Microsoft Weekly Update: New Keyboards, Windows 11 Builds, and Exclusive Wallpapers

In this latest episode of Microsoft Weekly, we explore the comeback of some Microsoft-designed keyboards, the introduction of initial Windows 11 preview builds for 2025, unreleased desktop wallpapers, and essential tips from ESET for Windows 10 users, among other highlights.

Table of Contents:

Windows 10 and 11 Updates
Windows Insider Program Insights
Latest Updates
Product Reviews
Gaming Highlights

Windows 11 and 10 Updates

In this section, we delve into the latest happenings with Microsoft’s current operating system iterations, encompassing both Stable channel and preview builds. Expect discussions around feature enhancements, removals, controversies, bugs, and notable observations, as well as insights related to older, yet still supported, versions.

Kicking off 2025, let’s recap some impressive features that Windows 11 received in 2024. With enhancements like swifter update processes and improved context menus, you can explore ten significant upgrades rolled out by Microsoft throughout the previous year.

However, recent statistics paint a mixed picture. According to Statcounter, December 2024 marked another decline in Windows 11’s global market share, now at 34.1%. Conversely, on the gaming frontier, Valve reports a more positive scenario, indicating that Windows 11 powers 54.96% of all Windows systems connected to Steam.

ESET, a well-known antivirus provider, advises users unable to upgrade from Windows 10 before its end-of-support milestone this year to consider transitioning to Linux.

For those contemplating a switch, whether out of curiosity or necessity, we’ve compiled a helpful article detailing ten essential apps for newcomers to Linux.

Additionally, Microsoft has updated its guidance concerning the “Operation is not supported”error associated with MSU packages. In line with this, we’ve published an extensive editorial examining the necessity for more deliberate development cycles to mitigate frustration and bugs commonly encountered in modern software, including browsers and operating systems.

Windows Insider Program Insights

Microsoft has recommenced its weekly release of Windows 11 preview builds, with two new builds introduced this week: one for Canary users and another for Beta users. While both feature several changes, the Beta Channel build also incorporates updated context menus from Windows 11 version 24H2 into version 23H2.

Windows 11	Windows 10
Canary Channel	27766	Not Applicable
Dev Channel	–	Not Applicable
Beta Channel	22635.4660	Not Applicable
Release Preview Channel	–	–

To conclude this week’s Windows segment, Microsoft has unintentionally leaked some unreleased wallpapers initially intended for Windows 11. Among these, some were designed to be dynamic and animated, meant to highlight features like the revamped Start menu. Although the project has been canceled, these wallpapers are still available to the public.

Latest Updates

This section highlights the latest hardware, software, firmware, and other significant updates (both released and upcoming) that introduce new features, security patches, enhancements, and more from Microsoft and various third-party sources.

Incase has reinstated some of Microsoft’s beloved PC accessories, announcing the return of the Microsoft Ergonomic Compact Keyboard. Retailing at $119.99, this revamped keyboard comes with exciting upgrades, including a dedicated Copilot key for users who appreciate that feature. Incase plans to release this product later in the year.

Additionally, this week saw the release of updated drivers, including:

Intel 32.0101.6449 WHQL and 32.0101.6256 WHQL, offering support for the upcoming Core N processors.

Product Reviews

This segment presents the latest hardware and software reviews featured this week.

Robbie Khan has shared a review of the Edifier M60, a compact pair of speakers that deliver remarkable sound quality considering their petite size and price point. While there are a few minor omissions, the Edifier M60 emerges as an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking quality sound without breaking the bank.

Gaming Highlights

On the gaming front, Notch, the creator of the original Minecraft, has sparked discussions about a potential “spiritual successor”to the game he sold to Microsoft back in 2014. He took to social media to express his interest in partnering with Microsoft for this new endeavor. While still in the ideation stage, it’s intriguing to see Notch’s desire to re-engage with the iconic franchise.

In other gaming news, the delay of Black Myth: Wukong on Xbox has been attributed to the Xbox Series S’s memory limitations. The game’s director indicated that the console’s 10GB shared memory posed a significant challenge for developers, which made timely release unfeasible considering their optimization experience.

Nvidia has ushered in 2025 with an impressive lineup of 14 new titles for its GeForce NOW streaming platform. Players can now dive into Mirthwood and Slime Rancher 2, with a dozen more games slated for release later this month.

Lastly, Valve has unveiled the winners of the Steam Awards 2024 across eleven diverse categories, including “Game of the Year,””Labor of Love,”and “Best Soundtrack,”among others.

Deals and Freebies

This week’s Weekend PC Game Deals article is packed with enticing bundles and discounts on both popular and lesser-known titles, all part of Steam’s Winter Sale and the Epic Games Store holiday promotions.

Each week, we highlight a variety of deals on hardware and software. The following discounts are still available, so be sure to check them out—you may find something you’ve been looking for.