Microsoft Weekly Update: Device Recall, Mandatory Windows 11 Requirements, and Latest News

In this edition of Microsoft Weekly, we explore several key developments, including the expansion of Recall to additional devices via the latest Windows 11 preview build, Microsoft’s ongoing emphasis on the necessity of TPM 2.0 for contemporary machines, the wider rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2, newly identified bugs, application updates, and more.

Windows 10 and 11 Updates
Windows Insider Program Insights
Recent Updates
Gaming News Highlights

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

This section discusses the latest happenings in Microsoft’s operating systems, focusing on features, issues, and noteworthy discoveries in both stable and preview builds, alongside brief mentions of older, but still supported versions.

As December unfolds, we reflect on the latest statistics from Statcounter and Valve. November 2024 marked a notable decline in Windows 11 users, even as its gaming demographic surged to an impressive 53%. Meanwhile, Microsoft Edge saw its market share dip below 13%, paving the way for Chrome to gain ground.

This week, a blog post shared by Microsoft underscored the critical role of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 in Windows 11. The announcement reaffirmed that TPM 2.0 is an essential security standard, indicating no relaxation of Windows 11’s hardware requirements. Interestingly, some users have discovered ways to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices, albeit unofficially.

Additionally, Microsoft updated its documentation on driver and firmware support for compatible Surface devices on Windows 11 version 24H2, which has recently begun rolling out to a larger user base.

New support documents reveal various intriguing facts, such as backup methods available for Windows 10 and 11 users. Interestingly, one option highlighted is a long-standing backup tool from Windows 7—though it’s not recommended by Microsoft itself in other contexts. There’s also guidance on troubleshooting Windows 11 issues, with emphasis on using Windows Update.

Despite the wider availability of Windows 11 24H2, users should remain mindful of notable known issues. Microsoft has issued a warning concerning Outlook potentially failing to launch when Google Workspace Sync is in use, but fortunately, a workaround exists.

Positively, Microsoft lifted a previous upgrade restriction that prevented gamers from updating to Windows 11 version 24H2 due to compatibility issues with certain Ubisoft titles.

The range of Copilot+ PCs featuring ARM processors is set to expand as GEEKOM, a renowned mini-PC manufacturer, announces plans for a compact PC powered by a Snapdragon X Elite processor.

The upcoming mini PC from GEEKOM with a Snapdragon X processor

Microsoft is also preparing to launch new Copilot+ devices. According to recent reports, plans for 2025 include Intel-powered Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices, along with a Surface Laptop Studio featuring Copilot+ capabilities and an 11-inch Surface tablet crafted from premium materials with a Snapdragon chipset.

In unfortunate news, Microsoft has confirmed the discontinuation of the Surface Studio 2 Plus. The production of this flagship computer model has ceased, so interested buyers may need to act quickly to secure one before stocks run out.

Windows Insider Program Insights

Post-Thanksgiving, Microsoft resumed its rollouts with a variety of new Windows 11 preview builds:

Windows 11	Windows 10	Server 2025
Canary Channel	27758	Not Applicable	26334
Dev Channel	26120.2510	Not Applicable
Beta Channel	22635.4580	Not Applicable
Release Preview Channel	–	–

Among the many updates, recent preview builds unveiled features such as webcam resolution adjustments within the Settings app and a revamped battery indicator.

Windows 11's redesigned battery indicator

Microsoft also pushed an update for the Microsoft Store app, enhancing the management of Win32 apps outside the store—this is just one facet of the extensive advancements rolled out throughout 2024.

Recent Updates

This section details the latest software, firmware, and significant updates—both recent and upcoming—that provide new functionalities, security enhancements, and patches from Microsoft and other developers.

Copilot Vision, introduced in October 2024, is currently in a limited preview for Copilot Pro users. This feature provides enhanced information while browsing, but it is primarily available on selected websites and to a limited audience in the U.S.

In a competitive move, Mozilla is working to enhance Firefox’s position as the default browser, introducing mechanisms in the latest beta versions for easier transitions. Meanwhile, Microsoft Edge received version 132 in the Beta Channel, which now includes an AI theme generator, with version 133 in the Dev Channel featuring various improvements and fixes.

In addition, here are other noteworthy updates:

Release of a patch addressing a critical 0-day vulnerability across Windows 10, 11, and Server editions.
Microsoft 365 Enterprise users expected to be transitioned to New Outlook by April 2026.
Intel has unveiled new Graphics Software that consolidates features into one application, replacing Arc Control.
Popular compression tools such as WinRAR and 7-Zip have received performance upgrades for Windows 11.

Gaming News Highlights

This section summarizes recent gaming updates and announcements from Microsoft and related sources.

Playground Games has rolled out a new content update for Forza Horizon 5 titled “Holidays Mix-up,”introducing high-performance vehicles, new map experiences, festive props, and various fixes. Additionally, there’s a limited time to purchase Forza Horizon 4 before its delisting on December 15—act quickly!

Forza Motorsport is also set for an update, set to include ray-traced global illumination on compatible setups, though specific details remain under wraps.

Mojang has launched “Minecraft: The Garden Awakens,”featuring a new eerie biome and the Creaking mob, enhancing the gameplay for both Java and Bedrock editions.

In addition, Microsoft revealed an upcoming wave of new titles for Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers, including Hauntii, EA Sports WRC, and the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, launching on December 9. Notably, Bethesda confirmed that this title will not use Denuvo DRM.

As we close out 2024, many companies and services are compiling annual summaries for users to reflect on their experiences. Xbox is engaging in this trend by offering gamers customized recaps of their gaming achievements.

Deals and Freebies

The Epic Games Store is currently offering LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and Bus Sim 2021 for free until next Thursday. Don’t miss out!

Furthermore, Xbox players can anticipate the upcoming Xbox Inside Game Fest, which will feature over 35 indie games available for free next week. For more deals and offers, check this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals feature.

Other Gaming Highlights

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl saw a new patch addressing save issues, input lag, and game crashes.
Path of Exile 2 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are now supported on Nvidia GeForce NOW.
Microsoft introduced custom Squid Game-themed controllers and associated content.
Warhorse Studios released the hardware requirements for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Xbox Series X|S parts are now available for purchase through iFixit.

Each week, we present various deals across both hardware and software. Explore the following ongoing discounts, and see if you find something you like.