Microsoft is ending support for Cortana in Windows. In a support page spotted by XDA Developers and Windows Central, the company says it will “no longer support Cortana in Windows as a standalone app” starting later this year.
Those two protocols will be disabled in all future Windows operating systems releases by default. Microsoft will start the disablement first with its Windows 11 preview builds getting released sometime in September.
Microsoft accidentally leaks internal tool that can enable hidden Windows 11 features
или по русски :)
Утечка в Microsoft: В сети доступен внутренний инструмент StagingTool для активации скрытых функций Windows 11
Microsoft announces the end of servicing for third-party printer drivers on Windows
Microsoft has published a new document detailing the end of servicing of third-party printer drivers on Windows. The idea is to stop providing manufacturer-made drivers via Windows Update in favor of the Microsoft IPP Class Driver and Mopria-compliant print devices (native support introduced with Windows 10 version 21H2).
Microsoft will soon end support for Windows Server 2012 and offers advice for admins
Microsoft is ending support for Windows Server 2012 on October 10, 2023.
Recommended next steps include transitioning to Windows Server 2022 or purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows Server 2012.
ESUs include three additional years of security updates, renewable annually until October 13, 2026.
Admins that transition their databases and applications to Azure Virtual Machines will access free ESUs for three years after the end of the support date.
Microsoft kills loophole that let Windows 7 keys activate Windows 11 and 10
You can no longer activate Windows 11 and 10 with older Windows keys.
What you need to know
Microsoft is closing the loophole that allowed older Windows product keys to activate Windows 10 and Windows 11.
This loophole has existed since Windows 10 first launched as a "free" upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users.
That free upgrade was supposed only last a year, but remained open and worked with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 until now.
Windows 10 keys will continue to work on Windows 11.