Windows 11 is getting a major security boost to keep you safe from phishing threats

More warnings introduced for unsafe Windows 11 activity

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The latest insider preview build ofWindows 11- 25324 - brings a welcome boost to user security protection, among other tweaks and enhancements.

Available now for Canary Channel insiders, the change specifically targets potentially unsafe sites that could be used forphishing, introducing a new popup as part of the Enhanced Phishing Protection inMicrosoftDefender SmartScreen that was introduced inWindows 1122H2.

Users who have enabled warnings, which primarily protect school and workpasswords, will now get a popup for potentially unsafe copied and pasted passwords, rather than when they have physically typed them in.

Windows 11 updates

Furthermore, the SHA-3 family of hash functions including SHA-3 derived functions (SHAKE, cSHAKE, KMAC) have gained support, and a new USB 4 ‘Hubs and Devices’ page has been added to Settings to help users manage high-performance peripherals, displays, and charging, including docking.

Microsoft has also carried out some work to streamline its widgets which should come as no surprise as the company seeks to make accessing information even easier, following huge investments in artificial intelligence in recent months.

These are the best ID theft protection tools>Windows 11 really wants you to get a VPN>Microsoft working on an overhaul for File Explorer to better fit Windows 11

Widgets will now display over three columns on large enough devices (rather than two), with new dedicated widget sections. The company says that this gives users glanceable access to high-value and personalized content.

Additionally, more widgets will now support animation from the taskbar when hovered over or clicked, and a new shortcut button to theBingchat experience in Edge will feature in the taskbar for those with access to the new Bing.

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All of this, hopefully, in an effort to attract more customers to a more user-friendly and secure environment, because while Windows 11 adoption is on the rise, it still only accounts for 19% of all Windows installations (viaStatcounter), trailing far behindWindows 10accounting for 73% of the Windows market.

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

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