This week’s news recap brings a wealth of updates from the tech world, particularly focusing on Microsoft and its expansive ecosystem. The latest preview builds for Windows 11 showcase a redesigned Start menu, reminiscent of the nostalgic Windows Vista era, alongside a flurry of other enhancements. The anticipation surrounding the Xbox handheld devices continues to grow, while Patch Tuesday updates and various gaming news add to the excitement.
Windows 11 and Windows 10
In this segment, we delve into the latest happenings surrounding Microsoft’s operating systems, including both stable and preview builds. This week’s Patch Tuesday updates have rolled out for June 2025, with Windows 10 receiving KB5060533, featuring build numbers 19044.5965 and 19045.5965. Meanwhile, supported versions of Windows 11 have been updated with KB5060842 and KB5060999, showcasing build numbers 26100.4349, 22631.5472, and 22621.5472. An out-of-band update was also released to address issues with games utilizing Easy Anti-Cheat, which had been causing unexpected system restarts.
Additionally, Microsoft has introduced Copilot Vision with Highlights for Windows. This innovative feature allows AI to interpret on-screen activities, providing users with contextual information and analysis. Currently, its functionality is limited to two applications and is available only in the United States, with plans for broader availability in the future.
For those looking to enhance their Windows experience, a third-party maintenance tool has emerged, capable of running various checks and repair utilities. There’s also a helpful guide on personalizing OneDrive folders, adding a splash of color to your digital workspace.
Windows Insider Program
This week, the Windows Insider Program has unveiled several new builds:
| Builds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | |||
| Dev Channel |
Build 26200.5641
This build introduces the much-anticipated Start menu redesign, along with improvements to Lock Screen widgets, enhancements for Narrator, and updates to the gamepad keyboard, among various fixes. Build 26200.5651 This subsequent Dev build adds a Settings app agent, Recall improvements, a calendar clock with seconds, context menu enhancements, and more. |
||
| Beta Channel |
Build 26120.4250
This Beta build mirrors the changelog from the Dev Channel. Build 26120.4441 This build is identical to 26200.5651 from the Dev Channel. |
||
| Release Preview Channel |
Build 22631.5545
This update improves default browser settings and the Windows Share UI, alongside several bug fixes. |
Build 19045.6029
This build enhances app defaults and addresses multiple issues in Windows 10. |
|
The redesigned Start menu stands out as the highlight of these new builds, although its rollout is gradual. Users eager to experience the new interface can expedite the process by utilizing the ViVeTool app, as detailed in our guide.
Interestingly, the latest builds have introduced a quirky bug where Windows 11 plays the nostalgic startup sound from Windows Vista upon booting. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and is actively working on a fix for future updates. For users on the latest Dev and Beta builds, this glitch offers a delightful trip down memory lane each time they power on their devices.
Updates are available
This section highlights notable software, firmware, and other updates that deliver new features, security fixes, and improvements from Microsoft and third-party developers.
This week, Microsoft Edge received a fresh update in the Dev Channel, alongside secure password deployment for organizations. This feature was introduced in the Stable Channel on June 13, with version 137.0.3296.83. Firefox also rolled out a minor update, version 139.0.4, addressing issues related to browser freezing and improper wallpaper saving. Additionally, Mozilla announced the discontinuation of its Deepfake Detector service, which will cease operations on June 26, 2025.
In the realm of Office updates, enhancements to the new Outlook will block more file types and enable additional offline tasks. OneDrive for Mac now supports external disks, while Clipchamp has introduced video trimming capabilities based on transcript edits. OneNote has also been updated to support Copilot Notebooks, and Microsoft provided an update on the removal of Exchange Online Basic Authentication in Office 365.
On the gaming side
This week has been bustling with gaming news, particularly following the Sunday Game Showcase. Microsoft and ASUS unveiled two new Xbox handhelds: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. These portable consoles, optimized for gaming, run a specialized version of Windows designed to enhance performance and battery life.
Moreover, Nvidia has announced new titles for its cloud-streaming service, GeForce NOW, allowing gamers to enjoy a selection of new games, including Frosthaven Demo and Dune: Awakening. Mojang has also set a release date for its Vibrant Visuals and Chase the Skies updates for Minecraft, slated for June 17, bringing a host of new features and visual enhancements.
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Deals and freebies
Steam is currently hosting a new Next Fest, allowing gamers to try hundreds of games for free until June 16, 2025. Meanwhile, the Epic Games Store is offering Two Point Hospital, a humorous hospital simulation game, at no cost. As always, additional deals can be found in this week’s Weekend PC Games Deals article.
In other gaming news, an editorial by Paul Hill explores the emerging cost frontier in modern gaming, providing insight into the evolving landscape of game pricing.
Great deals to check
This section covers a variety of ongoing deals on hardware and software. Be sure to explore the latest discounts, as you may discover something that piques your interest or fulfills a need.
For more insights, you can access previous issues of the Microsoft Weekly series. Additionally, consider supporting Neowin by registering for a free member account or subscribing for enhanced member benefits, including an ad-free experience.
