Haven’t activated Windows 11? Then you might find yourself locked out of some Microsoft Edge browser settings

If you’re running an unactivated version of Windows 11 (or Windows 10), your access to Microsoft Edge’s settings might be restricted in the future. This is already the case when it comes to things like Personalization settings for Windows 11 in an unactivated installation, as well as constant reminders prompting you to activate the OS.

If you don’t mind those constraints and plentiful reminders, you can install and run Windows 11 and Windows 10 without activation for free.

However, it seems like Microsoft has added multiple flags in testing that allow for blocking certain browser capabilities in an Edge preview build – if you’re using Windows 11 (or Windows 10) and it’s unactivated. The three flags in question in Edge spotted by Windows Latest are:

  • msEdgeActivatedStateCheckAndUpdate
  • msEdgeNonActivatedOSTrigger
  • msEdgeLockSettingsInNonActivatedOS

Looking to see the effects of each of these flags being enabled, Windows Latest tried running the Edge Canary test build with one flag enabled at a time. Windows Latest turned on the ‘msEdgeLockSettingsInNonActivatedOS’ flag successfully, which resulted in some of Edge’s settings being locked. Then, when Edge’s settings page was opened, it displayed a banner that stated:

“We notice your Windows is not activated, some customization has been limited.”

Pushing further, Windows Latest explored other parts of Edge settings and also discovered that the ‘When Edge starts’ panel (which allows for configuration of what happens when the browser launches) was blocked due to Windows 11 not being activated.

An unwise move?

This is an interesting strategy that doesn’t entirely make sense to me, because as Windows Latest points out, the policy seemingly only targets Windows – Edge users on Mac devices and mobiles don’t see this kind of interference. That makes me think, well, Microsoft is mulling this move simply because it can, and if you want Windows enough to install it, then you want the OS enough to tolerate measures like this. 

Considering how clearly desperate Microsoft is for more people to use Edge, having instigated multiple instances of aggressively pushing users to make Edge their browser of choice, this strategy is even more puzzling since it could drive people away (having finally gotten what Microsoft wants, apparently!).

If you want to continue using Windows unactivated, you could just switch to Chrome, Firefox, or another of the best web browsers that doesn’t have these restrictions. It’s worth remembering that this development is still in the early testing stages, though, and hopefully won’t make it to the final version rollout – but I wouldn’t put it past Microsoft. 

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You can now put yourself front and centre (or anywhere you want) in Microsoft Teams

You'll soon be able to be the star of all your work video calls thanks to a new update coming to Microsoft Teams.

The video conferencing software has revealed plans for a new tweak that will let users pin their own video feed wherever they like on their display when on a call.

Previously, users could only pin video feeds of other participants when on a call, letting you focus on a particular presenter, boss or co-worker.

Pin on Microsoft Teams

The change will also mean that users can have their own video feed at whatever size they desire – a change which could be particularly useful if you want to check your appearance or background while presenting or speaking – especially if using sign language.

Microsoft says the new feature will also mean no more overlaying of the user's video window over that of other participants, and hopefully mean users will feel like they are taking a much more active role in a call.

Microsoft Teams pin video feed

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The feature is set to begin rolling out to Microsoft Teams Standard users on Windows and Mac devices from January 2022. It can be activated by going to the “Me” box and clicking on the three dots, then selecting “Pin for me”, with users also able to pin or unpin their feeds when clicking on the menu next to their name in the roster.

The release is the latest in a series of upgrades to Microsoft Teams as the company looks to maintain its strong position in the video conferencing market.

This includes the ability to now mute or even turn off notifications while on a Teams call, with users able to choose to mute notifications for all meetings or on a per meeting basis.

Microsoft 365 users are also currently able to work uninterrupted with Teams notifications silenced thanks to focus mode in Viva Insights. The tool means Teams users will be able to make progress on important work with focus music from Headspace playing in the background.

Via MSPowerUser

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Pay as little as $2.75 a month to protect yourself online with CyberGhost’s VPN deal

Thanks to the fact that many of us are now stuck at home, it's only natural that we'll be using our computing and mobile devices more than ever – whether that be for work or play. That means that it's even more important to ensure your online life is safe and sound, and that's where getting a VPN becomes crucial.

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In one word – yes! We rank it in our top five best VPN services, which given all the thorough tests and analysing we do on VPN services, is pretty ace position to sit in.

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