This week"s news recap is here. New Windows 11 preview build, interesting Windows 12 concepts, a lot of new known bugs, and more.
Quick links:
- Windows 10 and 11
- Windows Insider Program
- Updates are available
- Reviews are in
- Gaming news
- 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.
Windows 10 and 11 had quite a lot of screw ups this week. For one, Microsoft confirmed that KB5063878 cannot be installed with the 0x80240069 error. Next, the company acknowledged broken reset and recovery options on older Windows versions. Next, a new report emerged about Windows 11"s latest cumulative update breaking solid-state and hard drives. Finally, Microsoft confirmed major streaming issues in the same KB5063878 update for Windows 11.
On the bright side, Microsoft fixed the bug that broke upgrade paths on Windows 10 and Windows Server and another one in SQL Server impacting Japanese customers.
Finally, check out this Windows 12.2 concept that imagines a better operating system for PC users.
Windows Insider Program
Here is what Microsoft released for Windows Insiders this week:
| Builds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | This build brings back the old battery indicator iconography and moves more Control Panel elements to the Settings app. Some bugs were fixed as well. | ||
| Dev Channel | This build introduces a new way to connect your phone with a PC, Lock Screen improvements, bug fixes, and more. | ||
| Beta Channel | Build 26120.5761 This build is identical to the one released in the Dev Channel | ||
| Release Preview Channel | Nothing in Release Preview this week | Nothing in Release Preview this week | |
In addition to new builds, Microsoft released a new version of the Copilot app, which now lets you search for files and enjoy a redesigned home page with more features.
Also, Microsoft published a helpful support article explaining every kind of update Windows Insiders receive these days.
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.
Mozilla released a big Firefox update under version 142. This week"s release introduced link previews, a useful productivity feature that lets you peek at what is behind a link without opening it in a new tab. Also, there are improvements for tab groups, article recommendations on the new tab page, and more. Additionally, Firefox is finally getting Progressive Web App support.
SharePoint is also getting some love from developers. Microsoft is finally modernizing SharePoint sites, adding a pinch of AI as a new tool to create content for you, updating the document library experience, and offering the new SharePoint Template Gallery for commercial users. For Excel, Microsoft announced a feature that was introduced in Google Sheets months ago. As for OneNote, Microsoft issued a reminder that the Windows 10 app will soon go read-only.
Here are other updates and releases you may find interesting:
- Latest updates for Skype for Business Server include breaking changes.
- Microsoft brought Ubuntu 24.04 and TLS 1.3 support to SQL Server 2025 Preview.
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NFL and Microsoft expanded partnership to bring AI to the sidelines.
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Unofficial Windows 11 hardware requirement bypass app, Flyoobe received new default browser options.
Here are the latest drivers and firmware updates released this week:
- Nvidia 581.08 WHQL with global DLSS Override and multiple fixes for various games.
Reviews are in
Here is the hardware and software we reviewed this week
This week, I reviewed 70mai"s new 4K T800, a three-channel dash cam that records what is in front, what is behind, and what is inside your car. This high-quality dash cam packs a lot of features to make up for its pretty hefty price tag.
Steven Parker reviewed the 6-bay DXP6800 Pro NAS, a fantastic network attached storage with dual Thunderbolt 4, dual 10 GbE, PCIe Gen 5, and DDR5, and more.
On the gaming side
Learn about upcoming game releases, Xbox rumors, new hardware, software updates, freebies, deals, discounts, and more.
At Gamescom in Germany, Microsoft revealed the launch date of the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, two Xbox-branded handhelds with a special Windows 11 version optimized for handheld gaming. In addition, the company announced a new compatibility program that will help gamers understand whether their games can run on the ROG Ally or not. Also, Microsoft announced a new update for the Xbox app, allowing users to install other gaming marketplaces through it.
Speaking of handhelds, we now have Microsoft"s first game for the Nintendo Switch 2. That game is Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. No release date yet, though.
Microsoft Flight Simulator has received a new City Update. Update 12 landed with updates for seven German cities and their points-of-interest.
Microsoft announced new additions to the Game Pass catalog. They include Gears of War: Reloaded, Persona 4 Golden, Dragon Age Veilguard, Herding, Blacksmith Master, and more.
If you want to try Microsoft"s Xbox Cloud Gaming but the price is too steep, you are in luck because there is a new report about Microsoft working on a cheaper Xbox Cloud Gaming plan.
Nvidia"s cloud streaming service, GeForce NOW, has received some upgraded hardware. Later next month, GeFore NOW will offer subscribers new RTX 5080 servers, thus unlocking more horsepower for modern games with better performance and visuals.
Finally, check out this week"s Weekend PC Game deals with the latest discounts and freebies across various stores.
Other gaming news includes the following:
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Battlefield 2042"s surprise update adds Iwo Jima as a new map.
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Euro Truck Simulator 2 is finally coming to Xbox and PlayStation.
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Paradox announced Surviving Mars Relaunched, a remaster of the sci-fi colony sim.
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Mudrunner studio goes after truck sim crown with "next-gen" game Road Kings.
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Two years after launch, Assassin"s Creed Mirage is getting new story DLC for free.
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