Microsoft Weekly: Major Start Menu Redesign Launches as Microsoft Celebrates 50 Years

This Week in Microsoft: Major Updates and Announcements

This week’s roundup highlights significant updates to the Start menu, celebrates Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, introduces new Copilot features, and covers various app updates and gaming news. There’s plenty to unpack this week!

Windows 11 and Windows 10 Developments

In this segment, we explore the latest happenings within Microsoft’s operating systems, both stable and in preview builds, including new features, removed functionalities, and bug fixes. There’s also mention of legacy versions for context.

Current Market Stats

As support for Windows 10 nears its end (only months away), Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11. Recent figures show Windows 11’s market share has surged to 42.66%, while Windows 10 has decreased to 54.23%.In gaming circles, Windows 11 is even more dominant, reaching 55.34% on platforms like Valve’s Steam.

Copilot Progression and Enterprise Features

Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot features for PC users on Intel and AMD systems. New functionalities include Live Captions for audio, Paint Cocreator which helps complete drawings, and innovative tools for image generation and modification.

For enterprise users, Windows 11 version 24H2 has launched a Windows Hotpatch feature, enabling security updates without system reboots, available exclusively in the Enterprise edition. Additionally, the Windows 365 Link, now purchasable at $349.99 in the U. S., offers cloud access and additional conveniences, targeted at commercial customers.

Interestingly, despite Microsoft removing a command for offline installations without a Microsoft account, users have found alternate methods to navigate these requirements successfully.

On the technical side, Microsoft has implemented new recovery updates and placed a temporary blocking for Windows 11 24H2 on certain systems due to compatibility with the sprotect.sys driver.

Updates from the Windows Insider Program

This week, Windows Insiders received the following updates:

Builds Overview
Canary Channel	Nothing new this week.
Dev Channel	Windows 11 build 26200.5518 This build introduces much-anticipated taskbar modifications, such as the option for smaller icons and enhanced file sharing capabilities.
Beta Channel	Windows 11 build 22635.5160 (23H2) This version adds AI enhancements, including speech recap in Narrator, alongside various fixes for the Start menu and desktop icons.	Windows 11 build 26120.3671 (24H2) Similar improvements are observed, with updates to taskbar functionality and file sharing.
Release Preview Channel	Nothing new this week.

Beyond taskbar improvements, recent Dev and Beta builds have dramatically redesigned the Start menu, transitioning from a two-section layout to a more streamlined, single-scrollable interface, enhancing user experience.

New Updates Unveiled

This section highlights a range of software and firmware updates, including significant feature enhancements and critical security patches from Microsoft and third-party developers.

As part of Microsoft’s 50th birthday celebrations, the company released commemorative wallpapers and conducted a special event featuring key figures sharing historical insights. Notably, new Copilot features were introduced, including Copilot Memory and Copilot Podcasts, notwithstanding a brief disruption from a protest regarding AI’s ethical implications in warfare.

Numerous updates were rolled out for various applications. PowerToys received a notable upgrade to version 0.90, featuring a revamped Command Palette and a more sophisticated Color Picker. Meanwhile, WinToys has advanced to version 2.0, introducing a host of new options and enhancements.

Microsoft 365 users will benefit from Copilot’s new ability to summarize significantly larger documents in Word, accommodating up to 3000 pages. Options for summary length now include brief, balanced, and detailed formats.

Word for the Web with the Summary feature

In addition to various updates, Microsoft advised users to transition from traditional Office releases to Microsoft 365 and outlined advantages that come with the subscription model. Furthermore, Mozilla has introduced significant changes in its Firefox browser, including new features in the address bar that may enhance user experience.

Latest Reviews and Insights

This week’s reviews delve into both hardware and software:

Pulasthi Ariyasinghe shares his thoughts on South of Midnight, a visually stunning platformer from Xbox praised for its captivating narrative and unique art style.

Steven Parker evaluated the HONOR Pad V9, highlighting its lightweight design and affordability, making it a solid choice for those in search of a budget-friendly Android tablet.

Exciting Gaming News

This week’s biggest gaming announcement revolves around the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set for release on June 5. It boasts impressive specifications including a 120Hz display and enhanced storage, available for preorder starting April 9.

In controller news, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3-mode Controller for Xbox, inspired by the classic Xbox design, is now available for preorder.

Mojang has rolled out a beta test for Minecraft’s Vibrant Visuals, promising an enhanced graphic experience, though with potential performance trade-offs for users.

Microsoft has also announced a slew of new titles available on Xbox and PC Game Pass, with Grand Theft Auto V making a noteworthy return later this month.

Noteworthy Deals

This week’s deals feature notable discounts across various hardware and software products:

2TB SanDisk Extreme microSDXC USH-I Memory Card with Adapter – $176.57 | 15% off
2TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S – $199.99 | 44% off
WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive – $249.99 | 19% off