This week’s roundup features significant updates concerning Windows SSD issues, the rollout of Windows 11 version 25H2, as well as newly available preview builds packed with fresh enhancements. Also included are updates on keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11, various game reviews, and more.
Quick links:
- Windows 10 and 11
- Windows Insider Program
- Software and System Updates
- Recent Reviews
- Gaming Highlights
Windows 10 and Windows 11
This segment covers all the latest developments regarding Microsoft’s current operating systems, including both stable and preview builds. Expect to find insights on newly introduced features, critical bug reports, and noteworthy modifications.
Recently, Microsoft rolled out non-security updates for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, specifically KB5063842 for Windows 10 and KB5064080 for the latest iteration of Windows 11 (version 23H2).Users of Windows 11 version 24H2 received KB5064081, which brought about significant changes like an overhauled Windows Hello experience, enhancements to Task Manager, and an upgraded Settings UI. Moreover, an out-of-band update was released to address a lingering Server issue dating back to 2022. All updates also targeted a known Event Viewer glitch that Microsoft had previously downplayed.
In place of automatic quality updates for Windows 11, Microsoft announced that selected users will receive updates during the initial setup for systems running version 22H2 or higher that are part of Enterprise, Pro, Education, or SE WeUs.
On another note, concerning the previously reported bug that allegedly caused SSD corruption for some Windows 11 users, Phison released an official statement asserting that their extensive 4, 500-hour testing found no issues linked to their drivers. Microsoft echoed this sentiment, clarifying that the August 2025 update isn’t associated with any SSD problems.
If you’ve been experiencing Bluetooth audio issues with Windows 11, there’s promising news on the horizon. Microsoft is set to improve Bluetooth audio functionality in future updates and has urged OEMs to produce better USB Type-C notifications to clarify device functionalities.
On the innovation front, Microsoft is taking steps to open-source the user interface framework for Windows 11 named WinUI. Details were shared about the initial phase of this process, which includes posting additional information on WinUI’s GitHub repository.
For those looking to bypass Windows 11 compatibility limitations, the latest version of the Flyoobe app offers enhanced features for bloat removal and an updated interface.
Windows Insider Program
This week, Microsoft provided updates to Windows Insiders with several new builds:
| Build Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | Build 27934 Addressed issues with DWM and app crashes, alongside several minor operational improvements. | |
| Dev Channel | Build 26220.5770 Introduced new Click to Do actions, on-screen Braille support, improvements to Windows Share UI, and various taskbar fixes. | |
| Beta Channel | Build 26120.5770 Match with the latest release in the Dev Channel. | |
| Release Preview Channel | Windows 11 version 25H2 Now available for Release Preview Insiders. | |
The recent preview builds also included new keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to create em dashes and en dashes quickly with the Win + Minus combination.
Software and System Updates
This section highlights notable updates and releases—spanning software, firmware, and more—from Microsoft and third-party vendors, focused on delivering new features and addressing security vulnerabilities.
In a curious incident, the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store mistakenly replaced the original uBlock Origin extension with a Manifest V3 version, which was promptly rectified.
The forthcoming PowerToys update promises a much-anticipated search bar feature, facilitating quicker access to various tools and settings. This search functionality is slated for release in version 0.94 of PowerToys.
Microsoft is also revamping the document-saving process in Word, which will start defaulting to cloud storage. This adjustment offers enhanced security and compliance for enterprise users, safeguarding against data loss and promoting collaborative work.
In a significant shift, Microsoft is nearing the end of support for Windows 10, which will consequently affect Office 2016 and 2019 users, compelling them to transition to newer software versions. For those hesitant to part with older applications, there are third-party options like 0patch, which will provide ongoing security updates.
For Mac users wishing to run Windows 11, Parallels has introduced Parallels Desktop 26, which supports Windows 11 version 25H2 among other advancements.
Mozilla also rolled out a minor update for Firefox, version 142.0.1, which fixes multiple bugs related to tab handling and the graphical interface.
In Copilot news this week, Microsoft announced the expansion of its Copilot for Azure into Visual Studio and Samsung TVs, along with unveiling new features in the pipeline.
Here are some additional updates that may pique your interest:
- A new version of a popular Windows 11 hardware requirement bypass tool was released with several improved features.
- Microsoft launched its VM Conversion tool.
- Microsoft’s DocumentDB is now an official part of the Linux Foundation.
- Microsoft is positioning Desktop as a Service as a key element of future work environments.
- Microsoft has introduced the Surveys Agent for streamlined survey creation.
- Two new in-house AI models, MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-1-preview, were revealed by Microsoft.
- Microsoft announced the discontinuation of certain Graph components.
- Next month, support will be withdrawn for a registry key in Windows DCs.
- The Mobile Plans app will also be shut down.
Recent drivers and firmware updates include:
- Intel 32.0.101.7028 non-WHQL, supporting games like Hell in Us and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.
- Nvidia 581.15 WHQL, featuring optimizations for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants and Wuthering Waves.
Recent Reviews
Here’s what we reviewed this week:
This week saw a considerable number of game reviews. Pulasthi Ariyasinghe assessed Gears of War: Reloaded for PC, noting its stellar graphics and nostalgic elements but ultimately rating it a modest 6.5 due to gameplay frustrations.
Pulasthi also provided an early look at The Outer Worlds 2, the upcoming RPG from Obsidian, which boasts impressive visuals and gameplay mechanics.
Gaming Highlights
In gaming, Microsoft announced enhancements to its Xbox Cloud Gaming Service, which has now extended access to Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers. Currently, this feature is available to Xbox Insiders, with a wider rollout expected soon.
Additionally, the latest Xbox August 2025 Update has improved the Xbox app on PC and introduced cross-device play history features.
Over in the UK, Valve has implemented a new age verification system.
Hello Games continues to deliver updates for No Man’s Sky, the latest one named “Voyagers, ”adds features like custom multicrew ships and spacewalking capabilities, alongside performance enhancements.
Mojang is gearing up to release a new Minecraft update called “The Copper Age, ”featuring a plethora of content centered around copper—including tools, armor, and golems.
As Battlefield 6 approaches its public launch, be sure to check your hardware specifications against the newly released system requirements.
Nvidia’s latest GeForce NOW drop allows users to play a variety of games, including Gears of War: Reloaded and Among Us 3D, along with others in their collections.
Lastly, don’t miss this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals article, featuring discounts across various game stores and a couple of new freebies from the Epic Games Store.
Other Gaming News:
- Skate Early Access is set to launch for free next month, marking 15 years since the original game.
- Helldivers 2 is poised to introduce new missions in the forthcoming update.
- Bethesda is enhancing Starfield’s space gameplay mechanics to be more rewarding.
Each week, we highlight various hardware and software deals. Here are some ongoing discounts to explore:
- ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 AMP Extreme Infinity – $2, 349 | 22% off with Prime
- ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 Solid OC – $2, 249 | 17% off with Prime
- PNY NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 16GB Overclocked Triple Fan – $999 | 9% off
- Intel Core Ultra 200 Desktop Processors + Battlefield 6 – up to 19% off
- 8TB Lexar NM790 PCIe Gen4 SSD – $629.99 | $100 off
- Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 Chip – $1, 149 | 12% off
- Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (No ads, Black) – $219.99 | 12% off
- 50-inch Hisense QD7 Series Mini-LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV – $319 | 9% off
- Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 4TB – $372 | 32% off
- GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition – $329.99 | 31% off
Find more editions of the Microsoft Weekly series by following this link.
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