Microsoft Weekly: Vista Startup Sound Returns, Copilot+ for Desktop PCs, and Latest Updates

Welcome to this week’s news roundup, featuring exciting updates such as Patch Tuesday solutions, the upcoming Copilot+ PCs for desktops, hotpatching capabilities for Windows on ARM devices, enhancements to Microsoft Edge, and a variety of interesting reviews and gaming updates.

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Windows 10 and 11
Windows Insider Program
Latest Updates
Recent Reviews
Gaming Highlights

Windows 10 and Windows 11 Updates

This section covers all the significant happenings in Microsoft’s operating systems, including stability and preview builds. Key topics include new functionalities, removed features, controversies, encountered bugs, and noteworthy discoveries. We will also touch on older operating versions.

This week’s Patch Tuesday updates for July 2025 introduced crucial security enhancements across supported systems. Windows 11 users received updates KB5062553 and KB5062552, while Windows 10 users got KB5062554, which also addressed Windows Firewall issues.

Moreover, Microsoft has rolled out Windows Hotpatching for ARM-based PCs, enabling users to install essential security updates without needing to restart their systems. Additionally, new recovery updates have been made available.

Looking ahead, the anticipated Windows 11 version 25H2, recently confirmed by Microsoft, will include enhanced options for uninstalling pre-installed stock applications.

In a recent editorial, Usama Jawad reflected on a feature from Windows 11 he finds lacking while using Windows 10—a surprise for many readers.

Additionally, a series of insightful articles have been published for Windows 11 users. Among them is a compelling performance comparison between a fresh install and an older setup. This analysis addresses concerns over whether system performance deteriorates over time due to accumulated data. The findings might be eye-opening. Another article details the extensive data collection practices within Windows 11.

If you’re contemplating a Windows 11 reinstallation, it’s crucial to be cautious about third-party applications, as some may cause undesirable outcomes.

Updates from the Windows Insider Program

Here’s the latest from Microsoft’s developments for Windows Insiders:

Builds Updates
Canary Channel	Build 27898 This build introduces a myriad of changes, including smaller taskbar buttons, Quick Machine Recovery, a new adaptive power saver feature, and improvements to context menus among others.
Dev Channel	No updates reported in the Dev Channel this week.
Beta Channel	Build 22631.5696 (KB5062663) This build addresses issues regarding Windows File Systems like ReFS, as well as various networking and printing problems.
Release Preview Channel	Build 22631.5696 This build aligns with changes made in the Beta Channel’s 22631.5696.	Build 19045.6156 (KB5062649) This version corrects bugs in the Extended Security Updates interface and addresses Secure Boot and stability issues.

A noteworthy highlight from this week’s preview builds is the reintroduction of the Windows Vista startup sound, which recently appeared in the Canary Channel after a resolution in the Dev and Beta channels. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and assures that it will be fixed expediently.

New Software and Firmware Releases

This section details significant software and firmware updates delivered by Microsoft and third-party developers that offer new features, security enhancements, and various optimizations.

Copilot+ PCs are anticipated to extend into the desktop segment soon, with Intel preparing to unveil its next generation of Core Ultra processors. These processors will feature an advanced neural processing unit (NPU), paving the way for desktop PCs to partake in the Copilot+ initiative, which leverages AI-driven capabilities.

In addition, several updates were rolled out for the Microsoft Office suite. Notably, Excel will soon simplify data retrieval from external sources, while Teams now supports threads and includes an unusual new feature. Also, Word for the web has enhanced controls for headers and footers.

This week, Microsoft also released multiple updates for its Edge browser. Version 139 includes vital enhancements such as real-time password monitoring and alerts for compromised accounts, along with a redesign of the settings section using WinUI 2.0, significantly boosting performance. Users in the Stable Channel received a minor patch aimed at resolving audio issues on select websites, and Microsoft has reinstated the previously missing Mica material in the latest Edge Canary update, available for activation via the flags menu.

Additionally, Vivaldi 7.5 and Firefox 140.0.4 released smaller updates with several bug fixes. Other notable updates include:

PowerToys 0.92.1, featuring fixes for Command Palette and more.
Current issues with WSUS, for which Microsoft has reported no existing workaround.
A significant reason has emerged for users to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, promising a faster and more secure browsing experience.
Microsoft’s new Phi-4-mini-flash-reasoning model enhances on-device AI performance by an impressive 10x.

The following drivers and firmware updates were released this week:

AMD provided additional details on the ongoing TPM and BitLocker bug affecting certain processors.

This Week’s Latest Reviews

Here’s a summary of the standout hardware and software reviews published this week.

We evaluated the 8849 TankPad, a rugged tablet equipped with 5G capabilities, robust protection, a built-in projector, and considerable storage. Priced at $599.99, it presents an excellent option for those seeking a durable tablet, despite a few imperfections. Its primary strengths lie in its resilience and impressive battery life, making it ideal for outdoor conditions.

Steven Parker reviewed the GEEKOM Mini IT15, a compact PC driven by the Core Ultra 9 285H processor, offering ample memory and storage at an attractive price point. Despite a couple of minor drawbacks, its performance makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Robbie Khan assessed the Valerion VisionMaster Plus2, a premium short-throw projector distinguished by its exceptional image quality, superb build quality, and quiet operation, albeit with a high price tag.

Latest Gaming News

In recent gaming headlines, Unknown Worlds has announced a delay for Subnautica 2. Despite positive feedback from closed playtests regarding its environment and storyline, the studio recognized that further refinements are needed before releasing it to the public. To compensate for the delay, they have released a new gameplay trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK5Nr1VtJ9Q

Subnautica 2 – "Take a Deep Breath" (Gameplay Reveal Teaser) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK5Nr1VtJ9Q)

Meanwhile, Rare, the studio behind the famous Sea of Thieves, has announced substantial changes to its game, including the introduction of custom servers, alterations to the NDA for Insiders, a newly structured three-month seasonal cycle, and a host of additional content.

The Weekend PC Game Deals have arrived, featuring enticing discounts across various marketplaces. Players can claim three free titles from the Epic Games Store: Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock, Fantasy General II, and Field of Glory II: Medieval.

Other noteworthy gaming updates include:

A surprise update for The Last of Us Part II Remastered adding a chronological gameplay option on PS5 and PC.
Oblivion Remastered’s second update, which introduced new difficulty settings and performance improvements.