Homepage – Official Website https://mxdigit.com Digital products Sat, 22 Mar 2025 12:12:54 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://mxdigit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-favico-32x32.png Homepage – Official Website https://mxdigit.com 32 32 Windows 10 Support Ends in October 2025 https://mxdigit.com/windows-10-support-ends-in-october-2025/ https://mxdigit.com/windows-10-support-ends-in-october-2025/#respond Sat, 22 Mar 2025 11:57:42 +0000 https://mxdigit.co.uk/?p=8316

Windows 10 Support Ends in October 2025: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has officially confirmed that support for Windows 10 will come to an end on October 14, 2025. As one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, this announcement carries major implications for users and organizations still relying on Windows 10. Here’s everything you need to know about the end of support, what it means, and how to prepare.

Final Date: October 14, 2025

Microsoft will stop providing updates for all editions of Windows 10, including:

  • Windows 10 Home
  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Pro for Workstations
  • Windows 10 Pro Education
  • Windows 10 Enterprise
  • Windows 10 Education

This date marks the end of:

  • Security updates
  • Bug fixes
  • Performance improvements
  • Technical support

What Does “End of Support” Mean?

Once support ends, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, making systems more vulnerable to:

  • Security threats
  • Malware and viruses
  • Compatibility issues with newer software and hardware

Users will still be able to use Windows 10, but without essential protections or assistance from Microsoft.

Extended Security Updates (ESU): A Paid Lifeline

Recognizing that not all users can upgrade immediately, Microsoft is introducing a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, available starting in late 2025. Key points:

  • Available for up to 3 years (through October 2028)
  • Offered to both businesses and individual users (a first)
  • Will deliver critical and important security patches only
  • Pricing details to be announced closer to the end-of-support date

ESU will not include new features or bug fixes—only critical security updates.

Upgrade Options

To stay secure and supported, Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11—free for eligible devices. Here’s what users should consider:

  1. Check Hardware Compatibility

    • Windows 11 requires newer CPUs (8th Gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 3000+), TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and more.

  2. Upgrade Your PC

    • If your system doesn’t meet Windows 11 requirements, you may need to buy a new device.

  3. Alternative OS Options

    • Users unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11 can consider Linux distributions or macOS (on Apple devices).

  4. Keep Windows 10 with ESU

    • If upgrading isn’t viable, subscribing to the ESU program will keep your system protected a bit longer.

Risks of Staying on Unsupported Windows 10

Remaining on an unsupported operating system comes with serious risks:

  • No security patches means exposure to new malware and ransomware.
  • Compliance issues for businesses, especially in regulated industries.

Final Recommendations

If you’re still using Windows 10:

  • Plan your upgrade now—don’t wait until the last minute.
  • Check if your system supports Windows 11.
  • Explore the ESU program if upgrading isn’t an option right away

Stay secure, stay updated. The end of Windows 10 marks the beginning of a new era in computing—don’t get left behind.

]]> https://mxdigit.com/windows-10-support-ends-in-october-2025/feed/ 0 New Street Fighter™ 6 https://mxdigit.com/street-fighter-6/ https://mxdigit.com/street-fighter-6/#respond Sat, 08 Jun 2024 08:48:33 +0000 https://mxdigit.co.uk/?p=6682

Street Fighter™ 6, characteristics, installation requirements

Street Fighter™ 6 is a fighting game developed and published by Capcom. Here are detailed aspects of the game:

Year of Publication

Street Fighter 6 was released on June 2, 2023.

Game Characteristics

  1. Combat Mechanics:

    • Drive System: A new feature comprising multiple techniques such as Drive Impact, Drive Parry, Overdrive Art, Drive Rush, and Drive Reversal, enhancing strategic depth.
    • Modern Control Type: Simplified controls to make the game more accessible for new players.

  2. Character Roster:

    • Features a mix of classic characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile, alongside new fighters such as Luke, Jamie, and Kimberly.
    • Regular updates and downloadable content (DLC) expand the roster over time.

  3. Game Modes:

    • World Tour Mode: A single-player story mode allowing players to create custom avatars and explore a global journey, encountering various Street Fighter characters.
    • Battle Hub: An online multiplayer hub where players can interact, participate in events, and compete in tournaments.
    • Arcade Mode: Classic mode where players fight through a series of opponents to reach the final boss.
    • Training Mode: Helps players practice and refine their skills.

  4. Graphics and Presentation:

    • Utilizes Capcom’s RE Engine for realistic character models and detailed environments.
    • Dynamic and vibrant stages enhance the visual experience.

  5. Cross-Platform Play:

    • Enables players across different gaming platforms to compete against each other, increasing the player base and matchmaking opportunities.

Type of Experience

Street Fighter 6 offers a competitive fighting game experience with both single-player and multiplayer modes. It blends traditional 2D fighting mechanics with modern features, providing an engaging experience for both veteran players and newcomers. The game emphasizes strategic gameplay, skillful execution of moves, and a variety of modes to suit different player preferences, from solo story-driven adventures to competitive online battles.

Installation Requirements for PC

Minimum Requirements:

  • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit required)
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-7500 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: GTX 1060 (VRAM 6GB) / Radeon RX 580 (VRAM 4GB)
  • DirectX: Version 12
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 60 GB available space
  • Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card or onboard chipset

Recommended Requirements:

  • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit required)
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-8700 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Graphics: RTX 2070 / Radeon RX 5700XT
  • DirectX: Version 12
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 60 GB available space
  • Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card or onboard chipset

These specifications ensure that Street Fighter 6 runs smoothly and provides the best possible gaming experience. Ensure your PC meets these requirements before installation to enjoy the game optimally.

]]> https://mxdigit.com/street-fighter-6/feed/ 0 What is New on Microsoft Windows 11 https://mxdigit.com/what-is-new-on-microsoft-windows-11/ https://mxdigit.com/what-is-new-on-microsoft-windows-11/#respond Sun, 26 May 2024 10:09:20 +0000 https://mxdigit.co.uk/?p=5962

Microsoft Windows 11, and what is new

Windows 11 is the latest major release of Microsoft’s operating system, succeeding Windows 10. It introduces a range of new features, a refreshed design, and enhancements aimed at improving user experience, productivity, and security. The operating system is designed to support modern computing needs, including advanced graphics, gaming, and connectivity.

What’s New in Windows 11

  1. Redesigned Interface: Windows 11 features a new, more streamlined user interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar. The design is more touch-friendly and includes rounded corners, new animations, and a focus on a clean, simplified look.

  2. Enhanced Productivity Features:

    • Snap Layouts: Allows users to quickly organize open windows into different layouts.
    • Snap Groups: A collection of apps that users can switch between as a group.
    • Virtual Desktops: Improved support for multiple desktops, making it easier to organize workspaces.

  3. Microsoft Teams Integration: Integrated directly into the Taskbar for quick access, allowing users to chat, call, and video conference easily.

  4. Widgets: Personalized feed powered by AI, providing at-a-glance information on news, weather, calendar, to-do lists, and more.

  5. Gaming Enhancements:

    • Auto HDR: Automatically enhances the color and lighting of games.
    • DirectStorage: Faster loading times and better graphics performance by allowing games to load assets directly from the SSD to the GPU.
    • Xbox Game Pass: Direct integration providing access to a vast library of games.

  6. New Microsoft Store: Redesigned for better performance and more apps, including support for Android apps via the Amazon Appstore.

  7. Performance and Security Improvements: Enhanced system security with hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware prevention. Faster overall performance with optimizations in system management.

System Release Date

Windows 11 was officially released to the general public on October 5, 2021.

Installation Requirements

To install Windows 11, a PC must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
  • RAM: 4 GB or more.
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
  • System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
  • Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x.
  • Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p).
  • Internet Connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features.

Additional Requirements for Specific Features

  • Cortana: Requires a microphone and speaker.
  • DirectStorage: Requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the Standard NVM Express Controller driver and a DirectX 12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support.
  • Presence: Requires sensor supporting Human presence capability.
  • Windows Hello: Requires a camera configured for near-infrared (IR) imaging or fingerprint reader for biometric authentication.
  • 5G Support: Requires a 5G capable modem.
  • Auto HDR: Requires an HDR monitor.
  • BitLocker to Go: Requires a USB flash drive (available in Windows Pro and above editions).
  • Client Hyper-V: Requires a processor with second-level address translation (SLAT) capabilities (available in Windows Pro and above editions).

These requirements ensure that users get the best experience from the new features and enhancements provided by Windows 11, if you need more information about hardware compatibility click on read more.

]]> https://mxdigit.com/what-is-new-on-microsoft-windows-11/feed/ 0 What is New on Microsoft Office 2021 https://mxdigit.com/what-is-new-on-microsoft-office-2021-prof-plus/ https://mxdigit.com/what-is-new-on-microsoft-office-2021-prof-plus/#respond Sat, 25 May 2024 10:11:02 +0000 https://mxdigit.co.uk/?p=5862

What is New on Microsoft Office 2021 Prof Plus

Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s popular productivity suite, designed for professionals and businesses. It includes classic applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, and Skype for Business. Office 2021 aims to enhance productivity through improved performance, new features, and better integration with cloud services.

New Characteristics

  1. Real-Time Collaboration:
    Enhanced co-authoring features in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing multiple users to work on documents simultaneously.
    Improved integration with OneDrive and SharePoint for seamless file sharing and version history.
  2. Updated User Interface:
    Modernized start menus and tabs in the ribbon, with a cleaner, more streamlined look.
    Enhanced dark mode support across all applications for reduced eye strain.
  3. Performance Enhancements:
    Faster application startup and better overall performance, particularly with large documents and complex spreadsheets.
  4. New Excel Features:
    New functions like LET and XLOOKUP for advanced data analysis.
    Improved performance for Power Query and data analysis tools.
  5. Expanded Media Library:
    Access to a comprehensive library of royalty-free stock images, icons, and more directly within Office apps.
    Enhanced drawing and inking tools with new pens and effects in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  6. Dynamic Arrays in Excel:
    New dynamic array functions such as FILTER, SORT, SORTBY, UNIQUE, SEQUENCE, and RANDARRAY.
  7. Microsoft Teams Integration:
    Enhanced integration with Microsoft Teams, facilitating easier communication and collaboration directly from Office apps.
  8. Advanced PowerPoint Features:
    New animation and transition effects.
    Enhanced slide recording capabilities and improved presenter tools, including speaker coach and rehearsal options.
Microsoft Office 2021 Prof Plus New Version

Comparison with Microsoft Office 2019

Collaboration:
Office 2021 offers advanced real-time collaboration tools, whereas Office 2019’s co-authoring capabilities are more limited.
User Interface:
Office 2021 features a refreshed UI with improved dark mode support, while Office 2019 maintains an older design style.
Excel Enhancements:
Office 2021 includes new Excel functions (LET, XLOOKUP) and improved data handling capabilities, which are not available in Office 2019.
Media Content:
Office 2021 provides a richer library of built-in media assets compared to Office 2019.
Performance:
Office 2021 boasts performance optimizations for faster operation, especially with large and complex files, unlike Office 2019.
Integration:
Office 2021 offers better integration with Microsoft Teams, while Office 2019 has more limited collaboration features.

Installation Requirements

1. Processor: 1.6 GHz or faster, 2-core processor.
2. Memory: 4 GB RAM for 64-bit; 2 GB RAM for 32-bit systems.
3. Disk Space: Minimum of 4 GB of available disk space.
4. Display: Minimum resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels.
5. Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 2.0 or higher for Windows 10.
6. Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 11, or the three most recent versions of macOS.
7. Internet Connection: Required for downloading and installing the software and updates.

These specifications ensure that Office 2021 runs efficiently and leverages its new features and enhancements fully.

]]> https://mxdigit.com/what-is-new-on-microsoft-office-2021-prof-plus/feed/ 0 New Generation of Processors https://mxdigit.com/new-generation-of-processors/ https://mxdigit.com/new-generation-of-processors/#respond Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:40:33 +0000 https://mxdigit.co.uk/?p=4272

New processors generation Intel® Core™ i9 Processors

Processors continue to utilize Intel’s performance hybrid architecture to optimize your gaming, content creation, and productivity. Leverage industry-first bandwidth of up to 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes3 and DDR5 memory up to 5600 MT/s.4 5 Supercharge your CPU performance with a powerful suite of tuning and overclocking tools. Enjoy your favorite experiences in up to 4 simultaneous 4K60 displays or up to 8K60 HDR Video with dynamic noise suppression. Support for the Intel® 700 series chipsets and backwards compatibility with the Intel® 600 series chipsets allow you to access the features you need for any task. Whether you are working, streaming, gaming, or creating, the 13th Gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors deliver the next generation of breakthrough performance.

Next Level Performance

The 13th Gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors deliver the next generation of breakthrough core performance. Now with up to 24 cores (8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores) and up to 32 threads, plus Performance-cores are capable of reaching 5.8 GHz6 with Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost to elevate performance. Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.07 further strengthens lightly threaded performance by identifying the best-performing Performance-cores. Meanwhile, additional E-cores enable an increase in Intel® Smart Cache (L3) for more efficient processing of larger data sets and better performance. The P-core and E-core L2 cache has also increased compared to the previous generation of Intel® processors, minimizing the amount of time spent swapping data between cache and memory to speed up your workflow.1 Unleash the power of next-level performance with the 13th Gen Intel® Core™ desktop processor advantage.

Dynamic Platform Features

Loaded with the latest platform technologies, 13th Gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors accelerate system performance. Up to 16 PCIe 5.02 lanes doubles I/O throughput for accelerated processing power. Take advantage of the latest DDR5 support that is transforming the industry for fast speeds up to 5600 MT/s,3 high bandwidth, and enhanced productivity, as well as continued DDR4 support up to 3200 MT/s. Comprehensive advanced tuning and overclocking8 support—including Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility,9 Intel® Extreme Memory Profile, and Intel® Dynamic Memory Boost10—deliver intelligent overclocking performance on demand so that both new and experienced overclockers can get more from their unlocked processors. And backwards compatibility with Intel’s 600 and 700 series chipsets offers you the flexibility to upgrade without compromising on performance or features.

Seamless Immersion

The 13th Gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors bring you the ultimate immersive experiences, whether you are engaged in intense gaming and creating or highly focused work sessions. Enhanced Intel® UHD Graphics driven by Xe Architecture11 deliver vibrant, high-quality visual support for up to 8K60 HDR video and up to 4 simultaneous 4K60 displays. Enjoy efficient noise suppression and professional voice output with the Intel® Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 (Intel® GNA). These premier sensory experiences are enabled by the best-in-class wired and wireless connectivity provided by Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 6/6E,12 which intelligently manages and routes your Internet traffic to help you stay connected to the fastest channels. The 13th Gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors deliver a seamless, immersive user experience to power your creativity and focus.

]]> https://mxdigit.com/new-generation-of-processors/feed/ 0 What’s new in Windows Server 2022 https://mxdigit.com/whats-new-in-windows-server-2022/ https://mxdigit.com/whats-new-in-windows-server-2022/#respond Wed, 23 Dec 2020 10:40:06 +0000 https://mxdigit.co.uk/?p=2216

Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 is built on the strong foundation of Windows Server 2019 and brings many innovations on three key themes: security, Azure hybrid integration and management, and application platform.

Azure Edition

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition helps you use the benefits of cloud to keep your VMs up to date while minimizing downtime. This section describes some of the new features in Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition. Learn more about how Azure Automanage for Windows Server brings these new capabilities to Windows Server Azure Edition in the Azure Automanage for Windows Server services article.

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition builds on Datacenter Edition to deliver a VM-only operating system that helps to use the benefits of cloud, with advanced features like SMB over QUIC, Hotpatch, and Azure Extended Networking. This section describes some of these new features.

Compare the differences in the editions in Windows Server 2022. You can also learn more about how Azure Automanage for Windows Server brings these new capabilities to Windows Server Azure Edition in the Azure Automanage for Windows Server services article.

September 2022

This section lists the features and improvements that are now available in Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition beginning with the 2022-09 Cumulative Update for Microsoft server operating system version 21H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5017381). After you’ve install the Cumulative Update, the OS build number will be 20348.1070 or higher.

Storage Replica compression for data transfer

This update includes Storage Replica compression for data transferred between the source and destination servers. This new functionality compresses the replication data at the source system, sent over the network and decompressed and saved on the destination. The compression results in fewer network packets to transfer the same amount of data, allowing for more throughput, and less network utilization. Higher data throughput should also result in lowering synchronization time for when you need it most, for example in a disaster recovery scenario.

New Storage Replica PowerShell parameters are available for existing commands, review the Windows PowerShell StorageReplica reference to learn more. For more information about Storage Replica, see the Storage Replica overview.

Support for Azure Stack HCI

With this release you can run Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition as a supported guest VM on Azure Stack HCI version 22H2. With Azure Edition running on Azure Stack HCI, you’ll be able to use all the existing features including Hotpatch for Server Core and SMB over QUIC at your datacenter and edge locations.

Begin deploying Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition using the Azure Marketplace on Arc-enabled Azure Stack HCI or using an ISO. You can download the ISO from here:

Your Azure subscription permits you to use Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition on any virtual machine instances running on Azure Stack HCI. For more information, see your product terms Product Terms.

Learn more about the latest Azure Stack HCI features in our What’s new in Azure Stack HCI, version 22H2 article.

Deploy from Azure Marketplace on Arc-enabled Azure Stack HCI (preview)

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition images will be available in the Azure Marketplace for Arc-enabled Azure Stack HCI, making it easy to try, buy, and deploy using Azure certified images.

Learn more about the Azure Marketplace integration for Azure Arc-enabled Azure Stack HCI features in our What’s new in Azure Stack HCI, version 22H2 article.

Azure Edition (initial release)

This section lists the features and improvements available in Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition with the release in September 2021.

Azure Automanage – Hotpatch

Hotpatching, part of Azure Automanage, is a new way to install updates on new Windows Server Azure Edition virtual machines (VMs) that doesn’t require a reboot after installation. More information can be found at the Azure Automanage documentation.

SMB over QUIC

SMB over QUIC updates the SMB 3.1.1 protocol to use the QUIC protocol instead of TCP in Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition, Windows 11 and later, and third party clients if they support it. By using SMB over QUIC along with TLS 1.3, users and applications can securely and reliably access data from edge file servers running in Azure. Mobile and telecommuter users no longer need a VPN to access their file servers over SMB when on Windows. More information can be found at the SMB over QUIC documentation and SMB over QUIC management with Automanage machine best practices.

To learn more about QUIC, review RFC 9000.

Extended network for Azure

Azure Extended Network enables you to stretch an on-premises subnet into Azure to let on-premises virtual machines keep their original on-premises private IP addresses when migrating to Azure. To learn more, see Azure Extended Network.

All editions

This section describes some of the new features in Windows Server 2022 across all editions. To learn more about the different editions, review the Comparison of Standard, Datacenter, and Datacenter: Azure Edition editions of Windows Server 2022 article.

Security

The new security capabilities in Windows Server 2022 combine other security capabilities in Windows Server across multiple areas to provide defense-in-depth protection against advanced threats. Advanced multi-layer security in Windows Server 2022 provides the comprehensive protection that servers need today.

Secured-core server

Certified Secured-core server hardware from an OEM partner provides more security protections that are useful against sophisticated attacks. Certified Secured-core server hardware can provide increased assurance when handling mission critical data in some of the most data sensitive industries. A Secured-core server uses hardware, firmware, and driver capabilities to enable advanced Windows Server security features. Many of these features are available in Windows Secured-core PCs and are now also available with Secured-core server hardware and Windows Server 2022. For more information about Secured-core server, see Secured-core server.

Hardware root-of-trust

Used by features such as BitLocker drive encryption, Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) secure crypto-processor chips provide a secure, hardware-based store for sensitive cryptographic keys and data, including systems integrity measurements. TPM 2.0 can verify that the server has been started with legitimate code and can be trusted by subsequent code execution, known as a hardware root-of-trust.

Firmware protection

Firmware executes with high privileges and is often invisible to traditional anti-virus solutions, which has led to a rise in the number of firmware-based attacks. Secured-core servers measure and verify boot processes with Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM) technology. Secured-core servers can also isolate of driver access to memory with Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection.

UEFI secure boot

UEFI secure boot is a security standard that protects your servers from malicious rootkits. Secure boot ensures the server boots only firmware and software trusted by the hardware manufacturer. When the server is started, the firmware checks the signature of each boot component including firmware drivers and the OS. If the signatures are valid, the server boots and the firmware gives control to the OS.

Virtualization-based security (VBS)

Secured-core servers support virtualization-based security (VBS) and hypervisor-based code integrity (HVCI). VBS uses hardware virtualization features to create and isolate a secure region of memory from the normal operating system, protecting against an entire class of vulnerabilities used in cryptocurrency mining attacks. VBS also allows for the use of Credential Guard, where user credentials and secrets are stored in a virtual container that the operating system can’t access directly.

HVCI uses VBS to significantly strengthen code integrity policy enforcement. Kernel mode integrity prevents unsigned kernel mode drivers or system files from being loaded into system memory.

Kernel Data Protection (KDP) provides read-only memory protection of kernel memory containing non-executable data where memory pages are protected by Hypervisor. KDP protects key structures in the Windows Defender System Guard runtime from being tampered.

Secure connectivity

Transport: HTTPS and TLS 1.3 enabled by default on Windows Server 2022

Secure connections are at the heart of today’s interconnected systems. Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3 is the latest version of the internet’s most deployed security protocol, which encrypts data to provide a secure communication channel between two endpoints. HTTPS and TLS 1.3 is now enabled by default on Windows Server 2022, protecting the data of clients connecting to the server. It eliminates obsolete cryptographic algorithms, enhances security over older versions, and aims to encrypt as much of the handshake as possible. Learn more about supported TLS versions and about supported cipher suites.

Although TLS 1.3 in the protocol layer is now enabled by default, applications and services also need to actively support it. The Microsoft Security blog has more detail in the post Taking Transport Layer Security (TLS) to the next level with TLS 1.3.

Secure DNS: Encrypted DNS name resolution requests with DNS-over-HTTPS

DNS Client in Windows Server 2022 now supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) which encrypts DNS queries using the HTTPS protocol. DoH helps keep your traffic as private as possible by preventing eavesdropping and your DNS data being manipulated. Learn more about configuring the DNS client to use DoH.

Server Message Block (SMB): SMB AES-256 encryption for the most security conscious

Windows Server now supports AES-256-GCM and AES-256-CCM cryptographic suites for SMB encryption. Windows will automatically negotiate more advanced cipher method when connecting to another computer that also supports it, and it can also be mandated through Group Policy. Windows Server still supports AES-128 for down-level compatibility. AES-128-GMAC signing now also accelerates signing performance.

SMB: East-West SMB encryption controls for internal cluster communications

Windows Server failover clusters now support granular control of encrypting and signing intra-node storage communications for Cluster Shared Volumes (CSV) and the storage bus layer (SBL). When using Storage Spaces Direct, you can now decide to encrypt or sign east-west communications within the cluster itself for higher security.

SMB Direct and RDMA encryption

SMB Direct and RDMA supply high bandwidth, low latency networking fabric for workloads like Storage Spaces Direct, Storage Replica, Hyper-V, Scale-out File Server, and SQL Server. SMB Direct in Windows Server 2022 now supports encryption. Previously, enabling SMB encryption disabled direct data placement; this was intentional, but seriously impacted performance. Now data is encrypted before data placement, leading to far less performance degradation while adding AES-128 and AES-256 protected packet privacy.

More information on SMB encryption, signing acceleration, secure RDMA, and cluster support can be found at SMB security enhancements.

Azure hybrid capabilities

You can increase your efficiency and agility with built-in hybrid capabilities in Windows Server 2022 that allow you to extend your data centers to Azure more easily than ever before.

Azure Arc enabled Windows Servers

Azure Arc enabled servers with Windows Server 2022 brings on-premises and multicloud Windows Servers to Azure with Azure Arc. This management experience is designed to be consistent with how you manage native Azure virtual machines. When a hybrid machine is connected to Azure, it becomes a connected machine and is treated as a resource in Azure. More information can be found at the Azure Arc enables servers documentation.

Windows Admin Center

Improvements to Windows Admin Center to manage Windows Server 2022 include capabilities to both report on the current state of the Secured-core features mentioned above, and where applicable, allow customers to enable the features. More information on these and many more improvements to Windows Admin Center can be found at the Windows Admin Center documentation.

Application platform

There are several platform improvements for Windows Containers, including application compatibility and the Windows Container experience with Kubernetes.

Some of the new features are:

  • Reduced Windows Container image size by up to 40%, which leads to a 30% faster startup time and better performance.
  • Applications can now use Azure Active Directory with group Managed Services Accounts (gMSA) without domain joining the container host. Windows Containers now also support Microsoft Distributed Transaction Control (MSDTC) and Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ).
  • Simple buses can now be assigned to process-isolated Windows Server containers. Applications running in containers that need to talk over SPI, I2C, GPIO, and UART/COM are now able to do so.
  • We’ve enabled support for hardware acceleration of DirectX APIs in Windows containers to support scenarios such as Machine Learning (ML) inference using local graphical processing unit (GPU) hardware. For more information, see the Bringing GPU acceleration to Windows containers blog post.
  • There are several other enhancements that simplify the Windows Container experience with Kubernetes. These enhancements include support for host-process containers for node configuration, IPv6, and consistent network policy implementation with Calico.
  • Windows Admin Center has been updated to make it easy to containerize .NET applications. Once the application is in a container, you can host it on Azure Container Registry to then deploy it to other Azure services, including Azure Kubernetes Service.
  • With support for Intel Ice Lake processors, Windows Server 2022 supports business-critical and large-scale applications that require up to 48 TB of memory and 2,048 logical cores running on 64 physical sockets. Confidential computing with Intel Secured Guard Extension (SGX) on Intel Ice Lake improves application security by isolating applications from each other with protected memory.

To learn more about the new features, see What’s new for Windows containers in Windows Server 2022.

Other key features

Task Scheduler and Hyper-V Manager for Server Core installations

We added two management tools to the App Compatibility Feature on Demand feature package in this version, Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc) and Hyper-V Manager (virtmgmt.msc). For more information, see Server Core App Compatibility Feature on Demand (FOD).

Nested virtualization for AMD processors

Nested virtualization is a feature that allows you to run Hyper-V inside of a Hyper-V virtual machine (VM). Windows Server 2022 brings support for nested virtualization using AMD processors, giving more choices of hardware for your environments. More information can be found at the nested virtualization documentation.

Microsoft Edge browser

Microsoft Edge is included with Windows Server 2022, replacing Internet Explorer. It’s built on Chromium open source and backed by Microsoft security and innovation. It can be used with the Server with Desktop Experience installation options. More information can be found at the Microsoft Edge Enterprise documentation. Microsoft Edge, unlike the rest of Windows Server, follows the Modern Lifecycle for its support lifecycle. For details, see Microsoft Edge lifecycle documentation.

Networking performance

UDP performance improvements

UDP is becoming a popular protocol carrying more network traffic due to the increasing popularity of RTP and custom (UDP) streaming and gaming protocols. The QUIC protocol, built on top of UDP, brings the performance of UDP to a level on par with TCP. Significantly, Windows Server 2022 includes UDP Segmentation Offload (USO). USO moves most of the work required to send UDP packets from the CPU to the network adapter’s specialized hardware. Complimenting USO is UDP Receive Side Coalescing (UDP RSC), which coalesces packets and reduces CPU usage for UDP processing. In addition, we have also made hundreds of improvements to the UDP data path both transmit and receive. Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 both have this new capability.

TCP performance improvements

Windows Server 2022 uses TCP HyStart++ to reduce packet loss during connection start-up (especially in high-speed networks) and RACK to reduce Retransmit TimeOuts (RTO). These features are enabled in the transport stack by default and provide a smoother network data flow with better performance at high speeds. Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 both have this new capability.

Hyper-V virtual switch improvements

Virtual switches in Hyper-V have been enhanced with updated Receive Segment Coalescing (RSC). RSC allows the hypervisor network to coalesce packets and process as one larger segment. CPU cycles are reduced and segments will remain coalesced across the entire data path until processed by the intended application. RSC results in improved performance for both network traffic from an external host, received by a virtual NIC, and from a virtual NIC to another virtual NIC on the same host.

System Insights disk anomaly detection

System Insights has another capability via Windows Admin Center, disk anomaly detection.

Disk anomaly detection is a new capability that highlights when disks are behaving differently than usual. While different isn’t necessarily a bad thing, seeing these anomalous moments can be helpful when troubleshooting issues on your systems. This capability is also available for servers running Windows Server 2019.

Windows Update rollback improvements

Servers can now automatically recover from startup failures by removing updates if the startup failure was introduced after the installation of recent driver or quality Windows Updates. When a device is unable to start up properly after the recent installation of quality of driver updates, Windows will now automatically uninstall the updates to get the device back up and running normally.

This functionality requires the server to be using the Server Core installation option option with a Windows Recovery Environment partition.

Storage

Storage Migration Service

Enhancements to Storage Migration Service in Windows Server 2022 makes it easier to migrate storage to Windows Server or to Azure from more source locations. Here are the features that are available when running the Storage Migration Server orchestrator on Windows Server 2022:

  • Migrate local users and groups to the new server.
  • Migrate storage from failover clusters, migrate to failover clusters, and migrate between standalone servers and failover clusters.
  • Migrate storage from a Linux server that uses Samba.
  • More easily synchronize migrated shares into Azure by using Azure File Sync.
  • Migrate to new networks such as Azure.
  • Migrate NetApp CIFS servers from NetApp FAS arrays to Windows servers and clusters.

Adjustable storage repair speed

User adjustable storage repair speed is a new feature in Storage Spaces Direct that offers more control over the data resync process. Adjustable storage repair speed enables you to allocate resources to either repair data copies (resiliency) or to run active workloads (performance). Controlling the repair speed helps improve availability and allows you to service your clusters more flexibly and efficiently.

Faster repair and resynchronization

Storage repair and resynchronization after events such as node reboots and disk failures are now twice as fast. Repairs have less variance in time taken so you can be more sure of how long the repairs will take, which has been achieved through adding more granularity to data tracking. Repairs now only move the data that needs to be moved, reducing the system resources used and time taken.

Storage bus cache with Storage Spaces on standalone servers

Storage bus cache is now available for standalone servers. It can significantly improve read and write performance, while maintaining storage efficiency and keeping the operational costs low. Similar to its implementation for Storage Spaces Direct, this feature binds together faster media (for example, NVMe or SSD) with slower media (for example, HDD) to create tiers. A portion of the faster media tier is reserved for the cache. To learn more, see Enable storage bus cache with Storage Spaces on standalone servers.

ReFS file-level snapshots

Microsoft’s Resilient File System (ReFS) now includes the ability to snapshot files using a quick metadata operation. Snapshots are different than ReFS block cloning in that clones are writable, whereas snapshots are read-only. This functionality is especially useful in virtual machine backup scenarios with VHD/VHDX files. ReFS snapshots are unique in that they take a constant time irrespective of file size. Support for snapshots is available in ReFSUtil or as an API.

SMB compression

Enhancement to SMB in Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 allows a user or application to compress files as they transfer over the network. Users no longer have to manually zip files in order to transfer much faster on slower or more congested networks. For details, see SMB Compression.

]]> https://mxdigit.com/whats-new-in-windows-server-2022/feed/ 0 New features in Windows 11 https://mxdigit.com/new-features-in-windows-11/ https://mxdigit.com/new-features-in-windows-11/#respond Wed, 23 Dec 2020 10:40:05 +0000 https://mxdigit.co.uk/?p=2217

What’s new in Windows 11

Windows 11 is the next client operating system, and includes features that organizations should know. Windows 11 is built on the same foundation as Windows 10. If you use Windows 10, then Windows 11 is a natural transition. It’s an update to what you know, and what you’re familiar with.

It offers innovations focused on enhancing end-user productivity, and is designed to support today’s hybrid work environment.

Your investments in update and device management are carried forward. For example, many of the same apps and tools can be used in Windows 11. Many of the same security settings and policies can be applied to Windows 11 devices, including PCs. You can use Windows Autopilot with a zero touch deployment to enroll your Windows devices in Microsoft Intune. You can also use newer features, such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 on your Windows 11 devices.

This article lists what’s new, and some of the features & improvements. For more information on what’s new for OEMs, see What’s new in manufacturing, customization, and design.

Security and scanning

The security and privacy features in Windows 11 are similar to Windows 10. Security for your devices starts with the hardware, and includes OS security, application security, and user & identity security. There are features available in the Windows OS to help in these areas. This section describes some of these features. For a more comprehensive view, including zero trust, see Windows security.

  • The Windows Security app is built into the OS. This app is an easy-to-use interface, and combines commonly used security features. For example, your get access to virus & threat protection, firewall & network protection, account protection, and more.

    For more information, see the Windows Security app.

  • Security baselines includes security settings that already configured, and ready to be deployed to your devices. If you don’t know where to start, or it’s too time consuming to go through all the settings, then you should look at Security Baselines.

    For more information, see Windows security baselines.

  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows, and helps protect devices using next-generation security. When used with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, your organization gets strong endpoint protection, and advanced endpoint protection & response. If you use Intune to manage devices, then you can create policies based on threat levels in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

    For more information, see:

  • The Application Security features help prevent unwanted or malicious code from running, isolate untrusted websites & untrusted Office files, protect against phishing or malware websites, and more.

    For more information, see Windows application security.

  • Windows Hello for Business helps protect users and identities. It replaces passwords, and uses a PIN or biometric that stays locally on the device. Device manufacturers are including more secure hardware features, such as IR cameras and TPM chips. These features are used with Windows Hello for Business to help protect user identities on your organization devices.

    As an admin, going passwordless help secures user identities. The Windows OS, Azure AD, and Intune work together to remove passwords, create more secure policies, and help enforce compliance.

    For more information, see:

For more information on the security features you can configure, manage, and enforce using Intune, see Protect data and devices with Microsoft Intune.

Easier access to new services, and services you already use

Customize the desktop experience

  • Snap Layouts, Snap Groups: When you open an app, hover your mouse over the minimize/maximize option. When you do, you can select a different layout for the app:

    In Windows 11, use the minimize or maximize button on an app to see the available snap layouts.

    This feature allows users to customize the sizes of apps on their desktop. And, when you add other apps to the layout, the snapped layout stays in place.

    When you add your apps in a Snap Layout, that layout is saved in a Snap Group. In the taskbar, when you hover over an app in an existing snap layout, it shows all the apps in that layout. This feature is the Snap Group. You can select the group, and the apps are opened in the same layout. As you add more Snap Groups, you can switch between them just by selecting the Snap Group.

    Users can manage some snap features using the Settings app > System > Multitasking. For more information on the end-user experience, see Snap your windows.

    You can also add Snap Layouts to apps your organization creates. For more information, see Support snap layouts for desktop apps on Windows 11.

    Starting in Windows 11, version 22H2, you can also activate snap layouts by dragging a window to the top of the screen. The feature is available for both mouse and touch.

    In Windows 11, version 22H2, activate snap layouts by dragging a window to the top of the screen.

    For more information on the end-user experience, see Snap your windows.

  • Start menu: The Start menu includes some apps that are pinned by default. You can customize the Start menu layout by pinning (and unpinning) the apps you want. For example, you can pin commonly used apps in your organization, such as Outlook, Microsoft Teams, apps your organization creates, and more.

    Using policy, you can deploy your customized Start menu layout to devices in your organization. For more information, see Customize the Start menu layout on Windows 11.

    Users can manage some Start menu features using the Settings app > Personalization. For more information on the end-user experience, see See what’s on the Start menu.

  • Taskbar: You can also pin (and unpin) apps on the Taskbar. For example, you can pin commonly used apps in your organization, such as Outlook, Microsoft Teams, apps your organization creates, and more.

    Using policy, you can deploy your customized Taskbar to devices in your organization. For more information, see Customize the Taskbar on Windows 11.

    Users can manage some Taskbar features using the Settings app > Personalization. For more information on the end-user experience, see:

  • Widgets: Widgets are available on the Taskbar. It includes a personalized feed that could be weather, calendar, stock prices, news, and more:

    On the Windows 11 taskbar, select the widgets icon to open and see the available widgets.

    You can enable/disable this feature using the Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\widgets Group Policy. You can also deploy a customized Taskbar to devices in your organization. For more information, see Customize the Taskbar on Windows 11.

    For information on the end-user experience, see Stay up to date with widgets.

  • Virtual desktops: On the Taskbar, you can select the Desktops icon to create a new desktop:

    On the Windows 11 taskbar, select the desktop icon to create many virtual desktops.

    Use the desktop to open different apps depending on what you’re doing. For example, you can create a Travel desktop that includes web sites and apps that are focused on travel.

    Using policy, you can deploy a customized Taskbar to devices in your organization. For more information, see Customize the Taskbar on Windows 11.

    Users can manage some desktop features using Settings app > System > Multitasking. For more information on the end-user experience, see Multiple desktops in Windows.

Use your same apps, and new apps, improved

  • Starting with Windows 11, users in the Windows Insider program can download and install Android™ apps from the Microsoft Store. This feature is called the Windows Subsystem for Android, and allows users to use Android apps on their Windows devices, similar to other apps installed from the Microsoft Store.

    Users open the Microsoft Store, install the Amazon Appstore app, and sign in with their Amazon account. When they sign in, they can search, download, and install Android apps.

    For more information, see:

  • Your Windows 10 apps will also work on Windows 11. App Assure is also available if there are some issues.

    You can continue to use MSIX packages for your UWP, Win32, WPF, and WinForm desktop application files. Continue to use Windows Package Manager to install Windows apps. You can create Azure virtual desktops that run Windows 11. Use Azure Virtual desktop with MSIX app attach to virtualize desktops and apps. For more information on these features, see Overview of apps on Windows client devices.

    In the Settings app > Apps, users can manage some of the app settings. For example, they can get apps anywhere, but let the user know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store. They can also choose which apps start when they sign in.

    Using an MDM provider, like Intune, you can create policies that also manage some app settings. For a list of settings, see App Store in Intune.

  • If you manage devices using Intune, then you might be familiar with the Company Portal app. Starting with Windows 11, the Company Portal is your private app repository for your organization apps. For more information, see Private app repository in Windows 11.

    For public and retail apps, continue using the Microsoft Store.

  • Windows Terminal app: This app is included with the OS. On previous Windows versions, it’s a separate download in the Microsoft Store. For more information, see What is Windows Terminal?.

    This app combines Windows PowerShell, a command prompt, and Azure Cloud Shell all within the same terminal window. You don’t need to open separate apps to use these command-line applications. It has tabs. And when you open a new tab, you can choose your command-line application:

    On Windows 11, open the Windows Terminal app to use Windows PowerShell, the command prompt, or Azure Cloud Shell to run commands.

    If users or groups in your organization do a lot with Windows PowerShell or the command prompt, then use policy to add the Windows Terminal app to the Start menu layout or the Taskbar.

    Users can also search for the Terminal app, right-select the app, and pin the app to the Start menu and taskbar.

  • The Microsoft Store has a new look, and includes more public and retail apps. For more information on the end-user experience, see:

  • The Microsoft Edge browser is included with the OS, and is the default browser. Internet Explorer (IE) isn’t available in Windows 11. In Microsoft Edge, you can use IE Mode if a website needs Internet Explorer. Open Microsoft Edge, and enter edge://settings/defaultBrowser in the URL.

    To save system resources, Microsoft Edge uses sleeping tabs. Users can configure these settings, and more, in edge://settings/system.

    Using Group Policy or an MDM provider, such as Intune, you can configure some Microsoft Edge settings. For more information, see Microsoft Edge – Policies and Configure Microsoft Edge policy settings.

Deployment and servicing

  • Install Windows 11: The same methods you use to install Windows 10 can also be used to install Windows 11. For example, you can deploy Windows to your devices using Windows Autopilot, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), Configuration Manager, and more. Windows 11 will be delivered as an upgrade to eligible devices running Windows 10.

    For more information on getting started, see Windows client deployment resources and documentation and Plan for Windows 11.

    For more information on the end-user experience, see Ways to install Windows 11.

  • Windows Autopilot: If you’re purchasing new devices, you can use Windows Autopilot to set up and pre-configure the devices. When users get the device, they sign in with their organization account (user@contoso.com). In the background, Autopilot gets them ready for use, and deploys any apps or policies you set. You can also use Windows Autopilot to reset, repurpose, and recover devices. Autopilot offers zero touch deployment for admins.

    If you have a global or remote workforce, then Autopilot might be the right option to install the OS, and get it ready for use. For more information, see Overview of Windows Autopilot.

  • Microsoft Intune is a mobile application management (MAM) and mobile device management (MDM) provider. It helps manage devices, and manage apps on devices in your organization. You configure policies, and then deploy these policies to users and groups. You can create and deploy policies that install apps, configure device features, enforce PIN requirements, block compromised devices, and more.

    If you use Group Policy to manage your Windows 10 devices, then you can also use Group Policy to manage Windows 11 devices. In Intune, there are administrative templates and the settings catalog that include many of the same policies. Group Policy analytics analyze your on-premises group policy objects.

  • Windows Updates and Delivery optimization helps manage updates, and manage features on your devices. Starting with Windows 11, the OS feature updates are installed annually. For more information on servicing channels, and what they are, see Servicing channels.

    Like Windows 10, Windows 11 will receive monthly quality updates.

    You have options to install updates on your Windows devices, including Intune, Group Policy, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), and more. For more information, see Assign devices to servicing channels.

    Some updates are large, and use bandwidth. Delivery optimization helps reduce bandwidth consumption. It shares the work of downloading the update packages with multiple devices in your deployment. Windows 11 updates are smaller, as they only pull down source files that are different. You can create policies that configure delivery optimization settings. For example, set the maximum upload and download bandwidth, set caching sizes, and more.

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