Microsoft Weekly: Update on Bugs in Windows 11 24H2 and Final Builds

Welcome to the latest edition of Microsoft Weekly, where we summarize a relatively calm week in anticipation of the holiday season. This week encompasses newly identified bugs in Windows 11 version 24H2, updates in gaming, improvements in Office applications, and an extensive overview of deprecated features from Microsoft’s Windows 10 and 11 for 2024, among other highlights.

Table of Contents:

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

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

This segment focuses on the current developments surrounding Microsoft’s latest operating systems, including stable releases, preview items, new features, removed features, bugs, and other noteworthy topics. Additionally, we will mention older supported versions.

This week, Microsoft acknowledged the emergence of several bugs in Windows 11 version 24H2. One significant issue impacts gamers utilizing the Auto HDR feature; users experiencing game crashes and display discrepancies will not receive version 24H2 until identified problems are resolved. Another bug affects audio output on certain systems due to driver compatibility issues.

If you find Windows 11’s built-in battery indicator lacking, consider a third-party solution called Battery Flyout. This new application enhances the battery management experience by offering a detailed battery graph, a power mode slider, and a list of connected Bluetooth devices and their battery statuses.

Battery Flyout app interface in Windows 11

For those still using Windows 10, Microsoft has released a comprehensive rundown of various gaming features that are exclusive to Windows 11. Gamers looking for an enticing reason to upgrade might find these features persuasive.

We conclude this week’s coverage of Windows 10 and 11 by sharing the annual list of deprecated features. You can read more about what Microsoft has phased out from both operating systems in 2024.

Windows Insider Program Insights

This week, the following updates were unveiled in the Windows Insider Program:

Windows 11	Windows 10
Canary Channel	–	Not Applicable
Dev Channel	Build 26120.2705	Not Applicable
Beta Channel	–	Not Applicable
Release Preview Channel	–	–

This week saw a solitary preview build for Windows 11. Furthermore, Microsoft announced the conclusion of the Windows Insider Program for 2024, with the next updates anticipated in January 2025, coinciding with optional non-security updates for both Windows 10 and 11.

Notable Updates

This section highlights important software, firmware, and other updates providing new features, security patches, improvements, and more, both from Microsoft and third-party sources.

This week, PowerToys received two significant updates. The major update to version 0.87 brought new tools for Windows 10 users while enhancing existing utilities. Subsequently, a minor update addressed some quick bugs and improvements.

Despite the holiday slowdown, Microsoft has rolled out updates for its Office suite. Among the newly introduced features is a Python tool designed to convert files and documents to Markdown format. The Microsoft 365 application is set to receive a new icon and an updated user interface slated for 2025.

Furthermore, Microsoft has determined that the 0x80049dd3 sign-in error in Outlook remains unresolved. On a positive note, enhancements are underway to improve offline mode within the new Outlook app for Windows.

In an effort to support its users, Microsoft has addressed activation issues found in Office 2024 and offered solutions for those experiencing “license deactivated soon” errors in Microsoft 365.

Additionally, a recent security update was rolled out for Microsoft Edge, eliminating four vulnerabilities. Notably, the company shared remarkable statistics regarding Edge’s performance in 2024, claiming that the browser has saved over 7 million megabytes of memory due to the Sleeping Tabs feature. More details can be found here.

Other notable updates include:

The Acronis backup and cloning tool now supports Windows 11 24H2.
Bing Image Creator has been enhanced with the latest DALL-E 3 model from Microsoft.
VMware released updates for Workstation Pro and Player to tackle various performance issues.
Microsoft introduced Radar the Elf to accompany this year’s NORAD Santa Tracker.

Additionally, here are this week’s newest drivers:

Intel 32.0.101.6325 WHQL and 32.0.101.6253 Non-WHQL with patches for Arc B-Series cards.
Intel Wi-Fi and Bluetooth driver version 23.100.0.

Product Reviews

This section summarizes hardware and software products assessed over the past week.

This week, reviewer Robbie Khan provided a comparative analysis of three gaming controllers: GameSir Tarantula Pro, NYXI Master P1, and BEITONG Asura 2Pro+. Each controller possesses unique features, yet some models fell short compared to competitors.

For further insights, the GameSir Cyclone 2 was fully reviewed. This controller boasts impressive specifications, reliable performance, and is attractively priced, with minor issues identified in the included USB cable and trigger mode switch.

In networking, Steven Parker evaluated the TerraMaster T12-500 Pro, an affordable, network-attached storage solution ideal for both small enterprises and home use. Praised for its solid build, hardware capabilities, and dual 10Gbps ports, it’s a great investment for performance seekers despite a higher price point.

TerraMaster T12-500 Pro network-attached storage

Latest Gaming News

Stay updated on recent developments in the gaming industry.

In gaming updates, Machine Games rolled out an update for *Indiana Jones and The Great Circle* to fix lighting and gameplay glitches on Xbox and DLSS bugs on PC.

Moreover, *S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl* has received a significant update, boasting over 1,800 fixes and critical improvements within its simulation engine.

There are indications that Microsoft is preparing to bring several classic *Call of Duty* titles to Game Pass. Recently, *Call of Duty: Ghosts*, *Advanced Warfare*, *WWII*, and *Black Ops III* were seen in the Microsoft Store.

PC gamers utilizing Nvidia graphics cards should be aware of performance concerns stemming from a new Nvidia application, which has reportedly led to downgrades in frame rates. Thankfully, disabling a particular feature in the app has been shown to restore performance levels.

As a part of gaming statistics for 2024, PC gamers can explore their gameplay data with Steam Replay, offering insights into popular games, genre breakdown, and gaming time. Notably, Microsoft launched something similar earlier this month.

Furthermore, Nvidia expanded its GeForce NOW catalog with four new titles: NieR:Automata, NieR Replicant, Replikant Chat, and Zenless Zone Zero.

Deals and Freebies

Steam’s Winter Sale is in full swing, offering discounts on multiple titles from December 19 to January 2. Simultaneously, the Epic Games Store is providing a new free game every day, so make sure to check for exciting new additions.

Continual updates on deals and offers are available in our weekly Weekend PC Game Deals series.

Additional gaming news includes:

Reports indicate that Ubisoft is developing an extraction shooter within the *Far Cry* universe.
Ubisoft’s largest update for XDefiant was released, although the game is in the process of shutting down.
The first crossover for Helldivers 2 features *Killzone*, now available on PS5 and PC.
Ubisoft subtly integrated Steam achievements into *Ghost Recon Wildlands* and *Breakpoint*.

Each week, we compile numerous discounts across various hardware and software. Explore the following ongoing offers; you might discover something valuable.

Logitech MX Anywhere 3S (Graphite) – $69.99 | 13% off on Amazon
Logitech MX Keys Mini (Graphite) – $77.30 | 23% off on Amazon US
15″Surface Laptop 7, Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD – $1,247.99 | 27% off on Amazon
8TB Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD – $399.99 | 19% off on Amazon
4TB Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD – $197.99 | 10% off on Amazon
Toshiba N300 PRO HDDs (16-22TB)
Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 AV Receiver – $399.99 | 33% off on Amazon
27″ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ-W 1440p Gaming Monitor – $299 | 22% off on Amazon
1TB Samsung EVO Select microSD card – $69.99 | 13% off on Amazon
Xbox Elite 2 Wireless Gaming Controller (Black) – $119.99 | 33% off on Amazon US