Microsoft Weekly: Halo Launches on PlayStation as Microsoft Maximizes Xbox Revenue

This week’s news recap brings you the latest highlights in the Microsoft universe. From exciting Windows 11 updates to gaming developments—including the anticipated arrival of Halo on PlayStation 5 in 2026—there’s much to cover, along with enhancements to Microsoft Edge and several critical out-of-band updates.

Quick Links:

Windows 10 and 11 Updates
Windows Insider Program News
Latest Updates Available
Product Reviews
Gaming News Updates

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

This section focuses on the ongoing developments around Microsoft’s latest operating systems, including new features, controversial updates, and any bugs. We’ll also touch on older OS versions when relevant.

This week, Microsoft rolled out an important out-of-band update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The update, KB5070773, addresses issues with USB mice and keyboards malfunctioning after previous updates. For Windows Server users, updates KB5070881, KB5070879, and KB5070884 were also made available, alongside new recovery updates for Windows 11.

Microsoft also highlighted the smart card authentication issue that surfaced after the October 2025 Patch Tuesday update. While a fix is available, it involves modifications to the system registry, which can be complex for some users.

After the recent Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft disabled a feature in File Explorer that displayed files downloaded from the web in the Preview Pane. This change aims to prevent potential NTLM hash leaks. However, users who wish to browse such files can still do so if they trust the download.

New support materials released by Microsoft detail the driver update process in Windows, addressing common user confusion surrounding repeated installations of seemingly identical or outdated drivers. Additionally, a cautionary note was issued regarding the security risks for users opting to remain on Windows 10 without ongoing security updates.

If you’re considering an upgrade to Windows 11—especially with Windows 10 now officially unsupported—remember that the new OS enables BitLocker drive encryption by default.

Windows Insider Program Updates

This week marked the anniversary of the Windows Insider Program, which celebrates its 11th year. In honor of this milestone, Microsoft introduced two new wallpapers, available in both dark and light modes.

Insider Channel Builds
Canary Channel	Build 27951 This week’s Canary build resolves bugs affecting the Settings app and Windows Hello functionalities.
Dev Channel	Build 26220.6982 This update features clipboard integration with Windows Search and several enhancements for the Settings app and proactive memory diagnostics.
Beta Channel	Build 26120.6982 This build mirrors the version released in the Dev Channel.
Release Preview Channel	Builds 26200.7015 and 26100.7015 Improvements include a revamped Start menu and updates to File Explorer and the taskbar.	Build 22631.6132 This build for the previous Windows 11 version 23H2 addresses input and networking issues, among others.

Additionally, a new update for Paint has been released, introducing an AI-powered Restyle feature that allows users to reinterpret their art in various styles, now available across the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels.

The Restyle feature in Paint on Windows 11

Latest Updates Available

This section reviews notable software updates from Microsoft and third-party applications, highlighting new features, security patches, and improvements.

Microsoft continues to enhance the Microsoft Edge browser, particularly its WebUI component. An upcoming update will migrate the PDF viewer to WebUI, promising considerable performance boosts along with autofill enhancements.

This week, Copilot received several new features and improvements as part of its Fall Update, which aims to compete with rivals like ChatGPT and Gemini. New functionalities include customizable Copilot appearances, collaborative conversation groups, and long-term memory features.

PowerToys has been updated to version 0.95.1 to resolve various bugs from the previous release, such as issues with theme switching and Command Palette crashes.

Here are additional significant announcements and updates:

Microsoft plans to discontinue Office Online Server.
Accessibility enhancements are coming to Microsoft 365 applications.
Feedback requested on integrating Copilot into on-premise Exchange Server.
An exciting new feature is set to be introduced to Visual Studio.

Latest Reviews

This week, we took an in-depth look at several new hardware and software products:

Steven Parker reviewed the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus, a modern NAS tailored for tech enthusiasts and small businesses, recognized for its robust aluminum design, cutting-edge Intel processor, energy efficiency, and quiet operation.

Gaming News Updates

Pulasthi Ariyasinghe provided insights into Ninja Gaiden 4, highlighting its intense combat and diverse weapon mechanics. The title is now available on PC and consoles and can be accessed via Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

In celebration of Fallout 4’s 10th anniversary, Bethesda is launching the Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, featuring all expansions and new content, set to release on November 10, 2025.

The eagerly anticipated Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, was announced for release in 2026 for PC, Xbox, and, notably, PlayStation 5. A precise release date has yet to be confirmed.

New titles added to the Xbox Game Pass catalog include Football Manager 26, Power Wash Simulator 2, and The Outer Worlds 2, providing an expansive array of gaming options.

In light of rising prices for Xbox consoles, developers are facing higher costs for Xbox dev kits as well. Reports indicate a staggering 33% increase in prices, now hitting $2, 000 apiece, attributed to Microsoft’s goal of achieving a 30% profit margin in the Xbox division.

Moreover, Microsoft faces scrutiny over the recent Game Pass price hike, coupled with backlash regarding the Gaming Copilot feature, which some gamers claim captures gameplay without consent. Microsoft has had to clarify its intentions surrounding this feature.

In the world of mobile gaming, Electronic Arts announced the upcoming shutdown of The Sims Mobile, with its final update implemented and full services ceasing in 2026.

Nvidia is expanding its GeForce NOW streaming service this month, with exciting new titles such as NINJA GAIDEN 4 and The Outer Worlds 2 included. Just remember, users need to own these games to stream them.

Deals and Freebies

The Epic Games Store is currently offering the horror game Fear the Spotlight for free. This promotion runs until next Thursday, so check it out if you’re a fan of horror titles. Additionally, weekly deals on various hardware and software continue to be available.