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Opera browser's dev channel has a new option that allows users to force dark mode on websites that you visit. Dark mode is a fan-favorite feature among various apps and operating systems, as it's easy on the eyes in dimly lit environments, and even helps conserve the battery power on devices with an LED display.
 
Most browsers have a setting to change the theme color to Light, Dark or Auto/System. The problem with these settings is that it only changes the appearance of the browser's interface but doesn't really affect the web pages that you load. As a result, websites that use a light theme will still be blindingly bright even in Dark mode.

Every week we take a close look at the most pirated movies on torrent sites. What are pirates downloading? 'Everything Everywhere All at OnceThe Northman' tops the chart, followed by ‘The Lost City'. 'The Batman' completes the top three.

Earlier this month, Microsoft opened voting for the best applications for Windows 10 and 11 users can download from the Microsoft Store. The Windows community nominated several projects in different categories, and now Microsoft has published the voting results.

We are at the last weekend of May and it's time yet again to recap all the important Microsoft news of the past few days. This week, there was tons of developer- and enterprise-focused news from Build 2022, some more details about Windows 11 version 22H2 RTM, and then some updates to Microsoft's apps and services to cap it all. Without further ado, let's dive into our weekly digest for May 21 - May 27.

Desktop Stickers is a new hidden feature in Windows 11 22H2 (and newer). It allows you to personalize the desktop with variously-themed stickers, similar to how people customize the lids of their laptops.
 
Some users will find this feature questionable or even useless, but others will enjoy using it. Here is how to enable Desktop Stickers in Windows 11.

A short time ago it was made known that Microsoft has officially signed off on the Windows 11 22H2 RTM (Release to Manufacturing) build 22621 that was released to Windows Insiders in early May. That is the build that will be released to everyone on Windows 11 through Windows Update, possibly as far out as September. The only difference will be that it will have already received a number of updates.
 
If you don't want to wait as long as September to be officially updated through Windows Update, you can get it right now through the official channels via Microsoft, and enjoy all of the new features. Check out this article for a complete run down of what's new in Windows 11 22H2.

Before the general availability (GA) of any major software, hardware partners and software developers have to ensure compatibility and readiness for their products. Microsoft's Windows 11 is no different, and for this purpose, the company has a Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) which helps verify compatible hardware.

A couple of weeks ago, we heard rumors that build 22621 might be a candidate for the released to manufacturers (RTM) build of Windows 11 version 22H2. However, at that time, this was just speculation because Microsoft personnel did not deny the claim on social media platforms. Now, the company has confirmed the same in official documentation.

Microsoft has released optional cumulative update previews for Windows 11, Windows 10 version 1809, and Windows Server 2022, with fixes for Direct3D issues impacting client and server systems.
 
The updates are part of Microsoft's scheduled April 2022 monthly "C" updates, allowing Windows users to test the fixes released on June 15th as part of next month's Patch Tuesday.
 
Unlike regular Patch Tuesday Windows updates, scheduled non-security preview updates are optional. They are issued to test bug fixes and performance improvements before the general release, and they don't provide security updates.

Windows Insiders on Windows 10 21H2 received a new Cumulative Update today, perhaps notable in this release are further attempts at fixes for apps closing unexpectedly when dependent on d3d9.dll with certain graphics cards. The update also contains unrelated fixes that prevented Microsoft Excel and Outlook apps from opening.
 
The new build 19044.1739 (21H2) (KB5014023), which is optional, tests if certain non-security fixes can make it through to the next Patch Tuesday, it is available now through the Release Preview Channel.

Every week we take a close look at the most pirated movies on torrent sites. What are pirates downloading? 'Everything Everywhere All at OnceThe Northman' tops the chart, followed by ‘The Lost City'. 'The Batman' completes the top three.

Linux kernel 5.18 includes an Intel driver that could allow the chip maker to enable new silicon features after users pay for a license.
 
Linux creator Linux Torvalds has announced the stable Linux kernel version 5.8 release after making it through the final week of development with "no unexpected nasty surprises".

Where and when to watch each keynote

Computex is just hours away and will feature keynotes from some of the biggest names in tech, including AMD, Nvidia, and Microsoft. There will almost certainly be some exciting announcements from each brand, but since Computex takes place in Taipei, Taiwan, the keynotes don’t occur at the most convenient times (at least for those of us in North America).

We are at the end of the week again, which means that it is time to recap all the recent news items related to Microsoft. This week, we have lots of news related to Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates, some related to the Microsoft Store, and then a pinch of details about Outlook to wrap it all up. To find out more, read our weekly digest for May 14 - May 20.

A European Parliament committee has advanced an agreement between member states on the Digital Markets Act, which if passed as it presently stands, will force Apple and others to open up otherwise restricted app stores, hardware features, and more.

A spacecraft looping around the Sun has made its first close approach – and filmed the encounter in glorious detail.

It is a big day for Microsoft and its operating system. According to the Windows Health Dashboard documentation, Windows 11 is now available for broad deployment, which means every user can download and install it via Windows Update. Microsoft usually does this after several months of slow rollout to ensure a smooth and stable upgrade experience for as many users as possible.

Ever since he was a kid in Sweden, Peter Ternström wanted to make a sci-fi-style flying machine. In 1983 he saw Return of the Jedi five times and dreamed of zooming through the forest of Endor on a levitating speeder. But as a smart young nerd he quickly realized a hovering vehicle wasn’t possible.

Microsoft is apparently working on a new application for Windows 11 dubbed "Designer" and multiple images of the preview version of the app have leaked out. Prolific Windows leakster and Twitter user WalkingCat, who also recently shared the alleged RTM date for Windows 11 22H2, spotted it.

Every week we take a close look at the most pirated movies on torrent sites. What are pirates downloading? 'The Northman' tops the chart, followed by ‘The Lost City'. 'The Batman' completes the top three.

Microsoft has officially announced a native VPN service for its Edge Browser. Called "Secure Network", it is available for preview in the Canary channel for a limited set of Edge Insiders. Users recently spotted the first traces of the feature, and now it is official.
 
In a nutshell, Microsoft Edge Secure Network is a simplified VPN that does not require installing third-party software or extensions. This feature aims to provide Edge users with a secure connection when working in public networks that often lack privacy. Using Secure Network lets you hide your IP address, encrypt data, and route traffic through a secure network powered by Cloudflare.

Whispers and murmurs about Windows 11 22H2 (codenamed Sun Valley 2) reaching release to manufacturing (RTM) status soon have been doing the rounds for a while now, with a report suggesting that it is happening this month itself. Another more recent report claimed that the latest Beta Channel build 22621 was the RTM candidate, with the sign-off on May 20, which is just under a week away.

We are almost halfway through the month of May and it's time once again to recap everything that happened on Microsoft's side of the fence in the past few days. This week, there were a lot of news items related to Windows builds, a welcome update to the inbox Sound Recorder app, and some nifty enhancements to Edge too. Find out more in our weekly digest for May 7 - May 13.

A look at the most significant features coming to the OS later this year.

Windows 11 has already changed quite a bit since the version we reviewed in October was released, and Microsoft has put out a steady stream of redesigned app updates, bug fixes, and user interface improvements.

Every few years, Microsoft is making it more difficult to create a local account during setup of the Windows operating system.
 
The company announced in February 2022 that new setups and first runs of Pro versions of Windows 11 would require a Microsoft account. It did not take long for workarounds to become available, but many users may be unaware of these bypass options.