Microsoft Weekly: New Windows 11 Start Menu Design, Xbox Handheld Launch, and More Updates

This Week’s Microsoft News Recap

Welcome to this week’s roundup of significant updates from Microsoft! We have exciting insights into new Windows 11 preview builds featuring a refreshed Start menu, a nostalgic nod to Windows Vista, and the long-awaited Xbox handheld release. Additionally, we’ll cover Patch Tuesday updates, the latest in gaming news, and more.

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

In this section, we explore the latest happenings surrounding Microsoft’s current operating systems, both in the Stable channel and upcoming preview versions. Expect discussions on new features, recent removals, ongoing issues, and noteworthy discoveries.

The June 2025 Patch Tuesday updates have been rolled out. Windows 10 users received KB5060533, affecting builds 19044.5965 and 19045.5965. Meanwhile, Windows 11 updates included KB5060842 and KB5060999, modifying builds 26100.4349, 22631.5472, and 22621.5472. Shortly thereafter, Microsoft issued an out-of-band update to remedy gaming issues linked to Easy Anti-Cheat, which caused system restarts during game launches.

Another noteworthy feature making its debut is Copilot Vision with Highlights for Windows. This AI-driven functionality can analyze the screen’s content and provide contextual information. Currently, it functions with up to two applications and is initially available only in the United States, although Microsoft has plans to expand access in the near future.

For users seeking utility, a handy third-party maintenance tool has emerged, designed to execute various checks and repairs. Additionally, we’ve compiled a guide on customizing OneDrive folders with bursts of color.

Windows Insider Program Highlights

Here is a summary of the newest updates for Windows Insiders this week:

Builds Overview
Canary Channel
Dev Channel	Build 26200.5641 This update reveals the highly anticipated Start menu redesign alongside improvements to Lock Screen widgets, Narrator features, gamepad keyboard functions, and several bug fixes. Build 26200.5651 Enhancements include a new Settings app agent, calendar clock adjustments, context menu updates, and more.
Beta Channel	Build 26120.4250 This version contains the same changes as the Dev Channel build. Build 26120.4441 This is the same as the latest Dev release 26200.5651.
Release Preview Channel	Build 22631.5545 This update delivers enhancements to default browser settings, improvements to the Windows Share UI, and resolves multiple bugs.	Build 19045.6029 Enhancements to app defaults and bug fixes are provided in this version for Windows 10.

The revamped Start menu is certainly a highlight among the new builds, gradually rolling out to users. If you’re keen to experience the new layout sooner, you can enable it manually using the ViVeTool app, as detailed in our instructional guide.

Interestingly, the latest builds introduced a playful bug: Windows 11 occasionally plays the nostalgic Windows Vista startup sound during boot. Microsoft is aware of this quirk and is currently working on a fix for future updates. For those running the latest Dev and Beta builds, enjoy a touch of 2006 nostalgia every time you boot your machine.

Latest Updates Overview

This section provides an update on significant software, firmware, and feature releases aimed at enhancing functionality and security across Microsoft products.

Recent improvements in browsers include a new update for Microsoft Edge’s Dev Channel as well as a secure password deployment feature aimed at organizations, which was integrated into the Stable Channel on June 13, version 137.0.3296.83.

A minor update was also made to Firefox, which introduced version 139.0.4 and rectified a number of issues, such as browser freezes when switching apps and the incorrect saving of wallpaper filenames. Additionally, Mozilla has announced that its Deepfake Detector service is scheduled to shut down on June 26, 2025.

In terms of Office updates, new changes for Outlook will expand file-blocking capabilities and enhance offline functionality. OneDrive on Mac now supports external disks, while Clipchamp allows video trimming by excerpting parts of the transcript. OneNote is also introducing Copilot Notebooks, and there are updates regarding the removal of Exchange Online Basic Authentication in Office 365.

Other noteworthy updates include:

Rufus has been enhanced to version 4.8 with improved performance for Windows images.
Microsoft is focused on upskilling 1 million UK workers in AI technology this year.

Below are the latest drivers and firmware updates released this week:

Intel’s 32.0.101.6881 WHQL graphics driver includes a specific fix for Overwatch 2.
AMD has launched the 25.6.2 non-WHQL driver with support for FBC: Firebreak, The Alters, among others.

Gaming Developments

This week was also significant for gaming enthusiasts. At the Sunday Game Showcase, Microsoft and ASUS introduced two new Xbox handheld devices: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. These handheld consoles feature a specialized Windows version optimized for mobile gaming, circulating fewer background processes, thereby enhancing battery life and performance.

Additionally, multiple new games and downloadable content (DLC) were unveiled during the showcase. Here’s a brief summary:

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to release a new DLC titled The Order of Giants this September.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 debuted with a teaser trailer showcasing a futuristic setting in 2035.
Grounded 2 was revealed, providing players with a sequel tailored for those with arachnophobia, hitting the market next month.
Obsidian Entertainment announced the release date for The Outer Worlds 2 along with details about companion characters.
At Fate’s End, a new action title from Spiritfarer, is set to launch on consoles and PC in 2026.
Skybound Games introduced Invincible VS, a dynamic 3v3 tag fighting game developed by former Killer Instinct creators.
Anno 117: Pax Romana is scheduled for release in November, accompanied by a specialized Governor’s Edition.

Nvidia has also expanded its offerings on the GeForce NOW cloud-gaming service, enabling users of titles such as Frosthaven Demo and Dune: Awakening to engage in gaming via Nvidia’s platform.

Lastly, Mojang has provided a long-awaited date for the Vibrant Visuals and Chase the Skies updates for Minecraft, arriving on June 17. Expect significant visual improvements along with new features and mobs.

VIBRANT VISUALS & CHASE THE SKIES (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPWdMDZWM4Y)

Deals and Freebies

Steam is currently hosting a new Next Fest event where gamers can experience a plethora of titles for free until June 16, 2025. The Epic Games Store is offering free access to Two Point Hospital, a humorous hospital management simulator. You can find more ongoing deals in our Weekend PC Games Deals article.

Two Point Hospital Speedy Recovery expansion screenshot

In other gaming-related news:

The GOG store has launched One-Click Mods, currently supporting Fallout: London and other titles.
Valve introduced new accessibility features for game listings on Steam.
Steam now offers a native client specifically designed for Apple Silicon.

As we wrap up this week’s gaming highlights, consider reading an insightful editorial from Paul Hill that discusses the new price point of $80 for modern gaming titles.

Each week, we present a variety of deals on hardware and software. Check out some of the ongoing discounts below—you might just discover something you need: