Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2024NOV05
Table of Contents / Source:
Microsoft ends Windows 11 22H2 and 21H2 support
In addition to shipping this month's Patch Tuesday updates for all supported Windows releases, Microsoft dropped support for two Windows 11 versions: 21H2 and 22H2. If your computer is still on one of those releases, it is time to upgrade to something more recent.
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Windows 11 24H2 makes PCs faster with reduced CPU usage for Windows Update
Windows 11 24H2 has a lot of good stuff, and one of the less known changes is “checkpoint cumulative updates”, which attempts to reduce monthly update package size. But there’s another interesting change, which could make your PC run faster. After updating to Windows 11 24H2, you’ll notice that Windows update is no longer a bottleneck.
Further reading:
- Microsoft says OS updates are 45% faster starting with Windows 11 24H2 release - techspot.com
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How to run Windows apps on a Mac without installing Windows
Installing a full version of the Windows operating system on your Mac is a good option – provided you have a fast Mac, with plenty of memory and storage – as you should then be able to run any Windows software you want, ranging from games to professional-level business, graphics or design software.
However, there’s another option that allows you to run many Windows apps and games on a Mac without even needing to install Windows at all.
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Microsoft retires Win+C shortcut as Copilot moves online
Updates will be coming to Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer versions that will change the behaviour of the Win+C keyboard shortcut. Currently, this shortcut triggers Copilot on computers where it is already available, but Microsoft has decided to change that. Copilot is now a web application, and the shortcut in Windows 11 will cease to work.
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Windows 10 KB5045594 update fixes multi-function printer bugs
Microsoft has released the optional KB5045594 preview cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 with fixes for problems printing to multi-function printers and other issues.
Further reading:
- Microsoft updates Windows 10 version 22H2 with KB5045594, introducing a new account manager - windowsreport.com
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Microsoft Shares Pricing Details for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for Consumers
Microsoft announced last year an Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 that will let organizations that aren’t ready yet to upgrade to Windows 11 continue to receive security updates for the OS after it reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. For the first time ever, this program will also be available for consumers still using Windows 10 PCs.
Further reading:
- Windows 10 diehards can keep their beloved OS secure for a little while longer (for a fee) as Microsoft pleas with them to be reasonable - techradar.com
- For Windows 10 Holdouts, One More Year of Service Updates Will Cost $30 - cnet.com
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How to install Linux on an old laptop to give it new life and purpose
Today, if you have a laptop that was built within, say, the last 10 years, you shouldn't have any problem installing Linux on it.
But how? Let me show you just how easy it is.
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ChromeOS Flex can give your Windows 10 laptop a new life here's how to set it up
We all have had an old computer at home at some point the kind that doesn't run super well anymore and isn't supported, but that still feels like it could be useful for something. That kind of computer is precisely why Google created ChromeOS Flex, a version of ChromeOS that can be installed on virtually any somewhat modern PC.
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Major ChromeOS update brings tons of new features – and shows it’s closer than ever to matching Windows and macOS
The most recent update, ChromeOS M130, was released for the stable channel and will soon be available on Chromebooks. Arguably the most useful addition is the Focus panel that allows you to set and adjust your focus time, quickly enable or disable Do-not-Disturb (DND) mode, create new or select from existing Google Tasks, and play music with focus sound (YouTube Music Premium if you have a subscription).
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How to print both sides
Many struggle with implementing double-sided printing effectively. In this guide, I'll help you answer common questions and provide step-by-step instructions for different printer models and operating systems. By the end, you'll be ready to print more sustainably, economically, and efficiently — regardless of your printer model.
Further reading:
- What is a Sublimation Printer? - techradar.com
- What is a thermal printer? - techradar.com
- How to share your printer on a network - techradar.com
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How to move Windows default folders to other drives
It's incredibly easy.