Microsoft Weekly: Windows 12 Concepts and Common Windows 11 Bugs

This Week’s Technology Highlights

Welcome to this week’s tech recap, where we bring you the latest developments in the world of Microsoft. This update focuses on new Windows 11 preview builds, exciting concepts for Windows 12, and a range of bug reports that have come to light. Stay tuned to get all the insights!

Quick Links:

Windows 10 and 11 Updates
Windows Insider Program Insights
Latest Updates Available
Recent Reviews
Latest Gaming News

Windows 10 and 11 Updates

This section dives into the latest happenings with Microsoft’s operating systems: Windows 10 and Windows 11. From recently introduced features to existing glitches and user feedback, we aim to keep you informed about the ongoing evolution of these platforms.

Unfortunately, this week has seen several issues arise. Microsoft has confirmed that users are encountering installation problems with update KB5063878, resulting in a 0x80240069 error. Additionally, the company has issued an acknowledgment regarding complications surrounding reset and recovery options in older Windows versions. Reports also surfaced regarding the latest cumulative update for Windows 11, which appears to be negatively impacting solid-state and hard drives. Furthermore, significant streaming issues were confirmed in the same update.

On a positive note, Microsoft successfully resolved bugs that previously disrupted upgrade processes for Windows 10 and Windows Server, and they addressed a separate issue affecting SQL Server for their Japanese clientele.

Interestingly, there’s a new concept for Windows 12.2 that envisions improvements tailored specifically for PC users, sparking intrigue about future updates.

Windows Insider Program Developments

This week, Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program rolled out several builds:

Build Releases
Canary Channel	Build 27928: This update brings back the previous battery indicator icon and integrates more Control Panel functionalities into the Settings app, along with various bug fixes.
Dev Channel	Build 26200.5761: This new release introduces enhanced phone-PC connectivity, notable Lock Screen enhancements, and additional bug fixes.
Beta Channel	Build 26120.5761: This build mirrors the one launched in the Dev Channel.
Release Preview Channel	This week, there are no updates in the Release Preview.

Additionally, Microsoft has released a revamped version of the Copilot app, which now offers enhanced file search capabilities along with a newly designed homepage featuring even more tools.

A comprehensive support article detailing the types of updates available for Windows Insiders has also been published, providing essential information for users.

Available Updates

This segment focuses on the latest software, firmware, and other significant updates that introduce new features, security patches, and system improvements from both Microsoft and third-party developers.

This week, Mozilla launched a substantial update to Firefox, now upgraded to version 142. Users can now enjoy link previews, a convenient feature that allows for viewing link content without switching tabs, alongside enhancements to tab groups and article suggestions. Notably, Firefox is also set to include Progressive Web App support.

SharePoint is undergoing modernization, with updates introducing AI tools for content creation, improvements to the document library experience, and a new SharePoint Template Gallery available to commercial users. Additionally, Microsoft is set to enhance Excel with features previously seen in Google Sheets, while reminding users that the Windows 10 edition of OneNote will transition to read-only mode soon.

Other notable updates and releases include:

The latest updates for Skype for Business Server, which include major changes.
SQL Server 2025 Preview now supports Ubuntu 24.04 and TLS 1.3.
NFL and Microsoft have extended their partnership to integrate AI into sideline management.
Flyoobe, an unofficial Windows 11 hardware requirement bypass app, now includes new default browser options.
Announcement of SQL Server 2025 RC0.

Recent drivers and firmware updates released this week consist of:

The Nvidia 581.08 WHQL driver, which features a global DLSS Override and multiple game-specific fixes.

Recent Reviews

Our review section covers both hardware and software evaluations from this past week.

I had the opportunity to test the 70mai T800, a new 4K dash cam featuring three-channel recording capabilities for front, rear, and cabin views. While it comes with a substantial price, its impressive features make it a worthwhile investment.

Additionally, Steven Parker reviewed the DXP6800 Pro NAS, which boasts incredible specifications including dual Thunderbolt 4, dual 10 GbE connections, PCIe Gen 5, and DDR5.

Exciting Gaming News

During Gamescom in Germany, Microsoft unveiled the release date for the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, two Xbox-branded handheld devices equipped with a Windows 11 version specifically optimized for gaming. Along with this, they announced a new compatibility program to help users determine if their games will run on the ROG Ally. An updated Xbox app was also revealed, allowing for installations of additional gaming marketplaces.

Microsoft is also making strides in handheld gaming by announcing their first title for the Nintendo Switch 2, titled Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, although a release date has yet to be confirmed.

In a recent update, Microsoft Flight Simulator added a City Update, improving seven German cities and their notable landmarks.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with updated German cities

New games have been added to the Xbox Game Pass lineup, including Gears of War: Reloaded, Persona 4 Golden, Dragon Age Veilguard, Herding, and Blacksmith Master, among others.

If you’re interested in Xbox Cloud Gaming but find the current pricing prohibitive, recent reports indicate that Microsoft is exploring a more affordable subscription plan. Additionally, Nvidia’s GeForce NOW service is receiving hardware upgrades, set to launch next month, including new RTX 5080 servers that promise enhanced performance and visuals for modern titles.

Make sure to check out this week’s PC game deals for the latest discounts and freebies across various gaming platforms.

Other noteworthy gaming news includes:

Battlefield 2042’s surprise update introduces Iwo Jima as a fresh map.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is finally making its way to Xbox and PlayStation.
Paradox has announced Surviving Mars Relaunched, a remaster of the popular sci-fi colony simulator.
Mudrunner’s studio is gearing up to take on the truck simulation arena with ‘next-gen’ title Road Kings.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be offering new story DLC for free two years post-launch.