Security News
Microsoft is investigating an ongoing outage blocking Exchange Online customers worldwide from accessing their mailboxes or sending/receiving emails. Affected users see "550 5.4.1 Recipient address rejected: Access denied" errors when trying to send or when receiving messages, starting today at 1:11 PM UTC. "We're investigating an issue wherein users may be unable to access their Exchange Online mailboxes via any connection method. Additional details can be found within the Service Health Dashboard under EX522020," Microsoft tweeted earlier today.
Microsoft has addressed a Windows 11 22H2 known issue causing some apps not to be installed during Windows provisioning. "Using provisioning packages on Windows 11, version 22H2 might not install all expected apps," the company explained in a new update to the Windows Release Health dashboard.
Microsoft announced today that it's integrating the new AI-powered Bing Chat into the Windows 11 search box with the latest Windows feature update. "Today, we take the next major step forward and combine the incredible breadth and ease of use of the Windows PC with the amazing power of the new AI-enhanced Bing to provide hundreds of millions of Windows 11 users the next era of computing," said Microsoft EVP & Chief Product Officer Panos Panay on Tuesday.
Microsoft announced today an early preview of Phone Link for iPhone users available to Windows Insiders running the latest Windows 11 builds. "The preview will begin rolling out to Insiders who have opted in their device into one of the 3 Insider Channels via Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program," Microsoft Senior Program Manager Brandon LeBlanc said.
Microsoft is now force-installing the Microsoft Defender for Individuals application when installing or updating the Microsoft 365 apps."Starting in late February of 2023, the Microsoft Defender app will be included in the Microsoft 365 installer," the company says in a support document updated last week.
Microsoft has addressed a known issue behind unsupported computers being offered Windows 11 22H2 upgrades and unable to complete the installation process. This has happened before, with Windows 11 22H2 being offered to Windows 11 Insiders in the Release Preview channel with ineligible devices.
After having stressed the importance of keeping Exchange servers updated last month, Microsoft is advising administrators to widen the scope of antivirus scanning on those servers. Microsoft Exchange servers in attackers' crosshairs.
Microsoft's open-source PowerToys tool is a great way to customize your Windows experience. Thanks to work done by the community, PowerToys is getting a new feature - the ability to paste text as plain text.
Microsoft Edge's built-in VPN functionality could soon begin rolling out to all users in the stable channel, with some users already getting access to the feature.Edge's VPN 'Edge Secure Network' uses Cloudflare and aims to protect your device and sensitive data as you browse, but remember it is not a proper replacement for your VPN. Unlike traditional VPN extensions or tools, Edge uses Cloudflare's routing to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from online threats like hackers.
Microsoft is recommending that Exchange server users scan certain objects for viruses and other threats that until now had been excluded. Microsoft late last month urged Exchange server users to make sure their systems are up-to-date with the latest Cumulative and Security updates and hardened against cyberattacks.