Microsoft Weekly: New Windows 11 Preview Builds Released, Office 2024 LTSC Now Available, and More

Table of contents:

1. Latest Windows 10 and 11 Updates
2. Windows Insider Program Details
3. Available Software Updates
4. Recent Product Reviews
5. Gaming News and Updates

Windows 11 and 10 Updates

This section discusses the latest developments surrounding Microsoft’s newest operating systems, including Windows 11 and Windows 10, in both stable and preview builds. Expect updates on new features, removed elements, emerging issues, bugs, and intriguing discoveries, alongside mentions of older but still-supported versions.

On September 17, Microsoft revealed that MDM-enrolled Windows 11 devices would start downloading cumulative updates during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). However, shortly after, the company retracted this plan, delaying the update.

Additionally, a significant update affects Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which has now been deprecated. Microsoft will not develop new functionalities or accept feature requests, but existing WSUS capabilities will persist, and updates will continue to be released through this channel.

Windows Insider Program Updates

Following two weeks without new builds, the Windows Insider Program delivered new preview updates for both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Below are the latest updates from Microsoft for testing within the program:

While the recent preview builds lacked major breakthroughs, they introduced several noteworthy enhancements. For instance, the Beta build includes a new context menu option for Android users, simplifying file transfers from PCs to smartphones. Moreover, updates to the Snipping Tool now allow users to designate a default location for saving screenshots and screen recordings.

Lastly, Microsoft has performed a subtle update to the Task Manager, enhancing its ability to display specific details about the type of SSD installed in your computer—a small yet useful upgrade.

Available Software Updates

This section highlights significant software, firmware, and notable updates (both released and upcoming) that bring new features, security enhancements, improvements, patches, and more from Microsoft and third-party sources.

Microsoft has officially launched Office LTSC 2024 for business and government users. The rollout for eligible customers will occur by October 1 and includes popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and OneNote.

Additionally, substantial details have emerged regarding issues and resolutions for some Office applications, particularly Outlook. Microsoft clarified how to resolve the msls70.dll error and announced fixes for application crashes during typing and sign-in problems in Outlook.

On September 16, Microsoft shared a series of announcements regarding Copilot, enhancing data protection for Copilot in Windows 11 for work and educational users. The updates also introduced features like Copilot Pages, AI-driven tools for Office applications, including Python integration in Excel, and Copilot Agents for Microsoft 365 users (more details can be found here).

The new Windows app is now widely available across Windows, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, aimed at providing a cohesive user experience for connecting to various services, such as Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Remote Desktop Services.

PowerToys, a popular Windows utility app, may soon add a new feature called “Settings Scheduler,”which would allow users to automate changes to Windows settings based on timers and triggers. While it’s still uncertain if this feature will be implemented, progress can be monitored on its GitHub page.

MSN Weather, Microsoft’s weather service, has introduced a new feature that alerts users to unusual local weather patterns.

On the web front, Microsoft Edge has introduced a new performance detector extension for analyzing how installed extensions affect the browsing experience. Users can enable this feature via a special flag on the edge://flags page.

Furthermore, Microsoft has rolled out Edge 129 on the Stable Channel, which has marked the deprecation of the CryptoWallet feature and updated its operating system requirements. To run Microsoft Edge on macOS, users must be on macOS 11 or newer. Meanwhile, the Dev Channel has received Edge 130.0.2835.2.

Other significant updates from Microsoft include:

• Utilizing power from the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant to supply its data centers.
• The introduction of a new 3D Fluent Illustration style for Microsoft products.
• Hotpatching capabilities are now accessible in the public preview of Windows Server 2025.
• Development Home 0.18 Preview has been launched, featuring File Explorer source control integration.
• Expansion of the AI for Good Lab in Abu Dhabi to further support societal objectives.
• Announcement of an increased quarterly dividend and a $60 billion share buyback plan.
• Introduction of a new HLK Refresh for Windows 11 24H2 and Server 2025.

In terms of the latest drivers and firmware updates released this week:

• AMD 24.20.11.01 non-WHQL with enhancements for Frostpunk 2, God of War Ragnarok, and The Sims 4 DX11 updates.
• Intel ARC 32.0.101.6077 non-WHQL optimizing Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, Final Fantasy XVI, Frostpunk 2, and God of War Ragnarok.
• AMD AGESA 1.2.0.2 with performance upgrades for Ryzen 9000 series processors.
• Significant updates for Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 including multiple fixes.
• Surface Pro 10 for Business has received fixes addressing keyboard and trackpad issues and more.

Recent Reviews

Here are the hardware and software products we reviewed this week.

Robbie Khan provided a review of the Ducky One 3 Pro Nazca, a premium keyboard known for its high-quality build, excellent typing performance, and impressive 8KHz polling rate. While it’s notably good, its high price and some quirks associated with its USB-C port raise questions about bundled accessories.

In networking, Steven Parker reviewed a new NAS device from TerraMaster, the F8 SSD Plus: a compact 8-bay network-attached storage solution. Despite its small size, it is capable and designed for NVMe SSDs. However, it has limitations, including a single Ethernet port and PCIe 3.0 X1 lanes, coupled with a somewhat steep price.

Shifting focus to gaming, Pulasthi Ariyasinghe reviewed Frostpunk 2, a city-building game that showcases impressive graphics, robust mechanics, and challenging politics. While the game is generally excellent, players may experience some UI glitches and frame rate drops during extended sessions.

In Gaming News

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of the Xbox Ambassadors program, set to end on October 15. Current members have a limited time to redeem their remaining rewards, and the company will hold a final sweepstakes as a “thank you”to participants.

In gaming news, Overwatch 2 has arrived on Xbox Game Pass, bundled with exclusive rewards such as six hero skins, including Cardboard Reinhardt and Turtleship D.Va, along with a 10% XP boost for all subscribers.

Additional gaming titles recently added to Game Pass include Wargroove 2 and Frostpunk 2, with another entry, Ara: History Untold, launching on September 24.

Bethesda is gearing up for the release of the first Starfield expansion on September 30. The expansion promises over 50 new locations, a variety of enemies, weapons, and a completely new questline in the city of Dazra.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is scheduled for launch on November 19, with several editions available, including a premium $199 Aviator Edition packed with extensive content. It will also release on Game Pass on day one at a standard price of $69.99.

For those interested in system requirements, Microsoft revealed that players will require a powerful computer and a fast Internet connection to run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 smoothly. Recommended specs include 64GB of RAM and a 100Mbps connection, but storage space has been decreased to 50GB thanks to new asset streaming technology.

Potential news for PC gamers: a remaster of the original Red Dead Redemption may be on the horizon, as the latest GTA Online update hinted at such a possibility, though this is not confirmed.

In contrast, Electronic Arts has dismissed rumors of The Sims 5, stating they will continue to update The Sims 4 to incorporate desired features before a hypothetical “5”launch, enabling users to maintain their progress while acquiring new content.

On a brighter note, a new installment of Skate is being prepared for Early Access in 2025, with details forthcoming.

Mojang has announced the date for the next Minecraft Live, set for September 28, promising “never before seen”content. This will be the first Minecraft Live following the announcement of significant changes to the game’s feature update process.

Additionally, Mojang revealed it will discontinue Minecraft support for PlayStation VR in 2025, urging players on Sony’s console to transition to a standard experience.

Finally, Nvidia has expanded its GeForce NOW cloud streaming service with seven new game additions, including:

• Frostpunk 2
• FINAL FANTASY XVI
• The Plucky Squire
• Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
• Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
• The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak
• DELICIOUS

Ongoing Deals and Giveaways

Steam’s Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Fest sale is currently active, providing a final chance to grab automotive-themed games at significant discounts until September 23, 10 AM Pacific Time. For further deals and giveaways, refer to this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals article for options including popular titles, bundles, and an Epic Games Store giveaway.

Additional gaming developments this week include:

• Final Q&A dev diaries for Ara: History Untold released before the game’s launch.
• The DLC for Cities: Skylines II has been delayed as enhancements to the base game continue.
• Diablo IV reportedly surpassed $1 billion in revenue since its June 2023 launch.
• Microsoft is producing a documentary covering the development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
• Rumors suggest a remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn might be arriving soon for PC and PS5.

Each week, we highlight numerous deals on various hardware and software. The below discounts remain active, but they are subject to change at any moment:

Here are the ongoing deals currently available:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: up to 22% off
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: 14% off
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 9+: 27% off
• OnePlus Open: 24% off
• 27-inch Acer Nitro XC272U Monitor: 29% off
• Amazon Fire TV 2-series: 36% off with a promo code
• 34-inch Alienware AW3423DW OLED Monitor: 27% off
• Transcend 2TB External SSD: 32% off
• Amazon eero Mesh Wi-Fi 7 routers: up to 26% off
• 2TB WD Blue SN5000 SSD: 25% off
• HyperX Alloy Origins Mechanical Keyboard: 31% off

Explore other editions of the Microsoft Weekly series here.

Background image for Microsoft Weekly sourced from Lenzatic on Pixabay.

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