Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 Easier to Recover, Harder to Install Offline

In this edition of Microsoft Weekly, we delve into an extensive array of recent developments, including significant updates to Windows 11 preview builds, non-security updates for both Windows 10 and 11, reviews of newly released budget-friendly flagship devices, browser enhancements, gaming news, and much more.

Table of Contents:

Updates on Windows 10 and 11
Insights from the Windows Insider Program
Current Software Updates
Latest Product Reviews
Gaming Highlights

Updates on Windows 10 and 11

This section covers everything that’s happening around Microsoft’s latest operating systems, both in Stable channels and preview builds, including new features, removals, bugs, and noteworthy discoveries. Additionally, we’ll touch upon older, yet supported, OS versions.

This week, Microsoft released several non-security updates for both Windows 10 and 11. Users of Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2) can now access update KB5053657, packed with a variety of new features and enhancements. For those on the 24H2 version, KB5053656 introduces AI-driven search capabilities (compatible with Copilot+ PCs), improvements to Live Captions, and the addition of a gamepad keyboard. Windows 10 users received KB5053643, which addresses issues in File Explorer, Remote Desktop, and other areas.

Following the updates, Microsoft highlighted several known issues persisting in Windows 10 and 11, including an audio bug that limits user upgrades to Windows 11 version 24H2. Fortunately, a recent fix has been issued to rectify the problem where USB printers were printing garbled text after previous updates.

Furthermore, Microsoft launched a new roadmap site, providing a centralized location to monitor upcoming features for Windows 11. This resource includes capability rollout statuses, detailed descriptions, links to original announcements, and more.

Lastly, 0patch has introduced an unofficial patch aimed at addressing NTLM security vulnerabilities; however, this fix is only accessible through a purchased third-party patching service.

Insights from the Windows Insider Program

This week’s updates for the Windows Insider Program include the following:

Windows 11	Windows 10
Canary Channel	27283	Not Applicable
Dev Channel	26200.551026200.5516	Not Applicable
Beta Channel	26120.358526120.3653	Not Applicable
Release Preview Channel	26100.3624

One notable update includes the removal of a script that previously allowed users to bypass Microsoft’s requirement for an internet connection and a Microsoft Account during the initial Windows 11 setup. However, users can still implement a relatively straightforward method to restore the OOBE\bypassnro command.

On a more positive note, Microsoft is testing Quick Machine Recovery, a helpful tool designed to assist in restoring PCs that fail to boot. If a system crashes during recovery, QMR will link to the internet and retrieve necessary updates from Microsoft to initiate a recovery process.

In addition, there’s a significant update for the Photos app now available to Windows 10 and 11 users, featuring support for JPEG XL, web search for OCR, enhanced context menus, and various other refinements.

Enthusiasts have also spotted the return of the Win + C shortcut, which has been disabled but may soon allow users to launch Copilot or other tasks through custom assignments.

Current Software Updates

This section provides insights into notable software, firmware, and other updates (both released and on the way) that deliver enhancements, new features, security fixes, and more from Microsoft and third-party developers.

A notable update this week involves a redesigned sign-in experience from Microsoft, featuring an improved UI, streamlined navigation, dark mode support, and enhancements for passwordless sign-in methods. The rollout is underway, with completion expected by the end of April 2025.

For users running Windows on ARM, Google Drive is now fully optimized and available for ARM devices following several months of testing, improving battery life and performance for cloud storage solutions.

Additionally, Microsoft has announced plans to implement Startup Boost across select Office apps, which aims to accelerate launch times; however, users should be aware that the feature’s functionality might come with limitations.

On the web browser front, Opera has introduced a new AI-enhanced feature for tab management. By inputting natural language commands, users can now efficiently organize their tabs with the new Tab Commands functionality available in Opera One. The Android version, Opera 88, has also seen significant improvements to its built-in AI assistant, Aria, and received a new icon.

Mozilla has released a minor update to Firefox (version 136.0.3) aimed at addressing performance issues when streaming videos on TikTok.

Moreover, Vivaldi implemented a significant update in partnership with Proton VPN, providing users with built-in VPN capabilities at no additional cost while maintaining strong privacy standards.

For Microsoft Edge users wishing to detach from the browser, the updated MSEdgeRedirect tool (version 0.8.0.0) now features various fixes for PDF and news interactions, Windows Spotlight, UWP app handling, among other enhancements. Furthermore, Microsoft has added several security upgrades specifically for Edge running on personal devices connected to corporate networks.

Additional important updates include:

Microsoft will host a live stream for the 50th Anniversary Copilot Event.
New AI agents for Security Copilot have been announced.
Microsoft has integrated OpenAI o3 into enterprise solutions with new Analyst and Researcher agents.
The New Outlook for Windows is being rolled out to Microsoft 365 users.
Excel is introducing value tokens to enhance users’ understanding of data types.

New drivers released this week include:

Nvidia launched G-Assist, allowing users to communicate with their PC for performance improvements.

Latest Product Reviews

This section highlights hardware and software reviews conducted this week.

Robbie recently reviewed the POCO F7 Ultra, a powerful mid-range smartphone by Xiaomi. With impressive specifications, including a robust CPU, solid build quality, fast charging capabilities, and a stunning display, this device does come with limitations, such as the absence of eSIM support and inconsistencies in image processing.

Meanwhile, Steven Parker evaluated the LincStation N2, an all-SSD NAS equipped with 10 GbE and offered at an exceptionally competitive price. Despite some drawbacks, the LincStation N2 stands out as a commendable solution for those in the market for a high-performance NAS.

Gaming Highlights

Insights into the latest happenings in the gaming sector.

If you’ve been anticipating Minecraft 2, there’s disappointing news: Mojang has confirmed that there are no plans for a sequel and the game will not transition to a free-to-play model. Sixteen years post-launch, Mojang remains committed to its existing monetization strategy.

On the brighter side, the Bedrock Edition has gained the ability to pause the game properly, allowing players to exit to the menu without the worry of unforeseen attacks from creatures. Additionally, players can access a new Minecraft Movie-themed DLC, free of charge, ahead of the film’s release.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on April 17, with MachineGames having optimized the title for enhanced visuals, particularly for PlayStation 5 Pro players.

PS5 Date Reveal – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VdnmreE1X0)

In celebration of Forza Motorsport‘s 20th anniversary, Turn 10 Studios is teasing a major update that will introduce new vehicles and the highly awaited track, Fujimi Kaido—a scenic, 10.24-mile course featuring an impressive 144 turns.

Additionally, a collaboration between Rare and Bungie has resulted in new Destiny-themed items for Sea of Thieves. This exciting crossover features themed costumes, ship sets, weaponry, and trinkets available for purchase in-game from the Pirate Emporium.

For Xbox Insiders, Microsoft has released numerous preview updates. The Beta Ring introduced new storage management tools, while the Delta Ring has seen the removal of certain social features. Alpha and Alpha-Skip Ahead users can now explore the new Game Hubs feature that transforms the game-launching experience from the Dashboard.

Meanwhile, the Game Bar on Windows has undergone a significant update, sporting a fresh interface and enhanced widgets.

Shifting to cloud gaming news, Amazon has partnered with EA to bring Electronic Arts’ portfolio to Luna. This multi-year collaboration coincides with the service’s expansion into Sweden, Portugal, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Moreover, GeForce NOW has received an influx of newly supported titles, including inZOI, Atomfall, Half-Life 2 RTX Demo, Beholder, Psychonauts, Galacticare, and Bus Simulator 21, among others.

On the hardware front, a new mobile controller has been launched by Backbone, featuring a stylish translucent design developed in collaboration with Xbox for gamers on the go.

Deals and Freebies

The Epic Games Store (which has introduced necessary improvements to its download manager) is offering two cat-themed free games: Cat Quest and Neko Ghost: Jump.

Additionally, other gaming updates include:

Discord has introduced a new overlay with enhanced game support and performance improvements.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has faced another delay despite its development being completed.
Star Citizen Alpha 4.1 now features new orbital lasers, mini sandworms, alien NPCs, and more.
CD Projekt Red has announced that The Witcher 4 won’t be released until at least 2027.
No Man’s Sky introduced a new update, allowing players to take on the role of an alien paleontologist.

We consistently highlight various hardware and software deals. Here are some of the notable discounts still ongoing; you might just find what you need.