Microsoft Weekly: Latest Windows 11 24H2 Bugs as 2024 Concludes

Welcome to the latest episode of Microsoft Weekly, where we recap the events from the final week of 2024. While activity was limited, there were some notable developments, including a new known issue affecting Windows 11 version 24H2, several updates to applications, and more.

Table of Contents:

Updates on Windows 10 and 11
Windows Insider Program Insights
Available Updates Overview
Latest Reviews
Gaming News Highlights

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

This section covers the latest developments regarding Microsoft’s current operating systems, including the stable channel and preview builds. Expect discussions on new features, bugs, controversies, and insights into older supported versions.

Microsoft has issued a crucial warning regarding Windows 11 version 24H2 installations. Users who have set up their systems using certain media, particularly flash drives created between October 8 and November 12, may encounter issues that prevent them from receiving essential security updates. For a successful clean installation, ensure that your media is equipped with the December 2024 security updates.

Additionally, reports have emerged about problems with the December updates for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, affecting functionalities such as the Start menu and Wi-Fi connectivity.

For users dissatisfied with the current configuration of the Start menu and taskbar, a new update for StartAllBack is now available. This lightweight customization tool has been upgraded to version 3.9, introducing new taskbar options and allowing the restoration of classic drive grouping in File Explorer.

Windows Insider Program Updates

Notably, no updates were released this week in the Windows Insider Program due to the holiday break.

Available Software Updates

This section focuses on recent software, firmware, and other noteworthy updates, including security patches and feature enhancements from Microsoft and other developers.

In an unexpected holiday announcement, Microsoft has disclosed that a substantial update to PowerToys Run is on the way. Scheduled for release in 2025, version 2.0 will feature a revamped user interface, improved extensions, and various enhancements aimed at elevating the launcher experience.

Another exciting development is the updated WritingTools app, which leverages Gemini 2.0 Flash to incorporate Apple Intelligence-like features for Windows users. This significant update introduces new summarization capabilities, enhanced settings, and an updated default LLM model. The app is free and open-source, available for download on GitHub.

After reports last week about issues with Microsoft 365 apps’ activation, good news has arrived: Microsoft’s engineering team has successfully resolved these problems with a new patch, requiring no action from end users.

Additional noteworthy updates include:

Microsoft plans to implement in-house models to lessen reliance on OpenAI for Copilot functionality.
Outlook will gain PST support on Windows and Mac in 2025.
Microsoft and OpenAI redefine the parameters of AGI with a profit-centric focus.

This week also saw the release of new drivers:

Nvidia has launched a hotfix driver designed to address intermittent stutters in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Recent Reviews

This space highlights hardware and software products we evaluated this week.

Gaming News Update

Discover the latest happenings in the gaming industry this week.

Following the Steam Replay 2024 summary, Valve has published a list titled Best of 2024, showcasing the top-grossing games on the platform this year, including titles such as Counter-Strike 2, PUBG, Palworld, Elden Ring, and Black Myth: Wukong.

In an interesting turn of events, it has been reported that Electronic Arts turned down a Dead Space 4 proposal from Visceral Games earlier this year. Nonetheless, there is speculation that EA may reconsider either a Dead Space 4 or a Dead Space 2 remake, potentially involving a different studio.

As we conclude 2024, Nvidia’s GeForce NOW streaming service has added three new games: Headquarters: World War II (Steam), Supermarket Together (Steam), and Ys X: Nordics (Steam).

The Epic Games Store continues its holiday tradition of daily giveaways, and for those looking for more discounts, be sure to check out this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals for exciting offers.

We regularly highlight various deals on hardware and software. Here are some discounts currently available that you might find appealing.

2TB WD C50 Xbox Storage Expansion Card – $189.99 (27% off)
Onkyo TX-8470 2-Channel Stereo Receiver – $599 (25% off)
Samsung FT45 Series Professional Monitor – $99.99 (52% off)
2 TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD – $137.99 (25% off)
ASUS ZenWiFi Mesh System – $219.95 (33% off)
MSI MPG 491CQPX QD-OLED 49-inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor – $929.99 (15% off)
Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel THX-Certified Network AV Receiver – $399.99 (33% off)
Edifier R1700BT 66-Watt Speakers – $125.99 (30% off)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE – $280.09 (38% off)
iPad Air 13-inch – $799.97 (16% off)
SanDisk 8TB Desk Drive SSD – $499.99 (29% off)
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X – $594.99 (8% off)
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with a subwoofer – $314.99 (16% off)
Fire TV 4K Sticks with Xbox Wireless Controllers – $74.99 (40% off)