Microsoft Weekly: Xbox price increase, GTA 6 delay news, and fascinating Windows trivia

Welcome to this week’s Microsoft news roundup, highlighting various updates and developments that shape the tech landscape. This week’s edition features disappointing news for gamers with increased Xbox console prices, a lack of new Windows 11 builds, an engaging review of a notable gamepad, mixed updates on Windows 11 version 24H2, fascinating trivia from the Windows community, and more.

Quick Links:

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

Windows 10 & 11 Developments

This section covers all the latest happenings concerning Microsoft’s current operating systems, including stable releases, preview builds, new features, and ongoing issues. Additionally, insights on older versions are provided.

As is customary at the beginning of the month, Statcounter has shared new statistics revealing Windows 11’s growth in the desktop market, achieving a market share of 43.72%.Meanwhile, Windows 10 remains in close contention at 52.94%.Browsers, however, are stagnating, particularly with Chrome’s unyielding dominance. In gaming, Windows 11 continues to solidify its leading position.

This week, Microsoft announced the broad rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2. However, concerns arose as they identified an update issue that may produce error code 0x80240069 for users transitioning from versions 23H2 and 22H2. While the company is working on a resolution, no immediate workaround exists.

Recent conversations on Reddit underline frustration regarding data loss tied to automatic BitLocker encryption. Additionally, users can expect updates on Validation OS (including DISM, WPF, and. NET improvements) and an improved passwordless experience for Microsoft Accounts. Furthermore, Microsoft discussed compelling reasons for Windows 10 users to transition to Copilot+ PCs, alongside significant discounts on Windows 365 for new customers.

For trivia enthusiasts, a blog post from a seasoned Microsoft engineer shed light on how a solid color background could slow down the login time for Windows 7. Additionally, an amusing anecdote surfaced about an official cyberthreat song that nearly brought down Windows PCs.

To wrap up the Windows segment, here are five persistent annoyances of Windows 11 that continue to frustrate users nearly four years post-launch, such as problems with dark mode, issues with theme settings, and Control Panel integration.

Windows Insider Program Updates

This week brought no new builds for Windows Insiders, but some noteworthy discoveries emerged:

Build Releases
Canary Channel	No updates this week
Dev Channel	No updates this week
Beta Channel	No updates this week
Release Preview Channel	No updates this week

Despite the inactivity in build releases, the latest Windows Server 2025 build introduced an “Advanced”settings page, enhancing organization and integrating features from the now-discontinued Dev Home app.

Notable Updates

Here, we outline significant software and firmware updates from Microsoft and third-party sources, focusing on enhanced features, security patches, and other improvements.

A new application named SoundShift can help users with multiple audio devices. It allows users to easily configure audio input/output pairs and assign keyboard shortcuts for seamless switching, akin to tools found in PowerToys.

ARM-based Windows users can now leverage Windhawk version 1.6, a modding tool that enhances the operating system and applications with new ARM64 support and various updates.

In terms of Office updates, Excel for Mac now boasts an exciting feature from its Windows version that allows side-by-side editing of multiple worksheets. PowerPoint also received enhancements, including a refreshed look for its placeholders.

Browser updates have also been a highlight this week. Microsoft introduced Edge 136 to the Stable Channel, which comes with security improvements and feature modifications. In contrast, Mozilla launched Firefox 138, including Windows 11 UI elements and a refreshed profile manager, and later released a follow-up update addressing several bugs.

Here’s a selection of other notable updates:

Microsoft to bolster Europe amidst ongoing tariff challenges.
Microsoft’s Phi-4-reasoning tackles larger models, matching DeepSeek-R1 performance.

The following drivers and firmware updates were also released this week:

Nvidia GeForce Hotfix Display Driver 576.26, correcting numerous issues.
Nvidia GeForce Game-Ready Driver 576.28, featuring additional bug fixes.

Latest Reviews

This week, we reviewed several hardware and software products.

The GameSir Super Nova controller made a strong impression, emerging as one of the top controllers for PC gaming. Its robust build quality, extensive customization options, aesthetic appeal, and impressive battery life make it an excellent choice for gamers. This controller is not only functional but also comfortable and a joy to use.

Gaming News

This week’s gaming update featured unsettling news regarding price hikes for Xbox consoles and accessories, with upside increases reaching $120. This move reflects the broader economic climate and trade issues. Nevertheless, gamers can still find older models or controllers at reduced prices.

In a notable development, Rockstar Games announced the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI, now set to release on May 26, 2026, allowing other game developers to proceed without the overshadowing presence of this major title.

In a positive turn, Spotify Premium subscribers can now enjoy their music while playing EA Sports FC 2025, as part of a pilot program in Australia and Saudi Arabia, potentially expanding worldwide in the future.

Spotify integration with EA Sports FC 25

Upcoming updates for Forza Motorsport promise exciting new content, including a highly anticipated track. Update 20 will enhance Drivatar AI through a new training model for improved, more realistic single-player racing experiences.

Nvidia has announced several new games for its GeForce NOW streaming service, adding titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages and ANNO 1800. Note that ownership of these games is required for play.

Prime Gaming also welcomes fresh titles, including Wolfenstein II and Amnesia: Rebirth.

Deals and Freebies

The Epic Games Store is currently offering the arcade shooter Super Space Club for free until next Thursday, along with additional deals available in this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals post.

In related gaming news, the following updates are noteworthy:

FromSoftware disclosed system requirements for the upcoming PC version of Elden Ring Nightreign.
Valve released Steam Proton 10 Beta 1, enhancing compatibility for numerous AAA games.
Electronic Arts made headlines with significant layoffs and the cancellation of the new Titanfall project.