#software_innovation.

In older builds of Windows 11, the trick still works, but in new builds, it no longer works. Microsoft has announced the closure of the channel for free migration from Windows 7 and 8 operating systems to modern versions of Windows. [caption id="attachment_61024" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] Until now, users could activate Windows 11 and 10 using valid Windows 7, Windows 8, and 8.1 keys. This “tradition” dates back to 2015, when Microsoft released Windows 10 with a one-year free update period. Apart from giving Windows 7/8 users a free upgrade to Windows 10, Microsoft has also allowed their latest OS to be activated using keys from previous editions. Microsoft has blocked the ability to activate Windows 11 with Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys [caption id="attachment_61025" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] Upgrading from Windows 7 and 8 to the latest versions of Windows has been impossible for some time, and now Microsoft is eliminating the loophole that allows you to activate the latest OS with old Windows license keys. The check showed that although old Windows 7 and 8 keys can still activate Windows 11 version 22H2, new versions no longer accept them. Thematic resource Neowin managed to activate a virtual machine running Windows 11 version 22H2, but a similar virtual machine running the latest Windows 11 Canary build (presumably version 24H2) rejected the Windows 7 key.

Don't be upset, there are plenty of alternatives Microsoft has begun warning about the imminent shutdown of another service - offline maps that can work offline, without an Internet connection, will no longer be available in the Windows operating system.  [caption id="attachment_60411" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Microsoft disables offline maps[/caption] As users have noticed, when opening the Maps app in Windows 11, a message appears: “By the end of 2023, offline maps will no longer be available in the Maps app.” After this date, you will not be able to view offline maps in the application. Minus one: Microsoft disables offline maps in Windows 11 [caption id="attachment_60412" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Microsoft disables offline maps[/caption] The decision to end support is most likely due to the expiration of the agreement between Nokia, its Here brand, and Microsoft. Microsoft acquired Nokia's mapping and navigation business (Here) in 2015, and since then both companies have been working together to create offline maps for Windows.

The company has not yet decided whether to return the drag-and-drop feature. Yesterday, Microsoft released the biggest update since the existence of the Windows 11 operating system. As users discovered, along with the Windows 11 23H2 (or Moment 4) update, one useful feature disappeared from the OS. [caption id="attachment_60403" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] We are talking about the possibility of “drag and drop”. As Mayank Parmar, owner of the WindowsLatest topic resource, humorously complains, new Microsoft developers don't like the drag-and-drop feature or don't understand its importance. When Windows 11 first came out, users couldn't drag and drop items onto the taskbar like they were used to. The option was returned a year later in the Windows 11 22H2 update. Microsoft "celebrated" the option as completely new, although it was familiar to many different versions of Windows. And it looks like history will repeat itself. [caption id="attachment_60404" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] The biggest Windows 11 update: not only new features but also losses in Explorer Windows 11 23H2 introduces Explorer with a redesigned design, recommendations, and a new address bar that's deeply integrated with OneDrive cloud storage. Microsoft support explains: Explorer's newly designed address bar recognizes local and cloud folders. It also shows the status of the file. For Microsoft OneDrive users, the address bar now includes OneDrive sync status and a storage limits pop-up window. [caption id="attachment_60407" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] This is all well and good, but with the new address bar, you can no longer drag and drop files or apps. For example, if you have two folders on your computer and you want to move a file from one to the other. Previously, when dragging, the “Move to...” mark appeared, but now it is gone, and the entire function does not work. Here is one typical complaint: Removing this feature from the address bar has disrupted my workflow many times lately. A Microsoft representative said that the company is aware of these changes, but no decision has been made on this matter yet. The company reported: This [drag and drop] is not currently supported by the updated address bar... we will continue to monitor feedback.

With updated Explorer, AI in Paint, and integrated RAR support Microsoft has released the largest update to Windows 11 since the existence of this OS. There are a lot of new things in it, and one of the main new features is the Copilot function. [caption id="attachment_60343" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11 23H2[/caption] Copilot is a reimagined Bing Chat chatbot adapted for use on Windows. It opens into a classic sidebar that lets you manage your PC settings, launch apps, or get answers to questions without having to go to Google. To some extent, Copilot replaces Cortana. The update added artificial intelligence to the familiar Paint, Scissors, and Photos apps. Some Photoshop features (transparency and layers) have also appeared in Paint, and an AI image generator is also promised. [caption id="attachment_60344" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11 23H2[/caption] A holiday for all Windows 11 users: Windows 11 23H2 has been released AI in Scissors allows you to “cut” text from an image, copy it, and paste it, for example, into a text document or table. In Photos, AI will automatically separate the subject from the background and blur the background. Naturally, in the settings, you can specify the degree of “intensity” of the blur. [caption id="attachment_60345" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11 23H2[/caption] Explorer hasn't added much to its capabilities, but it has changed in appearance and is more in line with the style of Windows 11. It now has larger file thumbnails and an option to display the latest files in a carousel style. [caption id="attachment_60346" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11 23H2[/caption] Windows 11 23H2 integrates the ability to control RGB lighting of various devices (case fans, mice, keyboards, monitors, etc.) from various manufacturers (Acer, Asus, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer). That is, now to adjust the backlight, you will not need to install third-party applications. Windows 11 23H2 also integrates support for RAR and 7-zip file archives, so you can do without WinRAR. And this, of course, is not a complete list of innovations.