Microsoft Weekly: Fast File Managers for Windows 11, Improved Edge, New Builds, and More

Welcome to this week’s episode of Microsoft Weekly! Join us as we delve into the latest enhancements in Microsoft Edge, discover quick and efficient File Explorer alternatives for both Windows 10 and 11, learn about the conclusion of Windows 95 support in a widely-used application, explore fresh Windows 11 preview builds, and uncover the latest deals and updates.

Table of Contents:

Updates in Windows 10 and 11
Windows Insider Program Highlights
New Updates Available
Reviews Spotlight
Latest Gaming News

Updates in Windows 11 and 10

This section encompasses all the latest developments regarding Microsoft’s operating systems, including enhancements, removals, bugs, and intriguing discoveries. We will also touch upon older, still-supported versions.

This week, Microsoft introduced a dedicated storage page that promotes a range of AI-powered functionalities such as Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, Paint Cocreator, and more. This page also features applications with integrated AI experiences.

The updates for Windows 10 and 11 were limited this week. However, here’s a valuable guide by Paul Hil detailing the process of creating a bootable Windows USB device using a Linux-based system.

Windows Insider Program Highlights

This week, the following releases were made available for testing in the Windows Insider Program:

Windows 11	Windows 10
Canary Channel	–	Not Applicable
Dev Channel	26120.3291	Not Applicable
Beta Channel	22635.4950	Not Applicable
Release Preview Channel	26100.3321	–

Microsoft also updated the Snipping Tool app to version 11.2501.7.0, which is now available in preview mode for Windows Insiders. This version includes a new cropping feature aimed at enhancing screen recording efficiency—no need to switch to external applications for cropping screenshots anymore.

Snipping Tool with the video trim feature

Moreover, as tech enthusiasts dissected the latest Windows 11 preview builds, they uncovered the potential for a new file migration application that would facilitate file transfers between PCs without the need for third-party software. While there are no official announcements yet, an early UI prototype is available for viewing.

New Updates Available

This section outlines various software and firmware updates—both recent and upcoming—showcasing new features, security enhancements, patches, and more from Microsoft and affiliated developers.

In recent news, it appears Microsoft will not be implementing the feature to keep your Microsoft Account persistently signed in, at least not for now. The company retracted its earlier support document, clarifying that the feature’s premature publication led to confusion. While a change is forthcoming, no timeline has been provided.

Microsoft Edge experienced multiple updates this week. Notably, version 132, released in January, revamped several aspects of the user interface, incorporating WebUI 2.0. This update dramatically boosts performance and responsiveness, particularly for lower-end devices. Upcoming updates will extend WebUI 2.0 integration across various browser components.

A new feature update was introduced on the Dev Channel as well. Version 135 became available for testing, addressing several issues that previously caused browser crashes.

In addition, users on the Stable Channel received a critical security update that resolved various high-severity vulnerabilities. Microsoft also unveiled a revamped Edge Add-ons website, making it easier to find and download extensions for Edge users.

On the other hand, Mozilla issued a minor bug fix for Firefox version 135, which aims to remedy scrolling issues and non-functional drop-down menus on specific pages. Furthermore, Mozilla confirmed continued support for Firefox 115 ESR on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 for an additional six months.

Finalwire has announced that users of Windows 98 will need to take note of a significant change: the latest AIDA64 update (version 7.60) has eliminated support for Windows 95, 98, and Me. However, this update introduces support for the upcoming AMD graphics cards among other enhancements.

Battery management enthusiasts should check out the upgraded Battery Flyout app, which now compiles detailed reports on battery performance, including health metrics and charge cycles.

Additionally, for those dissatisfied with Windows 11’s File Explorer, consider trying File Pilot—a new third-party file manager boasting exceptional performance at just 1.8MB. Currently in beta and free of charge, it includes an extensive list of features and outstanding responsiveness, but keep in mind the final release will be a paid application.

Other notable updates this week include:

Ventoy has been updated to version 1.1.03, fixing installation issues on Windows 11.
Copilot in Excel now supports referencing files from Word, PowerPoint, and other applications.
Microsoft announced the innovative Majorana 1 chip, a significant advancement in quantum computing.

Here are the latest drivers and firmware releases:

Nvidia’s 572.47 WHQL driver now supports the RTX 5070 Ti and includes DLSS 4 for Marvel Rivals.
The Surface Laptop 5, Surface Go 3, and Surface Book 3 have received new firmware updates featuring security enhancements.

Reviews Spotlight

Here are the hardware and software products we reviewed this week

This week, Robbie Khan provided an in-depth review of the Ducky One X, touted as the world’s first inductive switch keyboard designed for both typing and gaming. While it boasts numerous positive attributes, potential buyers should be aware of several drawbacks before investing $179.

Latest Gaming News

Discover the latest updates and game releases in the gaming world

Microsoft has revealed an exciting new selection of games coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers in late February 2025, including Avowed, EA Sports F1 24, Warhammer 40, 000: Rogue Trader, and Watch Dogs: Legion.

In addition, Rare has launched Season 15 for Sea of Thieves, featuring thrilling additions like ancient megalodons with superhuman abilities, new wildlife, and much more. This update was released on February 20 and is accessible across PC, Xbox consoles, and PlayStation 5.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle recently received a substantial update that includes support for DLSS 4, AMD’s frame-generating technology, in addition to a long list of gameplay and story fixes.

Rockstar Games is set to finally roll out the long-anticipated GTA V console upgrade for PC on March 4. This extensive update will introduce an array of changes, including new vehicles, wildlife, improved career tracking, enhanced graphics, support for FSR 3 and DLSS 3, and quicker loading times courtesy of DirectStorage. Be sure to check the required hardware specifications.

In another notable development, Xbox consoles received a new software update allowing users to connect significantly larger hard drives beyond the previous maximum of 16TB—for instance, users can now connect a 24TB WD Red Pro NAS HDD.

The GeForce NOW streaming service has also expanded its game roster, now allowing access to titles like Avowed, Lost Records, Warhammer: Rogue Trader, and HUMANITY among others. In total, Nvidia has introduced six new games to its cloud streaming platform this week.

Deals and Freebies

This week’s Weekend PC Game Deals includes a variety of giveaways from the Epic Games Store, alongside numerous discounts available across platforms like Steam and Humble Bundle.

In other gaming news:

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 achieved two million sales within just two weeks.
Bethesda announced an auction, where the winner will become an NPC in The Elder Scrolls VI.
Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 is making its way to Xbox and PlayStation platforms.
Black Ops 6 is set to gain a crossover with TMNT, unveiling new maps and weapons soon.
Microsoft has introduced the Muse AI model aimed at game prototyping and preservation.

Each week, we highlight a range of deals across various hardware and software offerings. Take a moment to check the following discounts, and you may find something you’ve been wanting!