Microsoft Weekly: Celebrating 10 Years of Windows Insider with New Wallpapers and Fun Bugs

In this edition of Microsoft Weekly, we celebrate the Windows Insider Program’s 10-year milestone. We also discuss brand new wallpapers, some amusing bugs in Word, practical guides for users aiming to upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2, updates from Patch Tuesday, and a host of other topics.

Table of contents:

1. Updates on Windows 10 and 11
2. Insights into the Windows Insider Program
3. Latest Updates Available
4. Gaming Developments

Windows 10 and 11 Insights

This section encompasses all the news surrounding Microsoft’s current operating systems in both the Stable channel and preview builds: new features introduced, features that have been removed, ongoing controversies, bugs discovered, and intriguing insights. Moreover, we’ll cover legacy versions that continue to receive support.

The Patch Tuesday updates for October 2024 are now available for download. If these updates are not yet on your PC, you can find the comprehensive release notes for Windows 10 here and for Windows 11 here. These updates resolve issues related to SFC/scannow and fix bugs causing boot loop problems, blue screens of death, USB malfunctions, and other issues (if you experience BSODs and own a WD SN770 or SN580, refer to this article).

Additionally, Microsoft has refreshed the Media Creation Tool, which now includes the latest Windows 11 version 24H2 ISO and incorporates KB5044284.

With the rollout of this month’s Patch Tuesday updates, support for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 21H2 has been discontinued. Version 21H2 has been completely phased out, while version 22H2 will only receive updates for one more year, applicable solely to Education and Enterprise editions.

On another note, Microsoft has enhanced passkey support in Windows 11. In the near future, the OS will be compatible with third-party passkey providers including 1Password, Bitwarden, and others. Moreover, Windows 11 will feature a revamped user interface designed for creating and managing passkeys.

If your device doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11, you can still follow our guide to upgrade to version 24H2. Alternatively, Microsoft recommends purchasing a new computer. However, be aware that upgrading to 24H2 will result in over 8GB of non-deletable files appearing on your system, which is currently viewed as a bug. Nonetheless, you can clear disk C and remove leftover data from the previous version by following our detailed guide here.

Windows Insider Program Highlights

This week, Microsoft released new features for testing within the Windows Insider Program:

Following the release of new preview builds, Microsoft has recognized additional issues and alterations. For instance, the feature to remap the Copilot key has been temporarily removed, with a promise to restore it after enhancing the experience. Furthermore, users with older Nvidia graphics cards should avoid the latest Canary build, as it has been linked to black screens and system hangs on GPUs like the GTX 900 Series.

A new feature has been introduced in the Snipping Tool for Windows Insiders, allowing users to copy data tables and paste them into compatible applications like Excel.

To commemorate the ten-year anniversary of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft launched two exclusive wallpapers. You can download these wallpapers here.

Latest Updates Available

This segment outlines various software, firmware, and significant updates (both released and upcoming) that introduce new functionalities, security enhancements, improvements, patches, and more from Microsoft and other developers.

If you wish to explore Windows 11 version 24H2 within a virtual machine, ensure your hypervisor version is up to date. VMware has released Workstation Pro 17.6.1, which contains crucial fixes, including proper detection of the Windows 11 24H2 ISO—no more prompts to install Windows Server 2025.

The developer of Rufus, who previously unveiled a bypass for in-place upgrades to Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported devices, has now launched a beta version that addresses the necessary fixes for those without official support for Windows 11.

Vivaldi, Waterfox, Wavebox, and various other browser developers have approached the EU to subject Microsoft Edge to DMA regulations. They argue that the prior decision to exempt Edge from regulation unfairly disadvantages third-party browsers and limits user choice.

Microsoft 365 Insiders were treated to two new virtual pen options in OneNote for Windows. Users with touch-enabled devices can now utilize a Fountain Pen and a Brush Pen for drawing and hand-written notes. Additionally, Windows Insiders have access to a new accessibility feature in Excel, enhancing the detection of the active cell.

A particularly amusing bug in Word was acknowledged this week. If a file’s extension is in all capital letters or contains the # symbol, Word rather than saving it, will delete the file. Fortunately, this issue isn’t irreversible, as you can recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin. Microsoft has stated it is looking into this matter. In the interim, be cautious about naming your local documents.

In terms of enhancements, Word is also introducing a new feature called “Coaching with Copilot”designed to assist users in reviewing and rewriting their content. Microsoft is currently implementing this feature for select Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Pro subscribers residing in the United States.

OneDrive is set to receive some updates as well, with plans for colorful folders in Windows 11’s File Explorer, revamped mobile applications, improved search functionality, and more. Notably, users will soon have the option to upgrade storage up to 5TB or even 10TB, surpassing the current 2TB limit.

Furthermore, the Files app, a favored alternative to the default file manager, has been updated to version 3.7.11, allowing for bulk file renaming along with other minor enhancements.

When it comes to web browsers, Microsoft Edge has introduced new privacy-preserving ad APIs. The company has launched a limited preview to enable developers to assess how these new mechanisms impact their websites. Additionally, Edge version 131.0.2875 has reached the Dev Channel, featuring fixes for media playback crashes and more.

Mozilla rolled out a critical update for Firefox, addressing a significant security vulnerability that has been exploited in the wild. This essential patch for CVE-2024-9680 is included in Firefox 131.0.2, Firefox ESR 115.16.1, and Firefox ESR 128.3.1. It’s highly recommended to update your browser if you’re still using an older version.

Other noteworthy updates include the following:

• Arc browser is now compatible with Windows on ARM.
• Apple has updated Apple Music for Windows, now allowing collaborative playlists.
• PowerToys version 0.85.1 has been released with several fixes.
• Microsoft Teams Personal is undergoing a visual overhaul on desktop and web.
• Stardock launched Multiplicity 4, featuring multi-screen streaming and Seamless display functionality.
• Microsoft has introduced new. NET libraries that support AI application development.
• The new Outlook for Windows will soon offer offline mode capabilities.
• Microsoft Teams can now alert or restrict frontline workers from accessing the service during off-hours.
• Microsoft Azure is the first major provider to offer NVIDIA’s Blackwell system with GB200.

This week’s driver and firmware releases include:

• Surface Pro X received a significant update with fixes for keyboard, sleep, and the malfunctioning Caps Lock LED, among others.
• Surface Pro 9 5G has also received the same update.

Unfortunately, the Surface Duo 2 is likely nearing its end of updates. Microsoft has delivered the final firmware update for its last dual-screen Android smartphone ahead of its impending retirement set for later this month.

To wrap up, here’s a recap of this week’s Microsoft 365 Roadmap, detailing all the new features on their way to Microsoft’s productivity applications.

Gaming News

This week marked some significant developments within the Halo universe. 343 Industries has rebranded itself as Halo Studios and announced exciting plans for upcoming Halo games utilizing Unreal Engine 5. Regarding the existing title, Halo Infinite, players can anticipate a new third-person mode along with various enhancements. The game has also received the Halloween Operation update.

Season 14 of Sea of Thieves is launching soon, packed with exciting new features, including new disguises, a grapple gun, blowpipes, the ability to crouch, and more adjustments.

Nvidia has unveiled several new games for Gerforce NOW, its cloud streaming platform. New additions include Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, Europa, Star Trek Timelines, Dwarven Realms, and several others. Keep in mind that playing these games through GeForce NOW requires ownership on a supported platform like Steam. However, Steam has made a recent update clarifying for customers that they are purchasing licenses rather than full ownership of the games.

As part of its cloud gaming initiatives, Microsoft is reportedly planning to allow Xbox Insiders to stream Xbox titles they own via the cloud, meaning players will have access to titles not listed in the Xbox Game Pass catalog. Nonetheless, an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription will still be required. Furthermore, next month, the Xbox app on Android will include the option to purchase Xbox games.

If you own an Xbox Wireless Controller and a modern Apple device, you can now connect your gamepad using a USB cable, as iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia have rolled out wired controller support for Xbox.

Lastly, check out Robbie Khan’s review of the Silent Hill 2 remake on PC. This game is a commendable homage to the original, boasting impressive cinematic immersion, outstanding voice acting, exquisite animations, and more. Although not without its flaws, fans of the franchise are sure to relish this title.

Deals and Promotions:

The Epic Games Store is offering Empyrion—Galactic Survival and Outliver: Tribulation for free. For even more discounts and exciting gaming offers, be sure to check out our latest edition of Weekend PC Game Deals.

Additional noteworthy gaming news from this week includes:

• Ara: History Untold has received a new patch addressing game balance and more. A follow-up patch has also been delivered shortly after.
• Goat Simulator Remastered is set to launch on November 7, complete with all its DLCs and enhanced visuals.
• Towerborne has been updated for the first time, introducing class adjustments, improved progression, and more.
• A new contest for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle gives you a chance to win a gold Series X console.
• Playground Games has shared stats for Forza Motorsport, commemorating its first anniversary.
• Age of Mythology: Retold has been patched to include UI enhancements, balance adjustments, and other improvements.

Every week, we highlight numerous deals on various hardware and software. Below are some discounts that are still ongoing; you may discover something appealing for yourself.

Here are this week’s ongoing deals:

• 34-inch ASUS TUF Gaming curved ultrawide monitor – $269
• 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 – $199
• Beats Solo 4 – $99.99
• Razer Basilisk V3 mouse – $39.99
• 4TB SanDisk SSD Desk Drive – $279.99
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro – $105
• 500GB Crucial P3 Plus Gen 4 SSD – $36.99

You can access past issues of the Microsoft Weekly series using this link.

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