Microsoft Weekly Update: New Surface Device, Major Windows 11 Features, and More

Welcome to this week’s news roundup, highlighting significant updates for Windows 11, notable app changes, browser enhancements, fresh Xbox game pricing, a solitary Windows 11 preview build, and various other stories.

Quick Links:

Windows 10 and 11 Updates
Windows Insider Program Insights
Latest Updates Available
Recent Reviews
Gaming Updates

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

Delving into the latest happenings with Microsoft’s operating systems, both stable and preview builds, we cover new features, removed functionalities, emerging bugs, intriguing findings, and more. This week, we also touch upon legacy versions as needed.

July’s non-security updates for Windows 10 and 11 have rolled out, featuring an extensive list of enhancements. The significant updates are as follows: Windows 10 users received KB5062649, and Windows 11 users on versions 22H2 and 23H2 got KB5062663, addressing issues across file systems, input methods, networking, and printing functionalities. The standout update, however, belongs to Windows 11 version 24H2, highlighted by the KB5062660 update, which introduces a suite of AI-driven features, improvements in Settings, a revamped Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with Quick Machine Recovery, and much more.

With the increasing focus on AI, several companies, including Brave and AdGuard, are opting out of Windows Recall, the AI feature of Windows 11, citing concerns about privacy and the effectiveness of Microsoft’s privacy measures.

In exciting news for users contemplating an upgrade, Microsoft is developing a new application designed to facilitate seamless transitions from old PCs to new ones. This tool will enable the transfer of settings and files, as articulated in a recent support document. We’ll explore this feature in greater detail shortly.

Transferring files from one PC to another with Windows Backup app

Windows 10 users should note that support will cease on October 14, 2025, alongside certain versions of Windows 11. If you’re planning on migrating to Linux, this app may prove invaluable for transferring your essential data.

Additionally, new content on our site discusses how to disable reserved storage, providing tips to reclaim valuable disk space on your device.

Windows 10 wallpaper with The End written on it

Lastly, be sure to check out our article on Windows Sandbox—a feature that often goes unnoticed—and a reflective overview of ten promised Windows 10 features that failed to meet expectations.

Windows Insider Program Insights

This week, Microsoft released several updates for Windows Insiders, highlighted in the table below:

Builds
Canary Channel	Build 27909 This build brings minor glitch fixes.
Dev Channel	No updates this week.
Beta Channel	No updates this week.
Release Preview Channel	No updates this week.

Recent Windows 11 preview builds have unveiled a new audio feature that facilitates audio sharing across multiple devices. Users can access this by opening Quick Settings, selecting Shared Audio, and choosing their preferred devices. As of now, this feature awaits an official announcement from Microsoft!

Additionally, a new diagnostic tool to monitor performance slowdowns and send feedback to Microsoft has been introduced in the latest preview builds.

For users of the Phone Link application with Android phones, there have been updates enhancing usability, including remote control capabilities, allowing users to lock their PC, transfer files, or mirror their phone screens. The UI has also been revamped for a smoother experience.

Lastly, Microsoft is experimenting with a redesigned news feed within Windows Widgets, with Copilot Discover set to replace the MSN feed, along with a refreshing Copilot Appearance feature that adds visual elements to enhance voice conversations.

Latest Updates Available

This section encapsulates all the software and firmware updates currently released or forthcoming, detailing new features, security patches, and general improvements from Microsoft and other developers.

Microsoft has launched the new Surface Laptop 7, featuring Intel’s Core Ultra 200 Series processors, with optional 5G connectivity. According to the announcement, this wasn’t merely about adding a modem; Microsoft has meticulously engineered a “dynamic antenna system”that adapts to its surroundings to optimize reception.

In troubling news, Microsoft disclosed that hackers have capitalized on an unpatched vulnerability in SharePoint, affecting sensitive areas, including a breach within the US nuclear weapons department. In response, Microsoft promptly issued a guidance document detailing necessary fixes.

Files, a beloved file manager for Windows 10 and 11, has received a major update, bringing an enhanced address bar called the Omnibar that merges the address and search functionalities into a more user-friendly interface.

In other software news, Meta has transitioned WhatsApp for Windows from a UWP app to a progressive web application, currently in beta on the Microsoft Store.

Furthermore, Firefox 141.0 has launched with improved features such as AI-driven tab groups and enhanced vertical tab functionalities. Meanwhile, Microsoft Edge has received various security updates and enhanced features for Business Chat.

Lastly, a recap of July’s major updates for Microsoft Intune highlights new features, including a data refresh function for Excel and a long-requested PivotTable enhancement.

Additional Notable Updates:

Microsoft encourages the development of Windows drivers using Rust to bolster security.
New investments in European languages and culture aim to create more inclusive AI technologies.
UniGetUI has launched a significant update, adding bulk download functionalities.
Microsoft’s CEO has addressed the recent layoffs affecting 9, 000 employees.
A substantial upgrade for Visual Studio is on the horizon.
Microsoft Viva Insights now offers new reports incorporating Copilot and learning elements.
Windows 365 has rolled out a significant RDP upgrade.

Recent Reviews

Here’s a snapshot of our latest hardware and software evaluations:

Robbie Khan took an in-depth look at the GameSir G7 Pro, an impressive Xbox-licensed controller featuring TMR sticks, advanced software capabilities, responsive optical buttons, and high-quality materials.

Additionally, Steven Parker reviewed the OXS Storm A2, a wireless gaming headset equipped with hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

OXS Storm A2 Gaming headphones with detachable mic

Gaming Updates

Microsoft has rolled out intriguing gaming updates this week, including testing capabilities for cross-device play history across Xbox consoles and PCs. This enhancement allows players to easily transition back into titles supporting Xbox Play Anywhere or Xbox Cloud Gaming, irrespective of the device used.

In a surprising pivot, Microsoft has decided to forsake its initial $80 price point for upcoming Xbox titles, including The Outer Worlds 2, catering to gamer expectations.

In a thrilling announcement, EA has unveiled its next Battlefield installment. The inaugural trailer depicts a global conflict instigated by a rogue mercenary group termed Pax Armata, targeting NATO and allied forces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgNCgJG0vnY

Battlefield 6 Official Reveal Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgNCgJG0vnY)

Deals and Freebies

Explore this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals featuring various discounts across several stores and a new freebie available from the Epic Games Store, which is offering Legion TD 2 free of charge.

Additional gaming highlights encompass:

Confirmation from Ubisoft regarding a third-person mode and New Game+ for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will see updates including New Game+, a level cap increase, and further improvements ahead of its DLC release.
Valve is currently redesigning the Steam Store Menu and Search, seeking input from users.
Frostpunk 2 is set to launch on Xbox and PlayStation this coming September, with immediate availability on Game Pass.

Don’t miss our coverage of ongoing deals on various hardware and software. Here are some current discounts you may find appealing: