Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 version 25H2 release confirmed, Windows 10 free updates available, and more

This Week’s Microsoft News Recap

Welcome to this week’s roundup of significant developments in the Microsoft ecosystem! Highlights include the announcement of Windows 11 version 25H2, free extended security updates for Windows 10, a redesigned Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and various non-security updates packed with new features.

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

This section discusses the latest happenings concerning Microsoft’s current operating systems, including new features, removed functionalities, persistent bugs, and noteworthy discoveries. Significant attention is given to updates of older versions as well.

The standout story this week revolves around the introduction of the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10, which is reaching its end of support. Alarmingly, government officials are warning users of potential vulnerabilities. To mitigate risks, Microsoft is offering complimentary security updates to users who back up their PCs using the Windows Backup tool. Users also have the option to receive updates in exchange for 1, 000 Microsoft Rewards points or a nominal fee of $30.

If you are considering remaining with Windows 10, you may want to explore some insights from Microsoft. The company recently published compelling reasons advocating for an upgrade to Windows 11, while a separate post dissected the performance differences between the two systems. Additionally, Microsoft has released a guide tailored for organizations using older PCs that aren’t upgradeable to Windows 11.

Another major announcement is the impending transformation of the infamous Blue Screen of Death into the Black Screen of Death, which will lose its recognizable smiley face. Scheduled for release this summer, this redesign will be accompanied by the Quick Machine Recovery tool, designed to assist in fixing PCs that cannot boot due to various issues.

On top of that, Microsoft has confirmed the rollout of Windows 11 version 25H2 later this year, with the preview builds already available for initial testing.

June 2025 also saw the release of non-security updates for Windows 10 and 11. Windows 10 users received KB5061087, while Windows 11 version 24H2 got KB5060829. Updates have also been implemented for versions 22H2 and 23H2. Significant improvements were made, including a new configuration update aimed at resolving issues related to stuck updates, coupled with enhancements for Windows Server 2025.

Further in the realm of security, Microsoft alerted users about the expiration of the first Secure Boot certificates, emphasizing the importance of timely updates to maintain system security and compatibility with third-party applications.

This week also brought to light some ongoing issues. Dell acknowledged a problem affecting the Night Light feature on certain Windows on ARM machines, attributing it to Qualcomm’s Oryon chipset. Additionally, Microsoft has confirmed compatibility issues related to Chrome on Windows systems.

This week, readers are treated to some intriguing Windows trivia, including insights from Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen, who shared stories about how PC manufacturers once manipulated BIOS copyright strings to obtain complete versions of trial software.

To conclude this week’s Windows segment, here’s a handy tip: an undisclosed accessibility feature can significantly enhance the responsiveness of the Windows 11 user interface, making it feel more agile.

Windows Insider Program Highlights

This section summarizes the recent updates available for Windows Insiders from Microsoft:

Windows Insider Builds
Canary Channel	No updates in the Canary channel this week.
Dev Channel	Build 26200.5661 This build introduced a redesigned home page for Recall, where users can access recent snapshots and recommended documents. It also allows for customization of system indicator placements on screen. Build 26200.5670 This version brings integration with 1Password for Passkeys, various settings enhancements, and fixes a previously failed attempt to restore the Windows Vista startup sound.
Beta Channel	Build 26120.4452 This build remains the same as 26120.4452. Build 26120.4520 Similar to 26200.5670 from the Dev Channel, minus the version 25H2 inclusion.
Release Preview Channel	No updates in the Release Preview channel this week.

Furthermore, Microsoft bolstered the Snipping Tool app for Windows Insiders, offering enhanced screen-recording capabilities across Beta and Release Preview channels.

Latest Updates Available

This section outlines significant software, firmware, and other updates released recently, focusing on new features, security improvements, and bug fixes from both Microsoft and third-party sources.

This week, browser updates were abundant, featuring notable releases from Mozilla. Firefox launched version 140, introducing support for custom search engines and significant improvements in subsequent releases addressing dark theme issues and crashes on specific Windows devices. Meanwhile, Microsoft rolled out Edge 138 with AI-enhanced search capabilities, and Google released Chrome 138, further enhancing user experience.

In the sphere of productivity applications, upcoming improvements for Microsoft Office have been announced, including the new Outlook for Windows expected to arrive in early next year. Microsoft has also defended the new Outlook amidst criticisms, explaining its merits.

Additional updates encompass new features for Teams, including a health dashboard, and PowerPoint’s new ability to generate presentations from PDFs or text files. SharePoint will also see the introduction of Modern Page Templates. Microsoft has further provided in-depth guides for addressing activation issues with Office 2024.

Furthermore, here are several noteworthy updates from around the tech world:

Microsoft introduced Mu, a compact on-device language model for Windows 11.
The Comet AI browser is currently in private beta for Windows users.
Development of Discord for Windows on ARM is underway.
Surface Copilot+ PCs are set to enter classrooms on July 22.
Raycast for Windows is now accessible in closed beta; check out an exclusive preview.
Visual Studio has become smarter, thanks to additional AI models and updated billing.
In a significant shift, France’s third-largest city is transitioning from Windows and Office to Linux and Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).
Insights on top user requests for Microsoft Teams were also shared.

Additionally, recent drivers and firmware updates included:

Intel WHQL graphics driver version 32.0.101.6913, featuring Mecha BREAK support and more enhancements.

Recent Reviews

Here’s a recap of hardware and software assessments we’ve conducted this week:

Steven Parker has reviewed the TerraMaster F4 SSD, a lightweight, quiet all-SSD NAS boasting good connectivity and design. It garnered a score of 8.5 out of 10 on Steven’s assessment scale.

Robbie Khan provided insights on the Keychron Lemokey G2 8K Wireless mouse, highlighting its lightweight design, onboard memory, and included accessories. It scored 8 out of 10, although there are some aspects to consider before making a purchase.

Gaming Updates

This week in gaming news, Microsoft has officially announced the anticipated Xbox app launcher for Windows PCs and handheld devices. This app will serve as a unified platform for all your games, regardless of their source, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and others. Testing is currently underway in the Xbox Insider Program.

Additionally, the June 2025 update for Xbox has been revealed, which introduces features such as unsynced save management and enhanced game browsing by publishers.

Microsoft recently launched its officially branded Xbox VR helmet, developed in collaboration with Meta, although stock is currently limited.

Unfortunately, not all news is positive, as a recent report detailed Microsoft’s plans for layoffs within the Xbox division.

Microsoft Flight Simulator has received a City Update, enhancing the visual quality of areas such as New York and New Jersey. This update promises a more immersive flying experience and is available on both consoles and PCs.

Deals and Freebies

The Epic Games Store is currently offering Sable, an exploration game featuring a unique art style and open-world mechanics, free to users. Check out this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals for more offers.

Additional gaming news highlights include:

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is set to receive a 60 FPS mode, along with developer commentary.
DayZ is introducing a new desert map as part of its upcoming Badlands expansion, which is expected to be the largest yet.

This week also saw various hardware and software discounts that are currently available: