Windows

The enterprise-focused feature downloads updates in the background that “become effective immediately upon installation, eliminating the need for a restart.” It’s supposed to pair with Windows Autopatch, a cloud service that automates updates across Windows, Microsoft 365, Edge, and Teams.

Windows Hotpatch is now available in preview to commercial customers.

A new “improved” Windows search will allow you to search for documents, photos, and other files by just describing them — even when you’re not connected to the internet. The new AI search experience will roll out to Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs early next year.

The app launched last month, but was initially was only available for paid users. Now, all users can try it, OpenAI says.

Ayaneo has revealed some specs for its next Windows handheld. The Ayaneo 3 will be available with either a seven-inch LCD or OLED HDR display, and an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 or Ryzen 7 8840U processor. The handheld will introduce an extra set of buttons on the back, plus lock switches to reduce the travel of its triggers for FPS players.

If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 version 24H2, you might have noticed a weird black screen issue when you use Alt-Tab. That’s now been fixed in the latest KB5044384 update that has been issued today. This update also includes the new Gamepad keyboard that lets you type with an Xbox controller.

The Windows build of the Arc browser finally supports Arm64 processors. I’ve gotten so used to Arc that I really felt its absence on the Surface Pro. But no longer! Now all I have to do is reinstall twenty extensions and I’m back in business. (Tab and bookmark syncing work fine; extension sync doesn’t seem to.)

The official Pixel Buds web app is now available for Windows (version 11) and macOS (running Sonoma 14 or newer) allowing more desktop users to manage firmware updates, battery levels, and specific controls like ANC and multipoint connectivity.

Prior to this update, Pixel Buds users needed a Chromebook or Android phone to access advanced features.