Microsoft Weekly: More on SSD issues, 25H2 ISO delayed, big updates, and more

This week's news recap is here with delayed Windows 11 25H2 images for Release Preview insiders, more information about SSD issues, big updates for PowerToys and popular file managers, a bunch of reviews, and more.

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.

Earlier this week, new stats emerged about the Windows market, browsers, and gaming on Steam. Statcounter reports that nearly half of all Windows PCs run Windows 11, while Chrome keeps on increasing its overwhelming market share. As for gamers, Windows 11 is already past the 60% mark on Steam.

Speaking of Windows 11, check out our monthly recap of everything new for Windows 11 in August 2025. There are a bunch of interesting developments, removed features, known bugs, and other updates. Speaking of bugs, the biggest story of August 2025 was undoubtedly the one about Windows updates breaking SSDs. At long last, the root cause might have been found. Other known bugs from this week include issues with KB5063878.

If you have Windows on your PC and you want to try Linux, chances are that Microsoft's operating system will flag the downloaded file as a virus. If you are curious why and what to do in such cases, check out this article here.

tiny11builder, a popular tool for de-bloating Windows 11 using only official tools from Microsoft, has been updated to a new version. It introduced version 25H2 support, the ability to remove Copilot and the new Outlook app, and more persistent changes, which means you are unlikely to see the removed apps after future updates. tiny11builder can play well with ExplorerPatcher, another utility for fixing Windows 11, which also received a new update. You can also try a new version of Flyoobe, which now lets you disable all of Windows 11's AI features.

Finally, Microsoft released a bunch of servicing updates for OOBE, WinRE, and detailed TLS 1.3 compatibility issues in Windows 11.

Windows Insider Program

Here is what Microsoft released for Windows Insiders this week:

Microsoft delayed the release of Windows 11 version 25H2 images for clean installation. The official Windows Insider Program X account announced that the promised ISOs would be available at a later date.

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.

Our favorite file manager for Windows 11, Files, has been updated to version 4.0. The update introduced a hefty list of various changes and new features, including a redesigned search bar, a new icon, more features for the Properties dialog, and more.

Another big update arrived for PowerToys. Version 0.94 is now available for download with a search bar, shortcuts improvements, and a new accessibility feature that introduced the so-called "gliding cursor." The next PowerToys update, version 0.95, will finally bring the ability to switch Windows themes on schedule, a long-missing Windows feature.

If you use NanaZIP to work with compressed files on your PC, you will be glad to know that version 6.0 is now in preview, and it introduces more XAML-based UI elements (basically, the app now looks more native on Windows 11), new features, security improvements, and more.

Microsoft issued a warning that some of its Office apps will soon run out of support. Access 2016 and 2019 will receive final updates on October 14, 2025, alongside Windows 10 and a bunch of other products.

Mozilla has some good news for those still using Firefox on Windows 7. Developers decided to extend Firefox 115 ESR support once again, this time, until March 2026. They added that the new date could be re-evaluated in the future.

Here are other updates and releases you may find interesting:

• Microsoft is making Teams on Amazon Workspaces a lot better
• Everything you need to know about the end of Project Online

• You can now listen to audio recaps of your meetings in Microsoft Teams

• Microsoft 365 now offers deeper integration with OneDrive in Windows

• Microsoft is killing the Microsoft Editor extension and Outlook Lite.

• Microsoft is improving Windows 11 update download and install management in 2026 for office PCs

• Microsoft finds a new way to quietly get you on New Outlook for Windows without "forcing"

• Microsoft reveals plans for SQL Server Management Studio

• Microsoft open-sources 6502 BASIC after almost 50 years

Reviews are in

Here is the hardware and software we reviewed this week

This week's review section kicks off with an FSR 4 test in Mafia: The Old Country. Check it out here to learn how the demanding game performs on systems with AMD's latest Radeon graphics cards.

Steven Parker published a hands-on article with the HONOR Magic V5, an impressively thin foldable with a big camera island and flagship specs to rival the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and other modern foldable smartphones.

Pradeep Viswanathan published another hands-on, this time with the 50th Anniversary Surface Laptop. Check out this unique-looking design and its accessories in our article here.

Another review from Steven Parker this week is about the Eureka J15 Max Ultra, an AI-powered robo vacuum that can tackle stains, climb ramps, and suck (in a good way). There are some nitpicks here and there, but overall, this vacuum is great.

Robbie Khan reviewed the Hexgaming Phantom controller, an excellent gamepad with great stick response and precision, adaptive triggers, advanced haptics, and more. Just be ready to spend a lot on this gamepad, as its price is very high.

On the gaming side

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

Some of the upcoming games have their system requirements finally revealed. Those who want to play Anno 117: Pax Romana and Dying Light: The Beast can now check whether their PCs can run those games at comfortable frame rates.

Microsoft announced new titles for Game Pass. The latest additions include Hollow Knight: Silksong, Cataclismo, I am your Beast, Nine Sols, and more. Notice that certain games will be leaving the service this month, so check out the complete list here.

Microsoft also announced some new gaming hardware. The Xbox Wireless Controller Breaker Series is now official, offering gamers three new unique designs. You can now preorder them for $79.99 each.

Amazon also dropped some new games for Prime Gaming subscribers. In September, you can play Dungeons & Dragons: Revenloft Series, Into the Breach, Afterimage, Tower of Time, Residual, FATE: The Cursed King, and more.

Finally, we have several new games that can now work on GeForce NOW. They include Hollow Knight: Silksong, Dying Light: The Beast, and more.

Deals and freebies

Monument Valley, a critically acclaimed puzzle game, is currently available for free in the Epic Games Store (until next Thursday). You can find more deals and specials in this week's Weekend PC Game Deals article with its LEGO bundles, cheap swords, and more.

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.

• SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class OLED S90F 4K Smart TV - $1,597.59 | 20% off

• Sonos Era 300 Black - $359.99 | 20% off

• ASUS The SFF-Ready Prime GeForce RTX 5070 12GB - $523.79 for Prime Members

• A bunch of RTX 5090s under MSRP

• SAPPHIRE AMD Radeon RX 9070 - $549

• Dell 16 Plus Laptop DB16250 - $749 | 35% off

• Toshiba N300 PRO 18TB - $288 | 42% off

• SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Edge - $699 | 36% off

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