Microsoft Weekly: Current Issues in Windows 11 24H2, Latest Features in Windows 10, and More

In this week’s edition of Microsoft Weekly, we delve into an array of new issues identified in Windows 11 version 24H2, explore recent preview builds for Windows 11, discover updates for Windows 10, discuss upcoming gaming releases, and highlight various app and driver enhancements.

Contents:

Windows 10 and 11 updates
Windows Insider Program news
Recent updates
News from the gaming world
Nostalgic Microsoft moments
A fun fact about Microsoft

Updates on Windows 11 and 10

This segment discusses significant happenings related to Microsoft’s latest operating systems, covering features, controversies, bug reports, and discoveries, as well as occasional insights into older supported versions.

This week, Microsoft acknowledged numerous bugs affecting Windows 11, particularly in version 24H2. These issues include difficulties in deleting 8.6 GB of temporary data on drive C, error 0xc1900101, blue screen crashes on systems using the Voicemeeter application, problems with ASUS devices, and freezing apps when the camera is used, among others.

On a more positive note, users with specific WD and SanDisk SSDs can now access firmware updates aimed at resolving blue screen errors in Windows 11 version 24H2. Additionally, Microsoft has rolled out new updates for Windows Recovery.

Insights from the Windows Insider Program

This week in the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft has released the following updates for testing:

Windows 11	Windows 10
Canary Channel	27729	N/A
Dev Channel	26120.2130	N/A
Beta Channel	22635.4371	19045.5070
Release Preview Channel	No releases	19045.5070

The latest builds for Windows 10 include noteworthy changes as well. Despite Windows 10 nearing the end of mainstream support within the next year, Microsoft has still introduced new features, including a comprehensive redesign of the “About”section.

The upgraded About section in Windows 10

Meanwhile, for users in the Windows 11 Insider Program, Microsoft has paused some feature rollouts for those on Windows 11 version 23H2 in the Release Preview Channel. This includes the integration of Phone Link into the Start menu and several enhancements to the initial setup experience.

In addition to new builds, a recent update to the Microsoft Store has revamped app and game listing pages.

Turning to the Windows Insider Program, there are several improvements that I believe Microsoft should consider implementing. After a decade since its inception, the program requires significant updates to rekindle user enthusiasm and simplify its operational complexity.

To wrap up this section on Windows 11, we found a fascinating blend of nostalgia and modernity when a user on Reddit applied a retro-themed design to Windows 11, creating a version reminiscent of Windows 98 that is still capable of running current applications.

Retro Windows 95 theme applied to Windows 11

If you’re interested in a more contemporary aesthetic, there’s also a mod available that promises a complete redesign of the Windows UI.

Recent Updates

This section focuses on software, firmware, and other significant updates from Microsoft and third parties that deliver new features, security enhancements, and more.

For users relying on Office 2016 or Office 2019, now’s the time to strategize your upgrade to more recent versions, as these programs have less than a year of support remaining. To assist with the transition, Microsoft has published a comprehensive guide outlining the migration options available based on customer needs.

Switching to Microsoft 365 subscriptions is an excellent way to ensure ongoing support, and Insiders will soon get access to a fresh tool for Excel and PowerPoint. This tool will facilitate perfect shape drawing through a gesture called Draw and Hold, which has been adopted from OneNote and Word.

Moreover, Oracle has introduced an update for VirtualBox, enhancing this popular cross-platform hypervisor with support for Linux 6.12, optimizations for Windows 11 version 24H2, and various other tweaks.

Additionally, Mozilla has released a minor update for Firefox, version 131.0.3, which addresses playback issues on YouTube, Windows crashes, and other bugs. Notably, the latest Firefox Nightly releases enable the Mica material on Windows 11.

The Microsoft Edge browser has also been updated to version 130, featuring a revamped Settings section along with a suite of internal changes. New feature updates have also been rolled out for Edge Insiders on the Dev Channel.

Other noteworthy updates include:

Administrators will soon be able to transition OneDrive data to Google Drive for up to 100 users.
Logitech Options+ has added support for the MX Creative Console, among other features.
Stardock has released a new version of DesktopGPT, featuring a Template Editor and more.
NordVPN now has a dedicated app for Windows ARM devices.
Microsoft introduced Copilot Scheduled Prompts for automating prompts.
Microsoft has partnered with HID to allow physical access cards as a multi-factor authentication (MFA) method.
Microsoft also announced the general availability of Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs.
Windows Admin Center version 2410 Public Preview is now accessible.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT application has finally started rolling out to Windows users.
PowerToys is set to receive a new utility grouping feature.

In terms of drivers, here are the latest releases this week:

Nvidia Studio Driver 565.90 introduces optimizations for Adobe’s latest AI tools.
AMD 24.10.1 drivers support Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, among other enhancements.
Intel has rolled out version 32.0.101.6127 WHQL, which provides notable FPS improvements for certain games.

On a more disappointing note, firmware updates will no longer be provided for the original Surface Laptop Go, which has completed its four-year lifecycle as of October 13, 2024. Additionally, the Qualcomm Snapdragon Dev Kit has also been discontinued, with customers refunded due to a reported HDMI port defect.

Lastly, the latest updates from the Microsoft 365 Roadmap track future features for Microsoft’s suite of productivity applications, including Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, and OneDrive. Recent enhancements include offline functionalities for the new Outlook on Windows, a refreshed calendar for Teams, and new themes for Outlook.

Product Reviews

This section includes the hardware and software evaluated this week.

Steven Parker reviewed the TerraMaster F4-424 Max, a high-performance 4-bay NAS equipped with a 10-core Intel processor, 10 Gb Ethernet, and DDR5 memory. While it has impressive specifications, users may want to prepare for value compromises, including only 8 GB of RAM, a subpar operating system, and some quirks with default applications.

Gaming Updates

Microsoft has launched new Xbox consoles. On October 25, three fresh versions were introduced: the 1 TB Xbox Series S Robot White, the all-digital 1TB Xbox Series X, and the 2 TB Xbox Series X Galaxy Black Special Edition. Teardowns of these consoles reveal exciting hardware modifications, including updated cooling systems, a new 6nm chip, reduced energy usage, and redesigned motherboards.

Update 13 has been released for Forza Motorsport by Playground Games, introducing a new Drift Mode, a new track called Sunset Peninsula, several new Mustangs, and various under-the-hood improvements. This update is available on Xbox and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.

Moreover, Xbox Cloud Gaming is expanding its library with additional Call of Duty titles. Starting October 25, subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will gain access to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty Warzone, and the upcoming Call of Duty Black Ops 6 on compatible devices. The latest segment has also had its PC specifications finalized and now features a dedicated trailer.

Furthermore, Microsoft has unveiled the forthcoming titles for Game Pass subscribers, which will include South Park: The Fractured but Whole, Donut County, MechWarrior 5: Clans, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Ashen, Dead Island 2, and many others.

Interestingly, prior to the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Microsoft discontinued its $1 Game Pass trial, temporarily eliminating the option for new subscribers to explore the catalog for just $1. At present, the only methods to access Call of Duty Black Ops 6 involve purchasing a PC Game Pass for $11.99, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $19.99, or the game itself for $69.99.

Lastly, Microsoft has unveiled new themed controllers and console wraps inspired by Call of Duty. Customers can now customize their Xbox wireless controllers or Xbox Elite Series 2 gamepads with Call of Duty designs. Additionally, a Call of Duty-themed console wrap for the Xbox Series X is now available for purchase.

GSC Game World has shared a preview of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, showcasing how player decisions will influence the storyline in the upcoming title set in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, set to release on November 20, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S and PC (including Game Pass).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etBkfK65p_M

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl – The Final Preview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etBkfK65p_M)

Deals and Special Offers

This weekend’s PC game deals highlight numerous demos, early Halloween sales, discounts on Atari classics, and much more. Nvidia is offering a unique promotion for potential GeForce NOW subscribers: purchase six months of the service’s Ultimate plan and receive Dragon Age: The Veilguard at no extra cost.

Additionally, Steam Next Fest is ongoing (running until October 21), allowing players to try free demos of several upcoming titles like Delta Force, Blood Bar Tycoon, Mini Royale, ANTONBLAST, and others. Xbox users can also take advantage of a significant sale, featuring over 250 titles as part of the Xbox Shocktober Sale.

Other significant gaming news from this week includes:

Craig Duncan from Rare has been appointed as the new head of Xbox Game Studios following Alan Hartman’s retirement.
The Frostline expansion for DayZ adds a new icy region.
A campaign expansion called Chronicles: Battle for Greece has been announced for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.
Microsoft has agreed to settle the “gamers lawsuit”related to the Activision-Blizzard acquisition.
Bioware confirmed that Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be free from third-party DRM.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II has received its first major update.
Alan Wake 2: The Lake House expansion launches October 22, promising additional horror elements.
The EA Play subscription is now accessible through the Epic Games Store.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is scheduled for a PC launch in January 2025.

Every week, we spotlight various hardware and software bargains. Make sure to check out the ongoing discounts; you might discover something you want or need.

Here are some noteworthy deals that may still be live on Amazon and other online retailers: