Microsoft has released the optional August 2023 cumulative update for Windows 11, version 22H2, with fixes for several issues affecting the Search app.

KB5029351 is a monthly non-security preview update that enables Windows admins and users to test fixes and improvements scheduled for release with the forthcoming September 2023 Patch Tuesday rollout.

The update tackles an issue encountered after waking the system from sleep mode, where the Search app fails to launch when clicking the search icon.

Furthermore, it enhances the Search app's reliability while addressing an issue affecting the search box dimensions on Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Book devices in tablet mode.

Notably, monthly "C" updates are optional; unlike Patch Tuesday releases, they do not come with security-related fixes.

To install the KB5029351 update, click the 'Download and install' button in Settings > Windows Update to check for new updates.

Alternatively, you can obtain it from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it manually.

Today's optional update comes with additional fixes and improvements, with some of the most important ones listed below:

• This update adds new functionality that affects app defaults.
• This update addresses an issue that affects print jobs that are sent to a virtual print queue. They fail without an error.
• This update addresses an issue that causes high CPU use. This occurs when you enable the "fBlockNonDomain" policy.
• This update addresses an issue that affects disk partitions. The system might stop working. This occurs after you delete a disk partition and add the space from the deleted partition to an existing BitLocker partition.

The complete list of fixes and improvements can be found in the KB5029351 support bulletin.

With this update, Microsoft also introduced a new policy named "Enable optional updates," which gives admins better control of how monthly optional updates are installed on enterprise devices.

The same policy can be used to control the deployment of controlled feature rollouts (CFR) across endpoints.

A temporary fix is available for this issue, with Windows admins being advised to provision end-user devices before the Windows 11 22H2 upgrade to get around the provisioning issues.

Apple and Microsoft both announced new laptops aimed at professionals this week.

Apple's got its new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros with their fancy new Touch Bars and Touch ID sensors, and Microsoft got its supercharged Surface Book i7.

It's funny how Apple has resisted touchscreens and, now, with the Touch Bar, it's finally relented and added one (even if it's just a strip) to its most powerful laptops. Meanwhile, the Surface Book has been happily rocking a touchscreen with Surface Pen support for two generations now.

At the same time, Apple's also redesigned the MacBook Pros with thinner and lighter bodies and better performance. But is it any better than Microsoft's Surface Book i7?

Here's how entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro (with function keys), the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros with Touch Bar and Touch ID, and the Surface Book i7 all compare.

Which one fits your needs, lifestyle and price best?

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Choosing a laptop used to be far more straightforward. If you were a fan of Apple products and had the money to spend, a MacBook might have been too tempting to resist. On a budget, or more of a Windows user? You'd plump for one of the many Windows machines available.

Now that Chromebooks have entered the mix with a range of designs from budget-friendly to flagship killer, the waters have been muddied. So how do you go about choosing, how much should you spend and what features are most important for your needs?  

This guide will take you through the pros and cons of each type of laptop, based on our expert, lab-tested laptop reviews.

Just want to know which models excelled in our tests? See our pick of the best laptops 

Should I buy a Chromebook?

Chromebook pros

• They feel fast. Without Windows hogging system resources, Chromebooks with relatively light specifications can feel a lot faster than comparable Windows machines. This means paying under £200 for a Chromebook will get you a laptop that feels faster than a £200 Windows laptop.
• They’re very simple to use. If you can use a web browser you can use a Chromebook. With no extra apps required to get up and running, Chromebooks offer one of the easiest set-up experiences of any tech device out there.
• Almost all Chromebooks take the form of thin and light laptops with excellent battery life. This means they’re perfect for taking away on trips and ideal for carrying around school or campus if you’re a student.

Chromebook cons

• You pay a price for simplicity; you won’t be able to run the Windows software you’re used to on a Chromebook. There are browser-based alternatives for most types of applications including photo-editing apps, but if there’s a program you can’t live without, a Chromebook isn’t the best bet.
• Chromebooks work best when connected to the internet. Applications such as Google Docs can be set up to work without an internet connection, and will sync changes to your files to the Cloud when you reconnect to the internet. But most other web-based apps won’t work at all without a connection. You’ll also need a Google account to get everything set up properly.
• Because most Chromebooks are cheap, you end up having to face some compromises in various areas, including screen quality, speakers and occasionally build quality. Our reviews highlight any shortcomings. 
• Chromebooks have an expiry date when they stop receiving updates. For more details on this, see our investigation into ChromeOS updates.

Discover the best in our guide to the best Chromebooks.

Should I buy a MacBook?

MacBook pros

• Apple's operating system, MacOS, has a well-earned reputation of being fast, slick and easy to use. This is partly because MacOS only runs on a very small handful of different models, making it easy to produce an operating system that runs consistently well. Whatever the reason, it is a delight to use. There may be a bit of a learning curve while you adjust to its layout and functions, but once you’re up and running, you may never look back.
• Apple has invested a lot of money on the look and feel of its computers. That usually means a premium, metal finish but, on top of that, MacBooks feel like they were built to last. It’s not uncommon to hear about a MacBook that’s been in heavy use for a decade or more that’s somehow still plugging away. Indeed, Apple consistently ranks highly in our most reliable laptop brands survey.
• MacBooks come pre-loaded with strong software for video and photography editing, and making music. Not only that, there’s a lot of premium applications available, making MacOS a common choice for those working in creative industries.

MacBooks Cons

• One word – price. Unless you can find a deal at another electrical shop, Apple will charge you around a grand for its least expensive current MacBook.
• Instead of the likes of Word and Excel, Macs have their own word processing (Pages or TextEdit) and spreadsheet (Numbers) software. These free Mac programs lack the depth you'll be used to from the Microsoft Office versions. And if you want to open a Word or Excel document from your old computer or that somebody has emailed you, you may notice they look a little different. But you can always buy Office for Mac or obtain a third-party program if that's a major concern. You could also use Google Docs and Sheets, or use Microsoft Office Online, which can be used in your web browser.
• MacBooks have been quicker to adopt technologies at the expense of others, for example MacBooks ditched HDMI ports and full-size USB ports in 2016, only to reinstate the former in its 2021 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. The 13-inch laptops still make do with just USB-C ports, so if you have stuff you want to plug in that isn't USB-C, you'll need an adapter.

Read our guide to the best MacBooks to help you decide which model is right for you.

Should I buy a Windows laptop?

Windows laptop pros

• With its decades of dominance in the market, most people are familiar with the layout of Windows, which can be comforting. The most commonly used features are all where they should be. 
• Windows lets you run Word, Excel and other Microsoft products with ease, and it’s flexible, too. For basic users, it tends to be easy to work with; for more advanced enthusiasts, there are plenty of tweaks you can make.
• There's a massive range of prices you can choose from if you're buying a Windows laptop. We've tested models that range up to around £2,000, but, we've also reviewed perfectly reasonably Windows laptops that will cost you just a couple of hundred pounds.
• Windows laptops are sometimes easier to upgrade, allowing people with little technical knowledge to add a larger hard drive or more memory to Excellerate performance.

Windows laptop cons

• Windows PCs are a much bigger target for virus creators than Macs and Chromebooks. Although the built-in Windows Security is pretty good, you'll never be 100% protected from malicious software. Take a look at our Best Buy antivirus software listings if you want some extra peace-of-mind.
• Windows updates continue to be a bit of a pain. They have improved markedly in recent years, but the best way to avoid them from causing disruption is to let Windows install them when it asks you to, instead of putting it off for months and being forced into a long restart at an inopportune time.
• Although it's handy that Windows laptops come in all shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that suits you best, the huge choice can be a curse, too. There are as many duds as there are stars, without the same consistent quality of the smaller Mac range. 

Read our guide to the best Windows 10 and 11 laptops for more.

Quiz: Find the right laptop OS for you

The Bottom Line: MacBook vs PC vs Chromebook

Buy a Windows 10 laptop if…

• You prefer the familiarity of Windows
• Have specialist software you can’t live without
• Want a big variety of laptops to choose from

Buy a MacBook if…

• You have a budget of at least £999
• Value longevity and build quality
• Are happy to learn a new operating system

Buy a Chromebook if…

• You’re on a budget
• Value simplicity
• Don’t mind working in web-based applications

Now you know the difference, use our expert laptop reviews to help you choose the best for your budget.

Image credit: thewincentral

Initially released in 2007, ePub or Electronic Publication is an open e-book format that’s easily accessible on various devices, including e-readers, tablets, phones, etc. It gives flexibility to the readers with certain elements like font and color, making it a little better than pdf files for e-books.

Lately, there’s news that Microsoft might have reintroduced ePub reader support in Microsoft Edge Canary. Back in 2019, Microsoft Edge stopped supporting e-books in the .epub file extension, however, the format seems to be returning quietly. Users will be able to access the ePub format on 117.0.1980.0 or a later version of Canary.

How to Access ePub Format in Microsoft Edge Canary?

To access the ePub format on the ME Canary, users will have to make some changes. Make sure to close the browser before enabling the ePub format support:

After that, follow the below step-by-step guide:

• Go to Microsoft Edge and right-click on the same. Once the option appears, click on Properties.
• After that, go to the Target field and scroll through the end of the content.
• Add a space and then type (or copy/paste) the following: –enable-features=msEdgeEpubReaderEnabled
• Click on the Apply option and then on OK. Your job is done. The ePub format is successfully enabled on ME Canary.

Have you tried accessing an ePub file in Canary? If yes, how was your experience? Also, which of the formats do you prefer the most for e-books? PDF or ePub?

November 17, 2020 | Microsoft Stories

New Surface devices empower users to work, learn, connect and play from anywhere
New Delhi, 17 November, 2020 – Microsoft today announced that Surface Go 2 and Surface Book 3 are now available in India via commercial authorized resellers, authorized retailers and online partners at starting prices of INR 42,999 and INR 156,299 respectively. Designed to provide users versatility and seamless productivity, the new additions to the Surface line-up will empower users to work, learn, connect and play from anywhere.
“As the way we work and learn continue to evolve, the need for devices that keep us productive and connected has never been greater. The new Surface line-up offers incredible versatility, greater performance, and productivity-focused capabilities to help people do what they need to accomplish their goals. With the introduction of Surface Go 2 and Surface Book 3, we are excited to offer an expanded range of innovative Surface devices that can fulfil different needs as we focus on supporting our customers during this time of unprecedented change,” said Rajiv Sodhi, Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft India.
The all-new Surface Go 2 retains the same lightweight, compact design as the original, but now features a larger 10.5” PixelSense display, improved battery life¹ and a model that is up to 64% faster in performance than before with new 8th Generation Intel®Core™ M options. Surface Go 2 comes equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, providing hassle-free, secured connectivity anywhere.
The device also includes Studio Mics, a dual microphone solution to increase voice clarity and reduce background noise for Teams meetings; and a 5MP front-facing camera that delivers sharp video even in low light. The rear-facing camera also has a new Camera application that allows users to easily scan documents and whiteboards – whether it is sharing notes from a meeting or turning in homework.
Paired with Surface Pen, Surface Go 2 allows distance learners and remote workers to stay digital, while unlocking the power of natural ink for things like drawing diagrams, marking up documents or working through math equations. Users can also look forward to personalizing their Surface Go with Type Covers and accessories² in a variety of colors, including Platinum, Black, Poppy Red, and Ice Blue.


Providing users the power of a desktop, the versatility of a tablet, and the freedom of a light and thin laptop, Surface Book 3 is available in 13” or 15” sizes. Surface Book 3 15” will deliver up to 50% increased performance than its predecessor and up to 17.5 hours of battery life³. The device has a beautifully crisp, high-DPI PixelSense Display, smooth, precise trackpad, comfortable keyboard and the performance of an Intel® 10th Generation Core™ CPU and choice of NVIDIA discrete GPU.
For developers, Surface Book 3 now comes with up to 32GB of RAM and the fastest SSD we have ever shipped. For gamers, Surface Book 3 15” has a NVIDIA GeForce GPU with enough power to play the top Xbox Game Pass⁴ for PC titles⁵ at 1080p in a smooth 60 frames per second. The option of NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000⁶ is also available to meet the needs of commercial customers and higher education institutions.



While Surface Go 2 is generally available, Surface Book 3 is available only for commercial customers in India. Commercial customers can connect with their local commercial reseller. The family of devices and accessories will be available in the following configurations in India.
 
¹Up to 10 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in February 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Go 2. Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
²Sold separately
³Surface Book 3 15” connected to keyboard base: Up to 17.5 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in April 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Book 3 15” Intel® Core™ i7, 256GB, 16 GB RAM. Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
⁴Subscription required
⁵Xbox Wireless controller pairing available on 15″ model.”  It is not available on 13.5″
⁶Available for commercial SKU only
About Microsoft India
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft set up its India operations in 1990. Today, Microsoft entities in India have over 11,000 employees, engaged in sales and marketing, research, development and customer services and support, across 11 Indian cities – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Microsoft offers its global cloud services from local data centers to accelerate digital transformation across Indian startups, businesses, and government organizations.
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The Vermont Conversation with David Goodman is a VTDigger podcast that features in-depth interviews on local and national issues with politicians, activists, artists, changemakers and citizens who are making a difference. Listen below, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify to hear more.

Stephen Kiernan spent much of his life as an award-winning journalist for the Burlington Free Press and the Boston Globe. In 2013, he made the jump from reporter to novelist with the publication of his debut book of fiction, “The Curiosity.” He has never looked back.

Kiernan has now published five critically acclaimed novels, including “The Baker’s Secret” and “Universe of Two.” 

His latest novel is “The Glass Chateau,” which was published in June. It’s a haunting tale set just after World War II in France. The story centers around an assassin for the Resistance who struggles to reckon with the killings he has committed. Around him, a traumatized nation attempts to rebuild after war. The challenge is captured in an attempt to repair the shattered stained glass windows of a grand cathedral.

Kiernan is a graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

“The Glass Chateau,” Kiernan said, is intended to be “a healing book.”

“Covid was underway when I started this book, but also what was happening in the fabric of our culture, our politics and all of that. Why is everyone so angry? And why are so many people also so sad and lonely?” he said.

“This book begins a month after the war is ended. And it’s about these people trying to rebuild this really divided nation” Kiernan said.