Microsoft Weekly: Halo comes to PlayStation and Microsoft squeezes every dollar out of Xbox

By Neowin ·
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This week"s news recap is here, bringing you an overview of this week"s Microsoft Stories. We have plenty of Windows 11 builds and new features, Halo is coming to PlayStation 5 in 2026, Microsoft Edge is getting faster, and some out-of-band updates with important fixes.

Quick links:

  1. Windows 10 and 11
  2. Windows Insider Program
  3. Updates are available
  4. Reviews are in
  5. Gaming news
  6. Great deals to check

Windows 11 and Windows 10

Here, we talk about everything happening around Microsoft"s latest operating system in the Stable channel and preview builds: new features, removed features, controversies, bugs, interesting findings, and more. And, of course, you may find a word or two about older versions.

This week, Microsoft released an out-of-band update for Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2. KB5070773 arrived to fix the bug with USB mice and keyboards not working after the recent updates. Windows Server received KB5070881, KB5070879, and KB5070884. In addition, Microsoft released new recovery updates for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2.

Speaking of fixes, Microsoft has published details about the smart card authentication issue that affects various editions of Windows after installing the October 2025 Patch Tuesday update. However, applying it is a bit tricky, and it requires messing with the system registry.

Additionally, after the October 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft turned off one File Explorer feature for files downloaded from the internet. The Preview Pane no longer shows files with the MOTW tag in order to prevent NTLM hash leaks. However, if you trust the downloaded file, you can get around the new limitation.

Microsoft also published a new support document with details about driver updates in Windows. While the article focuses mostly on basics, it also has interesting information on why Windows sometimes installs what seems like multiple identical or seriously outdated drivers. Another article details severe security risks for those wishing to stay on Windows 10 without security updates.

If you plan to update to Windows 11, given that Windows 10 is now out of support, you should know that the operating system encrypts your drives with BitLocker by default. If you are not happy with that, check out our recently published guide, which details how to remove BitLocker encryption in Windows 11.

Windows Insider Program

Here is what Microsoft released for Windows Insiders this week:

Builds
Canary Channel

Build 27951

This week"s Canary build fixes Settings app crashes, Windows Hello bugs, and a few more issues.
Dev Channel

Build 26220.6982

Dev and Beta updates introduced clipboard integration into Windows Search, more improvements for the Settings app, proactive memory diagnostics, and more.
Beta Channel

Build 26120.6982

This build is identical to the one from the Dev Channel.
Release Preview Channel

Builds 26200.7015 and 26100.7015

This build introduced the redesigned Start menu, improvements for File Explorer, the taskbar, and more.

Build 22631.6132

This build for the outgoing Windows 11 version 23H2 brought fixes for input, networking, shell, and storage.

The Windows Insider Program turned 11 this week, and to celebrate this occasion, Microsoft released two new wallpapers. They are available in dark and light variants:

A new update arrived for Paint in the Windows Insider program. Microsoft introduced a new feature that lets you use AI to reimagine your canvas in different styles. The Restyle feature is now available in the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels.

Updates are available

This section covers software, firmware, and other notable updates (released and coming soon) delivering new features, security fixes, improvements, patches, and more from Microsoft and third parties.

Microsoft is making more improvements to Microsoft Edge, particularly its WebUI component. Soon, the browser"s PDF viewer will migrate to WebUI, which will enable significant performance improvements. Also, a future Microsoft Edge update will bring autofill improvements, particularly when filling out addresses.

Copilot received a bunch of new features and announcements this week. Microsoft unveiled the Fall Update aimed to rival ChatGPT and Gemini with features like Copilot Appearance (meet Mico that can turn into Clippy), Copilot Groups, a feature that lets you invite other people to your conversations, Copilot Memory for long-term memories, Copilot for Health, and a lot more.

PowerToys received a maintenance update to fix several issues with the previously released major version 0.95. Version 0.95.1 fixed automatic theme switching in the new Light Switch module, Command Palette crashes and bugs, Find My Mouse issues, and more.

Here are other updates and releases you may find interesting:

Reviews are in

Here is the hardware and software we reviewed this week

Steven Parker reviewed the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus, a modern NAS for tech enthusiasts and small offices. It features a high-quality aluminum build, one of Intel"s newest processors, great energy efficiency, and quiet operation.

On the gaming side

Learn about upcoming game releases, Xbox rumors, new hardware, software updates, freebies, deals, discounts, and more.

Pulasthi Ariyasinghe published a review of Ninja Gaiden 4, giving gamers a look at the upcoming game with its intense combat, deep combos, and unique styles of each weapon. The game is already out on PC and consoles, and it is available in Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Fallout 4 is turning 10 this year, and Bethesda is celebrating the anniversary with a new Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition. It includes the base game with its six expansions, 150 creation club items, the ability to select a different breed for Dogmeat, and more. The game launches on November 10, 2025.

After many months of rumors and leaks, Halo: Campaign Evolved has finally been announced. A remake of the classic Halo: Combat Evolved is coming in 2026 to PC, Xbox, and, for the first time ever, PlayStation 5. Sadly, there is no exact launch date yet.

Microsoft announced new games for the Game Pass catalog. The latest additions include Football Manager 26, Power Wash Simulator 2, The Outer Worlds 2, and a bunch of other titles. Some games will leave the service soon, so check out the complete list here.

After the recent price increase of Xbox consoles, Microsoft is hiking up the price tags for developers as well. A new report emerged about the company making Xbox dev kits 33% more expensive. Now, a single Xbox Dev Kit costs as much as $2,000. Oof. All these price increases are reportedly due to Microsoft"s CFO Amy Hood setting an extreme 30% profit margin for the Xbox division.

In addition to everyone hating Microsoft for the latest Game Pass price increase, the company received a fair share of criticism for Gaming Copilot. Gamers accused the company of screenshotting their gameplay without consent, and Microsoft was forced to explain what is actually going on when you use Gaming Copilot.

Electronic Arts is shutting down The Sims Mobile. The game has received its final update, and it will be fully shut down in 2026.

Nvidia announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. This month"s updates include NINJA GAIDEN 4, Jurassic World Evolution 3, Painkiller, The Outer Worlds 2, Tormented Souls 2, and more. Keep in mind that you need to own these games to play them on GeForce NOW.

Deals and freebies

The Epic Games Store is giving away the horror game Fear the Spotlight. It is up for grabs until next Thursday, so go get it if you are into horror games. You can find more game deals in this week"s Weekend PC Game Deals issue.

Great deals to check

Every week, we cover many deals on different hardware and software. The following discounts are still available, so check them out. You might find something you want or need.

This link will take you to other issues of the Microsoft Weekly series. You can also support Neowin by registering a free member account or subscribing for extra member benefits, along with an ad-free tier option.

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