In this week’s edition of Microsoft Weekly, we delve into the latest Patch Tuesday updates, the steadfast requirements for Windows 11 that are here to stay, and new Windows 11 preview builds. Additionally, we explore the intriguing developments surrounding the new Copilot app, along with the latest gaming news and more.
Table of Contents:
- Windows 10 and 11 Updates
- Insights from the Windows Insider Program
- Available Updates Overview
- Recent Reviews
- Latest Gaming News
Windows 11 and Windows 10 Updates
This segment covers significant news concerning Microsoft’s current operating systems, including both the Stable channel and preview builds, highlighting new features, issues, and user experiences.
On Tuesday, Microsoft released its scheduled monthly security and quality updates. For Windows 11 users, updates KB5048667 and KB5048685 were made available, while those on Windows 10 received KB5048652, KB5048661, KB50448671, and KB5048703.
Recently, Microsoft resolved issues for users with specific USB devices, allowing them to install Windows 11 after lifting an update block that had been in place since December 2024 Patch Tuesday.
Moreover, Microsoft updated its support documents to reaffirm that Windows 11’s system requirements, including TPM 2.0, 4 GB of RAM, and latest-generation AMD and Intel processors, will remain unchanged. Despite user experiments suggesting otherwise, these requirements are not flexible.
For those utilizing the Suggested Actions feature in Windows 11, there’s some unfortunate news: Microsoft has declared this feature deprecated, with a planned removal in an upcoming update. Additionally, NTLM support will also be eliminated beginning with Windows 11 version 24H2 and Server 2025.
If you’re located in Europe and considering an upgrade, the HONOR MagicBook Art 14 laptop is now available for preorder in select markets. This sleek and lightweight laptop boasts impressive performance and notable design elements.
Lastly, an ambitious project has been noted wherein Windows 11 was successfully run on an Android device, showcasing remarkable performance despite its complexity.
Developments in the Windows Insider Program
This week, Microsoft released several new builds for Windows Insiders, with notable updates as follows:
| Windows 11 Build | Windows 10 Build | Windows Server | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | Build 27764 | Not Applicable | No updates for Server |
| Dev Channel | Build 26120.2702 | Not Applicable | |
| Beta Channel | Build 22635.4655 | Not Applicable | |
| Release Preview Channel | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Last week’s Beta Channel build 22635.4580 introduced a hidden feature that allows users to add an emoji button to their system tray, aimed at enhancing discoverability for the emoji panel.
Additionally, the release of a new Copilot app for Windows Insiders claims to be fully native; however, users have noticed it is still functioning as a web wrapper, albeit with an updated interface and new shortcuts.
A positive update for Windows Insiders with iPhones is the upgraded Phone Link app, which now allows file transfers between iPhones and Windows 11 PCs, emulating an AirDrop experience.
Attention Windows Insiders using the Copilot+ PC: caution is advised when using the Recall feature, as it continues to capture sensitive data, contrary to assurances from Microsoft. Although it has filters for certain websites, there are instances where sensitive information slips through the cracks.
Update Highlights
This section provides insights into software, firmware, and various significant updates launched or soon to be available, aimed at enhancing security, performance, and user experience.
The Filest Preview app is now featured in the Microsoft Store. Owners of the stable release can test early builds free of charge until the end of the year.
Stardock unveiled several updates for its productivity applications, including Multiplicity 4, which now offers seamless display support, enhanced ARM capabilities, multi-monitor streaming, and improved security.
The Start11 app also received an important update, enabling users to position the taskbar on the left or right side of their displays, with a public release expected next month.
In a recent change, Skype now requires a subscription for making calls to landlines and mobile phones. Users will no longer be able to buy Skype Credits or phone numbers, although existing numbers will continue to function normally.
Additional noteworthy updates include:
- Logitech Options Plus 1.85 introduces new backlighting features for MX Mini.
- Microsoft Teams for iPad now supports external webcams.
- Mozilla’s Firefox 133.0.3 with fixes for UI issues.
- Microsoft Teams Public Preview enables user control over presentations.
- Meta Quest v72 with improvements for Windows 11 integration.
- Bing has begun removing cached links from search results.
- Microsoft has introduced Phi-4, a cutting-edge language model.
Recent driver and firmware releases include:
- Intel Arc 32.0.101.6325/101.6252 WHQL supports the new Arc B580 graphics card.
- Significant updates for Surface Pro 11 and Laptop 7 addressing various issues.
Recent Reviews
This section showcases the latest hardware and software reviews published this week.
Steven Parker reviewed the Narwal Freo Z Ultra, an advanced robotic vacuum with mopping capabilities and AI features. While effective, its high price may deter some buyers.
Robbie Khan explored the DOOGEE S200, a rugged smartphone boasting a powerful battery and an extra display. However, the review took unexpected turns, all without incident.
Gamer’s Corner
Stay updated with the latest in gaming news and trends.
The latest Forza Motorsport update (Update 15) brings exciting new content, including an Australia Tour, a variety of Australian vehicles, and enhanced graphical options for ray tracing, significantly enriching the visual experience.
In a surprising crossover, Starfield players can don Doom Slayer’s armor and wield iconic weapons, alongside a special quest tied to the Doom franchise.
Rocksteady Studios announced the discontinuation of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, with Season 4, Episode 8 being the final installment after a rocky launch in February 2024. Players can still access the game as long as servers remain operational.
Cyberpunk 2077 has received Update 2.2, featuring dynamic car paints, expanded character customization options, and a new photo mode. More exciting content is anticipated, as teased by CD Projekt RED on their social media platforms.
For fans of emulation, RPCS3, the well-regarded PlayStation 3 emulator, has added support for Arm64, enabling emulation on Apple Silicon Macs and Snapdragon X PCs.
In an important update, Xbox Cloud Gaming will now allow Xbox Insiders to stream titles from their library regardless of their Game Pass availability. Keep in mind this feature requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, with a current roster of approximately 50 titles supported.
The recent Game Awards 2024 showcased many notable announcements, including:
- A trailer for Mafia: The Old Country, revealing its prequel storyline.
- Confirmation of The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC.
- Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds 2 set for a 2025 release, with its first gameplay trailer unveiled.
- A cinematic reveal trailer for The Witcher IV was released.
Deals and Freebies
The Epic Games Store is currently offering The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria for free until December 19. Additionally, the store is set to initiate daily giveaways, so keep an eye out for more free titles starting tomorrow. Don’t miss our weekly Weekend PC Game Deals Series for more excellent offers!
Further gaming updates include:
- Valve’s Steam now allows configuration for game update schedules.
- Nvidia has revealed new titles for GeForce NOW, including The Thing: Remastered and Legacy of Kain remasters.
- Space Engineers 2 has been announced, featuring massive upgrades to the sandbox and physics systems.
- The Space Marine 2 update introduces a new mission along with improvements to DLSS and FSR.
- Helldivers 2 has added a new faction, demarcated urban environments, and introduced drivable vehicles.
Each week, we highlight various hardware and software deals. Check out these ongoing discounts; you might find something valuable for your collection.
- Samsung 49″Odyssey G9 (G95SD) Series OLED Curved Gaming Monitor – $1,599 (16% off)
-
Samsung 34″ViewFinity S65TC Series Ultra-wide WQHD Monitor – $399.99 (50% off)
- 2TB Corsair MP700 PRO SE Hydro X – $276 (12% off)
- 1TB Corsair MP700 PRO – $164.99 (8% off)
- Logitech MX Master 3S Space Gray – $80.74 (19% off)
- Motorola Edge (2024) – $299.99 (45% off)
- 4TB Samsung 990 PRO SSD with Heatsink – $289.99 (40% off)
- Xbox Wireless Controller Carbon Black – $38.88 (35% off)
- Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4 – 512GB): $1299 (13% off)
- Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4 – 256GB): $1099 (15% off)
- 2TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S – $199.99 (44% off)
- 65-inch LG C3 Series Class OLED evo 4K TV – $1,196.99 (20% off)
For more editions of the Microsoft Weekly series, please follow this link.
Microsoft Weekly image background by Lenzatic on Pixabay.
Leave a Reply