the Windows Insider program after the company shipped this feature to testing machines earlier this year.

Search highlights provide users with additional information in the actual search UI, including holiday and anniversaries.

Microsoft is beginning the rollout of search highlights to non-insider Windows 11 devices with cumulative update KB5014668, which is now available as optional having a manual check for updates in Windows Update.

However, the software giant explains that search highlights is going to be enabled for production devices gradually, because the company wants to collect feedback around the rollout and ensure things are working as planned. The rollout will take a minimum of many months, Microsoft says, so reaching the broad availability isn't something which would be reached overnight.

The broad availability is going to be reached within the coming months

"Search highlights will present notable and fascinating moments of what's special about each day-like holidays, anniversaries, and other educational moments in time both globally and in your region. To see search highlights, click or tap around the search icon in your taskbar. For enterprise customers, search highlights will even feature the most recent updates from your organization and suggest people, files, and much more," Microsoft explained.

"Search highlights will unveil to Windows 11 customers over the next weeks. We are taking a phased and measured approach. Broad availability will exist in the coming months."

While search highlights are contained in the latest cumulative update that's offered as a preview, everybody would obtain the necessary code to enable the feature once the next automatic update ships on Patch Tuesday.

To download the optional update today, just head over to Windows Update on your Windows 11 device and manually look for updates.

Microsoft has just announced a series of updates for Microsoft Edge that would be specifically aimed at gamers, because the company says it's "all in on gaming."

This is why Microsoft Edge "is the best browser for gamers," Microsoft says, using the new capabilities coming to the app to further improve the knowledge about this front.

First of all, Microsoft will introduce a brand new gaming homepage in Microsoft Edge, and of course, support for Xbox accounts may also be offered.

"It is personalized for your interests and designed to help you stay connected to the content you love like news, game guides, live streams, game highlights, tournaments, and upcoming and newly released games. And if you register with your Xbox account, you will get Xbox content for example games you may like and simple access to the Xbox Cloud Gaming library - including recently played games and related content. If you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, you may also launch and begin doing offers with Xbox Cloud Gaming right in the browser," Microsoft says.

Clarity Boost ready for launch

Then, Edge will be getting a passionate Efficiency mode that will reducing browser resource usage to allow the unit to use its resources for gaming.

One-click access to free casual games, for example Microsoft Solitaire, may also be offered thanks to a new sidebar.

However the biggest addition is the support for clearer and crisper graphics because of Clarity Boost, a feature that Microsoft first announced many months ao.

"Clarity Boost is a spatial upscaling enhancement which makes streaming games look clearer and sharper while playing in Microsoft Advantage on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It utilizes a group of client-side scaling improvements to improve the visual quality of the video stream. Clarity Boost enables you to benefit from the most advanced games available on the market and experience amazing graphics right from Microsoft Edge whether you are in your high-end PC gaming rig or perhaps your tablet," the company explains.

Microsoft has recently released a brand new preview build to users signed up for the Beta channel from the Windows Insider program, and also the big announcement this time around is the addition of tabs for File Explorer.

Quite simply, this super-anticipated feature is now readily available for more Windows 11 testers, because the support for File Explorer tabs has previously been exclusive to insiders within the Dev channel

As well as the tabs, Microsoft says Windows 11 build 22621.160, that is available today for everybody whose system is configured to receive Beta builds, also includes the brand new navigation pane in File Explorer, also announced for Dev users earlier this month.

"File Explorer is also introducing a refreshed layout of the left navigation pane which makes it simple for you to navigate to folders that matter to you. The updated organization provides easy access to your pinned and frequently used folders (Quick access) as well as your OneDrive cloud profiles added to Windows," Microsoft says.

"OneDrive cloud profiles reflect the user's name linked to the account. Known Windows folders that are around automatically within the navigation pane are no longer displayed under This PC to keep that view focused for your PC's drives. When you navigate to folders syncing to OneDrive for example Documents, Pictures, etc., the address bar displays the correct path to help bring clarity whenever your folders are on the cloud vs when they're local to you."

Worth knowing is this feature isn't yet available for everybody in the Beta channel, as Microsoft says it's utilizing a phased method of make certain it's working properly on all devices.

However, it shouldn't take too long prior to the broad availability is reached, though at this time, there's still no ETA regarding if this might be shipped to production devices.

Microsoft has announced a new Xbox controller bar that is specifically aimed at those doing offers on the Windows PC with, well, an Xbox controller.

The brand new feature belongs to the most recent Windows 11 preview build, also it essentially makes it much simpler for users to access recently-played games and game launchers.

Accessing the controller bar is really as simple as pressing the Xbox button on your controller, though this feature works when you're not in a game. When you're playing a game and also you press the Xbox button on the controller, Windows 11 launches the Xbox Game Bar.

"Windows Insiders are now able to check out an earlier preview of a feature called controller bar. Controller bar is really a preview of a new look at Xbox Game Bar that gives easy, controller-friendly access to recently played games and game launchers," Microsoft explains.

"The controller bar opens whenever you pair or connect a controller to your Windows 11 PC running the most recent Insider Preview build in the Dev and Beta Channels. Your most recently played games and installed game launchers are just a button press away. Invoke the controller bar when you're not already in a game, by pressing the Xbox button in your controller."

Enabling the brand new feature isn't whatsoever difficult.

To begin with, you've got to be sure you're already running the latest Windows 11 preview build. Next, download the Xbox Insider Hub, sign in, join the Xbox Insider program, look for previews, and join the Windows Gaming preview program. Install the most recent version of the Xbox Game Bar (it should be at least 5.722.5022.0), restart your computer and that's it.

Pair or plug in the controller, and the next time you press the Xbox button (bear in mind it just works when you're not in a game), you need to begin to see the new bar.