Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox by Taras Buria
This week's news recap is here, with Microsoft giving Windows 10 one more year of support, Windows 11 getting new taskbar settings in preview updates, Steam Machine prices, higher XBOX prices, and many 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.
On June 24, 2026, Windows 11 turned five. The controversial operating system was released half a decade ago, and during these years, it received a fair share of criticism (such as poor Windows Search and its web results), which Microsoft is now actively addressing with regular preview updates that deliver missing, long-requested features. With Windows 12 nowhere to be seen on the horizon, it will be interesting to see if Windows 11 can stay on the market for as long as Windows 10 did.
Speaking of Windows 10 and staying on the market, this week, Microsoft quietly prolonged the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10, allowing users to get one more year of security updates if they do not want or cannot upgrade to Windows 11.
Finally, Microsoft released this month's non-security update for Windows 11. KB5095093 arrived with a traditionally long list of new features, including point-in-time restore, new Windows Update settings, quieter Windows Widgets, new accessibility features, File Explorer updates and performance improvements, and more.
Windows Insider Program
Here is what Microsoft released for Windows Insiders this week:
Builds
Canary Channel
Build 29617.1000 and build 28120.2374
These builds bring new accessibility features, new Windows Update controls, audio improvements, and more.
Dev Channel
Build 26300.8758
This build includes redesigned taskbar settings, File Explorer improvements, and more.
Beta Channel
Build 26220.8754 and build 28020.2366
This small update fixes the OneDrive bug in File Explorer, tweaks system sounds in dark mode, and more.
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.
If you use AI-powered browsing history search in Microsoft Edge, the company has bad news. A new update on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap revealed that Microsoft is discontinuing the feature. Despite using on-device models for natural search, some users found it creepy, claiming that Microsoft lacks trust in features like this. While the ability to find pages without using 100% precise words may sound cool, customers argued that it was nothing but another feature to bloat the browser with more AI. Good riddance?
PowerToys received several updates this week. For one, Microsoft released version 0.100.1 with several improvements and bug fixes for the recently arrived version 0.100. A couple of days later, Microsoft dropped another update, this time fixing memory leaks in Command Palette Dock. In addition, the company is working on a new module that will make it easier to switch between windows within one application using the Alt + ` shortcut. The new module should make it to the stable release somewhere soon.
Here are other updates and releases you may find interesting:
New Ventoy update adds Windows 11's mandatory update support and more
Microsoft updates Visual Studio Code with chat cost tracking and multi-agent chats
Microsoft is building an AI datacenter that "uses less water than a fast food restaurant"
Microsoft adds new AI study and teaching tools for free to Microsoft 365 Education
Researchers claim Microsoft's quantum breakthrough is flawed by basic Python errors
Microsoft is bringing a much-needed Recap app to Teams
Microsoft's fast coding model, MAI-Code-1-Flash, comes to Copilot Business and Enterprise
Here are the latest drivers and firmware updates released this week:
AMD Radeon Software 26.6.2 with FSR 4.1 support for RDNA 3 graphics card. However, the driver contained a bug, which prevented installations on Windows 10 PCs. AMD fixed that with a quick hotfix update.
Reviews are in
Here is the hardware and software we reviewed this week
This week, Steven Parker published several reviews. He shared his experience with the Creative Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe, a high-quality sound card with a headphone amp, low-latency communications, great build quality, and DSD256. However, it is on the pricier side of the spectrum, and it lacks EMI shielding. Check out the full review here.
The second review is about the TerraMaster F4-425 Pro, an octa-core Intel NAS with a stand-out feature: built-in AI (OpenClaw). We also published a few Hands On reviews, which you can view below:
We check out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager
SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 hands on
Hands-on with BOOX Tappy: cute little reading accessory
Hands on with the ProtoArc EM25 affordable ergonomic mouse
On the gaming side
Learn about upcoming game releases, Xbox rumors, new hardware, software updates, freebies, deals, discounts, and more.
If you plan to purchase a new Xbox, it's time to act now. This week, Microsoft announced yet another Xbox price increase. Starting August 1, 2026, all Xbox Series X|S models with 512 GB of storage will cost $100 more. As for the 1TB models, they are going up in price by a whopping $150. Finally, Microsoft is discontinuing the 2TB Xbox Series X. To make up for that, Microsoft announced a few programs to make its consoles more accessible. Those include BNPL, interest-free financing, pre-owned consoles, certified refurbished consoles, and more.
Valve also shared some not-so-welcome news. The company has finally announced prices of the upcoming Steam Machine console, and if you plan to buy one, get ready to spend a whopping $1,049 on the 512GB configuration. The Steam Machine is now available for preorder, with shipments scheduled for June 29, 2026.
Grand Theft Auto VI also received its official price tag. Rockstar Games announced that the long-anticipated game will launch at $79.99 for the base edition and $99.99 for the ultimate edition. The latter includes an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, apparel, and action threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story." Those who preorder the game will get extra bonuses, including a Vintage Vice City Pack of cosmetic items as well as a free month of GTA+.
NVIDIA announced new games for its GeForce NOW streaming service. Those include Dark Scrolls, SAND: Raiders of Sophie, Deer & Boy, EMPULSE, and more.
Steam is running its annual Summer Sale, during which you can purchase plenty of various games with big discounts. It runs until July 9, so in case you missed it, you can still get some games at a lower price. Also, you can get two games for free in the Epic Games Store, plus more deals are available in this week's Weekend PC Game Deals issue.
This link will take you to other issues of the Microsoft Weekly series. You can also support Neowin by registering for a free member account or subscribing for extra member benefits, along with an ad-free tier option.
Yet you did exactly what they wanted you to do - is it better now without "Europrats"?
BTW, UK had joined EU (EEC back then) and was one of the leading member states, it never joined Schengen Zone though 😉
Weekend PC Game Deals: Steam Summer Sale 2026 Edition by Pulasthi Ariyasinghe Weekend PC Game Deals is where the hottest gaming deals from all over the internet are gathered into one place every week for your consumption. So kick back, relax, and hold on to your wallets.
The Epic Games Store's freebie offer brought two more games to keep this week too. What you can grab this time are copies of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition and Voidwrought.
Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 is an enhanced version of the classic title that comes with enhancements like widescreen and 1080p resolution support. Its two expansion packs are included here too. Meanwhile, Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer with tight platforming and high-speed combat against cosmic horrors.
The double giveaway is slated to last until July 2. On the same day, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream and River City Girls 2 will take the same freebie spot.
The Humble Store introduced a couple of new game bundles earlier this week. The Going Rogue collection begins with Rogue Legacy, UnderMine, and None Shall Intrude in the starting tier for $5.
If you pay the $10 it's asking to complete the bundle, you also get copies of Brutal Orchestra, Moros Protocol, Nightmare Reaper, Home Behind 2, and Lynked: Banner of the Spark.
If it's fighting games you're looking for, the new Arc System Works Evo bundle is carrying plenty. The three tiers of this bundle that go up to $20 carry games like Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code, GUILTY GEAR Xrd REV 2, KILL la KILL - IF, Blazblue Cross Tag Battle, Guilty Gear -STRIVE-, Blazblue CentralFiction, and more.
Big Deals
One of the biggest sale events of the year, the Steam Summer Sale, has just kicked off, and that means almost every PC game available is now featuring discounts. We have plenty of games for you to look over in our special hand-picked big deals list for the weekend below:
Baldur's Gate 3 – $44.99 on Steam
Anno 117: Pax Romana – $41.99 on Steam
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – $41.99 on Steam
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – $41.99 on Steam
NINJA GAIDEN 4 – $41.99 on Steam
Dying Light: The Beast – $39.59 on Steam
Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR'S CUT – $35.99 on Steam
Battlefield 6 – $34.99 on Steam
Cities: Skylines II – $34.99 on Steam
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – $34.99 on Steam
The Outer Worlds 2 – $34.99 on Steam
Borderlands 4 – $34.99 on Steam
Sid Meier's Civilization VII – $34.99 on Steam
Mafia: The Old Country – $34.99 on Steam
Split Fiction – $32.49 on Steam
Assassin’s Creed Shadows – $31.49 on Steam
HELLDIVERS 2 – $29.99 on Steam
Diablo IV – $29.99 on Steam
ARC Raiders – $29.99 on Steam
Forza Horizon 5 – $29.99 on Steam
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition – $29.99 on Steam
No Rest for the Wicked – $27.99 on Steam
Metaphor: ReFantazio – $27.99 on Steam
Ready or Not – $24.99 on Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II – $23.99 on Steam
No Man's Sky – $23.99 on Steam
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered – $23.99 on Steam
DOOM: The Dark Ages – $23.09 on Steam
Mewgenics – $22.49 on Steam
Persona 3 Reload – $20.99 on Steam
Hades II – $20.99 on Steam
Two Point Museum – $20.09 on Steam
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord – $19.99 on Steam
God of War – $19.99 on Steam
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – $19.99 on Steam
Returnal – $19.79 on Steam
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – $17.99 on Steam
Cyberpunk 2077 – $17.99 on Steam
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – $17.99 on Steam
Star Wars Outlaws – $17.49 on Steam
REPLACED – $15.99 on Steam
Days Gone – $15.99 on Steam
Age of Mythology: Retold – $14.99 on Steam
Crusader Kings III – $14.99 on Steam
Red Dead Redemption 2 – $14.99 on Steam
Half-Life: Alyx – $14.99 on Steam
Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced – $14.99 on Steam
EA SPORTS FC 26 – $13.99 on Steam
The Crew Motorfest – $13.99 on Steam
Sea of Thieves: 2026 Edition – $13.99 on Steam
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition – $13.99 on Steam
Dead Cells – $12.49 on Steam
Schedule I – $11.99 on Steam
BioShock: The Collection – $11.99 on Steam
Fable Anniversary – $11.54 on Steam
Hearts of Iron IV – $9.99 on Steam
Kerbal Space Program – $9.99 on Steam
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands – $9.99 on Steam
The Riftbreaker – $8.99 on Steam
Stardew Valley – $8.99 on Steam
Total War: WARHAMMER III – $8.99 on Steam
Sons Of The Forest – $8.99 on Steam
Assassin's Creed Origins – $8.99 on Steam
Risk of Rain 2 – $8.24 on Steam
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 – $7.49 on Steam
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare® II – $6.99 on Steam
CONTROL Ultimate Edition – $5.99 on Steam
Dead Space – $5.99 on Steam
The Quarry – $5.99 on Steam
RV There Yet? – $5.59 on Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 – $4.99 on Steam
Terraria – $4.99 on Steam
PEAK – $4.95 on Steam
Detroit: Become Human – $3.99 on Steam
Far Cry 3 – $3.99 on Steam
A Plague Tale: Innocence – $3.99 on Steam
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – $3.99 on Steam
Assetto Corsa Competizione – $3.99 on Steam
PAYDAY 2 – $2.99 on Steam
Wreckfest – $2.99 on Steam
Rain World – $2.49 on Steam
Watch_Dogs 2 – $2.49 on Steam
Planet Zoo – $2.24 on Steam
Bendy and the Dark Revival – $1.99 on Steam
CARRION – $1.99 on Steam
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth – $1.49 on Steam
Plague Inc: Evolved – $1.49 on Steam
Don't Starve Together – $1.49 on Steam
Metro 2033 Redux – $0.99 on Steam
Hotline Miami – $0.99 on Steam
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition – $0 on Epic Store
Voidwrought – $0 on Epic Store
DRM-free Specials
The GOG store is in the middle of its own summer sale. Here are some highlights from the DRM-free store:
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - $39.99 on GOG
Hollow Knight: Silksong - $14.99 on GOG
Resident Evil Bundle - $12.49 on GOG
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft - $11.99 on GOG
Alpha Protocol - $9.99 on GOG
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines™ - $9.99 on GOG
Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition - $9.99 on GOG
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut - $9.99 on GOG
Dino Crisis Bundle - $8.49 on GOG
Cold Fear - $8.25 on GOG
Star Trek: Armada II - $7.49 on GOG
Star Trek: Starfleet Command III - $7.49 on GOG
Warhammer: Dark Omen - $7.49 on GOG
Hollow Knight - $7.49 on GOG
Mortal Kombat Trilogy - $6.49 on GOG
Soldier of Fortune: Platinum Edition - $6.49 on GOG
Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Complete - $4.99 on GOG
SWAT 4: Gold Edition - $4.99 on GOG
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2: Triple Thrill Pack - $4.99 on GOG
Stranglehold - $4.99 on GOG
ANSTOSS 3: Der Fußballmanager - $4.79 on GOG
Firewatch - $3.99 on GOG
Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom - $2.99 on GOG
Myst Masterpiece Edition - $2.99 on GOG
Settlers 3: Ultimate Collection - $2.49 on GOG
World in Conflict: Complete Edition - $2.49 on GOG
Keep in mind that availability and pricing for some deals could vary depending on the region.
That's it for our pick of this weekend's PC game deals, and hopefully, some of you have enough self-restraint not to keep adding to your ever-growing backlogs.
As always, there are an enormous number of other deals ready and waiting all over the interwebs, as well as on services you may already subscribe to if you comb through them, so keep your eyes open for those, and have a great weekend.
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