Microsoft Weekly: Essential Windows 10 End of Support Toolkits, Latest Builds, and Updates

Welcome to this week’s news roundup, where we explore the latest developments in Windows 11 and 10, helpful advice on transitioning from Windows 10, insights for uBlock Origin users in Chrome, gaming updates, and much more.

Quick Links:

Windows 10 and 11 Updates
Windows Insider Program Highlights
Latest Updates Available
In-Depth Reviews
Current Gaming News

Windows 11 and Windows 10 Insights

In this section, we delve into the latest happenings surrounding Microsoft’s operating systems, including both the current stable releases and preview builds. Expect discussions on newly introduced features, those that have been removed, controversies, software bugs, and interesting discoveries. We will also touch on older OS versions as relevant.

With the end of official support for Windows 10 nearing—including the more unusual variants like the original LTSB—Microsoft is providing just a year of extended security updates. Numerous groups are stepping up to address the challenges posed by this transition for millions of users. Notably, the Restart Project has launched an “End of Windows 10 Toolkit”aimed at assisting community repair groups during this pivotal change.

If you have a system that is no longer supported but desire to escape Windows 10, consider using the newly refreshed Flyby11 application, which now offers improved methods to download and patch Windows 11 installations. Alternatively, there is the option to enroll in the Extended Security Update program for an additional year of updates at no extra cost, as outlined in our recently published guide.

For those continuing with Windows 10 and utilizing Microsoft Office, significant changes are on the horizon. Microsoft has announced that Microsoft 365 apps will cease to receive major feature updates by August 2026 for Current Channel users, October 2026 for Monthly Enterprise Channel users, and January 2027 for Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel bot. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay updated on these timelines.

This week also saw Windows 11 version 24H2 roll out an out-of-band update to address Azure VM boot issues. Additionally, Microsoft acknowledged current problems related to Windows 10’s emoji panel and shared updates on improvements available in Windows 11 version 25H2.

Microsoft has also improved the Windows 11 installation process by shipping newer versions of inbox apps with the operating system, allowing users to enjoy the latest features and security fixes without the need for additional downloads. This approach effectively reduces vulnerabilities and threats for new installs.

To conclude our Windows section, here’s a summary of the top ten noteworthy features introduced in Windows 11 during the first half of 2025. Key highlights include the upgraded taskbar functionalities (illustrated below) as well as several lesser-known enhancements. We also have a complementary article detailing ten upcoming features for Windows 11.

Top 10 new features in Windows 11 in 2025

Updates from the Windows Insider Program

This week, Microsoft delivered the following updates to Windows Insiders:

Build Information
Canary Channel	Build 27902 Introduced just two fixes related to File Explorer and Camera, along with general enhancements. The longstanding Windows Vista startup sound issue remains unresolved.
Dev Channel	Build 26200.5702 (KB5062653) This release includes generative AI image descriptions in Click to Do, better privacy dialogs, and fixes across various system components including the taskbar and File Explorer. Build 26200.5710 (KB5062676) This build introduces AI-driven accessibility features and logs to detail system slowdowns.
Beta Channel	Build 26120.4733 (KB5062651) This build incorporates the same enhancements as build 26200.5702. Build 26200.5710 (KB5062676) Identical to build 26200.5710 as elaborated previously.
Release Preview Channel	Build 26100.4767 (KB5062663) A minor update featuring fixes for IME, Group Policy Editor, Windows Firewall, and graphical issues. Build 22631.5696 (KB5062663) This update rectifies particular bugs from the previous version.	Build 19045.6159 (KB5062649) A patch addressing bugs from the earlier build.

A notable revelation from Microsoft this week involved the cancellation of a specific taskbar feature for Windows 11, which faced considerable backlash from the Insider community and was ultimately dropped.

Additionally, upcoming preview builds are testing a transformative adaptive power saver feature that bases power management on system activity rather than merely battery levels. This means more efficient energy usage for various system components, including display settings and background tasks.

Further, Microsoft has significantly enhanced the Copilot app, enabling users to share their entire desktop for better assistance and integration through the Vision feature, providing AI-driven support during task completion.

Available Updates

This section highlights software, firmware, and noteworthy updates from both Microsoft and third-party developers that enhance features, address security issues, and implement various improvements.

The Command Palette module of PowerToys has announced an upcoming feature that will allow users to pin their favorite applications for faster access. This enhancement is expected to debut in version 0.93 next month.

If you’re a Google Chrome user relying on uBlock Origin, you may have noticed the disabling of this popular content blocking extension. Fortunately, there are methods to restore its functionality. In addition, Google has decided to end browser support on macOS 11 Big Sur.

In other browser-related news, AdGuard has released a specialized version for Microsoft Edge on Android, Vivaldi is enhancing its iOS platform with a new Reader View, and Firefox is rolling out support for WebGPU technology.

A surprising development has occurred as Microsoft has confirmed that Skype for Business and Exchange will have their own Extended Security Update program, extending support for six additional months before the final termination of services.

Additional noteworthy updates include:

Security Copilot in Microsoft Entra is officially open for all IT administrators.
Progress updates on Microsoft Stream and Clipchamp unification.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is beginning to incorporate memory features.
LibreOffice has criticized Microsoft’s use of intricate file formats designed to retain Office users.
VMware Workstation Pro and Fusion provide snapshot and security improvements.
Mercedes-Benz now integrates Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 Copilot for enhanced productivity within vehicles.
Microsoft has ceased employing engineers based in China to support U. S.defense clients.

Additionally, a less favorable update: Microsoft has quietly discontinued its Movies and TV store, allowing users to retain access to previously purchased content but offering no refunds for outstanding purchases.

Recent Reviews

This week, we focused on reviewing various hardware and software products:

Christopher White shared insights on the Synology BeeStation Plus, highlighting it as a significant upgrade from the original, offering affordability, ease of setup, and a compact design—a compelling option despite minor imperfections.

Photo of the front of the Synology BeeStation Plus with the power light on and the box in the background

Steven Parker also reviewed the SEENDA KSM64-3 keyboard-mouse combo, emphasizing its ultra-thin design at an attractive price point.

Gaming Updates

Exciting new content is on its way for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, with Microsoft unveiling a fresh lineup of titles, including High On Life, RoboCop: Rogue City, Grounded 2, Farming Simulator 25, Wheel World, Abiotic Factor, and others.

The Xbox app for PC now sports a newly added feature allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream games from the cloud directly, supporting over 250 titles.

Deals and Freebies:

Check out the latest Weekend PC Game Deals that showcase automation festivals, charity events, and a complimentary copy of Civilization VI: Platinum Edition, among other offers.

Other noteworthy gaming announcements include:

Avowed has received a Steam Deck Verified update that includes major modifications to the Fighter and Ranger classes.
Cyberpunk 2077 is set to introduce self-driving cars, FSR 4, XeSS 2, VRR on consoles, and more exciting updates.

As part of our ongoing coverage, we also list various hardware and software deals that remain available, which may pique your interest: