Welcome to this week’s comprehensive news recap, highlighting significant updates from the Build 2025 developer conference, along with fresh Windows 11 preview builds, enhancements for default Windows 11 applications, exciting new Xbox games for PlayStation 5, and various other noteworthy stories.
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Windows 11 and Windows 10 Updates
In this section, we cover the latest developments surrounding Microsoft’s current operating systems, including Windows 10 and 11. This encompasses new features, deprecated functionalities, controversies, bugs, and notable insights, with occasional commentary on older versions.
This past week marked Microsoft’s Build 2025 conference, where several exciting updates for Windows 11 were unveiled. Although aimed primarily at developers, many of these changes will benefit regular users as well. Notably, the Settings app is introducing an innovative Advanced page, now available in the latest preview build. Additional tools, such as a command-like editor known as Edit and WinGet Configuration for streamlined development environment setup, are also part of the update.
Furthermore, enhancements to administrator protection, the incorporation of quantum encryption, and support for a new Model Context Protocol are coming to Windows 11, enhancing security and functionality.
On the release update front, Microsoft has rolled out KB5061768 to Windows 10 users in order to resolve specific BitLocker recovery loop issues affecting certain Intel-based systems. This update can be found exclusively on the Microsoft Update Catalog and is not available through the standard Windows Update channel.
In related trivia, a Microsoft engineer recently detailed how Windows effectively predicts system performance metrics without direct knowledge of your processor’s speed. Another engineer highlighted how suboptimal code in applications can contribute to Windows slowdowns.
Lastly, for nostalgia enthusiasts, a remastered version of the original Windows 95 wallpaper is now available for high-resolution displays. A thought-provoking discussion has also emerged regarding the best Windows version for older PCs, hinting that Windows 11 may not be the top choice.
Windows Insider Program Updates
This week, Microsoft released several builds for Windows Insiders, showcasing numerous enhancements and features:
| Windows Insider Builds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | Build 27863 – This build introduces post-quantum cryptography support alongside several fixes. | ||
| Dev Channel | Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) – A significant update featuring AI actions in File Explorer, the Advanced Settings page, redesigned Windows Widgets, enhanced energy saver, and the capability to compress images before sharing, among other additions. | ||
| Beta Channel | Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486) – This build mirrors the Dev Channel’s Build 26200.5603.
Build 26120.4151 (KB5058515) – Features new Click to Do capabilities, widget enhancements, lock screen widget customization, and various bug fixes. |
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| Release Preview Channel | Build 26100.4188 (KB5058499) – This preview brings more AI-driven capabilities to Copilot+ devices, HDR improvements, as well as updates for audio, USB, and other system functionalities. | ||
The updates are being gradually deployed to users, including new AI Actions for File Explorer, which can be activated using third-party tools. Additionally, some hidden features have been uncovered. A variant of macOS’s Handoff is expected for Windows 11, allowing users to seamlessly transition their workflow from a mobile device to Windows 11. Furthermore, Microsoft’s Snipping Tool is gaining the ability to save screen recordings as GIFs.
New features for Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad—previously highlighted during Microsoft’s Surface event—are now making their way to Windows Insiders in both the Dev and Canary Channels.
Updates Overview
This section summarizes current and forthcoming updates including software, firmware, and other critical patches that enhance performance and security across various Microsoft and third-party products.
During Build 2025, Microsoft announced several noteworthy updates. Among them is the open-sourcing of GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code and the Windows Subsystem for Linux, enabling broader contributions from users to both projects.
Moreover, Microsoft is seeking community feedback on new Office icon designs, which has led to an unofficial yet appealing icon pack created by a Redditor, available for download now.
In a related note for Office users, PowerPoint is gaining a new presentation customization feature on Mac, enhancing logical reading flows of elements and improving viewer comprehension.
Several browser updates have also been rolled out. Notably, Microsoft is enhancing Google Chrome’s security by integrating Edge’s automatic privilege de-elevation feature. Microsoft Edge itself received two updates targeting the introduction of improved Copilot features on the new tab page and bug fixes.
In addition, the recent Build 2025 announcements include detailed browser updates such as free content filtering on Edge for Business, PDF translation capabilities, summary features, and automations. A new AI API web standard was proposed by Microsoft to aid developers in integrating AI into their web applications.
Vivaldi just rolled out version 7.4, which, while not a major overhaul, includes several minor improvements, such as enhanced keyboard shortcuts and address bar functionality.
In addition, here are other noteworthy updates released this week:
- PowerToys received updates for Command Palette, Workspaces, and Quick Accent.
- Insights on Lumma malware, which infected upwards of 400, 000 computers.
- Signal introduced a novel privacy feature that blocks Windows Recall among other screenshot tools.
- Microsoft Planner is now set to include features designed to save users time.
- SQL Server 2025 has been announced for public preview.
- Copilot Tuning has been launched for training models with organizational data.
- Windows AI Foundry introduced as a platform for localized AI development.
- Microsoft unveiled GitHub Copilot, a new coding agent in competition with OpenAI Codex.
- ExplorerPatcher for Windows 11 has received important updates and fixes for version 24H2.
This week also witnessed the release of several important drivers and firmware updates:
- Nvidia’s 576.52 WHQL driver includes RTX 5060 support and bug fixes, alongside a firmware update addressing black screens during reboots on certain legacy motherboards.
Recent Reviews
This week’s reviews spotlight hardware and software evaluations:
Robbie Khan reviewed the Sharge ICEMAG 2, an innovative Qi2 wireless power bank that features active cooling to maintain optimal temperatures during wireless charging. The product showcases an eye-catching design and durable construction, although some quirks impacted its overall rating.
Latest Gaming News
In an exciting development, Ninja Theory has revealed that Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II will be coming to PlayStation 5 later in the year, although exact release dates are yet to be confirmed.
Valve has also unveiled SteamOS version 3.7.8, which introduces support for various AMD handhelds, a battery limiter for the Steam Deck, and a host of bug fixes.
Nvidia is currently hosting a Summer Sale, offering six months of the GeForce NOW Performance plan at a 40% discount for only $29.99. Additionally, new game support has been added, including the enhanced editions of the STALKER trilogy and other titles.
Moreover, GeForce NOW has been integrated into the updated Xbox app on PC, allowing users to choose between Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW. The May 2025 app update also brings improved GameBar widgets.
Xbox Game Pass is enriching its catalog with the addition of several new titles, including Monster Train 2, Creatures of Ava, S. T.A. L.K. E.R.2, and more.
Special Deals and Offers
This week’s Weekend PC Game Deals are packed with discounts on Warhammer titles, Witcher anniversary promotions, and three complimentary games from the Epic Games Store, including the newly released Deliver At All Costs.
In terms of additional gaming news, consider the following updates:
- Ubisoft has announced the Siege X year 10 roadmap, along with new system requirements for PC and consoles.
- Microsoft has added over 50 classic Activision titles to Game Pass via the new Retro Classics app.
We consistently update readers on diverse hardware and software discounts. Here are some ongoing deals that may catch your interest:
- Samsung Q-Series Soundbar HW-Q900F – $1, 097.99 | 21% off
- Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Wireless – $128.99 | 44% off
- Sonos Move 2 – $336 | 25% off
- Samsung Q990F Soundbar – $1, 597.99 | 20% off
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