Microsoft has released a new build and it is available for Insiders in the Fast ring to download. The new Windows 10 19H1 Insider Preview Build 18358 introduces Windows Defender Application Guard as a browser extension for Firefox and Chrome. Otherwise, it doesn’t bring any new features and focuses more on performance and fixes. You can read the official changelog below.
General changes, improvements, and fixes for PC:
- FOR GAMERS: Microsoft has addressed an issue with Game Mode that may degrade game streaming and recording quality.
- Here’s the latest on trying out Microsoft’s new Windows gaming technology:
- Still haven’t had a chance to get the game State of Decay for free (for a limited time)? Microsoft has added even more slots! Whether you’ve tried it in earlier builds or haven’t had the chance yet, these instructions have everything you need.
- Installed the Insider version of State of Decay already? Microsoft will be trying out another update later today. To get it, launch the Store app, click […] and then “Downloads and Updates”. Once installed, you shouldn’t see any difference in the game – it’s just a test update – but please let Microsoft know if anything doesn’t work!
- Microsoft fixed an issue that could result in the thumbnails in Alt + Tab sometimes becoming offset.
- Microsoft fixed an issue where certain upgrade paths could result in the contents of the Recycle Bin being left under Windows.old.
- Microsoft fixed an issue resulting in upgrades failing at 18% or 25% and rolling back for some Insiders.
- Microsoft fixed an issue resulting in some Insider experiencing green screens with error KERNEL_SECURITY_VIOLATION.
- Microsoft fixed an issue resulting in some apps using the Windows Installer failing to install recently.
Known issues
- Microsoft Store app updates do not automatically install on 18356+. As a workaround, you can manually check for, and install updates via the Microsoft Store app. Open Select “…” > “Downloads and updates” > “Get updates”.
- Launching games that use anti-cheat software may trigger a bugcheck (GSOD).
- Creative X-Fi sound cards are not functioning properly. Microsoft are partnering with Creative to resolve this issue.
- Some Realtek SD card readers are not functioning properly. Microsoft are investigating the issue.
- Microsoft is investigating an issue preventing VMware from being able to install or update Windows Insider Preview builds. Hyper-V is a viable alternative if available to you.
Known issues for Developers
- If you install any of the recent builds from the Fast ring and switch to the Slow ring, optional content such as enabling developer mode will fail. You will have to remain in the Fast ring to add/install/enable optional content. This is because optional content will only install on builds approved for specific rings.
Windows Defender Application Guard as browser extensions in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox
To extend Microsoft’s container technology to other browsers and provide customers with a comprehensive solution to isolate potential browser-based attacks, Microsoft has designed and developed Windows Defender Application Guard extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
HOW IT WORKS
The extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox automatically redirect untrusted navigations to Windows Defender Application Guard for Microsoft Edge. The extension relies on a native application that Microsoft has built to support the communication between the browser and the device’s Application Guard settings.
When users navigate to a site, the extension checks the URL against a list of trusted sites defined by enterprise administrators. If the site is determined to be untrusted, the user is redirected to an isolated Microsoft Edge session. In the isolated Microsoft Edge session, the user can freely navigate to any site that has not been explicitly defined as trusted by their organization without any risk to the rest of system. With Microsoft’s upcoming dynamic switching capability, if the user tries to go to a trusted site while in an isolated Microsoft Edge session, the user is taken back to the default browser.
To configure the Application Guard extension under managed mode, enterprise administrators can follow these recommended steps:
- Ensure devices meet requirements.
- Turn on Windows Defender Application Guard.
- Define the network isolation settings to ensure a set of trusted sites is in place.
- Install the new Windows Defender Application Guard companion application from the Microsoft Store.
- Install the extension for Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers provided by Microsoft.
- Restart the devices.
INTUITIVE USER EXPERIENCE
Microsoft designed the user interface to be transparent to users about Windows Defender Application Guard being installed on their devices and what it does. Microsoft wants to ensure that users are fully aware that their untrusted navigations will be isolated and why.
- When users initially open Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox after the extension is deployed and configured properly, they will see a Windows Defender Application Guard landing page.
- If there are any problems with the configuration, users will get instructions for resolving any configuration errors.
- Users can initiate an Application Guard session without entering a URL or clicking on a link by clicking the extension icon on the menu bar of the browser.
WHERE TO GET IT
The Windows Defender Application Guard extension for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox is rolling out to Windows Insiders today and will be generally available very soon. This is available for users on Win 10 Enterprise and Pro SKUs on 1803 or later.
- Get the Google Chrome extension
- Get the Mozilla Firefox extension
- Get the Microsoft Store companion app
Submit feedback here. Contact Microsoft’s team if you have any questions.