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So there has been an on going thread about powerline adapters, well the OP finally got some - and I was curious about speed he is seeing, etc.  So told him would post up links to some tools.

 

This lead me to compiling the latest version of iperf3 I could find for windows ;) Since I couldn't find one.  So figured post it up if anyone is interested.

 

Got the source from here https://github.com/esnet/iperf

Found a blog post how to compile on windows here http://www.embeddedsystemtesting.com/2014/08/how-to-compile-iperf3-for-windows.html

 

So few minutes later I end up with a copy of the current iperf3 that works on windows.  Needs a few cygwin dlls, included in the zip.  But other than that unzip and go.

 

It has lots of new options compared to the older versions

 

Been a fan of iperf for years, so will prob keep this current when new versions come out since doesn't seem like anyone else is posting up the windows builds, etc.

You can grab all my compiled versions here https://files.budman.pw/

Any questions on its use, just ask -- post up some tests as well!!

 

edit: updated this on 02/25/17 new build 3.1.6

http://software.es.net/iperf/news.html#iperf-3-1-6-released

This version of iperf3 contains two minor fixes. Notably, one of them unbreaks JSON output with UDP tests.

 

edit2:  5/23/17 Thanks to @Datalink for letting me know site was down.  Back up now, if your having issues flush your dns had to move it to different host.  Added site to my monitoring so next time it goes down will know right away ;)

BTW 3.1.7 just typo's so no reason to compile it

2017-03-06: iperf-3.1.7 released

This version of iperf3 contains two documentation fixes, but is otherwise identical to the prior release.

 

edit3: 7/6/17 Updated to new 3.2 build

http://files.budman.pw/iperf3.2_32bit.zip

CRC32: 9e4b913c
MD5: ff7fc42f6ba29e9f83c8bb8e0066f722
SHA-1: 68ad3a0f0c2f30c1756f0a5eb39e1062e6beb6f4

http://files.budman.pw/iperf3.2_64bit.zip

CRC32: add96290
MD5: 7a014ff67b1d678f546ead2360820d47
SHA-1: 98ed98ac6d392a4484e5151ab2f714390c99b52e

 

edi4: 11/18/17 Updated to new 3.3 build

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.3_64.zip

MD5: 49095ccb2442101d2a1ffc6213f3d1b9
SHA-256: 1fea7ae97b8ec5ab1c61ef1afcf7afd491d37ef41061a845f9bb8477425c66db

 

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.3_32.zip

MD5: b6ad4c094a18196e0798e1a2825bc609
SHA-256: 919978ac0b574d7662d5b0e58174a6107002db96e7592929a9a28938516a2c5f

 

edit5: 02/16/2018 Updated to new 3.4 build see post in thread

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.4_32.zip

MD5: 3b805d0895e7bb4d005429ed5859dd00
SHA-256: 82a933bbf96731a615ee5ae40bc1e6986ffcdd0b83c7c4e9cd024a996b3c0808
https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.4_64.zip

MD5: e4c0d2d8bda22ebbb710a9a65aacddf9
SHA-256: 7a3f83d211d22102d05dcf0eb24f4ff8cd3d9083aada9a27c88ba7ced0a0eccc

 

edit6: 03/05/2018 Updated to 3.5 build, see post in thread

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.5_64.zip

CRC32: 18962237
MD5: 840a2d5e0f81d8a6dc0d8be854caf61a
SHA-1: 1a18185c79645b082392dcd024b7e53900dc38bd
SHA-256: 94a0ec4e486904a6a8ebe390eca37871f47a097599908c3647d6ad1d0bbdff59
 

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.5_32.zip

CRC32: 21d8a0eb
MD5: dd79fe69c86e62c780e45e6e0d2ec66d
SHA-1: 2c63c1f9ef35be23170869a6a7eb048241aa2f14
SHA-256: bf4b95a58e54ceda101e33b0b908c581df1ce4a217f233e1092dc3278572de43

 

edit7:

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.6_64bit.zip

CRC32: A9B23E64
MD5: 3530BD3C837EA146C8F98106FA94E395
SHA-1: 7E09239B207739714294A4EA1DA9C69623374740
SHA-256: DE958C4CF72DBC64DCBB42130BD466D9FD367E4519C5C3F78A6675CA87E12B7D

 

edit8: Updated 7/6/2019 New 3.7 build, see post in thread

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.7_64.zip

CRC32: 13EB9AD9
MD5: 96C2C058B0128BEC346BD0D034D7B31E
SHA-1: 83978F54B7EDDA073CC4E865493AA6544862879A
SHA-256: 93FB4641810C06DE554E97FD4E6B44CEFBD8ECB8EA8CFEA3CC550B823C3E89CE

 

edit9: Updated 3/11/2020 updated cygwin, guess there was some bug in the cygwindll, see post in thread.

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.7_64_updated_cygwin1dll.zip

CRC32: ABCA3CAA
MD5: C3594A08967FD57BF36F757980480F9D
SHA-1: DF6C8B3D18941DABBC5AB21ACB5844A062620092
SHA-256: B1A14F8B2435AAA98D26F8499DF23BF6532B5F0EA2288DA04E0C28333EDBC48E

 

edit10: Updated 6/9/2020 New 3.8 build, see post in thread

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.8_64bit.zip

MD5: 38A01DC0D4CC67058B094A96274A6F49
SHA-256: E37B0885EFA60106A3333CDAE878815B2306B434175F2BFBAF2DBF709BAB2049

 

edit11: updated 6/10/2020 New 3.8.1, see post in thread

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.8.1_64.zip

CRC32: 69CE7B06
MD5: 1157B038DC04646B074A822A171E77A7
SHA-1: A692D6E5FAD3004A229C92661EC4448004EA269E
SHA-256: CD337C2EEB5ACF02713867990E4F9F0656CC0CAEA850F3B3C289DD79305DF1A1

 

edit12: updated 8/17/2020 New 3.9, see post in thread

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.9_64.zip

Name: iperf3.9_64.zip
Size: 1542276 bytes (1506 KiB)
SHA256: 15D2D3C2A8B9A69EFD9991FEFE5206E31D6055399F7A4C663C3CB6D77B6770F8

 

edit13: updated 5/31/2021, see post in thread

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.10_64bit.zip

SHA256: 098f276552939acec2a9a7d6990e79bac17e45fb951d32ce59c2d764cdcaf15a

 

edit14: updated 6/4/2021, released a new build

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.10.1_64bit.zip

sha256     2cf3ff3671f9f4f57cf01ab8b2d960feb9e087d450f3b58aaf4ab82333262be0

iperf 3.10.1 fixes a problem with the configure script that made it make not work correctly in some circumstances. It is functionally identical to iperf 3.10.

I didn't seem to have any issues with my 3.10 build, but redid to keep with current version numbers.

 

edit15: updated 2/2/2022 - see post in thread about 3.11 being out and new compile of 3.10.1

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.11_64bit.zip

sha-256

166F815BEEC86DE38CC26C243C344C67143575F380974EE0033C6CEF90398F84

 

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.10.1_64bit_compiled_2-2-2022.zip

sha-256

212A5E346D018A63BD35212EFA1387CDEE1248979D89DB0DE3BADCAA897257CE

 

edit16 updated 10/1/2022

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.12_64.zip

SHA-256: 24222F681219D3814880D0E3FAB2165C1A88628D1DBD89CCBFADD4A853DD8AC7

edit17 02/16/2022

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.13_64.zip

MD5: CE3AD0A3F1BFACDDCB8253BE0A5B4264
SHA-256: 28AD4F9146B112FE4AAFC092042A1769F38E4031E6FE9C5790BFFE56B696028C

 

edit18 updated 7/1/2023

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.14_64.zip

MD5: F2E950606D42EDC33BAEDC2A475791F7
SHA-1: DD1810A0A76A428274B45BBE97FDA8E026B3C552
SHA-256: A4D01475E70CB78352D1754A24A8DBF71DB848AF985CFAF5FB75D1E65F0FA664

 

edit19 9/15/2023

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.15_64.zip

MD5: 368FDF957DA41124515BC56131B014F4
SHA-1: D23EA253A73F24812087A05EAEC3C5E1653ADF63
SHA-256: 15BCAE86ED07FAFBB6CF0A91D5ECED2CEEE65077C05059927C707D87077D3618

edit20 12/1/2023

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.16_64.zip

CRC32: AA6A0862
MD5: 5F7F24A0BB135DDE38C6182A9F60D6D4
SHA-1: 2C24A2499A1EFECC0B7F592705CB460864FE6072
SHA-256: 52063FF7CC8570A86A0AAAEF8221370AFB4A4EE93ACA2029B7DF4BAAD7032B15

edit21 05/10/2024

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.17_64.zip

CRC32: F6D8E2A8
MD5: 03E0ED0BF5E9A52CC22BDEBF9681BE81
SHA-1: 370D1B1896990CD2BA3806FD609185D2F977EDB8
SHA-256: C1AB63DE610D73779D1003753F8DCD3FAAE0B6AC5BE1EAF31BBF4A1D3D2E3356

edit22 05/13/2024

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.17.1_64.zip

CRC32: 6311D9F3
MD5: FCA5170E2CDBB469A880C3E7AAEFCCC8
SHA-1: 2F16012B6F0373522B084B16BBA634B010A4BCC0
SHA-256: A36D8A6284C3097D74E61B3DB5FF45EF08D77494F17E34900C73D69DA94E3810

edit23: 11/02/24

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.17.1_64_updatedcygwin.zip

CRC32: 58B0DD79
MD5: 26F19C9187A48EF572EF5D6B574EBCF8
SHA-1: 9D3E838B83AC8C0A0B21F6DC3F401D85B34F0539
SHA-256: F5AB24CA38C5396C1AB6A793258F7D2EB20E45339983A0805C55333C21C583D5

edit24:  12/13/2024

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.18_64.zip

CRC32: 411D3A3A
MD5: 6319C246D9BCCB9B9C9B189DF0D8147E
SHA-1: C39B48EFCEA3A345DF2798FCA05283609B203C66
SHA-256: 233D83FD549462F8B0CEDDF7A22CC3DD5A8198A5DE984A32732AACFA54CE1D7D

edit25: 05/16/2025

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.19_64.zip

CRC32: 2B77C04F
MD5: 1F850A5BD3F58D206CBB0B4CBAF9B0D1
SHA-1: DDD56D11FAAF7C18FBCCB5239F3263B36C73A9AE
SHA-256: 6D2861BC02139244871F07BA474C7CCE448D5581F409FFC694C0E1AD190D5AAC

edit26: 07/26/2025

https://files.budman.pw/iperf3.19.1_64.zip

CRC32: BB95604E
MD5: 201792CDD56975A3C68A7FE9F99D7B80
SHA-1: 92D6579AF3C917923B41BEC81C5BC80F6E4B4A9A
SHA-256: 9A84118CD8EABB14A0FDA4FFA782DD5668E4461031D8AB119480BF9B09E3DC04

edit27: 11/14/2025

https://files.budman.pw/?file=iperf3.20_64.zip

CRC32: 1CB4A1D9
MD5: 8F5CF38B2B8FE853E8337C8DE338686F
SHA-1: 0350C4B30F73B931D5219DBFC5B8B39C28FDA7F5
SHA-256: 7F8FABEB885EEB61345F0658D6D0E476248E313CBD182B336AE5AC81FBA5DAED

edit28: 04/12/2026

https://files.budman.pw/?file=iperf3.21_64.zip

CRC32: 7B89DFC0
MD5: E39EC5DAC5CAD516D2501117F7D66670
SHA-1: 07BF4580F347A66A1E8BB45FAA894599DB12F787
SHA-256: 3DCC2ED47B59FB709F4D5A9DA132AFCF28D503AB5E2FDCE270E8B7989745D986

 

 

 

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1234695-iperf-321-windows-build/
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Sweet stuff! (y)

 

I'll start testing my powerline stuff too (TP Link TP6030s - same as the 6010 but with 3 x 1Gbps ports on each device). My Xbox, TV and WDTV will be connected to it so need to make sure it can handle it all! :yes:

It would be very interesting to get some powerline adapter real world numbers sure..  The one's the OP got show 500mbps, but wireless makers say that new router is 450mbps 2.4, which will all know is a crock of sh_t!

 

I have noticed couple of things not working on windows with this build, the zerocopy -Z is not supported, that is kind of a given.  But the -J for json output causes a stackdump as well, so don't use those ;)

 

I keep meaning to grab a set to play with, but then again I run wire if needed ;) I have set them up in a few places..  But no gig, and they easy do 100mbps without any issues..

Get the TP-Link TL4010 kit, like $30 on Newegg and gave me 10MB/s* copy speeds between my laptop and the NAS connected to a 1Gbps switch. They were also in the same room, same outlet even so not "normal" usage but just wanted to get a general idea of what they are capable of.

 

* - Note the 4010 one is limited to a 10/100 port so the speeds were limited there. The 6010 pushes ~40MB/s in the same setup with a link rate of 337Mbps. Didn't try to do more testing to see if it could be faster but figured that's pretty good.

 

I'll do some real testing on the weekend :D

Yeah, no got that, I was expecting a full 500/600Mbps link rate however since they are right next to each other.

 

Doesn't matter much I guess, was just a quick test :)

 

The software for it shows the link rate:

 

Took this shot from http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanwan/lanwan-reviews/32454-tp-link-homeplug-head-to-head

 

post-698-0-88504900-1414521387.jpg

 

The software is not super useful but It does allow some little tweaks ("QoS" - dunno if it actually works) along with firmware upgrades.

 

 

 

Well the link rate is good info to know, so software is useful for that and firmware updates.. So looks like the link rate it reports is pretty close to the money then which is good validation with your file copy.

So does the software pick up the other device on the other end of the powerline connection or do you have to plug in on that side to see that one?

The software on the Network tab will show you details of the other devices you have plugged in. In my case I have 4 so 3 show up on the Network tab. To see the info of the local one you have to plug into it or something connected to it which would show on the Status page. Doesn't show much info though, you can just change the Network name and view the password as seen below:

 

tplink_tlwpa4220kit_utility_status.jpg

 

Here is the advanced tab if you were curious:

 

tplink_tlwpa4220kit_utility_advanced.jpg

 

So basically I just use it to test/setup and then get rid of the software.

  • 1 month later...

Updated build

New Version is out iperf3_10 http://software.es.n...3-0-10-released, I have updated the windows build you can find it here

http://files.budman.pw/iperf3_10.zip

md5 of zip 7DF9AF051A5554DC342DE366710FFC35

using current version of cygwin dll 1.7.33

Quick test shows its working fine, anyone find any problems let me know.

post-14624-0-95693100-1419741454.png

Cool! I am running on some of the very first home plugs, They work well for me at the minute but I should really upgrade to Gig ones at some point. Been meaning to for a while. I guess I am waiting for the right "deal" .... They work fine for my web browsing but transferring large files around not amazing but do the job.

So I just got a pair of these that someone was not using any longer, and they are the netgear AV500 model (XAV5201 - but WTF they only have a 10/100 nic -- how and the F can they get away with the 500mbps label.. I thought it was nonsense when wifi spouts out their nonsense numbers.. If you want to call them 200mbps when you have 100mbps full duplex ;) But 500 come on give me a break.

Figured could do some testing, but kind of pointless with limit of 100mbps interface.. But yeah better than wireless connection.

So I just got a pair of these that someone was not using any longer, and they are the netgear AV500 model (XAV5201 - but WTF they only have a 10/100 nic -- how and the F can they get away with the 500mbps label.. I thought it was nonsense when wifi spouts out their nonsense numbers.. If you want to call them 200mbps when you have 100mbps full duplex ;) But 500 come on give me a break.

Figured could do some testing, but kind of pointless with limit of 100mbps interface.. But yeah better than wireless connection.

Backplane speed

Backplane speed my ass - they come in a kit with 2 of them.. Now maybe the 1 that has 4 ports on it ;)

And even if it could do 10 freaking trillion bps doesn't matter when you have 2 of them and connecting with it 100mbps nic..

Come on companies - why not just print actual freaking numbers the users can expect!!

They add up numbers that don't reflect what can be seen by the client.. A 1750AC router for example adds the 2.4 and the 5ghz together, even though no single client can use both together.

Are you connecting at 1200 as you phy data rate reported by the client? If so 300 is bit low.. Other problem with speeds reported these days, which I can understand is the AP numbers - you have 3x3 at the AP, but then you connect with single stream client, your not going to see anywhere close to what it might do if 3x3 client.

  • 3 weeks later...

Updated to build 3.11

 

This maintenance release adds a -1 flag to make the iperf3 execute a single test and exit, needed for an upcoming bwctl release. A few other bugs are also fixed.

 

D:\iperf3_11>iperf3.exe -v
iperf 3.0.11

 

Server specific:
  -s, --server              run in server mode
  -D, --daemon              run the server as a daemon
  -1, --one-off             handle one client connection then exit

 

Updated first post with link to new file.. Also cygstdc++-6.dll does not seem to be needed, so removed it from the zip.

 

BudMan@i5-w7 /iperf-3.0.11
$ cygcheck iperf3.exe
Found: D:\cygwin\usr\local\bin\iperf3.exe
D:\cygwin\usr\local\bin\iperf3.exe
  D:\cygwin\bin\cygwin1.dll
    C:\Windows\system32\KERNEL32.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-RtlSupport-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\ntdll.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\KERNELBASE.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-ProcessThreads-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Heap-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Memory-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Handle-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Synch-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-File-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-IO-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-ThreadPool-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-LibraryLoader-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-NamedPipe-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Misc-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-SysInfo-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Localization-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-ProcessEnvironment-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-String-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Debug-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-ErrorHandling-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Fibers-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Util-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Core-Profile-L1-1-0.dll
      C:\Windows\system32\API-MS-Win-Security-Base-L1-1-0.dll
  D:\cygwin\bin\cyggcc_s-1.dll

BudMan@i5-w7 /iperf-3.0.11
 

  • 3 weeks later...

Thank you for compiling iperf3 for Windows!

 

It's working but I had to jump through some hoops. Specificallly, it won't work if I leave iperf3.exe and the dlls in the same folder, even if I add the path to this folder to the Path environment variable. I had to move the dlls to a different folder, and add it to the Path environment variable also.

 

Now everything is working great, I just wanted to share in case somebody runs into the same problem.

  • 4 weeks later...

Updated 01/17/15

New Version is out iperf3_10 http://software.es.net/iperf/news.html#iperf-3-0-11-released I have updated the windows build you can find it here

http://files.budman.pw/iperf3_11.zip

md5 of zip e58f2721f70f43e78a1c9ae8605dd025

using current version of cygwin dll 1.7.33

I pulled out one of the cygwin dlls - doesn't seem to be needed.

 

Hi

First of all grate work thank you!

 

Little fix to your post, if you hover over the link http://files.budman.pw/iperf3_11.zip you will see it actually redirects to version 3_10 the hyperlink needs to be fixed

 

 

Also if you run the command with the Json switch it crashes, for example:

iperf3.exe -s -J
      0 [main] iperf3 3004 cygwin_exception::open_stackdumpfile: Dumping stack trace to iperf3.exe.stackdump

Do you have any idea how we can fix it?

 

Thank you

thanks for the input will take a look at my links, and look into that crash..

edit: ok link updated - that was issue with editor on neowin, once I changed to see the code then yeah saw that popup was wrong. Thanks it has been corrected. Now just to take a look at the crash ;)

 

edit2:  So far have not been able to get this -J working, I get the same crash.  I found some old patches to run compile on windows under cygwin.  I applied them, and seems to still work - but still get crash if -J, what is odd is works under cygwin.  Not just if you try and run with the .dll

 

I have updated cygwin to latest build, and moved to 64 that got rid of another dll requirement when you run cygcheck..  Need to do some more playing.  Not a huge coder, I can make minor changes, and can follow a long if someone is going over something.  But diving in and looking for something like this from scratch is a bit over my skill set.  But since it works when run inside cygwin, the Exception: STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION points me to maybe something in permissions.  Lots of talk of rebase when getting that error..

 

And just noticed post about having to move the dlls?  Where exactly are you having to put them?  Clearly that is not the case on multiple machines I have run the files on.  Do you have the cygwin dll somewhere else in your path?  Do you have cygwin installed?  Will update any more info I get.. For now guess don't use -J or run it under full cygwin if you need that option on a windows box.  I tried it as well on the linux builds and those are fine for -J.

  • 1 month later...

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    • Microsoft outs Windows 11 KB5095093 with long list of new features by Sayan Sen Microsoft today has released its newest preview update (C-release) for the month of June 2026 under KB5095093, builds 26200.8737 (for Windows 11 25H2) and 26100.8737 (on Windows 11 24H2). The update brings new features across various elements of the OS including the Windows update, the Recovery, Widgets, File Explorer, and more. The full changelog is given below: First up we have the features rolling out gradually: [Point-in-time restore for Windows] New! This flexible recovery feature helps you quickly roll back your PC, including apps, settings, and personal files, to a recent automatic restore point. It helps reduce downtime and simplifies troubleshooting when issues occur. To learn more, see Point-in-time restore for Windows. [Windows Update] New! A calendar experience in Windows Update Settings (Settings > Windows Update) lets you pause updates by choosing an end date, for up to 35 days. You can extend the pause by selecting a different end date and re‑pause updates as needed. For more information, see Pause updates in Windows. [Widgets] New! A quieter, more focused Widgets experience helps reduce interruptions and improves default settings and notification controls: Reduce distractions: Widgets no longer open on hover. Notifications and taskbar badges are minimized by default. Simpler: Open to the Widgets dashboard by default on first use. Customize: Configure Widgets how you want by selecting Settings in the navigation bar, then changing any of the default settings. Stay informed: Dashboard icons show the number of alerts, and badges clear automatically when you leave a dashboard. Adjusted defaults: Some default settings are preserved based on usage, while others adjust to reduce interruptions. Performance improvements: This update provides improved reliability, responsiveness, and visual quality across the Widget experience. [Accessibility] New! This update makes your screen easier to see and customizes your zoom experience: Screen tint: Apply a full-screen color overlay to help reduce eye strain and improve readability. Choose from preset tint options, adjust the intensity, or turn it on automatically. Find this feature in Settings > Accessibility. Magnifier: Enter a zoom percentage directly and change it in increments in the Magnifier window for more precise, flexible control. Magnifier settings menu: You can now also modify zoom increments directly from the magnifier bar instead of navigating to Windows Settings each time. [File Explorer] New! When you hover over a file in File Explorer Home, commands such as Open file location and Ask Copilot appear as quick actions. This experience is now supported for work and school accounts (Entra ID).1 Improves the speed and performance of File Explorer launch.2 Fixes an issue where the OneDrive shortcut in File Explorer stops working when File Explorer is run with administrative mode. The address bar now supports paths containing double backslashes and quotation marks (for example, C:\\Users\\user or "C:\Users\user"), improving compatibility with a wider range of inputs. The address bar suggestion dropdown is more reliable and now consistently closes after an item is selected. This update addresses an issue on File Explorer Home where OneDrive files could appear duplicated in the Favorites section. This update includes several refinements to the Rename experience: Addresses an issue where text was repeatedly selected when renaming items in folder views. Addresses an issue where case-only name changes were not immediately reflected in folder views for items stored locally or in the cloud. [Bluetooth] This update improves reliability and performance when connecting to and using Bluetooth devices: New! Windows now keeps the microphone mute state in sync between the audio mixer and the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for a more consistent experience with Bluetooth headphones with mute buttons or indicators. Accessory compatibility workarounds: Improves compatibility with specific Bluetooth audio devices, helping AirPods appear faster in pairing mode and improving microphone reliability on Beats Studio Pro headphones. Bluetooth audio stability: Improves overall Windows stability with certain PC manufacturer drivers (error code 0x9F). Improves Bluetooth reliability for voice calls when using Classic Audio devices with the Hands-Free Profile (HFP). Reduces time for LE Audio accessories to start playing audio while using the microphone. Device management: Windows will no longer show a “Remove failed” message when attempting to remove Bluetooth devices if the Bluetooth radio is unavailable or has changed since pairing. Settings experience: Improves stability when using the Bluetooth & devices settings page for a smoother, more consistent experience. Connection reliability and responsiveness: Reduces the time it takes for classic Bluetooth audio devices to reconnect after Windows resumes from hibernation. Improves reliability when LE Audio accessories disconnect, such as when another device (for example, a phone) connects. Improves reliability of LE Audio streaming after a connection is lost and restored. [Bluetooth and Phone Link] This update improves audio routing for calls made through a connected phone: When an outgoing call is dialed from a paired phone, audio remains on the phone while ringing and transfers to the PC only when the call is answered from the PC. When Do Not Disturb is enabled on Windows, incoming call audio from a paired phone no longer rings on the PC. [Voice access and voice typing] New! You can now use voice access and voice typing in French, German, and Spanish. As you speak, your PC improves your text in real time. It corrects grammar, punctuation, and recognition errors, and helps improve clarity—even in the presence of background noise. This makes dictation smoother and reduces the need for manual edits.3 [Audio] This update improves the reliability of the inbox HD Audio driver. [Taskbar] This update improves the reliability of opening the Start menu when selecting the left edge of the taskbar when the icons in the taskbar are left-aligned. [Networking] This update includes networking improvements for virtualized environments. Confidential Virtual Machines (CVMs) now use SR-IOV hardware acceleration by default for improved network throughput, and a configuration issue in nested Hyper-V virtualization network setup has been corrected to ensure reliable VM network provisioning. This update improves the reliability of the Windows networking stack. It reduces bug checks (blue screen errors) related to Wi-Fi power and improves cellular (WWAN) connectivity, including support for IPv6 VPNs. Compatibility with third-party VPN software and SR-IOV configurations on server hardware is also improved. Network adapter settings and bindings are now preserved across OS upgrades. [Printing] New! New printer installations use Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) by default when supported, simplifying setup and improving reliability. For details about third-party driver deprecation, see End of Servicing Plan for Third-Party Printer Drivers on Windows. To control this behavior, use the toggle in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Default install printers using Windows Ready Print. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and modernized driver selection. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and Modernized Driver Selection. [Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)] The update improves usage of WSL in mirrored networking mode with VPNs. [Display and graphics] Improves the reliability of rendering content while scrolling for certain apps spanning across multiple monitors. Improves the reliability and persistence of applying color profiles. [Location services] This update changes how some location settings are displayed in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location to help with clarity. When location services are turned off, settings like Default location and Allow location override don't immediately apply, since location information is not given to apps or services. These settings will now be greyed out when location services are off to reduce confusion over when they take effect. [Search] This update improves the reliability of setting Search related group policies. [Input] New! You can now customize the size of the right-click zone in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. Choose from default, small, medium, or large to control how much of the bottom-right corner responds to a single-finger right-click. This setting is only available on touchpads with a pressable surface. If your device manufacturer provides customization through their own app, a Custom option will appear to reflect those settings. This update improves recognition of English characters when using Japanese handwriting. [General performance] Improves the time to shut down Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) when you turn off your PC. [General Reliability] ​​​​This update improves the reliability of explorer.exe. It addresses issues on the login and lock screens related to third-party credential providers, reduces the probability of taskbar icons appearing as blank gray placeholders, and improves navigation to Home in File Explorer during OneDrive sync. It also improves explorer.exe reliability when switching between desktops, enhances app launch with shell extensions, and using acrylic blur effects in the Start menu, Settings, and the lock screen. [Apps] Resolves an issue where some installers and applications could show unexpected elevation (UAC) prompts after installing KB5089549. [Remote Desktop] This update refreshes the dialog design when you enable Remote Desktop in Settings > System > Remote Desktop. [Graphics Kernel] Improves memory-management policy that allows PCs with more than 32GB of installed memory to run larger local AI models. Up next we have the features under normal rollout: [Secure Boot] With this update, Windows quality updates include additional high confidence device targeting data, increasing coverage of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, maintaining a controlled and phased rollout. [Authentication] This update improves Netlogon secure channel connections between domain controllers, enabling successful connections from member servers to domain controllers set up before 2025. [Emoji Panel Update] The emoji panel (Windows key + period (.)) now uses GIPHY for GIF content following the deprecation of Google’s Tenor API. Starting June 30, 2026, install the latest Windows update to continue using GIFs in the Emoji panel. If you don’t update, you will see a "GIF service is not available" error in the panel. Installing the latest Windows update will restore access to GIFs. [Networking] This update improves how your device connects to shared network resources. Connections used by apps and system features, such as the NetUseAdd function, now work more reliably, including unauthenticated (null session) connections. [Recycle Bin (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where the confirmation dialog might display an internal Recycle Bin file name instead of the original file name when permanently deleting a file. This issue might occur after installing the June 2026 security update (KB5094126). [Taskbar] This update improves notification badge display across your apps. Notification counts and badge visuals now update correctly, helping you stay up to date with new activity. You can choose to manually download the update from Microsoft's update catalog website at this link.
    • Hands-on with BOOX Tappy: cute little reading accessory by Taras Buria Page turners are quite popular accessories for e-readers, as they enable a hands-free reading experience, which is particularly useful with large readers featuring 10-inch or larger displays. The BOOX Tappy is a new accessory that was introduced earlier this year, and we took this cute-looking thingy for a spin. The Tappy comes in a small box, with two additional buttons and a user manual. The device is made of glossy green plastic and resembles old appliances from the nuclear age. Material quality is great, and each part feels quite premium. Plastic is high-quality, the switch is nice to flick, and the buttons are not rattly. At the bottom, four rubberized feet prevent slipping when used on a desk. Unfortunately, there are no color options, and the Tappy is only available in green. It looks good, but I wish there were other options as well. There are two removable buttons, an on/off switch, and an LED indicator that displays connection mode, charging status, and more. The buttons resemble those of an old typewriter, with quite a long travel distance and a pleasant clack. In the box, you have four buttons with different icons: heart, coffee, O, and X. You can easily swap buttons by simply pulling them upwards. Tip: buttons come with plastic covers, but they are quite tricky to remove. It is hard to call the Tappy the most ergonomic remote control, but after fiddling with it for a few hours, I managed to find a comfortable hand position. Attaching a lanyard to it can make it more comfortable in use without the fear of dropping it, but unfortunately, the Tappy does not come with one. The Tappy connects via Bluetooth 5.2, and it works in three modes, which you can toggle by pressing and holding both buttons for about five seconds: Reading Mode Multimedia Mode Browsing Mode Next / Previous page Next / Previous Track Up / Down scroll If you pair the Tappy with a BOOX device (I tested it with the BOOX Go 10.5 Gen 2 Lumi), you will get small pop-ups indicating the current mode. Plus, you can customize what each button does when pressed one time, two times, or held for a few seconds. The list of available actions and features you can use is massive, and I like that BOOX lets you map stuff like brightness adjustment, app launching, screenshot-taking, screen rotating, navigation, and more. Note, however, that while you can use the Tappy with other readers, its customization is only available on BOOX devices running firmware version 4.2 and newer. I could not connect the Tappy to my computer (Windows 11 claims a driver error when I try), but it worked with the DuRoBo Krono that I recently reviewed. My Kindle Paperwhite refused to work with the Tappy, though, just like my iPhone. The Tappy uses a non-removable Li-Ion battery, which can be recharged with a Type-C cable. BOOX rates the remote for "weeks of use," and I can say that it indeed has very good battery life. While there are no battery indicators on the remote, you can see the current level in the status bar or in Input settings in the BOOX firmware. After a few days of active use, mine still shows about 95%. Overall, the Tappy left a nice impression. It is well-made, and the integration with BOOX devices is great. I also like that BOOX decided to have some fun with its design and swappable buttons. I cannot say I am a fan of its odd shape, though. Still, I managed to find a way to use it comfortably. And when not in use, it just looks neat sitting on the table doing nothing or serving you as a small clacky fidget. Buy BOOX Tappy - $29.99 on Amazon US As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • AdGuard Family lifetime deal now only $14.97 by Steven Parker Today's highlighted Neowin Deal comes via our Apps + Software section, where you can get a lifetime subscription and save 91% on a lifetime AdGuard Family Plan. AdGuard is a unique program that has all the necessary features for what they claim to be "the best web experience." The software combines the an advanced ad blocker, a privacy protection module, and a parental control tool—all working in one app. This software deals with annoying ads, hides your data from a multitude of trackers, protects you from malware attacks, and even lets you restrict your kids from accessing inappropriate content. Install AdGuard and see the internet as it was supposed to be: clean and safe. Get rid of annoying banners, pop-ups & video ads once and for all Hide your data from the multitude of trackers & activity analyzers that swarm the web Avoid fraudulent and phishing website and malware attacks Protect your kids online by restricting them from accessing inappropriate & adult content Good to know Family Plan Length of access: lifetime This plan is only available to new users Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Max number of devices: 9 Access options: desktop & mobile Software version: AdGuard Family Updates included A lifetime subscription of AdGuard Family Plan normally costs $169.99, but this deal can be yours for just $14.97, that's a saving of $157.02. For full terms, specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get this AdGuard Family lifetime deal for just $14.97 (was $169.99) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. As an online publication, Neowin too relies on ads for operating costs and, if you use an ad blocker, we'd appreciate being whitelisted. In addition, we have an ad-free subscription for $28 a year, which is another way to show support! Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • Sadly "beats Steam Machine" isn't much of a brag.
    • Passkeys: Think of them like a broken heart necklace. Imagine one of those heart necklaces that breaks into two matching pieces. One person keeps one half, and the other person keeps the other half. With passkeys, the website has one half, and you have the other half. If the website gets hacked and someone steals its half, that stolen piece is useless by itself. It cannot unlock your account without your matching half. This particular heart necklace is one of a kind, there is only one in existence. Your half of the necklace has to be stored somewhere. It might be stored on your phone, tablet, computer, security key, or a password manager that can sync it between all your devices. A security key is a small physical device that you keep with you, kind of like a house key, car key, or flash drive. I would not usually recommend a security key as the first option for the average person. For most people, it is easier to use their phone, computer, or a password manager that can sync passkeys between their devices. A security key is more like a spare key you keep in a safe place, just in case you lose access to your other devices or your password manager. Some security keys plug into your computer. Some plug into your phone or tablet. Some get tapped against your device. The idea is simple: a security key can hold another passkey for the same website. Think of it like creating a second one-of-a-kind heart necklace for the same account. One necklace could be paired with your password manager, while another necklace could be paired with your security key. That means the website has more than one matching half on file. One half matches the passkey in your password manager. Another half matches the passkey stored on your security key. So, if you lose access to your phone, computer, or password manager, you would still be able to log in using the passkey stored on your security key. Think of it like keeping an extra special necklace piece on a tiny keychain, stored somewhere safe. The website still has the matching half for that security key, but your half is safely stored inside the little key. A passkey does not automatically exist on every device you own. It lives wherever you save it. If your half is stored on one device, then that device is the one that has the matching piece. For example, if you create the passkey on your Windows computer and it is only saved to that computer, your iPhone does not automatically have that same half. If you create it on your iPhone and it only stays on that iPhone, your Android phone does not automatically have it either. That is where password managers come in. A password manager can act like a protected jewelry box for your passkeys. Instead of your half of the necklace being locked to only one device, the password manager can securely sync that half to your other approved devices. For example, Apple Passwords and iCloud Keychain can sync passkeys between your Apple devices. Google Password Manager can sync passkeys with your Google account. But password managers such as 1Password and Bitwarden can sync passkeys between everything, your phones, tablets and computers. Now, you might ask: “What happens if I lose access to the device that has my passkey?” That depends on where your passkey was saved and what recovery options the website gives you. If your passkey was synced through a password manager, you may be able to sign in from another device that has access to that same password manager. For example, if your passkey is saved in iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, 1Password, or Bitwarden, another approved device may still have access to it. If your passkey was saved only on one phone, computer, or security key, and you lose that device, then you may not have your half of the necklace anymore. In that case, you would usually need to use the website’s backup login or account recovery options. A lot of websites that support passkeys still let you fall back to your regular password. So if you lose access to your passkey, the site may still let you log in with your password, a code sent to your email, a text message, a recovery code, or some other account recovery process. That is convenient, but it is also important to understand: if the website still allows password login, then your password still matters. Passkeys are safer than passwords, but if your account still has a password as a backup, you should still use a strong, unique password and turn on two-factor authentication if the website offers it. This is why it is a good idea to have more than one safe way back into important accounts. For example, you might keep your passkey in a syncing password manager, add a second trusted device, save recovery codes somewhere safe, or set up a backup security key. A passkey is very secure, but just like a real key, you need a backup plan in case you lose access to it. Now, you might ask: “What stops a hacker from copying my half of the necklace?” That’s the important part: your half is protected. It is not something you type in, and it is not something the website gets to keep. Think of your half as being locked inside a tiny safe on your phone, computer, security key, or password manager. That safe only opens when you approve it with your fingerprint, face, PIN, or device password. When you log in, the website does not need to see your half. It only needs proof that your half matches its half. Your actual half is not handed over to the website. This is different from a password. With a password, you type the secret into the website. If you type it into a fake website, the hacker now has it. With a passkey, you are not typing your secret into the website. Your device is proving you have the matching half without giving the half away. That also helps protect you from fake websites. If someone makes a fake login page that looks like the real site, your device can tell it is not the real match. It will not use your passkey there. Now, could someone use your passkey if they stole your device, got into your password manager, or somehow unlocked the safe that holds your half? Yes, that is why your device password, PIN, fingerprint, face unlock, and password manager security still matter. But a hacker cannot just steal your passkey from the website or trick you into typing it into a fake page like they can with a password. That is why passkeys are safer than passwords. The two matching pieces have to come together, like two lovebirds who were once separated and are finally reunited.
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