Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 Updates on Fixed Bugs and New Discoveries

Microsoft Weekly Episode Recap

Welcome to this week’s episode of Microsoft Weekly, where we explore the latest developments in Windows 11, including newly identified bugs, improved compatibility facilitating updates to Windows 11 version 24H2, exciting preview builds, and noteworthy advancements in AI and gaming.

Table of Contents

1. Updates on Windows 10 and 11
2. Windows Insider Program Highlights
3. Latest Software and Security Updates
4. Gaming News and Updates

Latest in Windows 11 and 10

This section covers the most recent updates, features, and bugs related to Microsoft’s operating systems, focusing on the Stable channel and preview builds. Discover removed features, ongoing controversies, and hidden findings that could impact your experience.

If you’re considering investing in a Copilot+ PC equipped with Windows 11 version 24H2, take note of a significant issue concerning some printers. Microsoft has acknowledged challenges faced by ARM-based PCs when attempting to install printers using the official installer, leading to installation failures.

On a more positive note, traditional hardware users may finally proceed with upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2 now that Microsoft has removed an update block related to the Voicemeeter app, which had previously resulted in blue screen errors. After ensuring your app is updated, you should be able to install 24H2 without further issues.

Additionally, Microsoft launched the Windows Server IoT 2025 following the release of Windows Server 2025, although an automated upgrade of Server 2022 to 2025 via KB5044284 caused quite the stir.

Recently, the installer for a new People app for Windows 11 was leaked. Presently, limited information is available, with speculation that it serves primarily as a web app wrapper facilitating user contact management via work or school accounts.

For those on Windows 11, there’s a new PowerShell script designed to bypass hardware limitations. Moreover, Paint3D has been retired from the Microsoft Store, but clever users have discovered a method to restore the app.

As a historical curiosity, a fascinating discovery regarding Windows 98 revealed Microsoft’s intention to slow down the Control Panel by implementing an eight-second delay when adding new hardware, though the reasons behind this design choice remain unclear.

Windows Insider Program Updates

This section features the latest builds available in the Windows Insider Program, providing a glimpse into upcoming features and improvements for testing.

The latest Beta build of Windows 11 introduces enhanced file-sharing options, allowing users to easily share local files from the “Recommended”section of the Start menu or taskbar jump lists.

In conjunction with new builds, Microsoft has enhanced several built-in applications, including Notepad, which now incorporates AI capabilities for text rewriting. Paint also saw improvements, gaining Generative Fill and Erase features, among others. However, these updates have further complicated context menus for many users.

Additionally, code discoveries suggest future customization options for lock screen widgets, but details about these developments remain limited.

Latest Software and Security Updates

This section highlights notable updates to software, firmware, and features from Microsoft and third-party sources, including security fixes and improvements.

This week, Microsoft rolled out version 0.86 of PowerToys, featuring organized module grouping and enhancements for existing modules like Advanced Paste, which now supports image-to-text conversion and more.

ExplorerPatcher also received an important update aimed at improving Windows 11’s interface, addressing issues like the malfunctioning Win + X menu and Start menu crashes. Users should be cautious during download, as some antivirus programs may flag it incorrectly.

Microsoft has also addressed several issues affecting Classic Outlook users, including a new fix for crashes that occur when opening multiple emails simultaneously. Notably, the company plans to discontinue support for the old Windows Mail app by December 31, 2024, prompting users to consider alternatives.

Word users can look forward to a revamped user interface for new documents, designed to facilitate quicker access to Copilot-related tasks. This interface aims to streamline actions like drafting emails or summarizing documents.

In browser news, Firefox released version 132.0.1 to resolve specific video playback issues. Microsoft Edge Dev also received minor updates and bug fixes with version 132.0.2931.1.

Additional significant updates include:

• Team meetings expanded to accommodate up to 50,000 attendees.
• Refreshed processor support list for Windows 10 LTSC.
• Proton VPN now natively accessible on Windows ARM.
• Telegram Desktop made available for Windows ARM.
• Increased charges for Microsoft 365 subscribers utilizing Copilot.
• Outlook’s introduction of name pronunciation feature in profile cards.
• OpenAI updated its ChatGPT app for Windows, enhancing webcam functionality.
• Logitech Options+ received upgrades for Smart Action and device support.
• Microsoft unveiled Azure OpenAI Data Zones with low latency guarantees for token generation.

Reviews and Insights

This section compiles recent reviews on hardware and software innovations.

Christopher White evaluated the UnifyDrive UT2, a high-performance portable NAS device. While it offers excellent connectivity and build quality, its price point and small software issues may deter some users.

Gaming News Highlights

The gaming scene saw various exciting announcements and updates this week.

Turn 10 Studios unveiled a significant update for Forza Motorsport, including the addition of NASCAR content which allows players to drive stock cars from the upcoming NASCAR season. Other enhancements include sound tweaks and improved multiplayer ghosting features.

Microsoft recently revealed the upcoming titles to join Game Pass, featuring StarCraft: Remastered, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and more exciting additions.

In an unfortunate turn of events, SEGA announced the delisting of over 60 games, including classic titles, starting December 6. Fans should act quickly to secure their favorites before it’s too late.

Furthermore, NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW has confirmed a new monthly cap on playtime, introducing limitations and additional fees for extended sessions. However, they compensated with exciting new game releases as well.

In another development, Microsoft is trialing a new AI chatbot to assist Xbox Insiders, promising faster support through natural language processing for gaming inquiries.

Valve has rolled out a new game recording feature within Steam, aimed at enhancing user experience while minimizing performance impacts during gameplay capture. The feature targets recent graphics card capabilities to optimize recording quality.

Lastly, Valve has discontinued Steam support for outdated operating systems, marking the end of compatible services for Windows 7 and its predecessors.

Deals and Freebies This Week

The Epic Games Store is currently offering Deceive Inc and additional Apex Legends in-game items for free. This promotion is available until next Thursday. For more savings, don’t miss our Weekend PC Game Deals article featuring bundles and discounts across diverse gaming platforms.

Noteworthy gaming updates from this week include:

• Insider reports suggest Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition may be headed to PlayStation.
• A long-lost demo for Halo 2 is making a return to the Master Chief Collection.
• Black Ops 6 updates have fine-tuned spawn mechanics and altered various perks.
• No Man’s Sky has introduced cross-platform saves and an 8K option on PlayStation 5 Pro.
• The latest expansion for Age of Empires II features animated cutscenes and grand cinematic experiences.

Stay informed on the latest hardware and software deals. Here are some ongoing discounts that may pique your interest:

• NETGEAR Nighthawk Wi-Fi 7 RS300 Router – $299.99 | 9% discount
• Corsair MP600 Elite PCIe Gen 4 SSD – up to 35% off
• 8TB WD_BLACK SN850X SSD – $649.99 | 24% discount
• LG S95TR Dolby Atmos Soundbar – $996.99 | 34% discount
• Various KEF Speakers
• 55-inch Hisense U6 Series 55U6N TV – $347.99 | 36% off
• Polk MagniFi Max 7.1.2 Soundbar – $629 | 30% off

This link will direct you to previous editions of the Microsoft Weekly series.

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