Microsoft Weekly: New Xbox Features for PCs and Essential Windows 11 Tools

In the latest episode of Microsoft Weekly, we explore numerous developments, including exciting new Xbox functionalities on PC, practical applications to streamline Windows 11, recent preview builds, resolved issues, notable gaming news, updates for various browsers, hardware evaluations, and much more.

Table of Contents:

Windows 10 and 11 Updates
Windows Insider Program Insights
Available Updates
Latest Reviews
Gaming News Highlights

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

This section delves into the most recent happenings around Microsoft’s operating systems, covering stable releases and preview builds. Expect insights on new features, removed functionalities, ongoing issues, and updates related to supported older versions.

Microsoft has recently refreshed the official Windows Health Dashboard, providing additional insights into known issues related to Windows 11 version 24H2. A notable fix includes resolving a bug that previously hindered users from changing date and time settings, which was addressed in the latest non-security update. Furthermore, workarounds have been introduced for users facing difficulties with Windows updates via USB or CD media.

For those looking to optimize their system, Steven Parker has compiled a guide on restoring Dolby Digital (AC-3) support in clean installations of Windows 11 version 24H2. Additionally, two debloating tools worth mentioning are:

WinScript: An open-source application for Windows 11 that executes multiple commands to disable ads, optimize performance, and install essential third-party apps effortlessly.
NoBloatbox: A user-friendly tool allowing you to select which bloatware to remove from your installation easily.

To round off the week, Microsoft issued a blog post detailing feature updates that IT Administrators need to know regarding device settings installed during the initial setup (OOBE).

Windows Insider Program Insights

This week in the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft rolled out:

Windows 11	Windows 10
Canary Channel	Build 27788	Not Applicable
Dev Channel	No updates this week	Not Applicable
Beta Channel	Builds 22635.4870 (23H2) and 22635.4880 (23H2)	Not Applicable
Release Preview Channel	No updates this week	No updates this week

One of the most anticipated features in the latest Windows 11 preview builds is the capability to customize widgets on the lock screen, now available in Build 22635.4870. This update allows users to manage which widgets are displayed, enhancing personalization.

Additionally, a recent Microsoft Store update enables users to prioritize which game components to download, catering to those who prefer to exclude certain elements like high-res textures or campaigns.

The new Microsoft Store version in Windows 11

Finally, Optical Character Recognition has made a return to the Photos app for Windows Insiders, following a brief hiatus since November 2024, now with enhanced features and necessary fixes.

Available Updates

In this section, we highlight recent software, firmware, and other critical updates from Microsoft and third-party developers, outlining new features, security enhancements, and essential patches.

Despite being early in the year, Microsoft has announced its upcoming developer conference, Build 2025, scheduled for May 19-22 in Seattle, Washington, with tickets and more details to follow soon.

Throughout the week, browsers received numerous updates. Firefox 135 launched with a redesigned new tab page, improved credit card autofill support, enhanced translation capabilities, and upgraded privacy features.

In addition, Opera introduced its new browser, Opera Air, designed to provide a stress-free browsing experience with built-in utilities for relaxation and focus exercises.

Microsoft Edge 133 was released in the Stable channel, highlighting an updated downloads UI, an AI-powered scareware blocker, and enhancements to its built-in price tracker. The Dev Channel received version 134.0.3096.1, which includes various “Browser Essentials”improvements and fixes.

Furthermore, notable advancements are underway for the Notifications API, which will soon allow call notifications featuring customizable buttons. An interesting update from Microsoft involved a light-hearted “guide”that humorously criticized Google Chrome while explaining how to uninstall Edge.

Microsoft's guide about uninstalling Edge

On the Chrome front, version 134 is set to improve picture-in-picture mode, making it automatically activate during video playback as users switch tabs.

Other significant updates released this week include:

New details on the Windows 10 Extended Security Update program support page.
Major updates for Windows Terminal and Windows Terminal Preview, introducing multi-window support and a revamped console architecture.
An updated PowerShell script for creating bootable Windows media.
Outlook for Mac now includes email recall functionality.
NanaZip 5.0 Update 1 released, adding more file format support.
Microsoft Teams received various calendaring improvements.
Logitech Options+ was enhanced with broader device compatibility.

Drivers released this week feature:

Nvidia 572.24 Hotfix, addressing issues in Valorant and Final Fantasy XVI.
Intel Wi-Fi 23.110.0 driver, improving hotspot functionality and fixing slow data transfer problems.

Latest Reviews

This section summarizes the hardware and software reviewed this week.

Our latest reviews include a detailed assessment of the GEEKOM A6 mini PC, recognized for its compact size and improved memory and storage capabilities. Additionally, I evaluated a unique pair of sleep-specific headphones from Philips; however, they left something to be desired.

Gaming News Highlights

This section covers the latest game developments, announcements, and trends.

In a surprising move, several Xbox titles are making their way to the PlayStation 5. Alongside the previously announced Forza Horizon 5, Microsoft is also bringing Age of Mythology: Retold and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition to the PS5 platform.

For fans eagerly anticipating the next Need for Speed installment, recent comments from EA suggest a delay. Criterion Games is currently focused on the upcoming Battlefield title, expected to launch before April 2026, leaving the future of Need for Speed somewhat uncertain.

On the event front, Microsoft is preparing for the first ID@Xbox showcase, slated for February 24, 2025, designed to spotlight a variety of indie games. This live-streamed event can be caught on IGN at 10 AM PT, 1 PM ET, or 6 PM BST.

Valve has also made a minor but important update to Steam, introducing visible banners for abandoned games that lack developer updates, thereby helping players steer clear of outdated projects.

Nvidia continues to enhance its GeForce NOW streaming service, adding titles such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, and Far Cry: New Dawn to the playable library.

Deals and Freebies

Gamers can currently grab two free games from the Epic Games Store: Beyond Blue and Humankind, available for free until next Thursday. Amazon Prime members are also eligible for several titles via the Amazon Games app, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, including Bioshock Infinite: Complete Edition, Surf World Series, and Sands of Aura, with many more set to be released later this month.

Don’t miss out on more bargains in this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals article.

Additional gaming updates for the week encompass:

Expansions for Age of Empires IV and Age of Mythology Retold set for 2025.
Updates for Watch Dogs and Watch Dogs 2 featuring Steam Achievements support.
New content update for Warhammer 40, 000: Space Marine 2, which introduces a new difficulty level and field of view adjustments.
Currys recognized as the first authorized Xbox repair providers in the UK and Ireland.
Star Wars Outlaws now supports DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Gen on RTX 50 series graphics cards.