Category: Windows 11

New Outlook Support and Enhanced PDF Workflow in Win2PDF Version 11.0

We are pleased to announce the release of Win2PDF version 11.0, a free update that introduces several enhancements to expand the capabilities and features of Win2PDF. This update is designed to completely support Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system, and to optimize your PDF workflows and provide greater efficiency.

Key features and improvements in this release include:

Enhanced Microsoft Outlook Integration: Microsoft is transitioning users from its older Windows Mail and Calendar apps to a new version of Outlook for Windows 11. The new Outlook is a move towards a more unified, modern, and feature-rich email client integrated with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, but it does have some differences compared to both the old Mail app and the classic Outlook, including some that affect how Win2PDF attaches PDF files to email. Win2PDF now supports both the existing Outlook (classic), and provides the same seamless functionality to users moving to Outlook (new).

Automated Blank Page Removal: If you’ve ever received or generated a PDF that contains extra blank pages, you can now remove them using the new Delete Blank Pages feature.  It automatically identifies and removes empty pages from your PDFs, contributing to cleaner and more professional documents.  This feature also has an associated DELETEBLANKPAGES command line option.

Expanded Automation Customization Capabilities: Support for Batch Convert and Watch Folder and Convert plug-ins has been extended. You can customize batch convert processing by installing a Win2PDF Batch Convert Plug-in which can be very useful in many situations.  For example, suppose you wanted to batch convert a folder of documents and then perform a secondary process on those newly created files – a batch convert Plug-In would allow you to do that.  Current Plug-ins include the ability split pages, delete pages, append a PDF, apply watermarks, delete blank pages, digitally sign with a certificate, and more. When a batch convert plug-in is installed, an “Enable Plug-In” option is displayed in the Batch Convert Window.

Watch up to 20 folders with Watch Folder and Convert feature: The “CONFIGWATCHSERVICE” command line option now allows a single service to monitor up to 20 folders, enabling more robust automation for complex workflows. [Note:  Win2PDF Pro Terminal Server Edition only feature]

Refined Text and RTF Conversions: This update includes fixes to improve the conversion of text files containing smart quotes to PDF, ensuring accuracy. Additionally, formatting issues encountered during RTF to PDF conversion have been addressed, resulting in improved document fidelity.

Improved Command Line Printing: For users utilizing the “PRINTPDF” command line, paper size selection has been refined, offering enhanced control over printing options.

As a free upgrade for existing customers using Win2PDF 7 or higher, we encourage you to explore these new features and see how they can further enhance your productivity. And while this new Win2PDF 11.0 release fully supports Windows 11.0, it also continues to support Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. Win2PDF Terminal Server Edition 11.0 continues to fully support Windows Server 2025, Server 2022, Server 2019, Server 2016, Server 2012, Server 2012 R2, Server 2008, Server 2008 R2, Server 2003, and Server 2003 R2 (including 64 bit editions).

Navigating the New Outlook in Windows: How Win2PDF is Keeping Up with Changes

Your Outlook looks… (new)…

Microsoft recently replaced its built-in Windows 11 Mail app with a new version of Outlook in a February 2025 security update. After the update, the new app is installed as Outlook (new). If you previously had Outlook 365 or an older version of Outlook, it’s named Outlook (classic).

Haven’t we been here before?

Despite the similar appearance and name, the new Outlook is a complete rewrite of Outlook with many advanced features intentionally removed. One of the features that is not included is the interface that Win2PDF uses to attach a PDF to an email when the Use Microsoft Outlook option is configured.

As you may have guessed, we’ve now updated our Configure Win2PDF Mail Settings interface to include both the Outlook (new) and Outlook (classic) configuration options (the latter has not changed).

When Use Microsoft Outlook (new) is selected, you’ll first need to specify the “Email Address (From:)“, and this address must match the configured address in Outlook (new). This is a new requirement compared to Use Microsoft Outlook (classic).

Also, Outlook (new) must be set as the default program for “.eml” files for this support to work correctly, but that should be the default handler already. (If needed, here are instructions for changing the default app in Windows 11).

Once the Outlook (new) mail is configured, it will be available for Win2PDF to use when sending a PDF by email.

When a new mail message is created, the new Outlook requires a destination email address to be provided. Currently Win2PDF populates the Cc address with the From address (set in Configure Win2PDF Mail). Once the new mail message is created, the user can delete the Cc address after specifying a new To address if desired.

These changes are included in the updated Win2PDF Desktop 10.0.175. This is a free update to all current Win2PDF 10 users.

Microsoft Copilot+ PCs Arrive with Win2PDF Support

God Is My Co-Pilot

It’s not surprising that Microsoft didn’t borrow the slogan, ‘God Is My Co-Pilot’ for its release day. Although Qualcomm, maker of the Snapdragon X chips that power the first series of Copilot+ PCs, opted for Apple’s ‘I’m a Mac’ guy, so at least somebody’s having fun with Microsoft’s new product.

Nonetheless, today (June 18th) marks the official release for the first wave of Copilot+ with Qualcomm Snapdragon X PCs.

As we noted in our last blog post, starting today, as is the custom with new Windows related hardware and operating system releases, Win2PDF has a free update available with support for these PCs. This update is available on our helpdesk for now, but we’ll be updating our general release versions shortly once we complete more rigorous testing with the official release PCs. And again, it will install and operate just like Win2PDF on any other Windows computer.

While the first wave of Copilot+ PCs have the Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor, future PCs are set to include processors from the likes of AMD, Nvidia, and MediaTek. More PC options will abound, but since they’ll all be running on Windows 11 (specifically Windows for Arm), Win2PDF will support them all.

Stay tuned for future updates on Win2PDF and Copilot+ PCs now that they’ve hit the stores.

The Mobile Arms Race: Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs Challenge Macbook for Edge Computing

Windows for ARM

Last year we announced limited support of Win2PDF for the next generation of Windows for Arm devices, which is Microsoft’s response to the growing popularity of lightweight, mobile friendly computers like the Apple MacBooks.

Now we’re back with an update featuring recent developments in this area.

First, let’s look at what’s new with Microsoft and Windows for Arm?

Microsoft Copilot

A little over a year ago, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant built into Microsoft 365 apps and Windows that uses large language models to help with writing, editing, and analyzing content across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. It summarizes documents and emails, generates formulas and analyzes data, drafts replies and suggests follow-up actions, and even creates images.

Currently, most of these AI tasks are handled in the cloud because of the intensive processing required. While this is efficient in terms of performance, it comes at the expense of security risk and user control.

Copilot+ PCs

Now, Microsoft has announced a new class of computers called Copilot+ PCs that continue to expand the use of AI on the local hardware. The first batch of these new PCs, from PC manufacturers like HP, Acer, Lenovo, Samsung, and Dell, as well as Microsoft’s own Surface Laptops, feature a new Arm-based neural processing unit (NPU) powered by Snapdragon® X Series chips. Microsoft’s Satya Nadella talks about these Copilot+ PCs and how they align with Microsoft’s vision in this Wall Street Journal interview:

Interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Essentially, Copilot+ PCs will bring AI processing closer to the “edge”– the local PC. With its ability to do more complex tasks at a greater speed and with less power, this finally positions Windows PCs on an even footing with Macbooks in the mobile computing market.

Win2PDF & Support for Windows for ARM

Will Win2PDF work on ARM based Copilot+ PCs just like existing PCs?

YES.

Many software applications can support ARM by simply emulating the Intel instruction set on Windows for ARM processors. While the compatibility (and performance) of existing applications under emulation is great, there is no emulation layer for print drivers like Win2PDF. These drivers still must be developed separately for ARM-based PCs, and many other printer-based products do not currently support them.

The new Win2PDF release will include a new printer driver for ARM based PCs. The setup program will automatically detect ARM based PCs and will install the correct version of the printer driver. As far as the end-user is concerned this will be completely transparent; there is no difference in how Win2PDF will install or work on the new PCs.

The History of Win2PDF OS and Hardware Support

How does Win2PDF fit into this new mobile landscape? Let’s look at our history.

Win2PDF was initially developed in 2000 for PCs running on x86 (Intel & AMD) chips on Windows NT. Since the introduction, we’ve continued to support new versions of Windows (Windows 2000, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11) and new processor architectures.

With our upcoming releases, we’ll not only support Windows XP through Windows 11, but we’ll also support x86, x64, and ARM64 architectures. There are very few PDF software developers that still support this continuum of operating systems and architectures. Companies standardizing on Win2PDF will be able to use the same version of Win2PDF across the organization.

Stay tuned

Over the next several months you’ll see new release updates to Win2PDF that will continue to support this next generation of Copilot+ PCs.

New Microsoft Edge Browser To Use Adobe Reader As Default PDF Viewer

Microsoft and Adobe recently announced the inclusion of Adobe Reader as the default PDF reader in its newest Edge web browser. Basically, Microsoft will swap out its own PDF reader with Adobe’s. The result will be “higher fidelity for more accurate colors and graphics, improved performance, strong security for PDF handling, and greater accessibility, including better text selection and read-aloud narration,” Microsoft claims.

This move is expected to streamline the PDF reading experience for Edge users, and make it easier to access and view PDF files directly within the browser.

“This addition will only be available in Edge for Windows 10 and 11 at first, and it will arrive in the form of a browser update that’s delivered next month, in March 2023.”

For years, Adobe Reader has been the go-to PDF reader for most users, but with the inclusion of Adobe Reader in Edge, users will have a more seamless experience reading PDF files without having to download and install a separate application. This integration is expected to benefit users who work with PDF files regularly, such as those in business or education.

Microsoft’s decision to include Adobe Reader in Edge is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the browser’s functionality and user experience. Having a more reliable and feature-rich native PDF viewer in the Edge browser is positive development for all users of PDF technology, including Win2PDF customers.

A Better XPS Viewer for Windows 10 & Windows 11

Though Microsoft’s XPS Viewer is still available in Windows 10 and Windows 11, it is no longer enabled by default. Users who still need an XPS viewer, however, can now use the most recent update to the Win2PDF Desktop app which supports viewing (and manipulating) XPS files directly. You can even directly convert XPS to PDF for better long term archiving. This is more useful than having to install the Microsoft XPS Viewer manually (by adding it via the optional features in Windows settings) and be limited to only viewing XPS files.

By using Win2PDF Desktop as an XPS Viewer, You can open and view an XPS file, extract or split pages, and export to a different file format like PDF, text or image formats.

XPS Viewer support is included as a free update to our 10.0.124 Win2PDF download.

* For more details on the XPS (XML Paper Specification) file format definition, you can read the subject article on Wikipedia.

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has Arrived!

Earlier this week Microsoft announced the availability of their latest operating system — Windows 11 .

This is not a universal upgrade like Windows 10, however. Many PCs won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. You can check if your PC can be upgraded using Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.

Win2PDF supports Windows 11, and continues to support older operating systems like Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and even Windows XP.

While you may be using Windows 11 as the default OS if you purchase a new PC soon, we expect many organizations to continue with Windows 10 as most of the changes in Windows 11 are centered on the user interface and user experience.

If you do upgrade or get a new PC, make sure you are using the latest Win2PDF update for best results.

Win2PDF will support the new Windows 11 operating system

Microsoft announced details of its latest version of Windows operating system last week. Windows 11, as it will be called, will have some new features and interface changes, and will be a free update to existing Windows PCs. It will be available later this year.

Will Win2PDF support it?

Yes! Win2PDF will fully support Windows 11* when it is officially released. We intend to release Win2PDF on the same day that the Windows 11 software is made available.

* Just as with Windows 10, Win2PDF will only support Windows 11 with the Intel and AMD processors (which accounts for most PCs); it will not support Windows 11 on the Qualcomm (ARM) processors.

Will my current PC be able to run Windows 11?

Microsoft has an overview of how to find device specification requirements, versions, and languages available for Windows 11. They also have an app you can download to see if your existing PC will be capable of installing Windows 11.

Will there be a charge for the Windows 11 Win2PDF update?

No. It will be a free update to all Win2PDF 7 and later versions of Win2PDF.

If I get a new Windows 11 PC, will I be able to transfer my license to a brand new PC?

Yes. Just install Win2PDF on your new PC and use your existing license code to activate the software.

We’ll have further announcements prior to the release of both Windows 11 and Win2PDF later this year. If you have any questions in the meantime, just let us know.