Welcome to this edition of Microsoft Weekly, where we dive into November’s Patch Tuesday updates, explore exciting new preview builds, discuss a closed Insider Channel, and cover a variety of gaming and app updates.
Contents
- Windows 10 and 11 Updates
- Windows Insider Program Insights
- Available Updates Overview
- Latest Reviews
- Gaming News Highlights
Windows 10 and 11 Updates
This section covers the latest developments related to Microsoft’s operating systems, focusing on new features, removed functionalities, ongoing bugs, and noteworthy findings.
This month’s Patch Tuesday updates are now live. For Windows 11, users can download KB5046617 and KB5046633, while Windows 10 users will see KB5046612, KB5046613, KB5046615, and KB5046665 available. These updates not only bolster security but also address app crashes in Windows 10 and fix issues with the Task Manager in Windows 11. Notably, some users experienced confusion as Windows Update incorrectly flagged their systems as out of support.
In response to potential upgrade mishaps, Microsoft introduced new group policy settings aimed at preventing automated upgrades from Windows Server 2022 and 2019 to Windows Server 2025.
Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to implement fewer updates for Windows 10 and 11 in December 2024 due to the holiday season, opting to skip the non-security updates during this period.
Additionally, official ISO files for Windows 11 on ARM devices were released, offering users new installation options.
This month also saw changes to the Microsoft Store: effective November 14, 2024, instant games were removed from the Arcade tab. However, Microsoft has partnered with Tencent to introduce a selection of Android games, specifically for Windows 11 users in China.
Despite the push for modernization in Windows 11, remnants of legacy code remain. Users can still access the old Action Center from Windows 10 by adjusting settings in the system registry, and a tool is available to restore the classic File Explorer interface.
Windows Insider Program Insights
This week, the Windows Insider Program witnessed several updates:
| Channel | Windows 11 Build | Windows 10 Build |
|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | 27749 | N/A |
| Dev Channel | – | N/A |
| Beta Channel | 22635.4510 | 19045.5194 |
| Release Preview Channel | 22631.453426100.2448 | 19045.5194 |
Additionally, a new “Edit with Paint” option has been introduced in the latest version of Paint for Windows Insiders. A guide is available for those who wish to disable this new feature.
Looking ahead, Windows 11 is set to introduce several exciting features including a shortcut for OCR in the Snipping Tool, a “Windows Intelligence”section in Settings, updates for default app settings, and a new energy consumption monitoring tab. These will be revealed in future preview builds.
Unfortunately, the Windows 10 Beta Channel has officially shut down, with the final build being 19045.5194. Insiders will automatically migrate to the Release Preview Channel as Windows 10 approaches its end of life.
Available Updates Overview
This section highlights various software and firmware updates from Microsoft and third parties, detailing new features, security fixes, and important patches.
Microsoft has revived its MSN brand, launching a new logo and replacing Microsoft Start with it on the new tab page in Edge. Mobile applications will also adopt this branding soon.
On a more controversial note, Microsoft Edge has once again been caught auto-launching to prompt users to migrate data from Google Chrome, a behavior the company publicly acknowledged as providing users with options.
This week also saw important updates across various browsers, including:
- Firefox 132.0.2, fixing streaming errors and other bugs.
- Microsoft Edge version 131, featuring several improvements.
- Dev version Edge receiving an update to 132.0.2945.0.
Other notable updates include:
- Integration of Copilot features into Power BI mobile apps and a significant price increase.
- New widget in Office apps for Mac that offers quick access to recent files.
- Free availability of VMware Fusion and Workstation.
- Launch of. NET 9, showcasing thousands of enhancements.
- Creation of a 3D replica of St. Peter’s Basilica by Microsoft.
- Release of DesktopGPT 1.0, bringing AI capabilities to Windows desktops.
- Withdrawal of an Exchange Server update due to conflicts.
- Release of Visual Studio 2022 17.13 Preview 1.
This week also saw a fresh round of driver releases:
- Intel Version 32.0.101.6297 for optimizations in various games.
- Nvidia Version 566.14 WHQL, enhancing performance for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Nvidia also announced the formal debut of the Nvidia App, which, while not yet fully replacing its predecessors, will be included in future driver updates.
Latest Reviews
This week, Steven Parker evaluated the GEEKOM “AI-Enhanced”AE8 mini PC, noting its compact design and modern hardware, which includes a dedicated NPU and USB4 ports. While it has some minor quirks, it remains a strong contender for users looking for a small yet powerful PC.
Gaming News Highlights
Excitement builds as MachineGames releases a new gameplay video for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, set to launch on December 9 with early access available December 6. The collaboration between Xbox and IHOP offers exclusive themed menus as part of the promotion.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl, scheduled for release on November 20, has revealed its system requirements, urging players to upgrade their hardware for an optimal experience.
This week, during the Warcraft 30th Anniversary event, Blizzard announced remasters of Warcraft I and II, optimized for modern use. Additionally, Warcraft III has been re-released as Reforged 2.0, which includes extensive improvements to graphics and user interface.
As Age of Empires II celebrated its fifth anniversary, Microsoft unlocked DLC for existing owners and subscribers, albeit with a price increase to $34.99.
Nvidia acknowledged the 20-year anniversary of Half-Life 2 by giving away a custom RTX 4080 SUPER graphics card. The base game is currently free until November 18 and is available on Steam.
The Game Pass library continues to expand, adding three Spyro games to its catalog. Meanwhile, GeForce NOW welcomed additional titles, including Farming Simulator 25.
Rumors of an Xbox handheld continue, with Phil Spencer hinting at its potential future, albeit with no immediate plans. For now, Microsoft is offering a $50 discount on Xbox Series X|S consoles and accessories this holiday season.
Updates to Xbox consoles were released this week, introducing features such as friend requests and a revamped Home page. Moreover, the Xbox Accessories app has received improvements for trigger calibration.
Deals and Freebies
The Epic Games Store is offering Castlevania Anniversary Collection and Snakebird Complete for free until next Thursday. Check out the Weekend PC Game Deals for additional offers!
Additional Gaming Highlights
- Fan project ‘Project Borealis’ releases a free Prologue on Steam.
- The original Fortnite mode returns permanently.
- GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition adopts improved lighting effects.
- Towerborne implemented significant updates for early access.
- GOG announced a Preservation Program to sustain classic games on modern systems.
- A major revamp of the economy management in Ara: History Untold introduces mod support.
- Blizzard is seeking developers for a new open-world shooter, potentially set in the StarCraft universe.
Every week, numerous hardware and software deals are available for savvy shoppers. Here’s a preview of the current offers you won’t want to miss:
- Surface Laptop 7: $875 | 12% off
- 2TB WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD: $139.99 | 30% off
- 4TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus NVMe SSD: $299.99 | 13% off
- 2TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus NVMe SSD: $139.99 | 24% off
- Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi router: $159.99 | 36% off
- 13-inch MacBook Air 2024: $899 | 18% off
- 15-inch MacBook Air 2024: $1,299 | 13% off
For more insights, check out other issues in the Microsoft Weekly series.
Image credits: mynd_roxycr on Pixabay.
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