Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 25H2 Release and Increased Game Pass Pricing

Welcome to this week’s news roundup, featuring the most recent updates from the Microsoft ecosystem. Key highlights include the release of Windows 11 version 25H2, significant price hikes for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the removal of multiple Windows upgrade blocks, important driver updates, as well as gaming news and product reviews.

Quick Navigation:

Windows 10 and 11
Windows Insider Program
Latest Updates
Product Reviews
Latest Gaming News

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

This segment covers all the latest developments surrounding Microsoft’s flagship operating systems, including new features, removals, glitches, and critical updates. Notably, Windows 11 version 25H2 has been officially released as of September 30, 2025. Users can easily access this update via Windows Update by enabling the setting for “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available.”Microsoft anticipates expanding the update deployment further in the upcoming months. Alternatively, users may opt to perform a clean installation utilizing the Media Creation Tool, although it’s worth noting that this tool is currently not functional on Windows on Arm systems.

Before proceeding with the update, check the known bugs list to avoid any potential issues.

The rollout of Windows 11 version 25H2 included a much-anticipated feature that enhances support for multi-monitor setups, bypassing the usual preview phases and directly providing value to users. Additionally, Microsoft has recently lifted a long-standing upgrade block that affected several users previously unable to move to versions 24H2 or 25H2.

According to StatCounter’s latest report published on October 1, Google Chrome has achieved an all-time usage high of 71.86%.Interestingly, Windows 7 has seen a resurgence as old support for Windows 10 approaches its end, suddenly rising to a 9% usage rate. However, on platforms like Steam, the majority of gamers are already utilizing Windows 11.

We have also published some practical guides for Windows users, including one on checking if your PC is equipped with a Trusted Platform Module. Updates last week also included tools like WinToys, Flyoobe, ExplorerPatcher, Start11, and Rufus, which enhance various aspects of Windows 11’s functionality.

Moreover, a leak reveals that Microsoft is developing a new OneDrive client for Windows 11, showcasing a fresh web-based design.

Windows Insider Program Updates

This week, the Windows Insider Program introduced several updates:

Build Updates
Canary Channel	No updates this week.
Dev Channel	Build 26220.6760 This build allows users to perform network speed tests via the right-click menu on the network icon in the tray area. It also features enhancements to the Get Started app and improvements to Windows Search. A subsequent update addressed missing features in this build.
Beta Channel	Build 26120.6760 This build matches the changes noted in Build 26220.6760.
Release Preview Channel	No updates this week.

Latest Software Updates

This section highlights significant updates issued by Microsoft and third-party applications, including software, firmware, and security patches.

This week, Microsoft introduced a new tier for Microsoft 365 Premium, merging Copilot Pro with Office applications for family use. This tier aims to enhance AI feature usage caps for subscribers and showcases a new set of Office icons.

Additionally, Microsoft rolled out the Copilot Agent Mode, simplifying task automation in Word and Excel. As a fun milestone, Excel marked its 40th anniversary earlier this week.

In other news, Microsoft plans to pre-install Microsoft 365 Companion Applications on Windows 11 systems equipped with Microsoft 365 desktop apps.

Recent updates for Firefox also rolled out; version 143.0.3 addresses numerous bugs affecting extensions, while version 143.0.4 focuses on improving performance with Google services.

Opera made headlines by launching Neon, its first AI-powered browser, which offers several intriguing features, including task automation. However, it carries a subscription fee of $19.99 per month.

Microsoft’s Edge 141 also has been released in the Stable channel, introducing key changes in password management, browsing history, and more. Look forward to a host of new features for Teams and Edge in the near future.

Additional Updates:

Microsoft plans to remove SQL Server VM images for Linux, necessitating temporary manual setups.
New collaborative features are enabled as Microsoft integrates Neat into the Microsoft 365 platform.
Judson Althoff has been promoted to CEO of Microsoft’s commercial segment, endorsed by Satya Nadella.
An open-source agent framework for unified AI development has been announced by Microsoft.
Microsoft aims to boost cloud productivity for governmental agencies with Azure Local.
Personal Copilot usage is being encouraged in workplaces, a move generating mixed feelings among IT administrators.

Here are the latest driver and firmware updates:

Nvidia’s 581.42 driver has optimizations for Battlefield 6 and introduces DLSS 4 for FBC: Firebreak.
Nvidia’s app update features Project G-Assist along with additional improvements.
A hotfix version 581.47 has been released to resolve game crashes.
Intel launched version 32.0101.8135 non-WHQL, optimized for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Beta.

Latest Product Reviews

Check out the reviews of newly released hardware and software from our team:

Steven Parker reviewed the Mixx Resonate Pro, innovative waterproof bone conduction headphones featuring 32GB of onboard storage, enabling music and podcasts to be enjoyed during workouts or swimming.

Robbie Khan evaluated the Xiaomi 15T Pro, a premium Android smartphone lauded for its design, AMOLED display, and competitive pricing, resulting in a favorable score of 8 out of 10 despite minor quirks.

Robbie also tested the Logitech MX Master 4, the latest in Logitech’s flagship mouse series, which promises enhanced functionality and is designed with user experience in mind.

Gaming Updates

In the realm of gaming, the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has increased substantially, now at $29.99 monthly—a 50% rise that has sparked backlash from users. In response, Microsoft has unveiled 50 new titles for Game Pass, primarily from Ubisoft, to soften the blow of the new pricing.

Fortunately, users can still find older-priced codes at retailers like Amazon.

Nvidia added an array of new games to GeForce NOW, including popular titles like Battlefield 6 and Jurassic World Evolution 3, among others, set for release throughout October.

Deals and Free Offers:

The Epic Games Store is currently offering the survival game Nightingale for free until next Thursday. Additionally, the Steam Autumn Sale is ongoing, providing substantial discounts on many games. For further deals, be sure to check our weekly Weekend PC Game Deals roundup.

Here are some significant gaming updates worth noting:

Colossal Order is set to release a complimentary bicycle update for Cities: Skylines II ahead of its first expansion.
Battlefield 6 has a roadmap that includes two new maps expected to arrive before 2026.

To wrap it up, we have identified various ongoing hardware and software deals that may be of interest: