Welcome to this week’s recap, where we delve into the latest Microsoft news, highlighting significant developments from the past week. This includes the broader rollout of the Windows 11 25H2 version, an exciting new preview build, winners of the Microsoft Store Awards, insightful statistics, and much more.
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Windows 11 and Windows 10 Updates
In this section, we explore the latest happenings related to Microsoft’s most recent operating systems. Expect discussions on new and deprecated features, emerging issues, bug fixes, and notable insights from earlier versions.
The non-security update for November 2025, marked as KB5070311, has been released for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. While this update brings a plethora of new functionalities, it is not without its glitches—specifically, a File Explorer bug that causes a visual disruption with every new tab opened. Fortunately, this issue can be mitigated using a third-party application designed to enhance File Explorer’s performance.
Following the non-security update, Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 version 25H2 is now accessible to all eligible devices for users who opted for the “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available”setting. Additionally, improvements have been made to Windows 11’s Prism emulator, allowing for AVX and AVX2 support on the Arm platform.
Recent data from Statcounter reveals a continued decline in Windows 11’s market share, sinking below 52% globally for the second consecutive month. However, in the gaming sector, Windows 11 has reached a new high market share, according to Valve.
Furthermore, Microsoft has revised its support documentation for processors compatible with Windows 11. The new Intel processor list, while structured differently, has caused confusion among users, leading some to believe legacy processors are now compatible with the current OS.
In notable announcements, Microsoft revealed the winners of this year’s Microsoft Store Awards, celebrating nine categories that recognized exceptional applications enhancing user experiences, boosting productivity, and inspiring creativity.
Additionally, Microsoft unveiled a new line of festive “ugly sweaters” in its merchandise store. Each design celebrates different facets of the company’s history, including nostalgic references to the Zune and the classic Xbox logo.
Windows Insider Program Highlights
This week’s releases for Windows Insiders include the following:
| Builds Overview | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | No new updates this week. | ||
| Dev Channel |
Build 26220.7433 This build introduces native MCP support for Windows, enhanced Quick Machine Recovery, improvements to the Update Orchestration Platform, updates to Windows MIDI Services, among other enhancements. |
||
| Beta Channel | |||
| Release Preview Channel | No new updates this week. | ||
The latest preview builds have also hinted at Microsoft’s intention to create a modernized Run dialog, which will coexist with the classic version that has been around for over twenty years. The necessity for this change remains to be clarified, given the recent dark mode enhancements to the existing dialog.
New Updates Available
This section highlights significant updates in software, firmware, and various releases that introduce new features, security patches, and overall enhancements from Microsoft and its partners.
Notably, improvements that facilitate downloading older and pre-compiled mod versions have started rolling out, along with many other enhancements.
PowerToys is set to receive an upgrade in version 0.97, allowing users to personalize backgrounds in the Command Palette module, enhancing the launcher’s customization capabilities.
Excel for Windows is also undergoing enhancements, particularly aimed at users who frequently grapple with formulas. The application now features descriptive cards that clarify errors such as #VALUE! and #SPILL!, easing the troubleshooting process.
On another note, Opera has announced the integration of Gemini 3 into its browsers, enabling AI features across Opera One, GX, and Neon. This enhancement allows users to conduct tasks such as answering questions and summarizing website content with improved speed thanks to a revamped engine.
Meanwhile, Mozilla is devising a tool to assist users in backing up essential data when transitioning from older Windows versions or alternate operating systems to Windows 11.
Lastly, be sure to review the comprehensive updates made in Visual Studio 2026 during November, along with an updated guide detailing how to restore Dolby Digital AC-3 codecs in Windows 11 via the AnWave app.
Here are other noteworthy updates and releases:
- Teams optimization through a new child process improving resource usage.
- The discontinuation of Mesh in favor of ‘immersive events’ within Teams.
- Samsung Magician has been updated to version 9.0, featuring a reworked UI and additional widgets.
- Disappointment expressed by an unofficial Windows 11 requirements bypass app developer regarding Microsoft’s new policy.
- Insights into the complexities of managing keyboard shortcuts in Visual Studio 2026.
Here are the latest drivers and firmware updates released this week:
- Nvidia 591.44 has removed support for GTX 900 and 10 Series, while optimizing for Battlefield 6.
Recent Reviews
Here’s a brief overview of the hardware and software reviewed this week:
Robbie Khan provided insights into the FiiO WARMER R2R Tube Buffer DAC, highlighting its affordability coupled with rich tube harmonics, an expansive soundstage, and impressive stereo images, despite a few minor quirks.
Gaming Updates
On the entertainment front, a Helldivers movie is in the works, courtesy of Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions. The game also recently launched a substantial update that drastically reduced its size from 154GB to just 23GB on PC.
Mojang has announced a revamp of the Minecraft version numbering system across Bedrock, Java, and snapshots, aiming to enhance clarity and consistency for users.
Furthermore, the December 2025 Game Pass update introduces an exciting batch of new titles for subscribers, including Mortal Kombat 1, Routine, Death Howl, Dome Keeper, and Marvel Cosmic Invasion, along with the highly anticipated Clair Obscure: Expedition 33.
Nvidia GeForce NOW will also welcome 30 new titles this month, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and III, MIMESIS, and the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
This week’s gaming deals and freebies feature two titles from the Epic Games Store: Jackbox Party Pack 4 and Darkside Detective, both available for free until next Thursday. For additional discounts, refer to our Weekend PC Game Deals article.
Other noteworthy gaming news includes:
- Star Citizen’s crowdfunding surpassing $900 million, with aspirations to reach one billion.
- Tim Cain, creator of Fallout, returning to Obsidian to work on a new mystery project.
We continually track various hardware and software deals weekly. Below are some significant discounts currently available:
- 27-inch SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 G53F – $179.99 | 28% off
- Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Mouse – $37.99 | 37% off
- Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Receiver – $348 | 23% off
- MSI Gaming RTX 5060 8G Ventus 3X OC – $289.99 | 26% off
You can find other editions of the Microsoft Weekly series here.
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