Microsoft Weekly News: Apple Mocks BSOD, New Windows Start Menu, Redesigned OneDrive Features, and More Updates

This week’s recap brings you the latest highlights from Microsoft, featuring compelling stories over the past week. We dive into Apple’s recent jabs at PCs, updates to the redesigned Start menu for Windows 11 users, significant enhancements to OneDrive, and exciting new preview builds for Windows Insiders, among other topics.

Quick Navigation:

Windows 10 and 11
Windows Insider Program
Available Updates
Recent Reviews
Gaming News

Exploring Windows 11 and Windows 10

In this segment, we cover the happenings within Microsoft’s latest operating systems across both the Stable channel and preview builds. From new features and removed elements to bugs and noteworthy discoveries, we strive to keep you updated. Additionally, we touch on legacy versions for those still relying on older software.

In a move reminiscent of last summer’s CrowdStrike incident leading to numerous blue screens, Apple has released an 8-minute advertisement touting the Mac as a safer alternative to Windows products. Interestingly, user comments on the advert have been disabled, sparking curiosity among viewers about the reason behind this decision.

Watch the video here

If you’re still using Windows 11 version 23H2, it’s time for an upgrade. Microsoft reminds users that support for this version will end on November 11, 2025, urging an upgrade to either version 24H2 or 25H2 to continue receiving security fixes and updates.

Sunrise over mountains with '23H2' displayed

Several tools beneficial to Windows users, especially those upgrading to Windows 11, have also seen updates. Flyoobe recently launched version 1.30 with improved setup guidance and navigation. Meanwhile, the compatibility-checking app WhyNotWin11 has received enhancements in detecting GPU and CPU capabilities.

Additionally, Usama Jawad shares insights through editorials discussing the most overrated keyboard keys, complications arising from Microsoft 365 outages, and the potential challenges users face as Windows 10 support reaches its conclusion.

Updates in the Windows Insider Program

This week, Microsoft has rolled out new builds for Windows Insiders, featuring enhancements across various channels:

Builds Overview
Canary Channel	Build 27959: Introduced enhancements for hardware indicators, improved Windows Share UI, and a host of fixes. Build 27965: Featured a redesigned Start menu, integration with Phone Link across devices, a new command-line text editor named Edit, and further improvements.
Dev Channel	Build 26200.6772: Included eagerly awaited features like dark mode in File Explorer, and the capability to rename the user folder during setup. Build 26220.6780: Introduced a new section for recommended settings and several search enhancements.
Beta Channel	Build 26100.6772: Identical to the Dev Channel. Build 26120.6780: Matches the Dev Channel’s Build 26220.6780.
Release Preview Channel	No updates were reported this week.

Alongside the advantageous dark mode fix, recent Dev and Beta builds also introduce a less favorable change—Microsoft is complicating the local account setup process for users wishing to configure Windows 11 without an internet connection.

Additionally, Microsoft has enhanced the Copilot app for Windows, enabling connections to third-party services and the ability to create Office documents autonomously.

Noteworthy Updates

This portion focuses on software, firmware, and other significant updates from Microsoft and various third-party sources, enhancing features, security, and usability.

This week, Microsoft unveiled several OneDrive improvements, including seamless integration with Copilot for enterprise users, automatic document saving as a default feature, and a refreshed photo experience for all users.

For OneNote users, a highly anticipated feature is being rolled out: the ability to crop images directly within the application without relying on third-party services.

In browser news, Firefox is set to receive essential profile support, a functionality that has been standard in other browsers for years. Firefox’s mobile version is now featuring a unique “Share to Summarize”functionality, receiving accolades in TIME Magazine.

Microsoft Edge, on the other hand, rolled out a minor update focusing on a redesigned profile selector to assist users in differentiating between their personal and work/school accounts, alongside various bug fixes and security updates.

Google Chrome is also on track to enhance the browsing experience on Android and desktop platforms by altering how website notifications function.

Here are additional noteworthy updates and releases:

Microsoft has outlined an ambitious AI roadmap for Visual Studio, though there are concerns regarding its reliability.
A pivotal change to inline images in Outlook is on the horizon.
Microsoft is advocating for IT admins to adopt web search capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot.
The company aims for organizations to compete in their usage of Copilot.
Reports suggest a reduction in GitHub’s independence as the migration of servers to Azure occurs.
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has joined Microsoft and Anthropic in a senior advisory role.
Microsoft decided to delay the Exchange Online feature rollout following intense feedback from IT administrators.
Recent updates to Microsoft’s Hyper-V now unlock improved security measures for Linux systems.

The following drivers and firmware updates were made available this week:

Significant changes to Surface firmware have been implemented to enhance security and reliability through Rust.
Updates for Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 include fixes for Windows Studio Effects bugs.
AMD has released a preview graphics driver (25.10.1) with support for Battlefield 6.

Recent Developments in Gaming

Importantly, some users will not be affected by the impending increase in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate prices. Microsoft communicated with subscribers in countries such as Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India, assuring them that they can maintain their current pricing as long as they don’t cancel their subscriptions.

This October promises a wealth of new titles for Game Pass subscribers, including notable games like Hogwarts Legacy, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Ninja Gaiden 4, He Is Coming, Eternal Strands, and Supermarket Simulator.

Additionally, Xbox Design Lab is introducing a fresh design inspired by The Outer Worlds 2 for both standard and Elite controllers. While these designs are appealing, the cost remains a consideration for fans.

On the Call of Duty front, Activision has been active with its Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 public beta, which is extended until October 9. Thanks to the RICOCHET anti-cheat initiative, 97% of cheaters were reportedly banned within 30 minutes of joining, while only 1% managed to evade detection long enough to participate in matches.

Don’t miss out on this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals article offering a plethora of discounts on PC games, including new freebies from the Epic Games Store.

In addition, here are other highlights from the gaming arena:

Jurassic World Evolution 3 introduced an Island Generator and enhanced visuals for the PS5 Pro.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has surpassed five million copies sold, with teasers of upcoming content from the studio.
The Bridges & Ports expansion for Cities: Skylines II is slated for a release later this month.

Weekly, we compile numerous deals across hardware and software. Below are the current discounts you may find appealing: