Miscellaneous Windows Insider Program Updates

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Corrine

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New updates for Snipping Tool and Phone Link begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Roll out of updates to Snipping Tool to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels to improve the overall capture experience on Windows 11 beginning today. Also, beginning to roll out is an update to Phone Link to all Window Insiders that introduces notification prompting to open capture in Snipping Tool for markup.

Text Actions with Snipping Tool
With this update to Snipping Tool (version 11.2308.33.0), we are introducing Text Actions, which detects text in your captured screenshots, making it easy to copy text from any image to share with others or paste in another app. To get started, click the Text Actions button in the toolbar to show selectable text before selecting and copying text with your mouse. You can also click the Copy all text button in the toolbar or use Ctrl + A and Ctrl + C to select and copy all text using your keyboard.

With Text Actions, you can also redact sensitive information in screenshots before sharing. Select Quick Redact from the toolbar to automatically hide emails and phone numbers or select any text and select Redact Text from the right-click menu to hide the text.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Snipping Tool.

Remote capture with Phone Link
We are also beginning to gradually roll out a new feature for Phone Link (version 1.23082.123.0 or greater on PC) that introduces the ability to effortlessly access and edit your most recent photos from your Android mobile device in Snipping Tool on your PC. Say goodbye to missed opportunities as you’ll receive instant notifications on your PC whenever a new photo is captured on your Android device, provided both devices are connected via Phone Link.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Phone Link.
 
Paint app update adding support for layers and transparency begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Update for the Paint app to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels (version 11.2308.18.0 or higher). This update introduces support for layers and transparency.

You can now add, remove, and manage layers on the canvas to create richer and more complex digital art. With layers, you can stack shapes, text, and other image elements on top of each other. To get started, click on the new Layers button in the toolbar, which will open a panel on the side of the canvas. This is where you can add new layers to the canvas. Try changing the order of layers in this panel to see how the order of stacked image elements on the canvas changes. You can also show or hide and duplicate individual layers or merge layers together.

We are adding support for transparency as well, including the ability to open and save transparent PNGs! When working with a single layer, you will notice a checkerboard pattern on the canvas indicating the portions of the image that are transparent. Erasing any content from the canvas now truly erases the content instead of painting the area white. When working with multiple layers, if you erase content on one layer, you will reveal the content in layers underneath.

When you combine layers, transparency, and other tools in Paint, you can create exciting new images and artwork! For example, when combined with the new background removal feature, you can quickly create interesting layered compositions.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Paint.
 
Paint app update introducing Paint Cocreator begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

The update is going to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels (version 11.2309.20.0 or higher). Introduced With this update is Paint Cocreator, a new AI-powered experience powered by DALL-E that helps you create amazing artwork in Paint by describing in a few words what you'd like to create. You can optionally select an art style, and when you click Create, Paint Cocreator will generate three variations of artwork for you to choose from. Select any of them to add to the canvas to start creating!

We will be rolling out access slowly at first, so when you get the update, you must first join the waitlist by signing in with your Microsoft account and clicking on the new Cocreator button in the toolbar. You will get an email notification when you are in the preview, and we will give you 50 credits to get started. Each credit lets you generate a new set of images.

Microsoft is committed to responsible AI practices. When you use Paint Cocreator, we apply content filtering and have other safeguards in place to prevent the generation of images that may be harmful, offensive, or inappropriate, and we are continuing to optimize how Paint Cocreator works based on real-world usage and feedback. Paint Cocreator is available in preview to users in English in the following regions: United States, France, UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, and Germany. You can learn more about Paint Cocreator here.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Paint.
 
Windows Photos gets background remove and replace, along with other improvements

This update includes more background edit capabilities as well as improvements and fixes. Examples of the edit capabilities are in the blog post. To get these new features, update your Photos app to version number 2023.11110.8002.0 or higher. This update is rolling out to Windows Insiders across all channels.

Background Remove and Replace
In our last update, we launched a new background blur feature. Now we’re introducing the ability to easily remove the background in your photo or replace it with a different color. With a single click, you can remove the background and save the resulting image or copy it to the clipboard.

Another option is to replace the selected background with a solid color. Use the color picker to select the right hue, either by clicking on the palette, entering a hex color code, or setting the RGB values.

Filmstrip
The Filmstrip of thumbnails at the bottom of each photo was designed to enable a quick preview of other photos in the same folder and allow you to easily select multiple photos for comparison and review. Based on your feedback, we have redesigned the Filmstrip experience:
  • By default, Filmstrip is turned off when opening a photo.
  • To turn on Filmstrip, press the “F” key or click on the icon in the bottom left corner.
  • To enable the best viewing experience and improve usability, we have moved Filmstrip below the photo, enlarged the thumbnails, and added a larger scrollbar at the bottom so it’s easier to navigate and select the photo you’re looking for.

Timeline Scrollbar
We have added the Timeline Scrollbar to all folders and made it dynamic based on time range of your photo collection, so you can locate the photo you’re looking for with ease.

Share Individual Photos with OneDrive
We’ve also added the ability to share a photo that is backed up on OneDrive. Simply right click an image and select Share, Using OneDrive. You’ll be able to send the link via email, or copy it to clipboard.

Other fixes and improvements
  • Based on community feedback, we’ve made it easier than ever to print your photos by bringing the Print button to the top command bar when viewing a single image, as well as offering 7:5 aspect ratio in the Resize tool.
  • Various performance and stability updates to improve the Slideshow feature, navigation between tabs, and opening images.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Photos.
 
Spellcheck in Notepad begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Notepad (version 11.2402.18.0)

With this update, Notepad will now highlight misspelled words and provide suggestions so that you can easily identify and correct mistakes. We are also introducing autocorrect which seamlessly fixes common typing mistakes as you type.

Getting started with spellcheck in Notepad is easy as misspelled words are automatically underlined in red. To fix a spelling mistake, click, tap, or use the keyboard shortcut Shift + F10 on the misspelled word to see suggested spellings. Selecting a suggestion immediately updates the word. You can also choose to ignore words in a single document or add them to the dictionary, so they are not flagged as a mistake again. Spellcheck in Notepad supports multiple languages.

This feature is enabled by default for some file types but is off by default in log files and other file types typically associated with coding. You can toggle this setting on or off globally or for certain file types in Notepad app settings or temporarily for the current file in the context menu. We’ve organized the settings page as well to make it easier to find and adjust Notepad app settings.

[We are beginning to roll out spellcheck in Notepad, so it may not be available to all Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels just yet as we plan to monitor feedback and see how it lands before pushing it out to everyone.]

FEEDBACK: Please share your feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Notepad.
 
Windows Photos begins previewing a Windows App SDK version to Windows Insiders

Preview version of the Photos app built with the Windows App SDK (WASDK) beginning to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. This change moves Photos to the latest Windows app development platform, with modern UI and other quality and performance improvements.

All the current Photos app features and functionality is still present in this version. However, given the extensive changes, this version may be a little rough around the edges as we continue to polish the experience. To get this experience, Windows Insiders on Windows 11 in the Canary and Dev channels can update the Photos app to version number 2024.11040.1002.0.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Photos.

To learn more about Windows App SDK, please visit: Build desktop Windows apps with the Windows App SDK – Windows apps | Microsoft Learn.
 
For Canary and Dev Channel: Snipping Tool and Paint updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Snipping Tool (version 11.2404.35.0)
In this update, we’re introducing a few new features including support for emoji and QR code scanning, as well as other improvements.

Emoji are a fun new way to markup your screenshots. To get started, open the Shapes toolbar and find the new Emoji option. Select an emoji and see it drop into the middle of the canvas. You can move or resize it before clicking away and finalizing any changes.

We are also adding the ability to detect QR codes in screenshots so that you can easily follow the link on your PC. You will automatically see QR code detection appear when you enter Text Actions from Snipping Tool’s markup canvas.

Finally, we have made some improvements to shapes based on your feedback and have added the ability to change opacity of shape fill and outline colors. We have also reintroduced the ruler tool in the “See more” dropdown (you can toggle ruler with Ctrl + R keyboard shortcut key as well).

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Snipping Tool.

Paint (version 11.2404.42.0)
Thank you for sharing your creations and for all of your feedback on Paint Cocreator since we introduced it last fall. With this update, Cocreator is becoming Image Creator. Aside from the new name, the feature works the same as before—Image Creator helps you create amazing artwork in Paint by describing in a few words what you’d like to create.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Paint.
 
For Canary and Dev Channel: Snipping Tool and Paint updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

UPDATED 5/16: We've begun rolling out visual search in Snipping Tool. See updated text below.

Snipping Tool (version 11.2404.35.0) version 11.2404.39.0

[ADDED 5/16] We're adding visual search into Snipping Tool (with version 11.2404.39.0). With visual search, you can quickly find similar images and objects in your screenshot with Bing. You can try this by right-clicking on a screenshot and selecting "Visual Search with Bing". This action is also available in the "See more" menu in the toolbar.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Snipping Tool.
 
Viewer and Import Enhancements for Microsoft Photos on Windows 11

Changes to the Viewer and Media Import features to photos for Windows 11 Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels

Viewer & Import Enhancements
In this update, the Photos Viewer has been upgraded with a variety of new enhancements that will make your photo viewing more enjoyable and convenient.
  • Easy Access to Key Photos Actions: Important actions such as "Start slideshow" and "Share" are now right on the main viewing screen instead of hidden inside the overflow menu.
  • Dedicated section for Microsoft apps: We have grouped all the Microsoft apps shortcuts together so you can quickly and easily navigate to the full photo gallery from the viewer, open in Clipchamp or open in OneDrive.

Dynamic Zoom Slider: Rather than being limited to only pre-set image sizes, we've introduced a slider that lets you view your images anywhere from 10% to 800% of their original size. Effortlessly achieve your desired image size with our easy-to-use draggable slider, enabling precise adjustments for a better photo viewing experience.

Photo Metadata Information: The size and dimensions of your photos are now visibly displayed at the screen's lower edge, fulfilling a feature many users have asked for.

Device Import Options: We've introduced a new feature that lets you choose and manage when to begin transferring photos and videos from local devices at your convenience.

Viewer Performance: This release also comes with our new multi-process performance lifts that improve viewer load time by 2.1 times.

To get the latest Photos experience, update your app to version 2024.11060.20004.0 or higher. This update is currently rolling out, so it may not be available right away. We appreciate your comments and suggestions, so please share your feedback with us!

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Photos.
 
Microsoft Photos introduces even more AI editing capabilities with Microsoft Designer

Microsoft Photos is introducing an even closer integration with Microsoft Designer, so you can stay in the flow, using AI to edit photos, all within the Photos app. This update is available on Windows 11 and starting to roll out across all Insider Channels today.

Microsoft Photos integrates AI editing with Designer

The Photos app is offering a new way to edit and customize your images with Designer and the power of AI. We have improved the user experience – from loading a separate webpage to now offering a fully integrated Designer image editing experience that lets you easily edit photos like an expert – all without leaving the Photos app and with no design skills required.

Clicking on the “Edit with Designer” button now opens your photo in Designer, directly in the Photos app, to help you refine and reimagine your photos without leaving your flow.

AI will intelligently detect the objects in your image, allowing you to personalize it with ease. Erase objects from your shot, create beautiful portrait photos with background blur, add creative flair with color pop, enhance the visual impact of your image with auto crop, or try out the new text and markup features to bring your creative ideas to life. You will also have access to the editing features you know and expect like filters, adjustments and more.

This feature is currently limited to users with Windows display language set to English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, or Portuguese (Brazil), and available in most countries. Sign in with a free personal Microsoft account to try Designer’s AI features and automatically save your edits so you can continue at a later time.

To get the latest Photos experience, update your app to version number 2024.11070.12001.0 or higher. We appreciate your comments and suggestions, so please share your feedback with us!

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Photos.
 
Microsoft Store Update

Windows Insiders across all Insider Channels running version 22406.xxxx.x of the Microsoft Store and higher will see the following improvement rolling out:

Store Search suggestions: When you're searching for content in the Store Search box, a new flyout at the bottom of the search display suggests content you may be interested in. Check it out by navigating to the Search box!

Browsing games per category: From the Gaming page, you can now navigate easily and quickly through different game categories such as strategy, role-playing, shooter, sport, puzzle, and simulation. We are trying this out in the US, UK and CA.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.
 
Microsoft Store August 2024 update rolling out to Windows Insiders

The August 2024 Microsoft Store update is beginning to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels. The update will be available for Windows 11 devices (version 22407.xxxx.x and higher).

An updated library experience
In this update, we are introducing changes to the library page. First, we have improved the default filters to show all the products you own, not just products that are installed (you can still toggle this filter if you wish). Next, we’ve added a search bar that will help you find the name or the publisher of products you’re looking for. Combined with the first change, this new experience is powerful: you can easily find any app and game you’ve ever acquired with your Microsoft account.

A new page for updates and downloads
We are also moving the list of updates and downloads from the top section of the library to its own dedicated page. This new page displays your list of active downloads or pending updates, and it shows the list of recent installs or updates. Version notes will also be displayed for a pending update or active download.

To all Microsoft Store developers, we invite you to update the “What’s new” section of your app or game submissions with up-to-date information. Those version notes will appear here for your customers to see.

Limited time events
We are experimenting with a new section on the Games page in some regions that will showcase select partners with in-app events. We have partnered with game publishers to highlight real events that will be occurring during the test period.

The updated Microsoft Store badge is here!
We’ve refreshed the design of the Microsoft Store badge with a more refined call-to-action to give users more confidence to acquire your app.

These changes are live on the badge creator page, as well as on any website that currently uses the Microsoft Store badge. For developers that have already been using these externally, you’ll automatically get the new badge. If you haven’t been using them, now’s a great time to get one for your app and increase reach.

To learn more about the new badge, including creating one and best practices, head over to our Microsoft Learn page.

[These features are beginning to roll out, so they may not be available to all Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels just yet as we plan to monitor feedback and see how it lands before pushing them out to everyone.]

Please try out these changes and let us know what you think. Our team is always listening for feedback!

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.
 
Microsoft Store October 2024 update rolling out to Windows Insiders

The October 2024 Microsoft Store update is beginning to roll out to all Windows Insiders.

A new product page experience

We're introducing a new feature for product pages that adds an immersive experience to the top of the page. For apps and games that provide a trailer, you'll be able to enjoy it as you navigate to their various pages. Meanwhile, products without trailers will use beautiful hero images provided by the developers. There's also an option in the Store settings page to toggle video autoplay on or off.

The new product page experience will be rolling out starting with version 22409 or higher of the Microsoft Store, and it will be available in both light and dark modes. It will also start rolling out to non-Insiders soon.

For developers, we invite all of you to update your Microsoft Store app listing with immersive trailers or hero images.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.
 
Microsoft Photos update with super resolution begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Releasing a preview of super resolution for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, along with OCR support and other productivity-focused improvements to the Photos app. This update is now available to Windows Insiders on Windows 11 across all Insider Channels.

Introducing super resolution on Copilot+ PC

This update brings a preview of super resolution to Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs*. Super resolution uses AI to enhance and enlarge images up to 8x the original image size. Super resolution is perfect for improving low-quality photos, preparing photos for large prints or displays, and tight cropping without giving up image resolution to zero into the content you want to focus on.

Super resolution leverages the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on the Copilot+ PC to deliver enhancements quickly and efficiently, all done locally on your PC. You can access super resolution from the Photos Editor to enhance your images within seconds.

OCR Support in the Photos app for all Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs

We understand the importance of easily accessing and managing the information captured in your photos. To support this, we are introducing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in the Photos app to improve productivity and make managing information in your images easier. With OCR, the app detects text in your photos, allowing you to copy it directly to your clipboard—whether it’s from pictures of documents, notes, or screenshots. Once text is detected, you can copy specific sections and paste them into other apps. OCR supports over 160 languages and can be accessed via the OCR icon at the bottom of the image when text is identified.

Other fixes and improvements

  • In response to user feedback, we are launching single-click support in the Gallery. With this update, you can now open individual images with a single click to make navigation more efficient. If double clicking is your preference, it will still work the same as before.
  • Enhancements to the Zoom feature now include large images automatically resizing to fit within the Viewer window and improved synchronization between the zoom slider and the zoom selection display.
  • We implemented bug fixes for the Image creator and Restyle image features on Copilot+ PCs to improve overall quality.
To get these new features, update your app to version 2024.11100.17007.0 or higher via the Microsoft Store. This update is currently rolling out, so it may not be available right away. As always, we love getting your feedback so please share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (Win + F) under Apps > Photos.
 
New AI experiences for Paint and Notepad begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

UPDATED 11/14: The Paint and Notepad updates are beginning to rollout to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview Channels. Please note, however, that generative fill in Paint is ONLY available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs on Windows 11, version 24H2 and higher so this feature will not be available in this Paint update in the Beta Channel.
 
Microsoft Store Update

For Win32 apps that are "provided and updated" by their publishers, the Microsoft Store will now support updating directly in the Store. Previously, these apps could only be updated outside of the Microsoft Store. Insiders can head to the Downloads page and click Get Updates. If any installed apps of this type have updates, it'll be displayed on the pending list. You can perform the update by clicking the update button; it won't start automatically.

You can also head to the product page and see an update button.

Windows Insiders across all channels running Microsoft Store version 22411.1401.x.x and higher will see this improvement.

Click here to read more about recent updates to the Microsoft Store!

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.
 

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