In this week’s edition of Microsoft Weekly, we delve into the latest Surface devices, optional updates for Windows 10 and 11, new preview builds in the Insider program, app enhancements, exciting Xbox games making their way to PlayStation 5, and much more.
Table of Contents
- Surface Event Highlights
- Updates on Windows 10 and 11
- Windows Insider Program Developments
- Latest Software Updates
- This Week’s Reviews
- Gaming Updates and News
Surface Event Highlights
This week, Microsoft unveiled its latest hardware offerings.
During a recent Surface event, Microsoft introduced the Surface Laptop 7 for Business and Surface Pro 11 for Business. Both devices feature Intel’s new Core Series 2 processors, diverging from their Snapdragon-powered counterparts. Notably, the Surface Laptop 7 for Business is the first in its line to offer optional 5G connectivity.
Additionally, Microsoft announced the Surface USB4 Dock, an economical docking station designed to enhance connectivity options for Surface devices equipped with a USB Type-C port.
Updates on Windows 10 and 11
This section explores all recent developments related to Microsoft’s operating systems, including new features, removals, bugs, and updates on legacy versions.
Both Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 22H2 received their first non-security updates this year. Windows 11 24H2 introduced KB5050094, featuring updated taskbar animations and a fix for issues regarding USB audio devices and Auto HDR. Meanwhile, Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 were updated via KB5050092, and Windows 10 received the latest Outlook update in KB5050081.
Furthermore, Microsoft rolled out new recovery updates for both Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025.
According to January 2025 data from Statcounter, Windows 11 achieved a significant milestone, capturing 36.65% market share, reflecting a 2.53-point rise from December 2024. In contrast, Windows 10’s share is on a downward trajectory, nearing the 60% mark.
Lastly, Microsoft has provided insights on feature deprecation in their latest blog post, explaining its implications for users.
Windows Insider Program Developments
Here’s a summary of what’s been released for testing in the Windows Insider Program.
This week, Windows Insiders received the following updates:
| Windows 11 | Windows 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | 27783 | Not Applicable |
| Dev Channel | 26120.3073 | Not Applicable |
| Beta Channel | 26120.3073 | Not Applicable |
| Release Preview Channel | – |
Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channels can now explore an updated Phone Link pane in the Start menu, which now supports iPhones. Users can check battery levels, access calls, messages, contacts, and transfer files—features that were previously exclusive to Android.
Latest Software Updates
This section summarizes software, firmware, and other critical updates that introduce new features, security enhancements, bug fixes, and more.
PowerToys, the beloved utility suite for Windows 10 and 11, has received its first feature update of 2025. Version 0.88 introduces a new utility—ZoomIt for presentations—while removing the Video Conference Mute tool. Future updates promise significant improvements to the Advanced Paste module.
This week also marked the release of version 10.4.2.29 for Windows Auto Dark Mode, adding native ARM support and enhancing compatibility with various image types.
On a downswing, Microsoft plans to phase out the Dev Home app in May 2025 due to minimal adoption and feedback from developers. Users can expect most of its features to be integrated into other areas of the OS.
Also noteworthy is Microsoft’s move to discontinue the built-in VPN service within Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 subscribers, guiding future investments toward areas more aligned with user needs.
A new scareware blocker is in preview testing for Microsoft Edge, aiming to protect users from deceptive websites by issuing warnings about potentially malicious content.
On the browser front, Google will cease Chrome Sync support for versions over four years old, urging users to upgrade their browsers.
Classic Outlook users should take note of several known issues, including search difficulties in Outlook 2016 and a bug affecting clicks and scrolling within emails.
A massive update with version 3.9 has been rolled out for Files—a third-party file manager for Windows 11—bringing a revamped layout and enhanced support for tags, tabs, and thumbnails.
Additional announcements featured:
- Microsoft’s Q2 2025 fiscal report reveals a revenue of $69.6 billion.
- Ongoing discussions around acquiring TikTok’s U. S.operations.
- Microsoft Translator Pro is now available for iOS devices.
- OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model is freely available via Copilot.
- DeepSeek R1 has been added to Azure AI Foundry and GitHub.
This Week’s Reviews
Review highlights of hardware and software from our team.
This week’s review delves into the differences between a clean install of Windows 11 and an in-place upgrade in 2025. For in-depth insights, refer to the recent article by Sayan Sen.
Gaming Updates and News
Latest developments in the gaming industry.
In a significant announcement, Microsoft confirmed that Forza Horizon 5 will soon be available on PlayStation 5 for preorder, with a release date set for this spring, handled by Panic Button for the port.
Electronic Arts has also re-released the first two The Sims games, now compatible and optimized for modern systems, along with their DLCs and expansions. Prices start at $19.99, making them accessible to a broader audience.
In exciting news for Xbox Series S players, Larian Studios is finally introducing split-screen support for Baldur’s Gate 3, promising a smooth experience with the upcoming Patch 8 update.
For nostalgia fans, Electronic Arts plans to re-release the original Sims titles on PC, with updates for modern compatibility.
Nvidia has expanded the available games on GeForce NOW, now including titles like Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, enhancing its cloud gaming offerings.
The Xbox app for Windows has also seen enhancements, allowing users to run games directly from the system tray, along with session recaps and improved social widgets.
Deals and Freebies
This week’s Weekend PC Game Deals article highlights numerous Lunar New Year promotions, including a free survival game from the Epic Games Store, alongside various offers for bargain-seeking gamers.
Additional Gaming Highlights:
- Official modding support will launch for Hogwarts Legacy this week on PC.
- The PlayStation exclusive, Rise of the Ronin, will soon launch on PC with added features.
- Sony has disclosed the hardware requirements for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC.
- Warhammer 40, 000: Space Marine 2 is set to receive an FOV slider and new gameplay features.
- Dino Crisis 1 and 2 are now available on GOG with enhanced support for Windows 10 and 11.
- No Man’s Sky expands its universe with the release of Worlds Part II.
This week’s deals on hardware and software continue to impress. Don’t miss out on these offers that may pique your interest.
- 4TB Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD – $239.99 | 40% off
- 8TB Corsair MP600 PRO XT Gen4 PCIe SSD – $682.49 | 12% off
- JBL Bar 9.1-channel Soundbar System – $569.99 | 52% off
- 13-inch iPad Pro M4 – $1, 099 | 15% off
- 55-inch Samsung S85D Series OLED 4K TV – $947.99 | 44% off
- 65-inch Samsung S85D Series OLED 4K TV – $997.99 | 47% off
- Klipsch R-51PM Bluetooth Speaker – $332.49 | 44% off
- 24TB Western Digital Red Pro CMR NAS HDD – $499 | 12% off
- 24TB Western Digital Purple Pro Surveillance HDD – $499 | 23% off
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