Microsoft adds Windows Customization to Dev Home, allowing users to access advanced File Explorer settings

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Published onMay 22, 2024

published onMay 22, 2024

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At the Microsoft Build 2024, which is happening these days, the Redmond-based tech giant introduced various tools designed for software developers to build AI apps.

The conference unveiled the newWindows Copilot Runtine, an all-encompassing platform gathering up everything developers need to have to enhance their productivity: fromCopilot extensions, toLive Captions, or Windows Studio Effects, Windows Copilot Runtime is a whole software development department within a single platform.

However, the existing Dev Home platform will also get a fair share of new features, and enhancements, including the new Windows Customization section. The new panel was spotted a while ago and was even circulating on X (formerly known as Twitter) before Microsoft officially announced it at Build 2024.

What does it do, you might ask? Well, the Redmond-based tech giant says developers will have access to advanced File Explorer settings, Dev Drive insights, virtual machine management, and the ability to quiet background processes, which is indeed a good thing if you ask us.

In other words, Dev Home allows developers to have detailed control over their Windows devices in just a few clicks, as Microsoft said inthe official blog post.

However, Microsoft didn’t stop here: aside from Windows Customization, Dev Home will also get enhanced with the so-called Environments, spaces where software developers can have an overview of all the virtual machines connected to the platform.

Even more, if you’re a software developer, you can create Environments with apps, repositories, and virtual packages, using Hyper-V VMs and Microsoft Dev Boxes. You’ll be able to take snapshots and pin environments in the taskbar, from where you can control them more easily.

Another interesting feature is that Environments in Dev Home are open source, and other software developers can contribute to your environments, as much as you can contribute to theirs. These spaces are now available in preview, with general availability coming out later this year.

Microsoft also added the ability to export configuration files that you set up and share them with your team, for a consistent workspace.

For a streamlined experience, try the new export feature in Dev Home which allows you to generate a configuration file based on the choices you made in Dev Home’s Machine Configuration setup flow, allowing you to quickly create configuration files to share with your teammates for a consistent machine setup.

And, probably one of the most useful features Dev Home could get: Microsoft will allow software developers to block clone large files. This means you’ll be able to instantaneously copy/paste large files in Dev Home in just a matter of seconds.

Here’s how fast it’s going to be:

On X(formerly known as Twitter), Windows enthusiasts can already see the impact.

First time I have ever seen transfer speeds of 1GB/s+pic.twitter.com/zmKz1HW1A0

The new block cloning capability will be generally available in Dev Home starting with the Windows 11 24H2 update, slated for release later this year.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft adds Windows Customization to Dev Home, allowing users to access advanced File Explorer settings#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft adds Windows Customization to Dev Home, allowing users to access advanced File Explorer settings