Microsoft Office doesn't have a lot of an intro, and Office 2019 may be the latest as well as form of the suite for business users. Importantly, it's yours for a one-off payment, as opposed to the regular subscription fees required for Office 365.

Although many users will be switching to Office 365, if you want Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook on a single computer and can live without various cloud-sharing services, then Office 2019 continues to be worth a glance. This is what you get and just how it works.

Key features and apps

Get hold of Microsoft Office 2019 plus you've got the strongest office applications at your fingertips: Word, Excel and PowerPoint offer a level of depth and control that you don't get from the likes of Google Docs or free office alternatives.

We've laid out the important thing aspects of Office 2019 below - click on on any of the sections to see our detailed reviews, which outline all the features and possibilities in these products.

Word - Able to ace any kind of word processing job, Word is every bit comfortable drafting letters, wrangling huge essays, or whipping up quick newsletters. Despite its insightful features and tools, the app manages to still seem accessible and intuitive, because of that Ribbon interface. Despite 3 decades, this remains the word processor to beat.

Excel - Full of functions, no other spreadsheet program really compares to Succeed in relation to advanced capabilities. Additional features happen to be thin on the floor recently, but that is only since it already has everything you are going to need - from crunching the numbers around the annual budget to organizing the tea rota.

PowerPoint - The all-powerful presentation tool gets some new tricks in Office 2019, including support for advancing slides with Bluetooth pens, a brand new zoom interface for jumping between slides, and a cool morph transition. May possibly not be as lean as a number of its newer rivals (like Google Slides) but it is hard to beat in terms of overall capabilities.

Outlook - The one email, calendar, contacts and tasks application to rule all of them, Outlook is constantly on the impress, though like Excel it hasn't been blessed with many upgrades recently. Still, it's certain to perform a fine job of managing your emails across multiple accounts, and now includes a new Focused inbox for your most important messages only.

Access - Microsoft's venerable database application continues to be open to you whenever you pick up an Office 2019 purchase, should you have an excuse for it, and also the app remains as solid and dependable as ever. New in this version are a few improved chart types, support for a number of new data types, and accessibility upgrades as well, but nothing major.

Note that Microsoft hasn't included Onenote in the Office 2019 package, if you can choose to set up the 2016 version if you wish to. Instead, Microsoft is pushing users for the Windows 10 Onenote app (universally available to everyone), that ought to be enough to deal with all your note-taking needs.

Office 2019 vs Office 2016

Office 2019 doesn't have a insightful new features in contrast to its predecessor, or anything that's necessarily going to change the game in terms of your productivity, however it does incorporate a few upgrades that are worth highlighting.

Once we mentioned previously, Outlook's new Focused inbox tries to find out the emails that are most important to you, and pushes the rest into the background (if you require a Microsoft Exchange account to use it). There's also support to have your messages read out loud, and time zone support within the calendar component.

In Word, you've got improved translation, text-to-speech, and text spacing options, in addition to better support for stylus pens and digital scribbles in your documents. Also new is a Focus mode that strips away the nearby distractions when you really need to simply read through something on-screen (such as the reading mode in many browsers).

Over in Excel, you have similar improvements to the inking capabilities, as well as a smattering of recent functions and new chart types to get your teeth into. You can also now drop 3D models into your spreadsheets and examine them from all angles. Many other tweaks and enhancements to features like PivotTables are included too.

Also as stated before, PowerPoint gets an impressive new Morph transition, and support for digital inking (just like Word and Excel). The 3D model support we've already referred to is roofed in PowerPoint too, and you may now export a slideshow like a 4K video, in the event you discover that a better option for sharing your work with other people.

Office 2019 vs Office 365

There's no doubt about it, Microsoft would prefer to take your money every month rather than just a one-off payment without any follow-up. With that in mind, it's keeping a number of features as Office 365 exclusives, which means you should be aware of what you are missing out on prior to you making a choice which Office version to choose.

Office 2019 won't receive any feature improvements with time, aside from security fixes and bug-squashing updates. Office 365, meanwhile, gets additional features regularly - all of the new stuff in Office 2019 is already open to Office 365 users. To get better features in Office 2019, you will need to upgrade to another one-off Office purchase, if Microsoft decides to release a different one.

Another key feature exclusive to Office 365 is OneDrive - which means cloud storage for all your users, simple syncing across multiple machines, and real-time collaboration on documents. There are many benefits to OneDrive if you are working as a team, including basic online versions from the Office apps.

You will get some of these OneDrive features by using the free, consumer version of OneDrive open to everyone - but that needs combining business and personal accounts, and also you only get 15GB of storage for free. As cloud-based computing gets to be more important, OneDrive integration is among the key reasons why you might like to jump to Office 365.

Office 2019 will set you back £249.99/$249.99 to be used on one PC. Office 365 Business starts at £7.90 + VAT per user per month by having an annual payment ($8.25 in america), or £9.50 + VAT per user monthly if you're paying month-to-month ($10 in the US). Those Office 365 fees cover application installations across five computers, too.

Office 2019: competition and verdict

In terms of features and capabilities, the likes of Word, Excel and PowerPoint are still hard to touch. However, the cloud-based features and regular updates of Office 365 are well worth considering for the business needs, even if you do have to spend money to Microsoft each month.

If you are planning to pay for a monthly fee, G Suite is another strong contender for your cash. Its apps aren't quite as powerful as Microsoft's, but they're slick and fast, and built with the net in mind. They might suit you best if you want speed and simplicity rather than a long list of features that you're never going to use.

It truly all comes down to your needs of your business. If you focus on just one computer, with not much requirement for sharing and collaborating on documents, then Office 2019 remains unequalled - you may make your single payment, get the software installed, and then you're looking for a long time.

Windows 11, the following big release around the Windows roadmap, has leaked to the web ahead of the official announcement projected to make on June 24.

Microsoft has announced that the next-generation Windows would be revealed on June 24 included in a dedicated event, and while the company has tried to remain tight-lipped on everything, people acquainted with the problem suggested something big is coming.

Theoretically, it was originally believed Microsoft would go ahead and take wraps from the Sun Valley update, a Windows 10 feature update projected to go reside in the fall with massive improvements in terms of features and user interface.

Sun Valley, however, was only supposed to be a Windows 10 feature update not really a completely new form of the operating system, but because it turns out, the plan is different.

Windows 11 coming this season

So Sun Valley is really the codename of Windows 11, a brand new operating system that pushes Microsoft's most popular product to a completely new level. Quite simply, all of the improvements that have so far been previewed included in Sun Valley and which were supposed to land in Windows 10 21H2 would come towards the market pre-loaded with Windows 11.

The build that leaked today is obviously an earlier form of the operating system, however it does provide us with a closer take a look at how Microsoft really wants to revamp Windows.

Rounded corners, a new desktop having a redesigned Start menu, the reintroduction of the Start menu, all are part of this build and expected to be further refined when Windows 11 has got the go-ahead.

It's understandable that people can't provide any download links, but it shouldn't be too hard to download this early Windows 11 build knowing where you can look. The best way to give it a try is within a virtual machine, simply to make sure no harm is done for your system.

Microsoft will be holding a passionate Windows event on June 24, and while the organization itself has always been completely tight-lipped on what's said to be announced in the show, we already know there's something big developing the Windows front.

Theoretically, the June 24 event could witness the very first public preview from the upcoming Windows 10 version 21H2 feature update due in September and currently codenamed Sun Valley. People acquainted with the problem said on several occasions that Sun Valley is projected to become a massive update which will include improvements in most key areas, such as features and also the user interface.

But however, just when everybody expected this massive update to land like a new Windows 10 update, Microsoft started dropping hints the upcoming release could actually be another Windows version that could become called Windows 11.

Windows 11 codenamed Sun Valley?

Needless to say, everything is still in the rumor stage, but a current Microsoft document suggests that a minimum of the sun's rays Valley moniker is real.

Spotted by WL, the document describes Windows Sun Valley as a separate operating-system from Windows 10, so at the end of your day, this may be the codename that Microsoft could use for Windows 11. Consequently, Windows 11 could land within the fall of the year like a standalone operating system and internally known as Sun Valley.

Obviously, this could very well be just wishful thinking, but it's pretty clear Microsoft is preparing something big when it comes to Windows updates, and also the June 24 event will certainly be worth watching.

But in the meantime, each one of these hints appear to claim that the next-generation Windows isn't Windows 10, but a totally latest version that could continue the legacy of the world's number 1 desktop operating-system.

It's that point of the month again, as Microsoft has just published new Windows 10 cumulative updates as part of the typical Patch Tuesday cycle.

The brand new batch of cumulative updates included in the June 2021 Patch Tuesday comes with packs of improvements for all versions available out there, obviously except for those that have already reached no more support.

Remember that some Windows 10 versions continue being served included in Enterprise or Education SKUs or if devices are signed up for the LTSC branch.

Here's the entire listing of cumulative updates available this month for Windows 10 devices:

Windows 10 version 1507 - KB5003687 (OS Build 10240.18967)
Windows 10 version 1607 - KB5003638 (OS Build 14393.4467)
Windows 10 version 1703 - EOS
Windows 10 version 1709 - EOS
Windows 10 version 1803 - EOS
Windows 10 version 1809 - KB5003646 (OS Build 17763.1999)
Windows 10 version 1903 - EOS
Windows 10 version 1909 - KB5003635 (OS Build 18363.1621)
Windows 10 version 2004 and 20H2 - KB5003637 (OS Builds 19041.1052, 19042.1052, and 19043.1052)

News and interests

Worth knowing is the fact that Windows 10 version 21H1, also is the most recent stable form of the operating system, gets exactly the same cumulative update as version 2004 and 20H2, as they share exactly the same codebase.

Microsoft engineer Jen Gentleman also explains the news and interests feature is also becoming on Windows 10 version 1909 to 20H2, though most users already received it previously updates.

"If you're running version 1909 to 20H2, you might visit a new weather entry in the taskbar after upgrading towards the latest cumulative update. This is a feature called news and interests. Based on feedback, a choice continues to be added as of the latest updates that you should choose whether or not the feature opens whenever you hover over it. This method can be obtained under News and Interests whenever you right click the taskbar," she said.

Microsoft has finally fixed an issue that caused Microsoft Edge to insist upon setting Bing because the default internet search engine following a recent browser update.

The issue was initially reported a couple weeks ago after Edge 91 was officially released, with several users explaining they're obtaining a nag screen that keeps returning and prompts these to change browser settings to allow Bing as the default internet search engine.

But based on a study, Microsoft has now shipped a new update that resolves everything, essentially allowing the prompt to show up only once and then recall the user settings without nagging them again to alter the search engine configuration.

The newest Microsoft Edge stable version on Windows 10 is 91.0.864.37.

The nag screen

The annoying screen which has made many think Microsoft is going back to its old habit of forcing a potential change to certainly one of its services, in this instance, Bing, tells users to "use recommended browser settings" and shows up after updating the browser.

"Get world class performance, privacy, and productivity while you browse using the latest Microsoft Edge - the best browser for Windows 10," the prompt reads.

The very first option, also is the recommended one and highlighted in the prompt, changes the default internet search engine to Microsoft Bing, while the second one is called "don't update your browser settings." When you purchase the 2nd after which save your valuable settings, the nag screen previously showed up repeatedly.

Microsoft said it only agreed to be a bug, and it promised a fix, which based on the aforementioned source is now available for download.

The nag screen never turned up on my small device, so probably, not everybody encountered this issue. However, things are supposed to be fixed now after the most recent update.

Microsoft used the Build developer conference now to take the wraps off Windows Package Manager 1.0, a tool which comes in handy to power users who wish to use packages on the operating-system.

Just in case you're wondering what this package manager does, well, it does exactly the same thing as virtually every other software within the same category, because it comes with features to simply install, upgrade, and import packages on Windows 10.

Right now, you will find over 1,400 packages that are available for users, and Microsoft reminds that users may also uninstall and export packages from the Add/Remove Programs UI.

"It still amazes us how many great pieces of software there are for Windows 10 within the repository. Once the search doesn't return any improvements, you can go through the process to launch Edge and check for that software installer download. Once you discover it, you can add it to the community repository, which means you don't have to go through that process again. After writing dozens of manifests by hand we realized there must be something for your," Demitrius Nelon, Senior Program Manager, explains.

Update already available

Users who joined the Windows Insider program or even the Windows Package Manager Insider group curently have the new version, with the software shipped with the App Installer in the Microsoft Store. However, it's available too as a stand-alone download if you want it at this time.

Worthwhile to learn, however, is that all devices running Windows 10 version 1809 or later are becoming the new form of the Windows Package Manager as an updating update shipped through the Microsoft Store.

So there's a good chance version 1.0 is already there on your pc, and also the easiest way to find out if this sounds like the case in your device is to just launch PowerShell and launch a winget command.

Google has officially released Chrome 91 to all supported platforms, including desktop os's, and of course, this version has a series of pretty major advances.

First of all, there's a military of security patches, as Google says it has addressed no less than 32 issues reported by researchers lately.

Then, looking giant has enabled DNS over HTTPS on Linux, whilst blocking HTTP port 10080 in an attempt to block any exploits aimed at the NAT Slipstream 2.0 attack.

If you're using PWAs, there's great news for you too. Google Chrome 91 now allows PWAs to begin automatically using the operating-system, so they can run when your computer boots.

New upload system in Chrome

Chrome 91 also marks the debut of a new file upload option that comes to make it easier for users to upload files to some web-based service.

Right now, if you want to upload personal files online, you need to simply use drag and drop or simply click on the browser button and locate the file in your device.

Starting with Chrome 91, there's a brand new option available in this regard, as possible just copy the file after which paste it in to the upload form. In other words, Chrome will handle the paste task as an upload request, therefore making everything easier, specifically for users who rely totally on keyboard input when focusing on their devices.

Obviously, it's probably just a matter of time until the same functionality makes its method to other Chromium-powered browsers as well, including Microsoft Edge, the brand new default in Windows 10.

Chrome 91 is already available for Windows, Linux, and Mac, and you can simply trigger the download using the built-in auto-update engine that comes bundled using the browser.

Microsoft has announced its decision to retire Ie next year, something that everybody saw coming especially because of the latest investments in Microsoft Edge.

But on the other hand, this doesn't mean the planet is ready with this moment, as statistics show lots of computers are still using Internet Explorer (or apps based on the same browser).

StatCounter data shows Ie had a market share well over 0.70 % last month, even more than the legacy version of Microsoft Edge, whose share dropped to 0.25 percent throughout the same month.

Obviously, Google Chrome continues to be the main browser, followed by Safari (on Mac), Firefox, and also the new Edge, however the number of people still running Internet Explorer is worrying, to say the least.

The IE demise

Ie hasn't received anything besides security patches for a long time, so it's confusing why some companies are still sticking with this ancient browser. Compatibility reasons are most often invoked, though as Microsoft itself explains, the brand new Microsoft Edge comes with a built-in IE mode that can help cope with the whole thing in a more secure manner.

"We are announcing the way forward for Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge. Not just is Microsoft Edge a quicker, safer and more modern browsing experience than Ie, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications. Microsoft Edge has Ie mode ("IE mode") built-in, so you can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications completely from Microsoft Edge," Microsoft says.

The desktop versions of Internet Explorer is going to be retired on June 15, 2022, however, many Windows 10 versions will still receive security patches included in the TLSC or Server Ie 11 desktop applications.

Microsoft has confirmed that the last update shipped for Windows 10 version 1909 could break up Microsoft 365 apps on some devices.

Windows 10 version 1909 has reached the end of support, and the May 2021 Patch Tuesday was the final one for this particular operating system version.

The May 2021 cumulative update is KB5003169, also it obviously has a number of security improvements targeted at both the operating system and the pre-loaded components.

Microsoft has now confirmed that KB5003169 might cause problems with Microsoft 365 apps, explaining that an investigation has already been under way along with a full fix ought to be provided within an upcoming release.

"After installing this update and restarting your device, you may be not able to sign into some Microsoft 365 desktop client apps for example Microsoft Teams, OneDrive for Business and Microsoft Outlook. You might also receive an 80080300 error or "We ran into a problem. Reconnecting…" when attemping to authenticate or sign into Teams," Microsoft explains.

Full fix currently in the works

The company says that only Windows versions from the Microsoft 365 apps are influenced by the glitch, so if you run them on mobile, web, or any other non-Windows operating-system, things are said to be working properly.

Microsoft explains the workaround is as simple as it could be, because it only comes down to a method reboot to bring this normal again.

"To mitigate this issue on most devices, you can restart your device a second time. Most devices will sign into affected apps not surprisingly for all subsequent restarts following the first restart that completes installation of the update. If restarting does not mitigate the issue on your device, you can use the web versions from the apps," Microsoft says.

No ETA continues to be provided as to once the full fix could land for everybody.

KB5003173 is the cumulative update that Microsoft released included in the May 2021 Patch Tuesday cycle for 2 different Windows 10 versions, namely 2004 and 20H2, and merely as expected, it comes with important security fixes for those devices.

But while at first the installation of this update seemed to go as smoothly as possible, it now looks like KB5003173 is actually becoming a huge pain in the neck for some users.

Most recently, the Redmond-based software giant has confirmed that this particular cumulative update might cause issues for Windows 10 users with Dolby Digital audio.

Quite simply, installing this update on some Windows 10 devices could cause a high-pitched sound for many users, though Microsoft explains that nothing happens if stereo has been used.

"After installing this update, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio may play containing a high-pitched noise or squeak in a few apps when using certain audio devices and Windows settings," Microsoft explains.

Two workarounds

But as the company states that a full fix happens to be within the works, there's two workarounds you could try, including switching to a different app to ascertain if this behavior is going on there as well. The two solutions would be the following:

Streaming the video or audio in a internet browser or different app, rather than the app affected by this issue.

Enable Spatial sound settings by right clicking or long pressing on the volume icon within the notification area, selecting Spatial sound (Off) and selecting any of the available options.

At this time, no ETA is available regarding once the cumulative update problem might get a patch, but of course, you shouldn't hold your breath waiting for it. There's a chance Microsoft waits before the next Patch Tuesday cycle to release a complete fix, which means users would have to hold back until a minimum of June to get their on the job the full patch for this audio bug.

Microsoft has released new cumulative updates for Windows 10 earlier this year as part of the May 2021 Patch Tuesday cycle, but as it turns out, not everything is running smoothly for users running version 2004 and 20H2.

Specifically, installing cumulative update KB5003173 fails with error code 0x800f0922, something which obviously doesn't say an excessive amount of about the actual cause of the problem and therefore leaving users all alone within their make an effort to install the update.

A current report reveals that what may be causing the installing of cumulative update KB5003173 to fail is a change concerning Microsoft Edge.

As you probably have no doubt about, Microsoft has released a brand new Chromium-based browser that replaced the legacy one out of Windows 10 because the new default. Recently, the cumulative updates shipped included in the Patch Tuesday cycle removed Edge legacy for everybody, therefore deploying the Chromium sibling on their devices.

As it turns out, cumulative update KB5003173 fails to install if users removed the brand new Edge from their devices in an attempt to stick to the legacy version.

The workaround

Fortunately, the workaround is simply by it may be. What you need to do is open File Explorer and check if the following folder exists on your pc:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\
If the folder exists, it's a remnant from the Chromium-powered Edge, also it must be taken off your computer and then restart the device before checking for Windows Update again.

In addition, you can just install the Chromium browser in your device, therefore deploying all of the right folders and preparing the pc for the new cumulative update.

Microsoft hasn't updated the known issues list just yet, so the workaround mentioned here is pretty much the only fix you're getting for now.