Microsoft Weekly: SSD Issues, Delayed 25H2 ISO, Major Updates, and More

Welcome to this week’s recap of essential developments, including the delayed images of Windows 11 version 25H2 for Release Preview insiders, updates on SSD issues, significant revisions for PowerToys and popular file managers, an array of reviews, and more insights.

Quick Links:

Windows 10 and 11 Updates
Windows Insider Program Highlights
New Software Updates
Latest Reviews
Gaming News

Windows 10 & Windows 11 Overview

In this section, we explore the latest happenings with Microsoft’s operating systems, including both stable releases and preview builds. Discover new features, ongoing controversies, reported bugs, and other noteworthy changes.

Recent statistics reveal that Windows 11 has reached nearly 50% penetration across all Windows PCs, with the operating system now dominating over 60% of gaming activity on Steam. Meanwhile, Google Chrome continues to cement its dominance in browser market share.

Logos of five most popular desktop browsers

This week also saw the emergence of multiple updates, including the notably concerning SSD issues stemming from Windows updates, which may have finally been traced back to their source. Other ongoing bugs include challenges associated with patch KB5063878.

Additionally, if you’re looking to experiment with Linux while running Windows, it’s important to note that your system may incorrectly flag the downloaded files as viruses. For detailed guidance on managing these alerts, refer to our comprehensive article.

The tiny11builder tool, designed for optimizing Windows 11 through official Microsoft utilities, has received an update that introduces support for version 25H2. It now also allows users to remove AI features such as Copilot and the new Outlook app persistently, avoiding reinstallation in future updates. This utility synergizes well with ExplorerPatcher, which has also been refreshed recently, along with a new iteration of Flyoobe that provides options to disable all AI functionalities in Windows 11.

Microsoft further rolled out a range of servicing updates to OOBE and WinRE, along with insights into TLS 1.3 compatibility issues visible within Windows 11.

Windows Insider Program Developments

This week brought several updates for Windows Insiders:

Builds Overview
Canary Channel	No updates this week.
Dev Channel	Build 26220.5790 This build enhances Voice Access on Copilot+ devices and introduces several changes in File Explorer and Windows Studio Effects for external cameras.
Beta Channel	Matches the changelog from the Dev Channel with Build 26120.5790.
Release Preview Channel	No updates this week.

Notably, Microsoft has postponed the release of Windows 11 version 25H2 images intended for clean installations. The official Windows Insider Program account confirmed that these ISOs will be made available at a future date.

Recent Software Updates

This section discusses the latest software, firmware, and other significant updates that are rolling out with new features, security patches, and improvements from Microsoft and various third-party developers.

Files, a highly regarded file manager for Windows 11, has been updated to version 4.0. This version introduces a comprehensive list of enhancements, including a revamped search bar, a new icon, and additional functionalities within the Properties dialog.

Additionally, PowerToys has launched version 0.94, featuring improvements to its search functionality, shortcut enhancements, and a new accessibility option, the “gliding cursor.”The forthcoming version 0.95 aims to equip users with the ability to schedule theme switches in Windows—a long-awaited feature.

If you utilize NanaZIP for file compression, version 6.0 is now in preview, introducing enhanced UI elements that align more closely with Windows 11 aesthetics and vital security updates.

Microsoft has forewarned users that certain Office apps will soon end their support. Both Access 2016 and 2019 are set to receive their final updates on October 14, 2025, coinciding with Windows 10 and other products.

It’s also worth noting that Firefox 115 ESR support for Windows 7 users has been extended until March 2026, with the potential for further review down the line.

In addition, here are some noteworthy updates and releases to keep an eye on:

Improvements for Teams on Amazon Workspaces
Audio recaps available for Teams meetings
Enhanced Microsoft 365 integration with OneDrive in Windows
Retirement of Microsoft Editor extension and Outlook Lite
Improvements planned for Windows 11 update management in 2026 for office PCs
New methods for transitioning users to the New Outlook for Windows without forced updates
New plans for SQL Server Management Studio revealed
Microsoft has open-sourced 6502 BASIC after almost five decades

Recent Reviews

Here’s a look at some noteworthy hardware and software reviewed this week:

Kicking off our review section, an FSR 4 test was conducted in Mafia: The Old Country.

Steven Parker presented an in-depth look at the HONOR Magic V5, a sleek foldable smartphone boasting robust camera capabilities and high-end specifications that stand up to competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold7.

Pradeep Viswanathan also explored the unique design of the 50th Anniversary Surface Laptop, highlighting its exclusive aesthetics and accessories.

Steven Parker returned with a review of the Eureka J15 Max Ultra, a smart robot vacuum featuring AI capabilities that effectively deal with various cleaning challenges.

Robbie Khan evaluated the Hexgaming Phantom controller—a premium gamepad characterized by exceptional stick precision and advanced haptics, although it comes with a high price tag.

Gaming News

This week, system requirements for upcoming games were finally revealed, with notable mentions including Anno 117: Pax Romana and Dying Light: The Beast.

Moreover, Microsoft unveiled new titles for its Game Pass service, adding games such as Hollow Knight: Silksong, Cataclismo, I Am Your Beast, Nine Sols, and several others.

Exciting hardware news includes the official announcement of the Xbox Wireless Controller Breaker Series, featuring three distinct designs now available for preorder at $79.99 each.

Amazon has dropped new titles for Prime Gaming subscribers this September. Notable offerings include Dungeons & Dragons: Revenloft Series, Into the Breach, Afterimage, Tower of Time, Residual, and FATE: The Cursed King.

Additionally, several new games, including Hollow Knight: Silksong and Dying Light: The Beast, are now compatible with GeForce NOW.

Deals and Freebies

The critically acclaimed game Monument Valley is currently available for free at the Epic Games Store until next Thursday. For more deals, check this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals article, which features LEGO bundles and other offers.