Microsoft has now made its KB5049622 cumulative update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 available on Windows 11 Version 24H2. This new update will bring security and cumulative reliability improvements for users.

Read more about the update and its changelogs below.

KB5049622 Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 Available on Windows 11 Version 24H2

The KB5049622 cumulative update that has been released on the 14th of January 2025, will be addressing a remote code execution vulnerability that has been detailed in CVE-2025-21176, and will also address the issue on .NET Runtime where in certain rare cases infinite loop can occur when the thread enters CRL for the first time. Moreover, this update is so far ‘safe’, without the presence of any identified issues, as per what has been claimed by the brand.

Interested users can download this update via release channels such as Windows Update and Microsoft Update, Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Update Catalog, and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). In the first two channels, the update may be downloaded and installed automatically if it is turned on. For the latter two, users can avail it by visiting the Microsoft Update Catalog website or by automatically syncing with WSUS by configuring as ‘Product – Windows 11, version 24H2; Classification: Security Updates’.

To add, in order to apply this update, users should have the .NET Framework 3.5 or 4.8.1 installed on their devices, and to receive a list of files that are included in the update, users may download it from the respective update page. Moreover, after installing, users are also advised to restart the devices and if any affected files are in use, it is recommended to exit them all.

The post New Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 Now Available: Security and Cumulative Reliability Improvements appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that the company will invest $3 billion in India over the next two years to expand cloud and AI infrastructure, build new datacenters, and train 10 million people in AI and cloud skills by 2030.

Speaking at the Microsoft AI Tour in Bengaluru, Nadella highlighted India’s growing role in AI innovation. He said this investment would help make India an AI-first nation and create opportunities for people and businesses across the country.

Expanding AI Infrastructure

Microsoft plans to increase its datacenter capacity in India to support the rising demand for AI technology. The company already has three operational datacenter regions and a fourth set to open in 2026. This expansion aligns with India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The company will continue its ADVANTA(I)GE India programme, which aims to train 10 million people in AI skills by 2030. So far, Microsoft has trained 2.4 million people, focusing on women and participants from smaller towns and cities.

According to Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development, partnerships with companies like Microsoft are essential for equipping India’s workforce with modern skills and supporting economic growth.

Supporting Start-ups and Innovation

Microsoft also launched an AI Innovation Network to help transform AI research into practical solutions for businesses. The company has partnered with SaaSBoomi to strengthen India’s AI and SaaS (Software as a Service) ecosystem, aiming to impact 5,000 start-ups, create 200,000 jobs, and attract $1.5 billion in investment over the next five years.

Microsoft is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations. New datacenters in India will use innovative cooling systems that don’t require water, and the company has secured renewable energy contracts to power its operations.

This $3 billion investment reflects Microsoft’s vision to support India’s digital transformation, create jobs, and build a skilled workforce. By expanding infrastructure and fostering innovation, Microsoft aims to help India become a global leader in AI.

The post Microsoft to Invest $3 Billion in India for Cloud and AI Development appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Some times doing tasks on Windows can become quite typical if using a mouse, therefore people use the keyboard shortcuts to work more efficiently and quickly as these shortcuts save time and also reduce physical strain.

In this article we will share some keyboard shortcuts in Windows that will help users in text editing, opening settings page and more.

Keyboard Shortcuts In Windows

Copilot keyboard Shortcuts

• Press Copilot key to open Copilot or another app as configured in Settings
• Press Copilot Key ( Copilot not available or disabled add no other app configured)- Open or close windows search

Desktop Shortcuts

• Alt + Esc –  Cycle through open windows.
• Alt + F4 –  Close active window. (If no active window is present, a shutdown box appears.)
• Alt + F8 –  Reveals typed password in Sign-in screen.
• Alt + Left arrow key –  Go back.
• Alt + Page Down –  Move down one screen.
• Alt + Page Up –  Move up one screen.
• Alt + Right arrow key –  Go forward.
• Alt + Spacebar –  Open context menu for the active window.
• Alt + Tab –  Switch between open apps while pressing Tab multiple times.
• Alt + Underlined letter –  Runs command for the underlined letter in apps.
• Ctrl + Alt + Tab –  View open apps.
• Ctrl + Arrow keys –  Change Start menu size.
• Ctrl + Arrow keys (to select) + Spacebar –  Select multiple items on desktop or File Explorer.
• Ctrl + Click a grouped app button –  Cycle through windows in the group from the Taskbar.
• Ctrl + Down arrow key –  Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph.
• Ctrl + F5 (or) Ctrl + R –  Refresh current window.
• Ctrl + Left arrow key –  Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
• Ctrl + Right arrow key –  Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
• Ctrl + Shift –  Switch keyboard layout.
• Ctrl + Shift + Arrow key –  Select block of text.
• Ctrl + Shift + Click app button –  Run app as administrator from the Taskbar.
• Ctrl + Shift + Esc –  Open Task Manager.
• Ctrl + Spacebar –  Enable or disable Chinese IME.
• Ctrl + Up arrow key –  Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph
• Shift + Arrow keys –  Select multiple items.
• Shift + Click app button –  Open another instance of an app from the Taskbar.
• Shift + F10 –  Open context menu for selected item.
• Shift + Right-click app button –  Show window menu for the app from the Taskbar.
• Shift + Right-click grouped app button –  Show window menu for the group from the Taskbar.

Virtual Desktop Shortcuts

• Windows Key+ Tab –  Open Task view.
• Windows Key+ Ctrl + D –  Add a virtual desktop.
• Windows Key + Ctrl + Right arrow –  Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the right.
• Windows Key + Ctrl + Left arrow –  Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the left.
• Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 –  Close the virtual desktop you’re using.

Windows Key Shortcut

• Windows Key  –  Open Start menu.
• Windows Key  + A –  Open Action center.
• Windows Key  + Alt + D –  Open date and time in the Taskbar.
• Windows Key  + Alt + Number (0-9) –  Open Jump List of the app in number position in the Taskbar.
• Windows Key  + B –  Set focus notification area in the Taskbar.
• ​​​​​​​Windows Key  + Comma (,) –  Temporarily peek at the desktop.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + D –  Create a virtual desktop.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + Enter –  Open Narrator.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + F –  Open search for the device on a domain network.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + F4 –  Close active virtual desktop.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + Left arrow –  Switch to the virtual desktop on the left.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + Number (0-9) –  Switch to the last active window of the app in the number position in the Taskbar.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + Q –  Open Quick Assist.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + Right arrow –  Switch to the virtual desktop on the right.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + Shift + B –  Wake up the device when black or a blank screen.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + Shift + Number (0-9) –  Open another instance as an administrator of the app in the number position in the Taskbar.
• Windows Key  + Ctrl + Spacebar –  Change previous selected input option.
• Windows Key  + D –  Display and hide the desktop.
• Windows Key  + Down arrow key –  Minimize app windows.
• Windows Key  + E –  Open File Explorer.
• Windows Key  + Esc –  Exit magnifier.
• Windows Key  + F –  Launch Feedback Hub app.
• Windows Key  + Forward-slash (/) –  Start IME reconversion.
• Windows Key  + G –  Launch Game bar app.
• Windows Key  + H –  Open dictation feature.
• Windows Key  + Home –  Minimize or maximize all but the active desktop window.
• Windows Key  + I –  Open Settings.
• Windows Key  + J –  Set focus on a tip for Windows 10 when applicable.
• Windows Key  + K –  Open Connect settings.
• Windows Key  + L –  Locks computer.
• Windows Key  + Left arrow key –  Snap app or window left.
• Windows Key  + M –  Minimize all windows.
• Windows Key  + Minus (-) –  Zoom out using the magnifier.
• Windows Key  + Number (0-9) –  Open the app in number position in the Taskbar.
• Windows Key  + O –  Lock device orientation.
• Windows Key  + P –  Open Project settings.
• Windows Key  + Pause –  Show System Properties dialog box.
• Windows Key  + Period (.) or Semicolon (;) –  Open emoji panel.
• Windows Key  + Plus (+) –  Zoom in using the magnifier.
• Windows Key  + PrtScn –  Capture a full screenshot in the “Screenshots” folder.
• Windows Key  + R –  Open Run command.
• Windows Key  + Right arrow key –  Snap app or window right.
• Windows Key  + S (or Q) –  Open Search.
• Windows Key  + Shift + Down arrow key –  Windows 11: Restore the window if it is snapped or maximized. Windows 10: Maximize or minimize active windows vertically while maintaining width.
• Windows Key  + Shift + Left arrow key –  Move active window to monitor on the left.
• Windows Key  + Shift + M –  Restore minimized windows on the desktop.
• Windows Key  + Shift + Number (0-9)  –  Open another app instance in the number position in the Taskbar.
• Windows Key  + Shift + Right arrow key –  Move active window to monitor on the right.
• Windows Key  + Shift + S –  Create part of the screen screenshot.
• Windows Key  + Shift + Up arrow key –  Stretch desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen.
• Windows Key  + Shift + V –  Cycle through notifications.
• Windows Key  + Spacebar –  Change keyboard layout and input language.
• Windows Key  + T –  Cycle through apps in the Taskbar.
• Windows Key  + Tab –  Open Task View.
• Windows Key  + U –  Open Ease of Access settings.
• Windows Key  + Up arrow key –  Maximize app windows.
• Windows Key  + V –  Open Clipboard bin.
• Windows Key  + W –  Open the Windows Ink Workspace.
• Windows Key  + X –  Open Quick Link menu.
• Windows Key  + Y –  Change input between desktop and Mixed Reality.
• Windows Key  + Z –  Switch input between the desktop experience and Windows Mixed Reality.

File Explorer Shortcuts

• Alt + D –  Select address bar.
• Alt + Enter  –  Open Properties settings for the selected item.
• Alt + Left arrow key (or Backspace) –  View previous folder.
• Alt + P –  Display preview panel.
• Alt + Right arrow key –  View next folder.
• Alt + Up arrow –  Move up a level in the folder path.
• Ctrl + E (or F) –  Select search box.
• Ctrl + F (or F3) –  Start search.
• Ctrl + L –  Focus on the address bar
• Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel –  Change view file and folder.
• Ctrl + N –  Open new window.
• Ctrl + Shift + E –  Expands all folders from the tree in the navigation pane.
• Ctrl + Shift + N –  Creates a new folder on desktop or File Explorer.
• Ctrl + Shift + Number (1-8) –  Changes folder view.
• Ctrl + W –  Close active window.
• End –  Scroll to the bottom of the window.
• F11 –  Switch active window full-screen mode.
• F2 –  Rename selected item.
• F4 –  Switch focus to address bar.
• F5 –  Refresh File Explorer’s current view.
• F6 –  Cycle through elements on the screen.
• Home –  Scroll to the top of the window.
• Windows key  + E  –  Open File Explorer.

Windows Setting Page Shortcut

• Alt + underline letter –  Actions the setting identified by the letter.
• Arrow keys –  Select a button of the active setting.
• Backspace –  Opens the folder one-level app in the Open or Save As dialog.
• Ctrl + number of tab –  Jumps to tab position.
• Ctrl + Shift + Tab –  Cycles back through the tabs.
• Ctrl + Tab –  Cycles forward through the tabs.
• Shift + Tab –  Moves back through the settings.
• Spacebar –  Checks or clears the option in focus.
• Tab –  Moves forward through the settings.

Command Prompt Shortcuts

• Ctrl + A –  Select all content of the current line.
• Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) –  Copy selected items to clipboard.
• Ctrl + Down arrow key  –  Move screen down one line.
• Ctrl + End –  Scroll to the bottom of the console.
• Ctrl + F –  Open search for Command Prompt.
• Ctrl + Home –  Scroll to the top of the console.
• Ctrl + M  –  Starts mark mode.
• Ctrl + Up arrow key –  Move the screen up one line.
• Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) –  Paste content from clipboard.
• Left or right arrow keys –  Move the cursor left or right in the current line.
• Page Down –  Move cursor one page down.
• Page Up –  Move cursor one page up.
• Up or down arrow keys –  Cycle through the command history of the current session.

Text Editing Shortcuts

• Backspace –  Delete characters to the left
• Ctrl + = –  Make selected text subscript
• Ctrl + A –  Select all text
• Ctrl + B –  Make selected text bold
• Ctrl + Backspace –  Delete words to the left
• Ctrl + C –  Copy text
• Ctrl + Del –  Delete words to the right
• Ctrl + Down Arrow –  Go to end of line break
• Ctrl + End –  Go to the end of the document
• Ctrl + F –  Find text
• Ctrl + H –  Find and replace text
• Ctrl + Home –  Go to the beginning of the document
• Ctrl + I –  Make selected text italic
• Ctrl + Left Arrow –  Go to beginning of previous word
• Ctrl + Right Arrow –  Go to beginning of next word
• Ctrl + Shift + = –  Make selected text superscript
• Ctrl + U –  Underline selected text
• Ctrl + Up Arrow –  Go to beginning of line break
• Ctrl + V –  Paste text
• Ctrl + X –  Cut text
• Ctrl + Y –  Redo text
• Ctrl + Z –  Undo text
• Delete –  Delete characters to the right
• Down Arrow –  Go down one row
• End –  Go to the end of the current line
• Home –  Go to the beginning of the current line
• Left Arrow –  Go to the left or to the end of previous line break
• Page Down –  Move down one frame
• Page Up –  Move up one frame
• Right Arrow –  Go to the right or to the beginning of next line break
• Shift + Ctrl + Down –  Select paragraphs to the right
• Shift + Ctrl + End –  Select text between the cursor and the end of the document
• Shift + Ctrl + Home –  Select text between the cursor and the beginning of the document
• Shift + Ctrl + Left –  Select words to the left
• Shift + Ctrl + Right –  Select words to the right
• Shift + Ctrl + Up –  Select paragraphs to the left
• Shift + Down Arrow –  Select lines downwards
• Shift + End –  Select text between the cursor and the end of the current line
• Shift + Home –  Select text between the cursor and the beginning of the current line
• Shift + Left Arrow –  Select characters to the left
• Shift + Page Down –  Select one frame at a time of text below the cursor
• Shift + Page Up –  Select one frame at a time of text above the cursor
• Shift + Right Arrow –  Select characters to the right
• Shift + Tab –  Outdent
• Shift + Up Arrow –  Select lines upwards
• Tab –  Indent
• Up Arrow –  Go up one row

Taskbar Keyboard Shortcuts

• Ctrl + Shift + click a taskbar button  –  Open an app as an administrator.
• Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar button –  Cycle through the windows of the group
• Shift + click a taskbar button  –  Open an app or quickly open another instance of an app.
• Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar button –  Show the window menu for the group.
• Shift + right-click a taskbar button  –  Show the window menu for the app.

Dialog Box Shortcuts

• Alt + underlined letter –  Perform the command (or select the option) that is used with that letter.
• Arrow keys –  Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons.
• Backspace –  Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box.
• Ctrl + 1, 2, 3,… –  Move to that tab number.
• Ctrl + Shift + Tab –  Move back through tabs.
• Ctrl + Tab –  Move forward through tabs.
• F4 –  Display the items in the active list.
• Shift + Tab –  Move back through options.
• Spacebar –  Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box.
• Tab –  Move forward through options.

Copy, paste and other general shortcuts

• Alt + A –   Set focus to the first icon in the Suggested actions menu.
• Alt + Shift + arrow keys –  When a group or tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it in the direction specified.
• Ctrl + A –  Select all items in a document or window.
• Ctrl + arrow keys –  Resize the Start menu when it’s open.
• Ctrl + C (or) Ctrl + Insert –  Copy the selected item.
• Ctrl + D (or) Delete –  Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin.
• Ctrl + E –  Open Search (in most apps).
• Ctrl + Esc –  Open Start.
• Ctrl + F4 –  Close the active document (in apps that are full-screen and let you have multiple documents open at the same time).
• Ctrl + Shift + arrow keys –  When a tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it into another tile to create a folder.
• Ctrl + Shift + V –  Paste as plain text
• Ctrl + Shift with an arrow key –  Select a block of text.
• Ctrl + Shift –  Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available.
• Ctrl + Up arrow –  Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph.
• Ctrl + V (or) Shift + Insert –  Paste the selected item.
• Ctrl + X–  Cut the selected item.
• Ctrl + Y –  Redo an action.
• Ctrl + Z –  Undo an action.
• Esc –  Stop or leave the current task.
• F2–  Rename the selected item.
• F3–  Search for a file or folder in File Explorer.
• F4–  Display the address bar list in File Explorer.
• F5–  Refresh the active window.
• F6–  Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop.
• F10–  Activate the Menu bar in the active app.
• Left arrow  –  Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu.
• Right arrow –  Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu.
• Shift + Delete –  Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first
• Shift with any arrow key –  Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document.
• PrtScn –  Take a screenshot of your whole screen and copy it to the clipboard.

The post Check Out Some Keyboard Shortcuts In Windows That Offer A Faster Alternative To Perform Tasks appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Microsoft has quietly discontinued the ability to purchase Skype credit and phone numbers, marking a significant change in how the long-standing communication platform will operate going forward. The change, which affects Skype’s 36 million daily active users, pushes customers toward monthly subscription plans for regional and global calling services.

This shift wasn’t formally announced by Microsoft. Instead, users discovered the change through a volunteer moderator’s response on a Microsoft forum when someone reported difficulties adding credit to their Skype account. When contacted by TechCrunch, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the permanent halt of new Skype credit and phone number sales, noting that they “continuously evaluate(s) product strategy based on customer usage and needs.”

For existing users, there’s some reassurance: current Skype phone numbers will continue to function, and previously purchased Skype credit remains usable. However, users must remember to use their credit at least once every 180 days to keep it active.

The post Microsoft Ends Skype Credit and Phone Number Purchases, Shifts to Subscription Model appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Xbox is collaborating with Netflix to release special gaming accessories and events for Squid Game Season 2. SCUF Gaming has created two themed controllers for fans: a Pink Guard Instinct Pro Controller based on the guards’ uniforms, available now through Best Buy Drops in the US and ScufGaming.com, and a Game Over controller inspired by the player tracksuits, with numbers from 1 to 456.

On December 16, 2024, at 9 am ET, Xbox will host a tournament at Squid Game: The Experience in New York City. Participants will compete in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Nuketown matches, with their choice of platform – console, PC, or handheld. The tournament format is straightforward: players have five minutes in a free-for-all match to score the most eliminations and win a Game Over controller.

The tournament’s grand prize includes a six-foot Young-hee gaming cabinet, modeled after the Red Light, Green Light doll from the series. This prize package contains both special controllers, a Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8, an Xbox Series X with controller, a ROG Ally X, and a 12-month Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

For those unable to attend the New York event, Xbox offers two alternatives: watch the Xbox Twitch livestream on December 16 for a chance to win a Game Over controller, or participate in the global sweepstakes by following Xbox on X and retweeting their contest post to potentially win the Young-hee cabinet.

Additionally, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will feature Squid Game content in an upcoming update.

The post Xbox Announces Limited Edition Squid Game Controllers and NYC Tournament Event appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Microsoft recently released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27758 for Canary users with many fixes and improvements for File Manager, Taskbar, and more. Along with this, Windows Insiders across all channels have been provided with the feature to update Win32 apps directly from Microsoft Store itself.

Read more about it.

Win32 Apps – Update Via Microsoft Store

Microsoft Store will now start to support updating of Win32 apps. These Win32 apps that are provided by their respective publishers were previously only able to be updated outside the Microsoft Store, causing certain inconvenience to Windows Insider users. This has been resolved by Microsoft with the new feature update.

Windows Insiders can directly head to the ‘Downloads’ page and tap on ‘Get Updates’ to view, download, and install the latest Win32 app updates. The pending list of updates will be displayed on the opened page, and the update process will only take place if users manually click on the update button, meaning automatic update won’t happen. Additionally, the update button can also be found on the respective product page in Microsoft Store and users may also download and install it from there as well.

To add, this feature update news was officially shared by Microsoft General Manager of Apps, Partners, and Store – Giorgio Sardo, noting that they are ‘testing in WIP the ability to update Win32 apps directly in the Store’.

As mentioned above, Windows Insiders of all channels with Microsoft Store running on version 22411.1401.x.x and higher will be able to see this feature on their devices. If there are any issues or bugs that you might want to inform, visit the Feedback Hub (Win + F) on Microsoft Store and submit it.

The post Windows Insiders Now Will be Able to Update Win32 Apps Directly From Microsoft Store appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Microsoft Defender- an easy-to-use security app introduced by Microsoft to protect identities, data, and devices from online threats. Microsoft Defender is available exclusively with a Microsoft 365 Personal or family subscription.

Well, Microsoft users can also add and monitor 60+ types of personal information for each family member in Microsoft Defender.

Add and monitor 60+ types of personal info, for each family member, in Microsoft Defender. Learn more: https://t.co/ps6kHJtyOp pic.twitter.com/BRIavYNovb

— Microsoft 365 (@Microsoft365) November 27, 2024

Defender is said to continuously scan the dark web for identity threats and alert you if your personal info is at risk or found to be compromised. Users can also get help when needed with 24/7 identity theft support in this app if their identity is stolen or compromised.

You can get multi-device protection for yourself and your family. Phones and computers can also be protected against new and existing threats with continuous anti-virus and phishing scans. If any malicious app is found users will get an alert and steps to uninstall and remove the threats. Device notifications will be sent if there is a security risk.

Microsoft Defender lets you manage your family’s online security in one place. You can easily check security statuses and get timely alerts and notifications on your phone and computer. With customized tips and recommendations, you can improve security online. You can view 30 days of alerts and device activity history with dashboard access in the app or a web browser while you can also check other antivirus protection statuses.

To safeguard your WiFi connection, keep your location and IP address private and your traffic data encrypted you can also turn on VPN.. VPN will also keep your bank account, credit card, and social security info more secure.

The post Microsoft Users Can Now Add And Monitor 60+ Types Of Personal Info For Each Family Member In Microsoft Defender appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

A few days back in an official blog post, Microsoft announced the latest updates to Microsoft Planner which includes a comprehensive suite of tools that is said to help users achieve their goals with less effort.

New Updates For Planner App In Microsoft Team

First is the Project Manager agent which is a new AI-powered agent designed to enhance users planning experience by acting as a virtual project manager within your plans. Wit Project Manager Agent, Microsoft is now bringing AI capabilities directly into your plans allowing users to interact with the agent. This agent takes their goals, breaks them into actionable tasks, and executes them on your behalf. Project Manager Agent runs on the Multi-Agent Runtime Service platform built on Microsoft Autogen. There are also predefined customizable templates on various topics.

There is also a new Project Manager View in Planner that will help you set goals, generate tasks, and showcase the execution status. Microsoft has also introduced Microsoft Whiteboard canvas in the Planner app that will allow you and your team to brainstorm directly within the context of your plan. Upon creating a new plan with Project Manager Agent you will now see a Whiteboard tab in the plan.

Project Manager Agent will be rolled out to public preview in the Planner app in the coming weeks. Customers are required to have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license and also need to ensure their current Microsoft 365 licensing allows them access to Microsoft Loop.

Two more new features are announced for the Planner app that will be rolled out soon. Copilot in My Tasks View feature brings AI-powered organization and prioritization to your tasks. The automated Status Report Emails feature provides the capability to automatically generate a status email from your plans.

The next update is Planner for the Web which is now made available. Planner for the Web is said to bring the simplicity of Microsoft To-Do, a collaboration of Planner, the power of Project for the web, and the intelligence of Microsoft 365 Copilot into a simple and familiar experience.

Apart from this, the Portfolios feature is also rolling out in the Planner app in Teams and will start rolling out in the new Planner for the web app in the coming weeks. With Portfolios, users can now get a consolidated view of all premium plans and tasks ensuring nothing slips. Portfolios make it all possible in one location, streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration.

The post Microsoft Introduces New Updates To Microsoft Planner; Project Manager Agent, Planner For Web And More appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Ever found yourself frantically Alt-Tabbing between your game and browser guides, or reaching for your phone to look up that tricky boss fight strategy? Microsoft has a solution that might just change the way you game. Today, the tech giant unveiled Edge Game Assist (Preview), a clever new browser that lives right inside your games.

A Browser That Understands Gaming

The timing couldn’t be better. With Microsoft’s research showing that a whopping 88% of PC gamers regularly browse the web while gaming, Game Assist feels less like a fancy add-on and more like something we’ve needed all along. It’s built right into the Windows Game Bar, meaning you can pull it up with a quick Win+G keystroke without ever leaving your game.

Smart Features for Smarter Gaming

Here’s where things get interesting: Game Assist actually knows what you’re playing. Load up Baldur’s Gate 3, and it’ll have relevant guides and tips ready to go. Currently, the preview supports several popular titles including Diablo IV, Fortnite, League of Legends, Minecraft, Overwatch 2, Roblox, and Valorant, with more games on the horizon.

No More Password Juggling

Remember the last time you had to log into Discord or Twitch while in the middle of a raid? Game Assist solves that headache by sharing your existing Edge browser data. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history are all right there – no extra logins needed. It’s like having your regular browser, but optimized for gaming.

Designed for Real Gaming Scenarios

The team at Microsoft seems to have really thought about how gamers actually use browsers. Need to keep a guide visible while playing? Just pin it to your screen. Watching a tutorial video? The player automatically resizes for the best view. They’ve even added adjustable transparency settings so you can find that sweet spot between visibility and screen real estate.

A customizable sidebar gives you quick access to gaming essentials like Discord, Twitch, and Spotify. It’s all about keeping you in the game while staying connected.

Getting Started

Want to try it out? You’ll need Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge Beta 132 or higher. Here’s the setup process:

1. Update Windows 11 and Game Bar
2. Get Microsoft Edge Insider Beta (unless you’re already on Windows Insider)
3. Make Edge Beta your default browser
4. Turn on Game Assist in Edge settings

Work in Progress

Like any preview release, there are some rough edges. The browser currently closes if you leave it idle too long, and you can’t right-click on things yet. Some keyboard shortcuts are still missing, and tab history isn’t fully saved between sessions. But Microsoft is actively seeking feedback through their Game Assist Community portal, Reddit (r/MicrosoftEdge), and social media to iron out these kinks.

Looking Ahead

While the current version works best with mouse and keyboard, Microsoft has confirmed they’re working on gamepad support and compatibility with handheld devices. They’re also planning to add Compact Mode and support for more games.

What’s particularly exciting is that about 40% of PC gamers regularly look up tips and guides while playing. Game Assist seems perfectly positioned to make this experience smoother, potentially changing how we interact with games and gaming resources.

The preview is currently available in English, and while it might not be perfect yet, it represents a significant step forward in making PC gaming more seamless. Whether you’re a hardcore raider who needs quick access to strategy guides or a casual player who likes to keep Spotify handy, Game Assist could be the browser companion your gaming sessions have been missing.

The post Microsoft Launches Edge Game Assist(Preview): New In-Game Browser Integration for Windows 11 appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 has now been released to Dev Channel for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs to try out Recall and Click to Do features (preview versions). Interested candidates are invited to join the Windows Insider Program and experience the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415.

Read more about this update below.

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 Released For Snapdragon-Powered Copilot+ PC

For registering yourself with the Windows Insider Program and use the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415, visit the official website on your Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC and sign up using the Microsoft account or the Microsoft Entra ID. Following this, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Windows Update’ > ‘Windows Insider Program’ and select ‘Get Started’ and sign-in to it. Then choose ‘Dev Channel’ and reboot. After the reboot process, again come to ‘Settings’ > ‘Windows Update’ and search for the Build 26120.2415. After installing it, you will be good to go.

Do note that the preview build will carry certain issues in it, and users must be cautious while making use of it. As mentioned above, Recall (preview) and Click to Do (preview, via Recall) are two of the important features introduced. After installing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415, the two features will be automatically downloaded in the background.

Speaking of Recall, this feature will enable users to go back to any of their previous tasks by simply searching it through the Recall function with the help of AI. One will thus be able to get back to any document, website, app, or image based on the information provided. Snapshots will be taken for the feature to run properly, and it is up to the user to turn it on or not. Privacy and protection of sensitive data have also been guaranteed.

Coming to Click to Do, which is currently only accessible through Recall, with the snapshots, users will be able to improve their productivity. Text and images will be recognized and AI-powered actions will be offered.

As of now, these features are only available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC, and for Intel-powered and AMD-powered devices, it will be rolling out soon.

The post Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 Released to Dev Channel for Snapdragon-Powered Copilot+ PCs: Preview Recall and Click to Do appeared first on The Tech Outlook.