This week brought a blend of nostalgia and change in the world of Microsoft, as Windows 10 celebrated its 10th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, Neowin published a retrospective featuring the top ten features that defined the operating system, alongside a look at ten features that failed to gain traction and five persistent issues that remain unresolved.
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Windows 10’s anniversary is bittersweet, as it coincides with the quiet discontinuation of Windows 11 SE. This version, aimed at competing with ChromeOS in the education sector, will not receive the upcoming Windows 11 version 25H2, with support set to end by October 2026. This move signals a strategic retreat from a segment that has proven challenging for Microsoft.
In a more promising development, Microsoft announced plans to open-source WinUI, the user interface framework for Windows 11. This initiative, while complex, aims to foster a more collaborative environment over the next six months, with foundational changes to support this transition.
For those contemplating a switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11, even on unsupported hardware, the updated Flyoobe tool offers new features to enhance the out-of-the-box experience.
Recent data from Statcounter indicates a gradual increase in Windows 11’s market share, although Microsoft Edge continues to struggle in the competitive desktop browser arena. For businesses considering the transition to Windows 11, Microsoft has provided guidance on upgrade paths via Intune or Windows Autopatch, with the latter touted as the optimal choice for corporate environments.
Windows Insider Program
This week, Microsoft rolled out several updates for Windows Insiders:
| Channel | Builds | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | Build 27913 includes general fixes, a redesigned search box in Settings, and improvements to desktop backgrounds. | ||
| Dev Channel |
Build 26200.5722 introduces a long-requested feature allowing users with multiple displays to access the notification center from any screen. Additionally, it brings the Settings agent to Copilot+ PCs with Intel and AMD processors. Build 26200.5733 offers enhancements for File Explorer and fixes for the Start menu. |
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| Beta Channel |
Build 26120.5722 mirrors the Dev Channel’s Build 26200.5722. Build 26120.5733 is identical to Build 26200.5733 from the Dev Channel. |
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| Release Preview Channel | |||
Multi-monitor users will appreciate the latest preview builds, which finally allow access to the notification center from any display. Additionally, the long-awaited return of the mouse crosshair has been confirmed after a lengthy absence.
Updates are available
In the realm of updates, Microsoft recently reported a record-high profit of .2 billion and revenue of .4 billion for the last financial quarter, propelling its market cap to trillion, joining Nvidia in this elite club.
A new addition to the Surface lineup, the Surface Laptop Smurface Edition, has been announced, marking a unique collaboration with the Smurfs franchise.
Adobe has made strides for Windows on ARM users, with several popular creative applications now available natively on Qualcomm-powered devices, albeit in beta and with some features still missing.
In browser news, Microsoft Edge has introduced an AI-driven feature called Copilot Mode, designed to enhance the browsing experience with contextual summaries and multi-tab awareness. Meanwhile, Google Chrome is following suit with similar functionalities.
However, not all news surrounding Edge is favorable; Opera has filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, alleging unfair practices aimed at promoting Edge over competing browsers.
In Office updates, two highly anticipated features for OneNote have been rolled out, alongside immersive sounds for Microsoft Teams. Microsoft is also working on UI improvements across various applications, including Teams and Outlook.
In an unexpected turn, Microsoft has banned the developer account of LibreOffice, citing violations of the Service Agreement, with appeals having thus far been unsuccessful.
Reviews are in
This week, Steven Parker provided insights into several products, including a review of the LincPlus LinkStation S1 NAS, the T-FORCE XTREEM 600/C30 DDR5 memory kit, the TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus, and the GMKtec NucBox K10.
On the gaming side
In gaming news, Microsoft has released the July 2025 update for the Xbox app on PC, enabling users to stream their own games through Xbox Cloud Gaming. The company is also gearing up for its presence at the upcoming Gamescom show in Germany, showcasing titles such as Hollow Knight: Silksong and Borderlands 4.
EA has decided to maintain the price point for games, reversing a previous plan to raise it to . They also announced Plants vs Zombies: Replanted, a remaster of the beloved 2009 title, featuring enhanced graphics and new multiplayer modes.
Additionally, a public beta for Battlefield 6 is on the horizon, with developers sharing system requirements and gameplay trailers. Nvidia has also announced new titles for GeForce NOW, including Grounded 2 and Mafia: The Old Country.
Valve has revealed updates for the Steam client, including a revamped store interface and support for new games on Linux through Steam Proton beta.
Great deals to check
This week’s deals cover a variety of hardware and software, with special discounts available for the Back to School season. Be sure to explore these offers for potential savings on your next purchase.
