Microsoft Weekly: Latest on Recall Enhancements and Upcoming Windows 11 24H2 Release

In this episode of Microsoft Weekly, we explore security enhancements for Windows Recall, the imminent release of Windows 11 version 24H2, a month without Canary builds (which are on the way), the introduction of new Xbox controllers, recent Windows updates, and more.

Table of contents:

Windows 10 and 11 news
Windows Insider Program
Updates are available
Gaming news

Windows 11 and 10

This section covers everything related to Microsoft’s latest operating system across the Stable channel and preview builds: new features, removed functionalities, controversies, bugs, fascinating insights, and more. Additionally, we’ll touch on older but still supported versions.

Windows 10 version 22H2 has received a new optional non-security update, KB5043131, which comes with several Start Menu adjustments, fixes for media playback issues, and more. Unfortunately, the long-standing bug that prevents users from updating their profile picture remains unresolved.

In parallel, Windows 11 version 23H2 also benefited from a non-security update, KB5043145. This update brought enhancements to the taskbar, Settings app, Windows Share UI, Lock Screen, Start menu, and more components of the operating system. However, be cautious as Microsoft has acknowledged a problem causing some systems to crash with blue screens of death following the installation of KB5043145. The company is currently investigating this issue.

Although Windows 11 version 24H2 isn’t officially released yet, evaluation images are now available for download. Enterprise, LTSC, Server 2025, and Azure Stack HCI version 24H2 are accessible, allowing users to test the operating system free for 90 days.

The most significant announcement this week came from Microsoft’s update on Recall, their controversial flagship AI feature for Windows 11. In a recent blog post, Microsoft highlighted improvements to Recall’s security features to prevent unauthorized third-party access to your snapshots. The company also confirmed that Recall will be uninstallable, giving users the option to delete all data, selectively remove data from specific periods, or clear data associated with certain apps or websites.

Another interesting insight from Microsoft this week pertains to Windows 10 and 11, which have been effective in blocking keylogger malware in intricate situations (keyloggers are a type of malicious software that captures keyboard input).

Windows Insider Program

Here’s what Microsoft released for testing this week in the Windows Insider Program:

Windows 11	Windows 10	Server
Canary Channel	Nothing in Canary	Not Applicable	26296
Dev Channel	Nothing in Dev	Not Applicable
Beta Channel	Nothing in Beta	Nothing in Beta
Release Preview Channel	26100.1876 22621.424722631.4247	Nothing in RP

Shortly after the release of Windows 11 build 26100.1876 in the Release Preview Channel, Microsoft updated the changelog to confirm two new features and one known issue.

Regarding the Canary Channel, which has been dormant for a month, Microsoft hinted that we might finally see a new update next week. The development team is currently sorting out bugs, so stay tuned for a fresh build soon (or possibly not).

Updates are available

This section highlights software, firmware, and other notable updates (both released and upcoming) that deliver new features, security fixes, improvements, patches, and more from Microsoft and third-party vendors.

Microsoft has rolled out a new version of Skype for Insiders. Version 8.129 is now available across supported platforms, introducing various enhancements and fixes throughout the app. While it doesn’t include new features, the messenger is expected to operate more efficiently with fewer bugs.

The redesigned Skype on mobile platforms

Microsoft 365 (Office) version 2409 is also now being deployed to users. This latest update includes revisions to Excel data aggregation functions, a revamped permission experience across applications, and various bug fixes. Additionally, Microsoft has released Outlook Mobile 4.2437.0, featuring menu alterations.

If you utilize the new Teams client on older versions of Windows 10 and 11, prepare for a system update to continue using Teams. Microsoft issued a notification in the Admin Center alerting users that they will block access to the new Teams on unsupported versions of Windows 10, 11, and macOS in the coming months.

OneDrive, another productivity-oriented service from Microsoft, has received Copilot integration. Copilot for OneDrive is now generally available for commercial customers with eligible Copilot licenses. It enables OneDrive users to compare files, obtain file summaries, answer complex questions, and brainstorm ideas based on content stored in OneDrive. Unfortunately, Copilot for OneDrive is not yet accessible for regular users.

This week’s Microsoft Edge updates include version 129 for Android and iOS, along with a fresh Dev update addressing crashes in Settings and other bugs. In the Beta Channel, version 130 has been released with a redesigned Settings section, and the Stable Channel received a small update featuring sidebar revisions.

Other significant updates this week include:

Microsoft resolved a bug affecting Outlook mail encryption labels.
Microsoft announced new initiatives to enhance cybersecurity measures.
Microsoft Intune now allows organizations to disable Apple Intelligence features.
Microsoft Azure AI Content Safety introduced new methods for detecting harmful content.
Microsoft unveiled a new tool designed to identify and rectify hallucinated content in AI outputs.
Microsoft Planner in Teams received new accessibility features and modifications.
VirtualBox 7.1.2 has been launched, improving performance for Windows virtual machines, among other enhancements.
Microsoft updated Windows Terminal and Terminal Preview with minor adjustments and bug fixes.

Additionally, here are the latest drivers released this week:

Intel 32.0.101.6078 and 5736 WHQL providing support for the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors.
Intel 32.0.101.6079 non-WHQL featuring optimizations for FC25, Delta Force, and Throne and Liberty.
Surface Laptop 4 (Intel) received new firmware addressing issues with the non-functional Battery Limit feature.
Surface Book 3 has been updated with new firmware including enhanced network drivers and security improvements.
Surface Laptop Studio and Laptop Studio 2 received substantial firmware updates with battery optimizations.
Surface Pro 9 also received firmware updates with fixes for keyboard, sleep, and charging problems.

Finally, check out this week’s Microsoft 365 Roadmap Weekly for a look at the latest features coming soon to Microsoft’s productivity applications, such as Teams and Outlook.

On the gaming side

Steam may soon operate natively on ARM-powered devices. A recent update showed signs of “proton-arm64-ec-4,”indicating that Valve might be testing an ARM-native version of Proton, the software layer enabling Windows games to run on Linux.

Microsoft Flight Simulator has added a new entry to its “Famous Flyer”collection. Flight simulation enthusiasts can now purchase the iconic Boeing 707-320C, the most produced model of Boeing’s inaugural four-engine commercial jet airliner. Interested users can find the aircraft in the in-game marketplace for $14.99.

Bethesda released a new animated trailer for Starfield: Shuttered Space, unveiling the events leading to the Shuttered Space expansion set to launch on September 30, 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkopARD8I5s

Starfield: The Settled Systems – All Must Serve (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkopARD8I5s)

Alan Wake 2 also released a new trailer for an upcoming DLC. The Lake House story expansion is set to launch this October, and you can preview its eerie trailer now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHfs75K-y4w

Alan Wake 2 – The Lake House Expansion Teaser Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHfs75K-y4w)

During their recent State of Play event, Sony unveiled that Monster Hunter Wilds is headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on February 28. If you’re planning to play the game on PC, make sure you have adequate storage space prepared.

Additionally, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will be available for both PlayStation 5 and PC users, offering enhanced visuals for just $10 (upgrade) or $49.99 (standalone). The game is set for release on October 31, 2024.

In more news about Sony games on PC, there’s now a straightforward mod available to remove the PlayStation Network requirement from God of War Ragnarok.

Ubisoft announced that its anticipated title Assassin’s Creed Shadows will no longer launch in November 2024. Instead, it is now scheduled for release on February 14, 2025, and there will not be a playable demo at EGX. The publisher also acknowledged subpar launch sales for Star Wars Outlaws.

On the hardware front, Microsoft updated its lineup of controllers this week. The Xbox Design Lab introduced a new selection of faceplates, D-pads, and paddles for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, including the option to customize with a transparent case and chrome accents.

Additionally, Microsoft rolled out a new Ghost Cipher variant of the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, equipped with a transparent casing and bronze accents.

The Xbox Wireless Controller Ghost Cipher

Lastly, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the Xbox Game Pass mobile app. Its functionalities are now incorporated into the standard Xbox mobile app, which will be removed from digital stores in November. The company also launched updates for Xbox Insiders. Beta Ring users received a revamped friends and followers experience, while Alpha Ring saw fixes for bugs and glitches.

If you are an Xbox Insider, you can sign up for the closed beta of FragPunk, starting October 10, and it will be free for participants.

Deals and Freebies

If you’re on the lookout for discounted games or titles you can snag for free, be sure to check out this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals issue. It highlights specials from the Tokyo Game Show, Jurassic bundles, an indie freebie from the Epic Games Store, and a plethora of discounts across various games in different stores.

Other notable gaming stories from this week include:

Valve’s Deadlock introduced a new anti-cheat system allowing cheaters to be turned into frogs.
The classic Resident Evil 3 re-release is now available on GOG Galaxy.
A large group of gamers recreated a segment of New York City in Minecraft with remarkable realism.
Microsoft announced results of its energy conservation initiatives on Xbox.
Nine classic RPGs from Square Enix, including Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Mana, are coming to Xbox.
Age of Mythology Retold is set to receive its first expansion pack, Immortal Pillars.

Every week, we cover a variety of deals on different hardware and software. Check out the following discounts that are currently available; you might find something you need.

Here are some ongoing deals:

Tablets, laptops, PCs, and phones: