Microsoft's Ongoing Enhancements for Windows 10
Microsoft is diligently addressing the challenges faced by Windows 10 users, particularly in light of the recent changes mandated by the European Digital Markets Act (DMA). An Insider build has been released to tackle issues related to single sign-on (SSO) and to resolve the frustrating freezing of Edge when operating in Internet Explorer mode.
Back in December 2023, Microsoft outlined its strategy to comply with the DMA within the European Economic Area (EEA), which included a significant alteration in the sign-in process for applications on Windows. Users located in EEA countries now encounter a prompt when accessing their first application after signing into Windows, asking if they would like to use their Windows credentials for that application.
In a bid to enhance user experience, Microsoft assured users that if they opted to use their Windows sign-in credentials, this prompt would not reappear in future sessions. The rollout of this functionality commenced in early 2024, demonstrating Microsoft’s commitment to streamlining the user experience.
However, by August, the company acknowledged that the SSO notice was still appearing too frequently for Windows 11 users, particularly during certificate-based authentication. This fix has now been extended to Windows 10, benefiting both Release Preview and Beta Channels.
Interestingly, the distinction between Windows 10 and 11 continues to blur, with the latter primarily offering a more modern interface and updated hardware requirements that often necessitate new purchases. The latest Insider build update for Windows 10 is relatively modest in features compared to its Windows 11 counterpart, especially as Microsoft prepares to phase out support for Windows 10 for the majority of users in just over a year.
Nevertheless, the update brings essential fixes for the substantial user base still relying on this operating system. Notable resolutions include addressing instances of Windows freezing during File Explorer usage, taskbar issues, media playback glitches, and the notorious Edge browser crashes when in Internet Explorer mode. While these disruptions can be particularly vexing for IT administrators managing legacy web applications, it is worth noting that Microsoft officially ended support for Internet Explorer in June 2022, making these challenges somewhat expected.
