Articles about Microsoft

Forget Windows 11 -- Windows Moon Valley reaches a major milestone, download it now!

Windows Moon Valley

Windows 11, much like its predecessor Windows 10, has been criticized for various design inconsistencies. From outdated interface elements to uneven system-wide aesthetics, these issues have led to the development of tools like Rectify11, which streamline and improve the visual design of the operating system.

Windows Moon Valley takes this a step further by addressing not only Windows’ design shortcomings but also enhancing its overall functionality. The project is essentially a cross between Windows 10X (a streamlined version of Windows 10 originally designed for dual-screen and foldable devices, later adapted for single-screen devices) and Windows 11.

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Watch a game of Minesweeper destroy Windows in real time

Minesweeper is a classic puzzle game that has been included in Windows operating systems for decades. The objective is to clear a grid of hidden mines using numerical clues to determine how many mines are adjacent to each square, requiring strategy and logical thinking to avoid detonating them.

But what if losing a game of Minesweeper actually destroyed your PC? That’s exactly what a new video shows.

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Microsoft will let Windows 11 users remap the stupid Copilot key on their keyboard

Remap Copilot key

If you’ve bought a computer or a keyboard recently, you may have spotted an extra key near the spacebar. The Copilot key is Microsoft’s attempt to push, prompt and encourage use of its AI-powered digital assistant, but not everyone is convinced.

Even if you are someone who sees the value in Copilot as a tool, you may well not feel the need to have a dedicated physical key to access it. Thankfully, Microsoft understands that the latest addition to keyboards is not something that everyone needs. As such, the company is testing the ability to remap the Copilot key.

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Microsoft risks public backlash by backing controversial Three Mile Island nuclear reactor reboot

Three-Mile-Island

Constellation has entered into a bold 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft to relaunch the infamous Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear reactor under a new name -- the Crane Clean Energy Center (CCEC). The announcement comes just five years after the plant was shut down, with concerns about the economic viability and safety of nuclear power hanging over the decision. Microsoft’s involvement, part of its effort to decarbonize the grid, raises questions about whether nuclear energy is truly the solution.

The decision to restart Unit 1 brings up long-standing fears about nuclear energy -- especially given that the reactor is located next to the infamous Unit 2, the site of the 1979 partial meltdown. While Unit 1 was not directly affected by the disaster, many are likely to question whether restarting a decades-old nuclear reactor is the right move in an age of increasing renewable energy options.

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Best Windows apps this week

Six-hundred-thirteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.

Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 next year. If you do run Windows 10 devices, you may find Wayne's article on staying safe useful.

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Microsoft launches Windows App so you can connect to Windows from just about any device

Microsoft Windows App

After a lengthy period of testing, Microsoft has announced that the Windows App is now generally available for Windows, macOS and iOS. There is also a browser-based version as well as a preview version of the Android app.

What is Windows App? It provides a way to remotely connect to and control a range of Windows devices. It is, in many ways, a modernization and revamp of Remote Desktop clients, and users will be gradually migrated so they can take advantage of the latest improvements and features. So, what is new?

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Microsoft is giving Windows 11 users (a bit of) control over the in-OS ads they see... but there’s a sting in the tail

Windows 11 recommendations and offers

Microsoft’s insistence on levering ads into Windows 11 in a variety of ways has long been a source of frustration for users. While the company shows no signs of letting up in this department, there is a tiny bit of good news cresting the horizon.

In the latest beta and canary builds of Windows 11, there are new options in the Settings app that make it possible to take control of ads. This is clearly encouraging, but before you get too excited it is important to note that the level of control the new settings afford users is limited, and there remains no way to avoid ads altogether. Predictably, there is even more bad news.

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BlackRock and Microsoft unite to dominate global AI infrastructure -- Should we be worried?

Microsoft and BlackRock's growing partnership on AI infrastructure may raise a few eyebrows, but should it really spark concern? With the recent announcement of the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP), these corporate titans have aligned with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and MGX to dive headfirst into AI development. They plan to pour billions into massive data centers and new energy infrastructure, with the goal of dominating the future of artificial intelligence.

But this alliance could mean more than just advancements in technology. The partnership initially aims to leverage $30 billion in private equity, with an eye toward unlocking a staggering $100 billion in total investment potential. That’s a massive financial influx designed to consolidate power in the hands of a few major players. And who benefits? Microsoft and BlackRock, alongside their global allies, could soon hold an outsized influence on critical AI infrastructure that the world will come to rely on.

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Multitasking made easy with Windows Virtual Desktops and Snap Layouts

When used correctly, Virtual Desktops, first introduced in Windows 10 and then refined in Windows 11, offer a handy way to manage multiple workflows. They let you create separate, dedicated workspaces within the OS, keeping things organized and clutter free. This is especially useful for those who juggle work, personal projects, and entertainment, as it allows for smooth switching between different activities without losing track of anything. By assigning specific apps and windows to different desktops, you can stay focused and organized across various tasks.

In Windows 11, Microsoft introduced Snap Layouts, enhancing multitasking by providing predefined grid options for arranging windows. This feature expands on the simpler Snap Assist functionality from Windows 10 and when used with Virtual Desktops can keep each workspace neat and orderly.

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Windows 12.1 is everything Windows 11 should be -- and the Microsoft operating system we need!

As you likely know, Microsoft is preparing to end support for Windows 10 next year, and while you can continue to use that OS, provided you do so safely, the main options will be to upgrade to Windows 11 or wait for the anticipated release of its successor, likely to be Windows 12.

While Microsoft hasn't officially confirmed the next-generation operating system, there have been numerous hints and rumors about what it might be like.

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This shortcut will let you boot into the BIOS directly from Windows

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is like your computer's backstage manager, making sure the hardware and operating system can talk to each other smoothly and keeping everything running behind the scenes.

To access the BIOS, most people restart their computer and hit a specific key -- this can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Common keys are F1, F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc, and a prompt will usually appear on the screen during startup to tell you which one to press. While this method is fairly simple, there's an even easier way to boot directly into the BIOS from Windows.

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How to keep using Windows 10 safely after Microsoft ends support

As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10, marking the end of the road for regular security updates and technical support.

This doesn’t mean your Windows 10 machine will suddenly stop working of course, but it does mean that keeping it safe and secure will require more proactive measures. Here’s how you can protect your Windows 10 system after official support ends.

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Best Windows apps this week

Best-Windows-apps-laptop

Six-hundred-twelve in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.

Microsoft has built on past Windows 11 taskbar improvements by adding enhanced app pinning to its operating system.

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Why third-party email filters may be ineffective in Microsoft 365 environments

Because email is the primary source of initial entry in many breaches, many organizations pay for sophisticated, third-party email filtering solutions on top of the protections afforded by Microsoft 365. This is a wise investment; having layers of protection by different vendors helps eliminate blind spots found in any one vendor solution and provides complexity that can foil attack attempts.

Yet, few know that threat actors can easily bypass these third-party filtering products by directing emails to onmicrosoft.com domains that are an inherent part of the Microsoft 365 configuration.

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Microsoft collaborates with Quantinuum and Atom Computing to advance quantum computing

Microsoft is continuing its efforts to develop quantum computing through its Azure Quantum platform, with the goal of addressing complex scientific and industrial challenges. The company has made progress in qubit technology and hardware integration through collaborations with industry leaders Quantinuum and Atom Computing. These partnerships represent a step toward building a reliable quantum computing infrastructure capable of handling problems that go beyond the scope of classical computers.

In its collaboration with Quantinuum, Microsoft has successfully created and entangled 12 logical qubits using an improved qubit-virtualization system. This achievement sets a record for the largest number of entangled logical qubits, offering higher fidelity for more reliable quantum computations. Microsoft and Quantinuum are focused on advancing quantum capabilities in fields such as chemistry, physics, and life sciences, particularly in simulating complex chemical reactions and predicting molecular interactions.

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