Microsoft Weekly: Essential Windows 11 Updates, OneNote’s Decline, and Numerous Builds

Microsoft Weekly: Essential Windows 11 Updates, OneNote’s Decline, and Numerous Builds

In this edition of Microsoft Weekly, we dive into the significant updates surrounding Windows 11 preview builds, newly introduced Microsoft 365 apps, OneNote’s impending discontinuation, enhancements to the Windows 11 Settings app, gaming insights, and much more.

Table of Contents:

  1. Windows 10 and 11 Updates
  2. Windows Insider Program Developments
  3. Latest Updates
  4. Recent Reviews
  5. Gaming News & Updates

Updates on Windows 10 and 11

This section provides an overview of the current happenings related to Microsoft’s latest OS iterations, including stable channel features, preview builds, bug fixes, and more. Additionally, insights into older but still supported versions may also be included.

Last week’s bug, which affected recent Windows 11 Patch Tuesdays by uninstalling Copilot, has been swiftly addressed by Microsoft. The tech giant rolled out a quick fix to prevent further uninstallation of Copilot and subsequently restored the app for those impacted. For users who prefer not to utilize Copilot, it can be uninstalled manually.

In another round of fixes, Microsoft resolved a persistent issue in Windows 11 version 24H2 that dated back to October 2024, related to Asphalt 8 compatibility, thus aiding users in updating to the latest version of Windows 11 seamlessly.

Updates from the Windows Insider Program

This week, the Windows Insider Program saw the release of several testing builds:

Channel Windows 11 Windows 10
Canary Channel 27818 N/A
Dev Channel 26120.3576 N/A
Beta Channel 26120.357622635.509022635.5097 N/A
Release Preview Channel 26100.3613

Enthusiasts within the Windows community have begun uncovering new features in the latest preview builds, including an upcoming FAQ section for the “About”page designed to enhance user experience with hardware performance insights, Windows version updates, and more.

Updated About Section in Windows 11 Settings app

Moreover, the Start menu has received new organizational controls through context menus, enabling users to manage their app placement more effectively—right-click options now allow moving apps or creating folders with ease.

Updated Start Menu in Windows 11

Additionally, Microsoft is broadening feature availability in tools such as Snipping Tool, Notepad, and Paint. Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview channels can now experiment with features like document summarization in Notepad, shape straightening in Snipping Tool, and enhancements in the Paint app’s Cocreator panel.

Latest Updates and Features

This section highlights crucial software, firmware, and notable updates from Microsoft and third-party developers, focusing on new features, security patches, and general improvements.

Microsoft has made headlines in Europe with its decision to no longer bundle chargers with Surface Pro tablets. The Surface Pro 11 will now be sold in a compact box without a charger by default, compelling customers to pay an additional 90 EUR (~$98) for a 65W power adapter. This shift aligns with EU initiatives aimed at minimizing electronic waste.

On the browser front, users can now access a list of 10 productivity-enhancing keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Edge. These include less common shortcuts like “paste and go”and toggling between tabs. Furthermore, Microsoft rolled out a small patch for Edge’s stable channel addressing security vulnerabilities.

Microsoft Edge Keyboard Shortcuts

Vivaldi has rolled out version 7.2, bringing significant performance boosts in page loading and the address bar, along with new features like customizable keyboard shortcut priorities.

Vivaldi 7.2 Update

Meanwhile, Firefox’s latest update, version 136.0.2, addressed several bugs including issues with automatic cookie deletion and high CPU usage on Windows platforms.

In July 2025, OneNote users should prepare for the app’s discontinuation on Windows 10, coinciding with the end of support for the operating system. Users are encouraged to transition to the OneNote desktop app that is included in the Microsoft 365 suite.

Here are some highlights of other updates released this week:

  • Updated versions of Windows Terminal (1.22) and its Preview (1.23).
  • Deepened AI collaboration between Microsoft and NVIDIA unveiled at the GTC AI conference.
  • New live chat feature in Microsoft Teams to enhance customer interactions for small businesses.
  • A collaboration between Microsoft and a Swiss startup to develop brain-inspired AI.
  • A new TPM troubleshooting tool released for Windows 11.

The latest driver updates include:

  • Nvidia 572.83 WHQL, offering essential fixes for the RTX 50 series.
  • AMD 25.3.2 featuring support for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
  • Intel 32.0.101.6651 non-WHQL also including support for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Recent Reviews & Insights

This section recaps some of the hardware and software reviews published this week.

Robbie Khan has provided a sneak peek of the upcoming POCO F7 Ultra, a high-spec smartphone set to be available on March 27.

POCO F7 Ultra

Additionally, a review of the Cuktech S15 Ultra power bank highlights its powerful capabilities and fast charging but notes its higher price point may give potential buyers pause. Full insights can be found in the complete review.

Cuktech S15 Ultra Power Bank

Exciting Gaming News

Here’s the latest from the gaming industry.

This week, we shared an early access review of “33 Immortals, ”an intriguing hellish roguelike designed for 33 players, characterized by chaotic multiplayer and massive battles. Despite some rough edges, the game shows promise.

33 Immortals Screenshot

During the recent Microsoft Ability Summit, the new Xbox Adaptive Joystick was announced for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, aimed at enhancing accessibility in gaming for individuals with physical constraints, available now for $29.99.

Xbox Adaptive Joystick

Microsoft is reportedly gearing up to majorly update the Xbox app on Windows to unify all PC games in one location, with indications that Steam games may also eventually be accessible from the app.

The second wave of Xbox and PC Game Pass titles for March 2025 includes Atomfall, Blizzard Arcade Collection, and Train Sim World 5, with additional titles set to launch next month, such as Towerborne.

Xbox Game Pass Announcement

Fallout 76 has rolled out a new update featuring the season 20 “Leap of Faith”questline, introducing new gameplay mechanics where players can transform into irradiated ghouls.

Fallout 76

Minecraft is also set to receive significant graphical updates, including dynamic shadows and reworked lighting, recently announced at Minecraft Live.

Minecraft Vibrant Visuals Update

Nvidia’s GeForce NOW streaming service has added titles such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Wreckfest 2, allowing subscribers to enjoy these games on cloud infrastructure, perfect for those looking to play without a powerful PC.

Deals and Freebies

Don’t miss out on the Epic Games Store’s giveaway of Jurassic World Evolution 2, available for free until March 27. For additional deals and discounts, explore our weekly “Weekend PC Game Deals” series.

Additional gaming highlights include:

  • Cities: Skylines II introduces an ‘easy’ mode alongside various community fixes.
  • Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program has distributed over $5 billion to game developers.
  • Announcement of DirectX Raytracing 1.2 promising substantial enhancements in path tracing.
  • New system requirements and features have been shared for The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC.
  • The GOG Preservation Program has added 27 classic games, including FEAR and Silent Hill 4.

This weekly roundup offers various deals on hardware and software. Explore the current discounts for potential needs or wants.

  • 4TB Seagate IronWolf CMR NAS Internal Hard Drive – $84.99 | 19% off
  • NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router – $112.99 | 37% off
  • 8TB Corsair MP600 PRO LPX NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD: $639.99 | 39% off
  • Roku TV Wireless Soundbar 2023 | Roku Wireless Bass: $139.98 | 50% off
  • Intel Core i5-12600K Desktop Processor – $148 | 16% off
  • PDP Victrix PRO BFG Wireless Gaming Controller Black – $132.39 | 26% off
  • 2025 13-inch MacBook Air M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Midnight – $949 | $50 off
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For further insights, check out previous editions of the Microsoft Weekly series.

The visual background for Microsoft Weekly is courtesy of jhenning on Pixabay.

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