Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (KB5074157) has been released to the Beta Channel.
Changes and Improvements:
- The "Accounts > Other Users" dialog has been redesigned using the WinUI framework and now supports dark mode.
- Copilot prompt suggestions in Click to Do will load instantly, but this change is not available for Insiders in the EEA or China.
- Users can now set .webp images as their desktop background.
Fixes:
- Taskbar autohide issue resolved.
- Start menu memory leak fixed and issues with incorrect opening side for Arabic and Hebrew users addressed.
- Bluetooth battery level display issue resolved.
- Fixed unexpected app behavior in Xbox full-screen experience.
- Login screen password icon issue fixed.
- Resolved crash in Settings when interacting with audio devices.
- Fixed keyboard character repeat delay settings discrepancy.
- Addressed clipped text issues in msinfo32 and installation errors with .appinstaller files.
- Notepad font display issue corrected.
- Fixed explorer.exe hang issue upon logging in.
Known Issues:
- Some applications may exhibit unexpected behavior in Xbox full-screen experience.
- Investigating visibility issues of apps in the system tray for some Insiders.
- Addressing display issues on secondary monitors showing black screens.
- Working on a fix for Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality when the app is not running.
Reminders:
- Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2.
- Features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology.
- Features in development may not be released to the public and can evolve or be removed.
Amazon will cease operations of its multiplayer online game, New World, on January 31, 2027. The game has been removed from all platforms, but current owners can still access it until the shutdown date. Purchases made with in-game currency will not be refunded. Amazon plans to release New World: Aeternum for Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as PlayStation 5, in October 2024.
In the final quarter of 2025, a poll conducted among over 34,000 participants revealed that 55.4% (18,981 individuals) were interested in transitioning from Windows to Linux. Only 4.5% (1,538 readers) expressed a willingness to migrate to macOS, and 1.9% showed interest in switching to gaming consoles. Overall, 61.8% of respondents indicated disillusionment with the Windows platform, while 38.2% (13,105 participants) remained committed to Windows. Many comments reflected dissatisfaction with Windows 11, particularly regarding its interface and the integration of other Microsoft products.
The gaming community is speculating about potential remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas following the successful remaster of Oblivion. Bethesda is currently focused on developing Starfield and Elder Scrolls 6, and any announcements regarding the remasters may take time. A glitch on Steam prevents users from leaving reviews for Fallout 3 and New Vegas, stating, "You must wait until this product has been released before writing a review for it," which has fueled speculation about imminent remasters. This glitch has also affected other games, such as Kerbal Space Program, and discrepancies in search results for Fallout games on Steam may be due to region-specific packages. Some fans are hopeful for announcements at the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct, while others advise caution regarding the excitement surrounding the remasters.
The preorder pop-up linked to Forza Horizon 5 indicated a four-day early access period beginning on May 15, with the official release set for May 19, and offered an exclusive Ferrari J50 for preorders. However, attempts to replicate the pop-up experience have been unsuccessful, raising questions about its authenticity. The Xbox Direct showcase is scheduled for January 22, where Forza Horizon 6 and other titles are expected to be unveiled.
Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.
Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a modern metroidvania known for its class-based combat, exploration mechanics, and pixel art. Released in 2021 by LABS Works, it was notable among other metroidvania titles like Axiom Verge 2 and Ender Lilies. LABS Works is currently developing a new game called Lovish, which will be a single-screen platformer featuring straightforward combat and intricate puzzles. Lovish is set to launch on Steam on February 5, with a free demo available now. The pixel art for Lovish is created by Kap, known for his work on 1001 Spikes.
The delay in booting up a Windows 11 laptop can be caused by multiple applications that automatically launch at startup, which can hinder system performance. Common applications that may launch include antivirus programs, Microsoft OneDrive, Slack, gaming applications, backup tools, and webcam software. Users can manage these startup applications through three methods: Task Manager, Settings, or File Explorer.
In Task Manager, users can view and disable startup applications by right-clicking on entries in the Startup apps menu. The impact of each application on startup time is categorized as high, medium, low, none, or not measured. In the Settings app, users can navigate to Apps and then Startup to toggle off applications they do not want to launch automatically.
File Explorer can also be used to manage startup applications by accessing the shell:appsfolder and shell:startup or shell:common startup commands to view and modify the applications set to launch at sign-in. Users are advised to disable applications they rarely use while keeping essential security software enabled. Third-party startup managers like Autoruns and Startup Delayer can provide additional insights into startup applications. Similar management methods apply to previous Windows versions.
Hytale is not officially compatible with the Steam Deck, but it can still be played on the device using its native Linux installer. Players can install Hytale by switching the Steam Deck to desktop mode, downloading the Linux installer from the Hytale website, and following a series of steps to add the game to their Steam library. Additionally, Hytale can be installed on other gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, Xbox Ally X, or Lenovo Legion Go using its Windows installer.
