Microsoft Weekly: New Windows 11 Taskbar Features and Redesigned Office Icons

Welcome to this week’s update, where we dive into the latest developments surrounding Windows 10 and 11, mysterious folders emerging on drive C, the introduction of Copilot Vision for Windows 11, the fate of the Surface devices, browser enhancements, and anticipated features. Let’s unpack all that’s new and noteworthy!

Quick Links:

Windows 10 and 11
Windows Insider Program
Latest Updates
Recent Reviews
Gaming News
Current Deals

Latest on Windows 10 and 11

This section covers all pertinent news related to Microsoft’s operating systems—both stable releases and beta builds. Expect discussions on new features, removed elements, bugs, and other significant enhancements, with occasional nods to older versions.

The April 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 10 and 11 are now available. For Windows 11 users, KB5055523 is ready for those on version 24H2, while KB5055528 caters to the 23H2 users. These updates rectify a considerable range of bugs and security vulnerabilities, including a significant Kerberos issue that blocked password changes. Notably, they also create a new folder at the root of drive C, which Microsoft clarifies is essential for the latest security measures and should remain untouched.

On the other side, Windows 10 users can acquire KB5055518, along with additional out-of-band updates for both Windows 10 and 11.

With support for Windows 10 set to end in October 2025, Microsoft is intensifying efforts to transition users to Windows 11. If you’ve made the switch but are contemplating a return, Microsoft has compiled valuable tips to make you reconsider. Furthermore, the company has released a comprehensive guide to assist administrators in troubleshooting feature update problems across Windows 10 and 11.

Microsoft has also updated its list of deprecated features and APIs for both operating systems, announcing the discontinuation of the Windows UWP Map control and Windows Maps Platform APIs which developers used for integration into Windows apps.

In an interesting cultural note, the United States Library of Congress has now recognized the boot theme of Windows 95 and the original Minecraft Volume Alpha as culturally significant artifacts reflecting American history.

Windows Insider Program Updates

This week, Microsoft has provided several innovations for Windows Insiders:

Builds
Canary Channel	No new updates this week.
Dev Channel	Windows 11 Build 26200.5551 This update aligns with changes Microsoft has already implemented in the Beta Channel for Windows 11 version 24H2.
Beta Channel	Windows 11 Build 26120.3863 (24H2) This Beta build enhances Copilot capabilities on PCs, refines widgets, and fixes issues in File Explorer, the taskbar, and various OS elements.	Windows 11 Build 22635.5170 (23H2) This build implements changes in File Explorer’s handling of external links, updates context menu labels for common file actions, and shortens the list of fixes for the Start menu and more.
Release Preview Channel	Windows 11 Build 26100.3902 This update features Recall and Click to Do functionality for insiders on compatible hardware, along with improvements to various settings and file navigation features.

Moreso, Microsoft has introduced significant enhancements to the Copilot app, which now can locate files on your system and interact via inquiries about them. Additionally, a new feature, Copilot Vision, enables the app to visually interpret screen content, providing users with contextual assistance.

Interestingly, recent preview builds have revealed mentions of a new feature to customize the visibility of the clock in the notification center. However, Microsoft has decided to omit this feature from Windows 10.

Latest Software Updates

This section provides insights into software, firmware, and significant updates (both released and upcoming) that offer enhanced functionalities, security patches, and system improvements from Microsoft and various third-party developers.

Microsoft appears poised to revamp the icons of Office applications, having recently surveyed users for feedback on potential new designs for popular apps such as Word, Excel, OneDrive, and PowerPoint. If pursued, this will mark the first major redesign since 2018.

In addition to the Office updates, fixes have been rolled out for issues causing Excel, Word, and Outlook to freeze. However, classic Outlook users faced challenges due to the transition to the new Windows Outlook version.

Moreover, Microsoft has issued a corrective update—version 0.90.1—for PowerToys 0.90, addressing installation problems via winget and other minor issues affecting the newly introduced Command Palette feature.

Meanwhile, Mozilla has released Firefox version 137.0.1, bringing critical updates for Windows users. This update resolves several bugs, including two that caused crashes and one related to folder shortcut handling.

Microsoft Edge has also been updated, featuring an improved Game Assist version with enhanced UI/UX, support for additional games, and incremental updates for those in the Dev and Beta Channels—culminating in improved performance overall.

Here’s a summary of other notable updates and releases:

The WSUS driver sync via Update Catalog was reversed by Microsoft.
Microsoft detailed actions for users who fail to update Teams on their systems.
A new feature called “Templates”is set to debut on Clipchamp for enterprise users.

Notably, the software’s support will conclude alongside the end of Windows 10 support in October. This week, Microsoft shared a blog post aimed at educating users about the upcoming end-of-life and providing options for sustained support.

This Week’s Reviews

Here’s a roundup of new hardware and software reviews:

Our latest review focuses on the GameSir X3 Pro, a feature-rich mobile controller equipped with Hall Effect sticks and an efficient cooling system, making it an excellent match for mobile devices, albeit less ideal for iPhone compatibility.

Gaming Updates

Exciting developments are happening in the gaming world! Microsoft has announced an upcoming Xbox Game Showcase event taking place on June 8, 2025, where fans can anticipate announcements concerning soon-to-be-released games for both PC and Xbox, as well as specific highlights for Outer Wilds 2.

In celebration of Forza Motorsport’s 20th anniversary, Turn 10 Studios has released a new update (Update 19) rich with Porsche icons and various in-game enhancements, setting the stage for the highly anticipated Update 20.

Moreover, the Age development team has introduced Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Three Kingdoms Expansion, inviting players to experience intertwined historical narratives within early medieval China through three new campaigns comprising 15 missions.

Age of Empires II DE - The Three Kingdoms

Bungie is also making waves with the announcement of Marathon, their foray into extraction shooters, set to launch on September 23 for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

This week, Nvidia has enriched its GeForce NOW cloud gaming service, adding exciting titles such as South of Midnight, Commandos: Origins, and Diablo III. Remember, ownership of these games is essential for cloud play!

Additionally, don’t miss out on our latest Weekend PC Game Deals edition, featuring vibrant bundle offers and exciting discounts across various digital storefronts.

Other noteworthy gaming updates include:

Razer has unveiled PC Remote Play, allowing gamers to stream PC titles directly to mobile devices.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has received an update, introducing new abilities and ray tracing enhancements.