broader availability Archives

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Microsoft Announces Windows 11 Version 25H2

Microsoft has confirmed that the next version of its operating system is Windows 11 version 25H2, which became available to the Windows Insider community and is planned for broader availability in the second half of 2025. The support lifecycle for Enterprise and Education editions will be 36 months, while Pro editions will have a 24-month lifecycle. Windows 11 version 25H2 transitions from version 24H2 with build 26200.5670, maintaining a synchronized approach across all supported versions. It is built on the same codebase as 24H2, ensuring no new compatibility issues arise. New features will debut in 25H2 and will be rolled out to 24H2 through monthly cumulative updates, initially in a disabled state.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

WhatsApp gives users ‘Message Summaries’ for when those texts pile up

WhatsApp is introducing a "Message Summaries" feature to help users manage unread messages by providing concise overviews of conversations. This feature, powered by Meta AI, will display a banner in chats with many unread messages, allowing users to access key points in bullet form, including mentions of individuals. Currently, it is being rolled out to English-speaking users in the U.S., with plans for broader availability later. The feature is disabled by default to prioritize user privacy, and users can enable it in their settings. WhatsApp has also introduced "Ads in Status" for business growth, "Promoted Channels" for recommending channels, new video call effects, and improved emoji reaction sharing. Additionally, Meta AI has launched a dedicated app with features like Live Translation and AI discussions.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Will Death Stranding 2 be released on PC, Xbox, or Game Pass? Everything we know about Kojima’s new game

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has launched as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, with no current plans for a PC or Xbox version, nor availability on Game Pass. A PC port may be possible several months after launch, similar to the original game's release timeline. An Xbox release at launch is not feasible, and while a future release on Xbox is possible, it is unlikely soon. Any potential inclusion on Game Pass would depend on third-party publishing agreements after the exclusivity period. Future licensing agreements, market demand, and technical adaptations could influence broader availability.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

How to get Windows 10 extended security updates for free: 2 options

Microsoft has introduced new "free enrollment options" for its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, aimed at assisting consumers who are not ready to transition to new devices. Users can enroll without incurring costs by utilizing Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a fee. The ESU coverage for personal devices will extend from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. The enrollment wizard will be accessible via Notifications and Settings on Windows 10 PCs, starting in July with broader availability expected by mid-August. This offer is strictly for personal use, and complications may arise from syncing personal data to OneDrive.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10

Windows has been the most widely used operating system globally since its launch in 1985, currently powering over a billion active devices each month. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will stop providing security and feature updates, as well as technical support for Windows 10 PCs. Users can check their eligibility for upgrading to Windows 11 through the Settings menu or the PC Health Check app. Windows 11 features enhanced security, improved performance, and a modern user interface, with built-in accessibility tools and AI capabilities. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide critical security updates for personal devices from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. Organizations can subscribe to ESU for continued security updates for a year, with the option to renew annually. Windows 365 offers a cloud-based solution for transitioning to Windows 11 without needing to replace all devices immediately. Various Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are available from partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 11’s indicators for volume and brightness can soon be moved out of the way

The latest test build of Windows 11 allows users to reposition hardware indicators, such as volume and screen brightness, from the bottom-center of the screen to the top-left and top-center. The top-right position is not available to avoid interference with application management buttons. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing a new Recall homepage that provides easy access to frequently used applications and websites, showcasing recent activity and top-used content. This feature includes a navigation bar on the left side for transitioning between the new homepage and the existing Timeline feature. These enhancements are currently being tested with Windows Insiders.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

These 5 missing Windows 11 features are the most wanted among users

Microsoft's Feedback Hub was created to collect user suggestions for improving Windows 11. Five highly requested features identified by users include: 1. The ability to move the taskbar to the top or side of the screen, which has received 24,046 votes. 2. The option to completely disable recommendations in the Start menu, as users want to hide them permanently. 3. The ability to change the default search engine in Windows 11, which currently defaults to Bing and Microsoft Edge, with no plans for broader availability beyond the European Economic Area. 4. A reduction in Windows 11’s system requirements to allow it to run on older hardware, as many users cannot upgrade from Windows 10 due to current requirements like TPM 2.0. 5. More options for taskbar icons to optimize space, as the existing "never combine" mode has inconsistent behavior that frustrates users.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: redesigned Windows 11 Start menu, Xbox handheld is here, and more

Microsoft has released Patch Tuesday updates for June 2025, with Windows 10 receiving KB5060533 and Windows 11 receiving KB5060842 and KB5060999. The Windows Insider Program has unveiled several new builds, including a redesigned Start menu in build 26200.5641 and various enhancements in other builds. Microsoft has introduced Copilot Vision with Highlights for Windows, currently available in the U.S. for two applications. A quirky bug in the latest builds causes Windows 11 to play the Windows Vista startup sound. Microsoft Edge received an update in the Dev Channel, while Firefox rolled out version 139.0.4. Microsoft announced enhancements to Outlook and OneDrive for Mac. New Xbox handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, were unveiled, optimized for gaming. Steam's Next Fest allows free trials of hundreds of games until June 16, 2025, and the Epic Games Store is offering Two Point Hospital for free.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

OneDrive for Mac will soon give you more flexible storage options

OneDrive for Mac will soon support syncing with removable external drives, following the previous support for non-removable drives. This feature is available to Insiders using build 25.097 or later on macOS 15.0 or later. The external drives must be formatted for APFS, protected by FileVault, and not be read-only, network drives, or marked as quarantined. Users cannot transfer external drives between Macs for migrating OneDrive files; they must reconfigure OneDrive on the new device. Microsoft is seeking user feedback on this feature but has not provided a timeline for wider availability.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 will finally stop nagging you to set Edge as your default browser — but only in some markets

Microsoft is implementing updates to Windows 10 and Windows 11 to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA). Key changes include the removal of persistent prompts to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser, with notifications only appearing upon launching Edge. Users will have their choice of a third-party browser automatically applied to more link and file types, and the selected browser will be pinned to the Taskbar without extra steps. Additionally, if Microsoft Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not prompt users to reinstall it, specifically for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) using Edge technology. These updates are expected to roll out starting in June, with previews already available to Insiders.