Microsoft Weekly: Android on Windows, WHQL-signed malware, and 21H2 builds

We’re on the finish of the week, which signifies that it is time to take a look at what occurred on this planet of Microsoft previously few days. Windows 10 was primarily Microsoft’s focus by way of new builds, however as we all know, the upcoming model 21H2 construct is simply enablement package deal so do not increase your expectations an excessive amount of. More apparently, Windows Subsystem for Android lastly landed on preview builds of Windows 11. In the cybersecurity area, we additionally came upon that Microsoft digitally signed a driver that was really malware that may wreak havoc. Find out extra about this in our weekly digest for October 17 – October 22.

Windows builds

Windows 10 logo with November 2021 Update written below it in blue

After giving Windows 11 all the eye for the previous few weeks, Microsoft lastly determined to provide some like to Windows 10 too. The firm launched builds 19043.1319 and 19044.1319 for Insiders running version 21H1 or 21H2, respectively, in the Release Preview ring. Both builds have an identical change logs, which is smart as a result of 21H2 is simply an enablement package deal for 21H1 in spite of everything. Tons of bugs had been squashed together with people who affected subtitles from displaying on sure streaming websites or video taking part in apps. Enhancements had been additionally made within the division of reminiscence leaks and ransomware protections. You doubtless will not discover any front-end enhancements if you happen to set up both of those builds although.

If you had been considering that construct 19044.1319 would be the launch model of Windows 10 model 21H2 – when it will definitely rolls out -, you would be mistaken. Microsoft lastly revealed that build 19044.1288 is a candidate build for that rollout and is now available for those on the Release Preview ring. The firm has launched ISOs too. The enhancements supplied in 19044.1319 might be offered within the subsequent Patch Tuesday replace. While a agency launch date wasn’t disclosed, Microsoft referred to model 21H2 because the “November 2021 Update”, but additionally said that out of the three noteworthy options promised for the replace, a brand new Windows Hello for Business deployment technique dubbed “cloud belief” will not be prepared for primetime. You can find out more about what to expect from Windows 10 November 2021 Update in our guide here.

Windows 11 received some love in the form of build 22483 for the Dev channel too. It fixes some bugs associated to Search and Settings however introduces some new ones to Search, Taskbar, and Start too. ISOs can be found for set up as properly. Just just a few hours in the past, Microsoft released Windows 11 build 22483.1011 (KB5007484) to the Dev Channel, however that is simply an replace to check the servicing pipeline, it options no modifications in any respect.

Android on Windows

android apps on windows 11

Windows 11 didn’t characteristic Android app help, despite the fact that the feature was heavily touted when the OS was unveiled back in June. However, it seems that most people will be capable to get their palms on it quickly as the capability was finally rolled out in the Beta channel this week. Those on 22000.xxx sequence Insider builds can set up Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), obtain the Amazon App Store, and give Android apps on Windows 11 a whirl.

Microsoft has additionally launched developer guidance for those who want to test how their Android apps are running on Windows 11. It is essential to know that this can be a preview launch so some points are to be anticipated. Microsoft has already famous that you just would possibly see some odd visible artifacts with sure purposes on ARM64, efficiency might differ with concurrent apps, and apps that come out of recent standby will encounter points. It’s additionally noteworthy that the Amazon App Store at the moment helps solely a handful of apps curated by Microsoft and Amazon. It’s doubtless that extra apps will seem as they go the 2 corporations’ validation course of. There can also be a workaround to install Google Play services on Windows 11 right now, however proceed at your individual danger.

While Android is getting help on Windows, Microsoft is recommending that builders who need to benefit from the newest options in Windows apps should migrate away from the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and opt for Windows App SDK instead. Windows App SDK combines the capabilities of Win32 desktop apps in addition to UWP.

Microsoft-signed malware

Microsoft logo on the left on a blue background with a padlock on the right on a black background

Something that turned heads this week was the discovery of malware that was signed by Microsoft… form of. Basically, a driver referred to as “FiveSys” was submitted for Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certification, and Microsoft promptly digitally signed it. It was later found that Fivesys is definitely malware in disguise, main many to query the method behind Microsoft’s program. The firm sometimes verifies driver packages despatched in by its numerous associate distributors by the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP).

It was revealed that the Fivesys rootkit behaves within the following approach:

The objective of the rootkit is simple: it goals to redirect the web visitors within the contaminated machines by a customized proxy, which is drawn from a built-in record of 300 domains. The redirection works for each HTTP and HTTPS; the rootkit installs a customized root certificates for HTTPS redirection to work. In this fashion, the browser would not warn of the unknown id of the proxy server.

In phrases of different key traits, the associated whitepaper additionally mentions that the rootkit blocks registry modifications and additionally tries to dam its opponents’ entry to an contaminated system.

This is not the primary time that one thing like this has occurred. A malware referred to as “Netfilter” was additionally validated by Microsoft back in June, doubtless similarly.

Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and gaming galore

Halo Infinite being played on an ultrawide monitor

There was a number of notable gaming-related information this week. Microsoft revealed more details about the PC version of Halo Infinite. The sport will ship with help for ultrawide and tremendous ultrawide shows, and options like FOV sliders, dynamic decision adjustment, triple key-bind choices, and weapon mannequin off-set management are additionally incoming.

The developer additionally talked about anti-cheat mechanisms, however implied that person privateness can be revered and it will not be carried out in a approach such that it inhibits the general gaming expertise in a destructive approach. Integration with Steam and Discord’s social options had been confirmed as properly, and so was binding with Razer Chroma RGB. Local devoted server internet hosting might be a characteristic on PC too, and another PC or console related to the native community will be capable to take part for old style LAN events.

Microsoft additionally revealed that it’s partnering with AMD for raytracing help – which isn’t included within the launch model of the sport -, and it launched a Halo Infinite-themed RX 6900 XT to celebrate this partneership. That stated, the {hardware} just isn’t accessible on the market and will doubtless be supplied through giveaways on social media to evade scalpers.

In different information, Forza Horizon 5 has gone gold, and the sport’s dimension is north of 100GB throughout all platforms. Sea of Thieves crossed the 25 million players mark and celebrated the milestone with free in-game goodies. Tons of games including Outriders, Age of Empires IV, and Dragon Ball FighterZ are heading to Xbox Game Pass soon, and players even have Microsoft Flight Simulator GOTY Edition to look forward to in November.

Xbox Series X owners were treated to 4K dashboards, Night Mode, and Quick Settings changes. And if you happen to’re within the temper for gaming, Microsoft has a decent Xbox Shocktober Sale going on as well.

Dev channel:

Logging off:

Voice typing in Windows 11

In this week’s Closer Look, I mentioned voice typing in Windows 11 and how it’s a important improve in comparison with its Windows 10 providing. Microsoft has up to date the UI to observe the design language of Windows 11, however maybe probably the most notable change is the truth that the characteristic is now powered by Azure Speech providers, which signifies that it helps capabilities like auto-punctuation and tons of extra languages.

You can read my thoughts about voice typing in Windows 11 here and check out our ongoing Closer Look series here.

And if you happen to’re attention-grabbing in attempting out Android apps on Windows 11, check out Neowin’s handy guide here.

Missed any of the earlier columns? Check all of them out at this link.


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