Microsoft Weekly: Celebrating 10 Years of Windows 10

This week’s news recap brings exciting highlights, including the 10th anniversary of Windows 10, the discontinuation of certain Windows 11 editions, a notable confrontation between Microsoft and LibreOffice, the move towards open-source for WinUI, and positive updates in the gaming sector. Additionally, fresh preview builds of Windows 11 have been released.

Quick Links:

Windows 10 and 11 Developments
Updates from the Windows Insider Program
Recent Updates Available
This Week’s Reviews
Latest Gaming News

Windows 10 and Windows 11 Highlights

This section encompasses significant events and updates related to Microsoft’s flagship operating systems, focusing both on stable releases and preview builds. Expect insights into new and deprecated features, emerging controversies, and noteworthy bugs.

Celebrating a decade, Windows 10 is officially 10 years old.

In a surprising twist, Windows 11 SE has also been discontinued. Microsoft has confirmed in official documentation that version 25H2 will not be available for this OS, and its support will cease entirely by October 2026. Initially aimed at competing with ChromeOS in the educational sector, Windows 11 SE has been sidelined, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Windows 10 S.

In a strategic shift, Microsoft plans to transition Windows 11’s UI framework, WinUI, to an open-source model. This initiative, however, is complex and will unfold gradually over the next six months, focusing on foundational changes to foster a more transparent and collaborative environment.

If you are considering upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, especially if your device isn’t typically supported, check out the updated Flyoobe tool, which enhances the out-of-the-box experience.

According to recent statistics from Statcounter, while Microsoft Edge struggles in the desktop browser market, Windows 11’s market share continues to grow, indicating a positive reception among users.

To assist companies transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Microsoft has shared Informatics regarding upgrade methods through Intune and Windows Autopatch, stating that the latter option is optimal for corporate environments.

Latest from the Windows Insider Program

This week, Microsoft unveiled several new builds for Windows Insiders:

Builds Overview
Canary Channel	Build 27913 General fixes and enhancements, including a redesigned search box in the Settings app and improvements to desktop backgrounds were introduced.
Dev Channel	Build 26200.5722 This notable update finally meets a long-requested functionality, allowing users with multiple displays to access the notification center on any screen. Additionally, the update integrates the Settings agent for Copilot+ PCs equipped with Intel and AMD processors. Build 26200.5733 This follow-up build brought improvements to the Start menu, File Explorer, and introduced various minor enhancements.
Beta Channel	Build 26120.5722 This build mirrors the Dev Channel’s build (26200.5722). Build 26120.5733 Similarly, this version is identical to the current Dev build (26200.5733).
Release Preview Channel

The recent preview builds have brought a long-awaited feature for multi-monitor users, allowing them to open the notification center from any connected display, overcoming the previous limitation of the main display only.

Additionally, Microsoft has restored the mouse crosshair feature in Windows 11 after a year and a half absence, a relief for many users.

Software and Firmware Updates

This section provides insights into notable updates that enhance functionality, fix security vulnerabilities, and introduce new features from both Microsoft and third-party developers.

In a recent financial report, Microsoft announced record-breaking profits of $27.2 billion alongside total revenues of $76.4 billion. Shortly afterward, the company’s market capitalization reached a remarkable $4 trillion, just months after comparable achievements by Nvidia.

Additionally, Microsoft unveiled a new Surface edition, the Surface Laptop Smurface Edition, a quirky collaboration with the Smurfs franchise following last week’s Surface Laptop 5G launch.

In exciting developments for Windows on ARM users, Adobe has made some of its popular creative applications available natively on Qualcomm-powered Windows devices. Although currently in beta and lacking some features, this shift marks significant progress in performance and energy efficiency for users.

This week’s browser updates spotlight a new AI-powered feature for Microsoft Edge, termed Copilot Mode, which aims to enhance user experience through contextual browsing summaries, multi-tab context awareness, and browsing recaps. Google Chrome is also set to release a similar page summarization feature.

Edge has also seen a minor update focused on security enhancements in anticipation of the forthcoming Edge 139 release.

However, not all news regarding Edge has been positive. A complaint made by Opera in Brazil, alleging that Microsoft manipulates customers into utilizing Edge, was not favored in court.

Updates from the Office suite this week include the introduction of two highly anticipated features for OneNote, immersive sounds for Microsoft Teams, and an imminent deadline for users of unsupported Exchange versions. Additionally, Microsoft is refining the user interface across Teams, Microsoft Copilot, Outlook, and other applications.

Another unexpected incident involved the developer of LibreOffice being banned from Microsoft’s developer program without prior notice, with Microsoft citing “activity that violates the Service Agreement.”Appeals for reinstatement have yet to be successful.

Other updates and noteworthy releases this week include:

Microsoft revealing details on challenges in detecting AI-generated images.
The UniGetUI package manager for Windows 10/11 receiving updates to address corruption issues.
Enhancements for GitHub Copilot aimed at easing iOS app development with Xcode.
Testing for a new ‘Smart’ mode for Microsoft Copilot, potentially integrating capabilities from GPT-5.
A reward program offering up to $40, 000 for reporting vulnerabilities in. NET.
Canonical’s announcement of TPM-based encryption support for the upcoming Ubuntu 25.10 release.
Windows Terminal updates focusing on stability and performance improvements.

This week also saw the release of updated drivers and firmware:

Nvidia 580.88 WHQL drivers, now compatible with Mafia: The Old Country and Expedition 33.

Nvidia also clarified plans for users who intend to maintain Windows 10 post-EOL on October 14, 2025. The company will cease Windows 10-compatible driver support come October 2026, coinciding with the end of support for certain architectures, namely Volta, Pascal, and Maxwell.

This Week’s Reviews

Check out our latest reviews on both hardware and software from this week.

Steven Parker delivered four detailed reviews, covering the following:

The stylish and quiet LincPlus LinkStation S1 NAS.
The high-performing T-FORCE XTREEM 600/C30 DDR5 memory kit.
The TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus (with a giveaway opportunity for readers!).
The compact and versatile GMKtec NucBox K10.

Exciting Gaming Updates

Microsoft has announced significant updates for the Xbox app on PC, including the ability to stream personal games via Xbox Cloud Gaming and the introduction of Rewards support in select markets.

The company is set to participate in the upcoming Gamescom event in Germany, showcasing a variety of games like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Borderlands 4, alongside hands-on opportunities for fans with Microsoft’s new Xbox handhelds.

In pricing news, EA has reversed its initial decision to set game prices at $80, opting to maintain the $70 price point for now. Furthermore, they announced a remaster, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, promising upgraded graphics and new multiplayer modes, slated for release on PC and consoles.

Additionally, the developers of Battlefield 6 have set a date for its public beta, with system requirements already announced for eager players.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFGEMfyAQtI

Battlefield 6 Official Multiplayer Gameplay Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFGEMfyAQtI)

Nvidia revealed new titles added to GeForce NOW, such as Grounded 2, Achilles: Survivor, Frosthaven, and more. Players will need to own these games to stream them on the platform.

Valve also reported the results of the July Steam Hardware and Software survey while announcing several enhancements to the Steam client, including an upgraded store layout, adaptive user interface changes, and new game support for Steam Proton on Linux.

Finally, don’t miss out on this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals feature, highlighting exciting giveaways from the Epic Games Store and fantastic sales on various titles and gaming hardware.

For ongoing savings, consider these current discounts:

Western Digital 12TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal HDD – $239.99 | 20% off
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro – $109.99 | 56% off
SAMSUNG Q990F 11.1.4ch Soundbar – $997.99 | 50% off
Apple Watch Ultra 2 with Orange Ocean Band – $649.99 | 19% off
1TB Samsung EVO Select microSD Card – $67.49 | 10% off
ASUS Vivobook 16 Laptop Copilot+ PC Ryzen AI 5 340, 16GB, 512GB – $629.99 | 21% off

Don’t forget to explore a variety of laptop deals as part of the Back to School promotions.