Microsoft Weekly: New Start Menu Features and Updates for Windows 11

Weekly Microsoft News Recap

This week brings a fresh roundup of notable updates and developments from Microsoft, covering a range of topics including Windows 11’s latest features, erratic performance issues, financial disclosures, and Copilot enhancements.

Windows 11 and Windows 10 Developments

This week, we delve into the latest from Microsoft’s operating systems: Windows 11 and its recent updates. Key updates include the release of KB5067036 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, which features an updated Start menu, new battery indicators, and enhanced AI functionality. Meanwhile, Windows 11 version 23H2 has been updated with KB5067112.

Interestingly, some elements of the legacy Control Panel have been transitioned to the Settings app, although numerous critical applets remain untouched. We highlight five legacy Control Panel components that Microsoft should prioritize updating to improve user experience.

As Windows 11 continues to evolve with new features, there’s growing attention around its dark mode functionality, which has historically lagged. Recent updates, including enhancements from PowerToys, suggest that Microsoft is gearing up to significantly improve this experience.

In terms of updates, Microsoft has addressed the pesky 0x800f0983 error in Windows Update and streamlined update names for better clarity. However, a bizarre bug in Task Manager regarding process duplication has been reported. Microsoft has acknowledged this and is working towards a resolution.

Looking ahead, Windows 11 version 26H1 is on the way, focusing on compatibility with upcoming Snapdragon X2-equipped devices, along with anticipated features set to debut in version 26H2.

For users keen on enhancing their system experience, we’ve compiled a detailed guide on how to activate new features in the latest non-security update. Just be aware of some odd bugs that may accompany these upgrades.

Additionally, for users with unsupported systems, Flyoobe offers a third-party workaround for updating, with the caveat that it can only be safely downloaded from GitHub. Alternatively, users with supported systems can utilize the updated Media Creation Tool for seamless upgrades.

Media Creation Tool downloading Windows 11

Windows Insider Program Updates

In this week’s developments for Windows Insiders:

Build Updates
Canary Channel	No updates this week
Dev Channel	Build 26220.7051 This build introduces Copilot in the Taskbar, enhances gaming experiences for additional handheld consoles, and offers shared audio capabilities. Microsoft is upgrading Beta users to version 25H2.
Beta Channel
Release Preview Channel	No updates this week

Additionally, a new version of the Copilot app was released, bringing new text input capabilities to insiders.

Upcoming Software and Security Updates

This section highlights significant software, firmware, and other updates including new features, security fixes, and improvements from Microsoft and other developers.

On October 30, Microsoft shared its Q1 FY2026 financial results, reporting impressive figures of $27.7 billion in profit and $77.7 billion in revenue. Following these results, the company faced some backlash regarding a recent hike in Microsoft 365 subscription prices, with legal action being pursued by an Australian regulatory authority over misleading customer practices.

A new Teams agent, named Facilitator, has been introduced to streamline meeting processes by tracking topics, taking notes, and managing tasks efficiently. Meanwhile, updates also rolled out for Office apps on iOS and Android, which now feature redesigned icons and enhanced support for liquid glass aesthetics.

As we bid farewell to October 2025, we’re sharing several recaps of new features this month, including those for Excel, Teams, and Windows 11, highlighting notable enhancements and changes.

Additional updates include Firefox 144.0.2, which addresses numerous bugs and introduces smart suggestions in the address bar for quicker access to information. Meanwhile, Samsung has entered the desktop browser market with a beta version of the Samsung Internet browser, currently available only in South Korea and the USA.

Microsoft also updated Edge 142, enhancing autofill capabilities and blocking scareware effectively. Below are interesting highlights of updates and releases that you might find useful:

New Microsoft 365 Copilot app builds streamlined from basic prompts.
Anthropic is enhancing Claude with a new Excel add-in and other features.
Copilot functionalities in Microsoft 365 companion apps can now operate swiftly on Windows.
Meta Quest can now connect with PCs for multi-monitor virtual setups.
Visual Studio 2022 (October 2025 update) is now live (version 17.14).
Microsoft 365 Copilot’s Researcher agent can now perform actions with ‘Computer Use’.
Integration of iCloud accounts into Outlook has been simplified.

Product Reviews Summary

This week’s reviews focused predominantly on NAS devices. Steven Parker analyzed several models, including the TerraMaster F2-425—a cost-effective local cloud backup NAS—and the UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus, a low-power 4-bay NAS solution, alongside its smaller counterpart, the DH2300.

Gaming Developments

On the gaming front, the Xbox app has been updated to improve download speeds and introduce Advanced Shader Delivery for ROG Xbox Ally devices.

Electronic Arts unveiled a new battle royale mode for Battlefield 6, offering a free-to-play option for up to 100 players in expansive game arenas, titled Battlefield REDSEC, accessible on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Nvidia announced an expansion of its GeForce NOW streaming service, adding exciting titles such as ARC Raiders and The Outer Worlds 2 to its library. Remember, ownership of these games is required to access them via the service.

This week, the Epic Games Store is providing complimentary access to Bendy and the Ink Machine and Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit, available for free until next Thursday. Explore this weekend’s PC Game Deals for additional offers and freebies.

In recent gaming news:

33 Immortals has released its most extensive update to date, featuring new weapons and objectives.
Rumors suggest that the long-awaited Silent Hill 2 remake is on its way to Xbox.

As part of our weekly coverage, here are some notable product deals currently available that you may find appealing:

PowerColor Reaper Radeon RX 9070 16GB – $549.99 | 5% off
eufyCam S330 (eufyCam 3) 2-Cam Kit: $299.99 | 36% off
eufyCam S330 (eufyCam 3) 4-Cam Kit: $429.99 | 46% off
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Bluetooth Headphones: $199.99 | 43% off
Hisense 50-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV: $219.99 | 42% off
Surface Pro 12-inch 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD – $699.99 | 22% off
MSI Ventus GeForce RTX 5070 12GB – $499.99 | 10% off