Microsoft has started the public testing stage of this Office 2019 productivity suite, with commercial customers now allowed to try out the upcoming version ahead of everyone else.

The so-called Office 2019 Commercial Preview is available now and it includes early versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, Project, Visio, and Onenote (for Windows 10).

All these improvements will be included in Office 2019, but will also be made available to Office 365 subscribers as well.

Microsoft says this is actually just the first phase of its preview program, with Office 2019 for Mac, Exchange 2019, SharePoint 2019, Project Server 2019, and Skype for Business 2019, to also get testing versions for businesses within your coming months.
"Particularly aimed at businesses"

Office 2019 will exclusively support Windows 10 and will offer the Microsoft Store version of Onenote instead among the desktop sibling. Onenote for Windows 10, however, won't be forced on users, but it actually is the recommended choice for new customers.

Office 2019 for Mac, however, will continue to come with an improved version of these existing Onenote package, but for Windows, only Windows 10 users will be allowed to install the productivity suite.

With this new release, Microsoft is also improving Click-to-Run (C2R) with more features to deployment across organizations.

"With Office 2019, we're moving the perpetual versions of Office to C2R exclusively so IT can take advantage of modern deployment technology to reduce costs and improve security. The advantages of C2R include predictable monthly security updates, up-to-date apps on installation, reduced network consumption through Windows 10 download optimization technology, and an easy upgrade path to Office 365 ProPlus," Jared Spataro, General Manager for Office, says.

"C2R offers the same enterprise-focused management capabilities as MSI-based products and will also support an in-place upgrade when you move to Microsoft Office 2019 from older MSI-based products."

IT pros who yearn to try out the new Office 2019 Commercial Preview be required to sign up using this link.

Had you been can Microsoft show it's done with Windows Phone? The long, drawn-out death of Microsoft's phone platform still isn't over.

Late final week, Microsoft quietly acknowledged it will drop support in the Windows Phone apps for Teams, Yammer and Skype for Business. This fact isn't surprising to payment been watching what's been location with Windows Phone within the past few years, nevertheless, the suddenness of Microsoft's declaration may catch some abruptly. (And dependant upon tweets and emails I am getting, it did.)

By May 20, 2018, Microsoft do not make these apps around for download using the Microsoft Store and should no longer support them.

The Skype for Business and Yammer apps "may continue to keep work, but i cannot provide any guarantees," said officials in a very Microsoft support article. "These apps don't receive updates or support."

On the other hand, the Microsoft Teams app for Windows Phone "will not work, and users will receive an error message whenever they try to connect," this post said.

Microsoft continues to support the Skype for Business mobile apps for iOS and Android, besides the versions for desktop Windows and Mac. Microsoft's guidance for Windows Phone users should be to access Skype for Business, Teams and Yammer via their visitor.

In related news, Microsoft also noted yesterday morning that it will be removing quite a lot of Yammer features in May 2018. The provider is getting eliminate Yammer's native org chart feature; its recent activity module around the home page; and so the Yammer desktop notifier applicaiton.

Microsoft is advising Yammer users who thought i'd continue to profit from these features to watch alternatives that are built into Office 365.

Microsoft took the wraps off its Windows AutoPilot service for the installation of, resetting and recovering devices last summer. Right now, Lenovo provided an update on its implementation plans for Windows AutoPilot.

At its Ignite conference in September, Microsoft officials declared starting in January 2018, Lenovo and HP would begin offering customers Windows AutoPilot.

In a April 17 blog post, Lenovo officials said they're now testing Windows AutoPilot with select early-adopter customers. General availability because of the large enterprise users can happen "in the coming months," i was told that.

Lenovo is directly integrating with Windows AutoPilot to get users to enroll Lenovo PCs inside their Azure Active Directory tenants before they receive their PCs. When users sign proper customized out-of-box founded experience, the provisioning and security policies will undoubtedly be delivered automatically. Customers will even have the option of combining Windows AutoPilot with Windows 10 preloaded images, and also with customer-designated applications and cloud-storage capabilities already integrated, your web page post said.

As originally announced by Microsoft, the Windows AutoPilot Deployment Program is perfect OEMs, distributors, and resellers. It allows them to provide users with "business-ready" devices by linking Windows 10 PCs for organization, existing Azure Active Directory, and Intune mobile-device management services and preloading it with Office 365 ProPlus apps.

I've not seen/heard anything regarding where HP reaches in its planned AutoPilot deployment. During 2009, Microsoft made AutoPilot possible for its Surface devices.

Microsoft documentation for Windows Autopilot is on a Microsoft Docs site.

When Microsoft releases Office 2019 later this present year, it will be killing off of the desktop version of Onenote. At the moment there are certainly desktop and UWP (Universal Windows Platform) versions available, but soon Microsoft is offer Onenote for Windows 10.

With regards to killing faraway from Onenote 2016 coincides while using launch of Office 2019, Onenote for Windows 10 might become the "default Onenote experience" for Office 365 users. But considering that desktop form of the app posesses a dedicated userbase, it'll continue to be supported for many people years.

Microsoft claims that Onenote 2016 will continue to acquire bug fixes until October 2020, and they will get security patches until October 2025. The latest features, however, are going to be reserved for Onenote for Windows 10. Writing with a Office 365 blog, Microsoft's William Devereux explains: "Beginning when using the launch of Office 2019 later in 2012, Onenote for Windows 10 will replace Onenote 2016 given that the default Onenote experience either way Office 365 and Office 2019."

People that use two different versions of Onenote usually make their their particular alternative for a variety of reasons, however, the selection of available features is good for list. As there is a lot of crossover in features within the desktop and UWP versions, you will still find a few differences, and that is something Microsoft aims to address, promising many new inclusions in Onenote for Windows 10. This agency says these particular will be added september:

Insert and search for tags: Onenote 2016's popular tags feature is due Onenote for Windows 10! Soon you will insert, create, appear for custom tags, tends to make easy to mark key information and look for it later. Tags you create will roam along with to across your devices, and Onenote might also show you tags folks have used in an exceedingly shared notebook that means you don't have to recreate them yourself. The brand tags experience was built based on your feedback, it's going to be available later this summer season.
View and edit files: See live previews of Office files in Onenote, band together on attached documents, and save space on the notebooks with cloud files. You'll get the entire benefits of saving information on OneDrive while using context and convenience of an attachment or preview on just the Onenote page.
Additional Class Notebook features: The whole slate of sophistication Notebook features for the add-on for Onenote 2016 will likely be available in Onenote for Windows 10 august. Best of all, you lack to install various add-in -- it's all built-in!

Microsoft also claims that synchronization and overall consumer experience are in line for improvements.

Along with the release of Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17134 (Redstone 4) with the Fast Ring, Microsoft has given a little insight into what went wrong with build 17133, that's thought to be the RTM build but was delayed due to a "blocking bug".

The release of Windows 10 Spring Creators Update was expected this month, nevertheless launch date will now be seemingly increasingly inclined to slip into May. Microsoft has stated build 17133 was proving problematic and also company says it wishes to fix problems now, rrnstead of after the fact.

The invention of build 17134 of Windows 10 last month came as both surprising and a disappointment, with those interested in the next big feature update if you know this most likely meant a delay. Announcing provide of 17134 to Windows Insiders about the Fast Ring, Dona Sarkar stated that the last-minute discovery of problems highlighted the significance the Insider program, and thanks participants due to their help.

Dealing with the buggy 17133 build she says:

As Build 17133 progressed through the rings, we discovered some reliability issues we wanted fix. In some instances, these reliability issues might led to a very high percentage of (BSOD) on PCs just like. Instead of establishing a Cumulative Update package to service these issues, we decided to create a new build while using fixes included.

Each of us know much more about the exact nature of the problem, we are seeing a change in approach from Microsoft. As a substitute for rushing to receive the update out and needing to issue a launch day patch -- something which can be immensely problematic on its own -- the company is instead opting to do its time guarantee that the RTM build that does ultimately are conscious of the light of day (whenever that one can) is as roughly perfect as it could reasonably be expected to be.

Microsoft is releasing today the Windows 10 RS5 build 17643 to Skip Ahead Insiders, and the new bits bring some nice improvements to Windows Sets. In response to Microsoft, the tabbed experience should surely enabled for most Win32 apps, for example latest Insider builds of Office 2016.

This latest RS5 build also brings some improvements to Data Usage settings while roaming, and as well new setting to keep your mouse cursor centered in Full-screen mode. Additionally, Microsoft claims that WebDriver, its tool for automating testing to your website in Microsoft Edge happens to be a "Feature at will," with its installation now that are part of Windows.

Ask for the full release notes for Windows 10 preview build 17643 below:

Sets + Office = Awesome

Sets with Office 365 allows you to group, recall, and refresh data sources for the projects. Whether updating your Excel budget each month with share values and payment expenses, incorporating data from multiple reports and websites suitable into a PowerPoint, or managing citations for a book report in Word, Sets with Office 365 helps you get more done, faster.

With today's build - Windows Insiders in which are also Office Insiders can look at Sets with Office. You must be an Office 365 subscriber running recently available version of the Office 365 desktop apps for the Sets experience to smoke a cigarette. If you're not already an Office Insider, you can easlily sign-up here. Additionally, if you're no Office 365 subscriber.

Sets Improvements

Sets is right now enabled for some desktop (Win32) apps that employ a default and non-customized title bar. Apps that customize their title bar do not possess Sets (e.g. Paint.exe).
If you've opened a Microsoft Edge window within Sets, one can drag that tab around contained in the set, and also drop it in another Sets window. Dragging coming from a Sets window using a standalone Microsoft Edge window will not yet work.

NOTE: Some Insiders could see Sets disappear temporarily after installing this build. Sets should return in 1-2 days or upon the reboot with the PC.

Microsoft Edge Improvements

Microsoft WebDriver has grown to become a Feature at the moment: We've made Microsoft WebDriver a function on Demand (FoD) Feature-on-Demand) to become proficient to get the right version to the device. You could install WebDriver by activating Developer Mode, or by looking to Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Manage optional features and inatallation standalone.

This may address strongest pain points we perceive from customers around binary mismatches, as FoD's match the build/branch/flavor automatically. Which means that the standalone download will not be made designed for insiders or future stable versions of Windows, as installation happens to be built into Windows.

Microsoft WebDriver now gets installed to C:\Windows\System32\ and will eventually automatically be on the way for the machine once installed. We're now shipping 64-bit Microsoft WebDriver to x64 machines. Note, theres a known issue for x64 machines building in Visual Studio with Selenium, precisely where default Visual Studio builds 32bit all of which will only look at C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ folder for PATH variables. Be effective around this issue, target and prepare 64bit from Visual Studio. In an exceedingly future build, we decide to publish both 32bit and 64bit binaries with our FoD for 64bit machines, which could address issue.

Data Sense Improvements

Roaming Usage: Does your device get a SIM? We've updated Data Usage Settings tell you how much data you use while roaming! The roaming usage info will look once you start using roaming data. Once again, if you'd prefer enable or disable roaming altogether, you'll discover the option under Cellular Settings.

Magnifier Improvements

Choose restaurants to keep the mouse cursor: We've heard your feedback asking us for the way to keep your mouse focused on the screen in Full-Screen mode, adequate this build, we're to make it happen! This new option under Settings > Training comprehension Access > Magnifier > "Keep your mouse…" > "centered within the screen" enables easier tracking and apply of the mouse, especially helpful at higher magnification levels.

More alternatives increments: You've recently been asking for even more control of your zoom level increments, so we've taken a second to add two new increments to list: 5% and 10%.

We love feedback! Since you may haven't noticed it already, you will find there's new Magnifier node with the Feedback Hub under Simplicity of Access > Magnifier. We're looking towards hearing your emotions about using Magnifier - to go to to open our section within a Feedback Hub.

The Windows 10 RS5 build 17643 also provides you with fixes for missing Fluent Design "Reveal" effects, screen flickering issues and better, but it also has an list of known issues way too. As usual, we invite one report every bug you encounter in such an build while in the Windows 10 Feedback Hub.

Chip maker AMD has released new microcode updates to mitigate the Spectre variant 2 side-channel attack, which Microsoft has supported utilizing Windows 10 patch for AMD systems.

AMD's latest microcode update coincided with Microsoft's April Patch Tuesday fixes and comes just weeks after Intel ended its Spectre 2 mitigations for each CPU families released moscow and rome nine years.

AMD's chief mitigation because chips on Windows impacted by variant 2 CPU indirect branch target injections has the name 'indirect branch prediction barrier', or IBPB, in fact it is only for the purpose of cases when software switches in a user context to somewhat of a context that should be protected.

AMD's whitepaper across the Meltdown and Spectre attacks advises against two other Spectre variant 2 mitigations for Windows and Linux on AMD called Indirect Branch Restricted Speculation (IBRS) and Single Thread Indirect Branch Predictor (STIBP). It usually is . recommending Google's Retpoline in addition to IBPB for Linux.

This context switching restriction cause Windows 10 users are increasingly being urged to lay Microsoft's latest Windows 10 update KB4093112, made up of a supporting update for Windows 10 that limits ARM's IBPB to when software switches from user context to kernel context.

"Today, AMD provides updates regarding our recommended mitigations for Google Project Zero (GPZ) variant 2 (Spectre) for Microsoft Windows users. These mitigations amount of reliability combination of processor microcode updates from your OEM and motherboard partners, and furthermore running present day and fully up-to-date version of Windows," wrote Mark Papermaster, AMD's CTO.

Microsoft is thinking about the release a similar update for AMD's fix on Windows 2016 following final validation and testing, in step with Papermaster.

AMD said it already has released microcode updates for the customers and partners for any chips way back to the first Bulldozer core products released in 2011.

These updates could well be released as BIOS updates from PC and server makers and motherboard providers.

Papermaster in January announced "optional microcode updates" for Ryzen and Epyx processors and flagged further microcode updates for older chips in coming weeks.

AMD in those days said its chips weren't affected by Meltdown, while Spectre version 1 attacks might be mitigated by OS updates.

Microsoft released new Windows 10 updates for AMD processors in February after an earlier update stopped AMD systems from booting.

AMD has yet to release patches to make the Ryzenfall, Masterkey, Fallout, and Chimera bugs revealed in March.

Microsoft is releasing getting to code to its original Windows File Manager from nearly 28 in the past. Originally released for Windows 3.0, the File Manager was obviously replacement for managing files through MS-DOS, and allowed Windows users to duplicate, move, delete, and show off for files. While it's a relic out from the past, you can still compile getting to code Microsoft has released and run the app on Windows 10 today.

The foundation code can be obtained on GitHub, and is especially maintained by Microsoft veteran Craig Wittenberg beneath the MIT license. Wittenberg copied the File Manager code from Windows NT 4 back in 2007, and allows been keeping it up before open sourcing it recently. It's evidence of the backwards compatibility of Windows itself, especially the fact that this was originally that are part of Windows upwards of 20 years ago. It's as nostalgic as running Windows 95 on an Xbox One, Apple Watch, or Android smartwatch. If you're keen on original Windows File Manager you could potentially download the app from GitHub and remember of what computing once did look like long ago.

Valve's the latest batch of OS usage on its Steam gaming platform implies that everything is oh no- normal, with Windows 7 dropping and Windows 10 growing weight loss systems are going to be upgraded.

The 64-bit version of Windows 7 lost at the very least 11.45% Steam share recently to 57.05%, while Windows 10 64-bit increased 10.28% to 35.69%. If ever the same trend is maintained, Windows 10 could rebecome some of the best operating system on Steam inside a couple of months.

But by means of looks of products, this trend isn't necessarily attributable to more users installing Windows 10, like it appears to be approximately connected to Windows OS usage in China. In late 2017, Windows 7 experienced a dramatic boom who had been believed to be as a consequence of the release of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.

Combined with the a significant increase for your personal Chinese language on Steam, experts believed the very first the result of more users running pirated versions of your respective game, hence Windows 7 adoption also increasing ¡§C despite Windows 10 itself already cracked also.
"Enter Windows 10 Spring Creators Update"

Similar theory seems to be make sense in today's times when Windows 7 is declining, as Chinese also dropped 11.69% to 52.24% recently. English, the prevalent language that gamers use, will likely be the runner-up with 23.14% and an increase of 5.52%.

A few weeks ago, Windows declined 0.37% overall on Steam, but Microsoft's desktop system still powers 97.94% inside the computers running Valve's gaming platform. Apple's OSX increased 0.31% to 1.64%, while Linux posted an increase of 0.05% to 0.33%.

Windows 10 is required to continue its recovery in April, especially because Microsoft is preparing for the details reveals Spring Creators Update usually in the month. The fresh OS version brings several improvements for gamers likewise, though it'll be interesting to see if Windows 7 remains a painful nut for you to trace given the Chinese trend.

Security researcher Ulf Frisk reports that patches to handle the Meltdown processor flaw on Windows 7 (64-bit) and Windows Server 2008 R2 machines crafted a far greater vulnerability. He claims a new flaw allows any way to read everything stored in memory "at gigabytes per second." In addition it allows begin enlarging write to arbitrary memory without "fancy exploits."

"Windows 7 already did tough work of mapping while in the required memory into every running process," Frisk states. "Exploitation was simply a matter of read to already mapped in-process virtual memory. No fancy APIs or system calls required - just standard read!"

Because of the volume of data saved in memory may be very large and complicated, Windows PCs track data using addresses on virtual and physical "maps" or "pages." The reported problem resides which also has a four-level in-memory page table hierarchy the processor's Memory Management Unit uses to translate the virtual addresses of internet data into physical addresses stored in the system memory.

As documented in Frisk, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 feature a self-referencing entry onpage Map Level 4 (PML4) in virtual memory by way of a fixed address. This address is only made available to the operating system's lowest, safest level: The kernel. Only processes which includes a "supervisor" permission have access to that fact address as well as the data in this particular table.

But Microsoft's Meltdown patches released at the start of 2018 set the permission to "user." Is the right all processes and applications can access all data placed in memory, even data only intended to be used by the operating system.

"Once read/write access has been gained about the page tables it's trivially easy to gain access into your complete physical memory, unless it is also protected by Extended Page Tables (EPTs) put to use in Virtualization," Frisk writes. "All one must do is generally to write their own personal Page Table Entries (PTEs) throughout the page tables to access arbitrary physical memory."

To prove this discovery, Frisk added a strategy to exploit the vulnerability - a memory acquisition device - within PCLeech direct memory access toolkit. However when you're trying to test the vulnerability for the Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 machine updated on March Patch Tuesday, you're at a complete loss. Microsoft switched the PML4 permission straight into "supervisor" as part of the company's blanket of security fixes for any month.

The memory problem surfaced after Microsoft distributed its Meltdown and Spectre security fixes from your January Patch Tuesday update. Windows 7 (64-bit) and Windows Server 2008 R2 machines together with the February Patch Tuesday updates are frequently vulnerable. Devices with Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 might not be vulnerable.

In any event, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 devices owners must update their machines with more recent patches distributed in March. But Frisk notes he or she discovered the vulnerability after Microsoft's March Patch Tuesday update, that has not been able to "correlate the vulnerability to known CVEs or some other known issues."