Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 24H2 Update Expands User Base and Cost Changes for Microsoft 365

Welcome to the latest edition of Microsoft Weekly! This week, we’re diving into significant updates, including the first price increase for Microsoft 365 consumers, the latest Patch Tuesday updates, an expanded rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2, and a fresh batch of Windows 11 preview builds.

Table of Contents:

Windows 10 and 11 Insights
Windows Insider Program Updates
Latest Updates Available
Review Highlights
Gaming News

Windows 10 and 11 Insights

This section covers the latest developments regarding Microsoft’s operating systems. Expect new features, removals, bugs, and updates related to both supported and newer OS versions.

This January 2025 brought a set of Patch Tuesday updates for Windows users. Windows 10 received updates KB5049981, KB5050008, KB5049993, and KB5050013, although KB5048239 faced installation issues, which have since been addressed through a fix. Meanwhile, Windows 11 users saw the release of KB5050009 and KB5050021, along with a hardening update noted as KB5036534.

Following these updates, Microsoft removed one of the previously imposed upgrade blocks stopping users from transitioning to Windows 11 version 24H2. This block primarily impacted gamers playing specific Ubisoft titles, such as Assassin’s Creed Origins and Star Wars: Outlaws. Ubisoft’s timely release of compatibility patches facilitated this unblocking.

Despite these updates, some challenges persist. Microsoft cautioned that certain software could impede successful installation of January updates. Moreover, a TPM-related bug triggers an erroneous message regarding settings management in BitLocker Drive Encryption. Users are provided with a workaround for issues related to Microsoft 365 apps crashing on Windows Server 2016.

Excitingly, more users can now access Windows 11 version 24H2, as Microsoft has initiated automatic updates for eligible devices transitioning from versions 22H2 and 23H2—though managed devices are exempt from this rollout.

Windows 11 24H2 with a gradient background

If you’re still on a Windows 10 system, Microsoft has updated its support documentation to guide users checking their eligibility for a smooth upgrade to Windows 11. This information covers essential hardware requirements and specifications.

Encouragingly, Microsoft urged users to consider upgrading, highlighting that the upgrade remains free for a limited time. However, shortly after this communication, the company retracted the post, possibly to quell speculation about potential costs associated with upgrading from Windows 10 to 11.

In other news, Microsoft’s influence on Linux nearly complicated the Linux kernel version 6.13 release. Fortunately, rapid interventions from Intel and AMD resolved the issue before significant disruption occurred.

To wrap up the Windows segment this week, check out my curated list of the top ten essential apps for Windows users in 2025. From utility tools to robust system optimizers, there’s something for everyone.

Windows Insider Program Updates

Get the latest updates released this week for testing in the Windows Insider Program.

Here’s a summary of the latest builds:

Windows 11	Windows 10
Canary Channel	27774	Not Applicable
Dev Channel	26120.2992	Not Applicable
Beta Channel	22621.4800	Not Applicable
Release Preview Channel	22631.4825	19045.5435

This week’s preview builds introduce a highly anticipated feature—a battery percentage indicator in the system tray—available to users on build 26120.2992. This addition aims to enhance user experience by providing clearer information regarding battery status.

Latest Updates Available

This section provides insights into software, firmware, and noteworthy updates from Microsoft and third-party developers, including enhancements, security fixes, and patches.

This week marked a pivotal update for Microsoft 365, with a significant price hike alongside the introduction of AI-driven features like Copilot. Users can retain their current pricing plan for an additional year if they are not ready to transition to the new payment structure.

Insiders using Microsoft 365 have also received an updated version of Excel. A notable enhancement is the implementation of a comprehensive dark mode applicable to the entire document, promoting better accessibility for users in low-light environments.

In a separate decision, Microsoft has reversed its contentious Bing redesign that misled users into thinking they were interacting with Google Search instead of Bing.

This week, Microsoft Edge users received updates in version 132, enhancing the shopping experience and refining various underlying functionalities. Additionally, Dev Channel insiders received enhancements in version 133.0.3065.7.

Mozilla also addressed user concerns with a small bug-fix update aimed at resolving issues with UI stability, including problems with popular sites such as YouTube and Google Docs. Version 134.0.1 launched with fixes for startup crashes and search engine selection menus.

ShareX, a reputable third-party tool for Windows 11, launched version 17.0, introducing improvements for scrolling captures and new notification sounds. ShareX is available for download from its official website or the Microsoft Store.

A highly-requested feature update arrived for Start11, which now supports moving the taskbar to the side of the monitor, catering to user preferences for interface customization.

Other highlighted updates this week include:

Enhanced notification customization options for Microsoft Teams, available to Microsoft 365 Insiders.
Introduction of Copilot Chat for Microsoft 365 applications.

Additionally, the newest driver updates include:

Intel 32.0.101.6458 and 32.0.101.6257 WHQL, delivering performance boosts for titles like Call of Duty Black Ops 6.

Review Highlights

Here’s a summary of the hardware and software we’ve reviewed this week.

This week, Robbie Khan provided an in-depth review of the Pulsar Feinmann F01 mouse, crafted from magnesium for a lightweight experience. While its quality is commendable, it comes with a hefty price tag.

In another review, a close look was taken at the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G by Xiaomi, notable for its impressive display, rapid charging capabilities, and solid build quality—all offered at an attractive price point.

Lastly, Steven Parker reviewed the HONOR Magic7 Pro, a flagship smartphone boasting powerful features, AI capabilities, expansive storage options, and robust security with face unlock functionality.

Gaming News

Stay updated with the latest in gaming news.

Rumors suggest that another Halo title may soon be available on PC. Users discovered that the Lenovo Legion Go S webpage features a picture of Halo 5 alongside a Steam logo, hinting at a potential PC release after nearly a decade of console-only access. However, no official announcements have been made yet.

GeForce NOW updated its game roster, adding exciting titles such as Hyper Light Breaker, Aloft, Assetto Corsa EVO, Generation Zero, HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2, SMITE 2, and Voidwrought.

On the hardware front, Microsoft is broadening its Xbox repair program by partnering with uBreakiFix. This initiative allows Xbox Series X|S users to access repairs at one of 700 uBreakiFix locations, increasing repair flexibility beyond Microsoft’s certified services.

Deals and Freebies

The Epic Games Store is currently offering the game Escape Academy for free until Thursday—don’t miss your chance!

Other noteworthy gaming developments this week include:

Upcoming participation opportunities for Xbox Insiders and Epic Games Store players in the third playtest of 33 Immortals.
Treyarch now allows Black Ops 6 console players to disable cross-play with PC in Ranked matches.
Electronic Arts has announced the phasing out of the Origin app, marking the end of support for 32-bit versions.