Welcome to this week’s Microsoft news roundup, where we delve into pivotal developments impacting Windows users. Featured topics include the official retirement of Windows 10, broader access to Windows 11 version 25H2, recent bugs, and added enhancements in new preview builds, along with app updates and guides.
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Windows 11 and Windows 10 Developments
In this segment, we explore the latest happenings surrounding Microsoft’s flagship operating systems, examining significant features, inconsistencies, and noteworthy insights from both the Stable and Preview channels. We also touch on legacy versions of Windows.
With the recent release of the October 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, Windows 10 has officially reached the end of its support cycle. Users can, however, extend their support by one year through the Extended Security Updates program, which ensures continued updates for Microsoft Defender. Additionally, support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 has also ended.
Moreover, new recovery updates have been rolled out for both Windows 10 and 11.
The discontinuation of Windows 10 support has prompted many Linux developers to attract former users, with claims of entering the “year of Linux.”Zorin OS, for example, saw a surge in adoption, with 100, 000 downloads of Zorin OS 18 in just over two days, largely from previous Windows 10 users. In response, Microsoft is advancing the availability of Windows 11 version 25H2.
Additionally, Microsoft has provided updates regarding known bugs in Windows 11, notably issues concerning IIS websites across versions 25H2 and 24H2, along with a workaround available for users.
It is also important to note that upgrade options to Windows 11 version 24H2 have been blocked for various PCs because of issues linked to a third-party system driver. Moreover, users may find that certain USB keyboards and mice may not function properly in the WinRE environment following updates to version 25H2.
Lastly, Microsoft confirmed the presence of a bug affecting Active Directory synchronization on Windows Server.
Turning our attention to AI developments, Microsoft made headlines with the public launch of the “Hey Copilot”voice command on October 16, allowing users to interact with Copilot through voice conversations. This feature rollout accompanies the global introduction of Copilot Vision and an updated taskbar experience for Windows 11 users, allowing for delegation of actions to Copilot while performing other tasks, with more functionalities expected in the future.
If you’re planning to transition from Windows 10 to 11, or if you’re considering a fresh installation, there are methods to do so offline using a local account. Given the increasing restrictions from Microsoft, we have prepared a comprehensive guide for this process, though it may be slightly more complex.
Users can also explore the updated Flyoobe app, designed to bypass Windows 11’s hardware limitations, or consider the lightweight tiny11 25H2 mod, crafted to eliminate bloatware and unnecessary restrictions.
Interestingly, users are currently unable to upgrade utilizing Microsoft’s official channels, as the Media Creation Tool application has been reported broken on Windows 10.
Windows Insider Program Updates
This week, Microsoft delivered several updates for Windows Insiders, highlighting the following builds:
| Builds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel |
This build has enhanced the notification center functionality for secondary monitors and introduced multiple fixes for File Explorer, input methods, and the Lock Screen. |
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| Dev Channel |
Builds 26220.69.72 and 26120.6972 These updates have presented improvements to mobile device settings, enhanced dark mode compatibility across various interfaces, along with numerous bug fixes for the Settings app. |
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| Beta Channel | |||
| Release Preview Channel | |||
Latest Updates
In this section, we outline the significant software, firmware, and feature updates from Microsoft and third-party developers that have been released or are on the horizon, focused on new features, security enhancements, and overall improvements.
This week, Microsoft launched PowerToys version 0.95, which introduces a novel “Light Switch” feature that allows users to set scheduled changes in their system’s appearance. Additionally, the update integrates a powerful Mac productivity tool for easier file previews in File Explorer.
In further news, Microsoft recently unveiled new prototype designs for Microsoft 365 icons, showcasing concepts that were ultimately not included in the final redesign.
The latest updates also include enhancements to Microsoft Edge Game Assist, a browser tailored for gaming, which has expanded game support and introduced a variety of new features.
Mozilla has unveiled Firefox version 144.0, which integrates several user-requested features, including improved tab grouping, a profile manager, and Google Lens integration. Additionally, Mozilla is working on a built-in VPN service for Firefox and is inviting users to participate in its testing phase.
Among other noteworthy updates and releases this week:
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Windows 10/11 users celebrate as platform support expands for a key competitor.
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Microsoft rolls out 365 Copilot tailored for educational settings at $18/month, featuring new AI teaching tools.
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VMware Workstation Pro 25H2 is now available, incorporating a new command-line utility and USB 3.2 support.
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Discover the latest features with SQL Server Management Studio 22 Preview 3, recently launched.
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Microsoft reiterates its commitment to enhancing Windows drivers through rigorous WHCP policies.
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Microsoft urges users to explore hotpatch updates for Windows.
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MAI-Image-1, Microsoft’s inaugural in-house image generation model, has been announced.
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Another highly requested feature arrives in SQL Server Management Studio.
Additionally, here are the most recent driver and firmware updates released this week:
- Nvidia version 581.57, featuring support for ARC Raiders and additional enhancements.
Gaming News
In gaming announcements, Nvidia has unveiled new titles for its GeForce NOW streaming service, which now includes games such as Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, Ball x Pit, and Street Fighter V.
Check out this week’s PC Game Deals article for a plethora of discounts and the latest free offerings from the Epic Games Store, including Amnesia: The Bunker and Samorost 3.
Other gaming headlines include:
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Black Myth: Wukong receives enhancements for lighting quality and FSR 4, among other upgrades.
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Battlefield 6 achieves seven million sales at launch, setting a new record for the franchise under EA.
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Surviving Mars: Relaunched is set for release this November, with more expansions slated to arrive.
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Stardock is preparing to launch a remastered version of Elemental: Reforged into early access via Steam next week.
Finally, don’t miss out on continuing deals across various hardware and software offerings. Here are some available promotions you might find appealing:
- MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Shadow 2X OC – $499.99 | 9% discount for Prime members
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Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 Home Surround Sound System – $2, 299 | 43% off
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Dell 14 Plus Laptop DB14250 – $799.99 | 19% discount
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Beats Studio Pro – $249.95 | 29% off
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SAMSUNG 32-Inch M5 Series FHD Smart Monitor – $219.95 | 19% off
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LG gram Pro 17-inch – $2, 749.99 | 15% off
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SAMSUNG 49″Odyssey G9 Series DQHD – $679.99 | 32% off
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Motorola Razr+ 2025 – $599.99 | 40% off
For more insights, you can explore previous editions of our Microsoft Weekly series.
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