In this week’s Microsoft Weekly, we delve into a variety of updates and features that are shaping the landscape of Windows and gaming. The focus is on the latest Xbox features making their way to PC, essential applications for streamlining Windows 11, new preview builds, resolved issues, and an array of gaming news and hardware reviews.
Windows 11 and 10
This section highlights the latest developments surrounding Microsoft’s operating systems, including both stable and preview builds. Expect insights on new features, removals, bugs, and other intriguing findings, along with mentions of older yet still supported versions.
This week, Microsoft refreshed the Windows Health Dashboard, providing updated information on known bugs affecting Windows 11 version 24H2. A notable fix addresses the issue where users were unable to modify specific date and time settings. Additionally, a workaround has been introduced for those encountering difficulties with Windows updates via USB or CD media.
For users seeking to enhance their experience, Steven Parker has shared a guide on restoring Dolby Digital (AC-3) support in Windows 11 version 24H2, which is absent in fresh installations. Furthermore, two debloating applications have emerged as valuable tools for Windows 11 users: WinScript, an open-source app designed to execute multiple commands for system optimization and bloatware removal, and NoBloatbox, which allows users to selectively eliminate unwanted software from their installations.
In a recent blog post, Microsoft also provided IT administrators with insights regarding the installation of feature updates during the initial setup on managed devices.
Windows Insider Program
This section outlines the latest releases for testing within the Windows Insider Program.
| Windows 11 | Windows 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | 27788 | Not Applicable |
| Dev Channel | Nothing this week | Not Applicable |
| Beta Channel | 22635.4870 (23H2) 22635.4880 (23H2) |
Not Applicable |
| Release Preview Channel | Nothing this week | Nothing this week |
This week’s preview builds for Windows 11 introduced a significant update for MIDI, marking the first major enhancement in nearly fifty years. Additionally, build 22635.4870 now allows users to customize widgets on their lock screens, enabling them to toggle off unnecessary widgets and retain only the most essential ones.
Moreover, an update for the Microsoft Store has been rolled out, permitting users to choose which components of games they wish to download—an excellent feature for those who prefer to skip high-resolution textures or specific campaigns.
Finally, Optical Character Recognition has made a return in the Photos app for Windows Insiders, having been reintroduced with enhancements and bug fixes after its removal in November 2024.
Updates are available
This section covers notable software, firmware, and other updates that bring new features, security fixes, and improvements from Microsoft and third-party developers.
As the year unfolds, Microsoft has already announced the dates for its upcoming developer conference, Build 2025, scheduled for May 19-22 in Seattle, Washington. More details regarding tickets and the agenda will be unveiled as the date approaches.
In terms of browser updates, Firefox 135 has been released, featuring a redesigned new tab page, credit card autofill support, and various privacy enhancements. Meanwhile, Opera has introduced a new browser, Opera Air, aimed at creating a more relaxed browsing experience with built-in utilities for mindfulness and stress relief.
Microsoft’s Edge 133 has also been launched, bringing an updated downloads interface, an AI-powered scareware blocker, and improvements to the built-in price tracker. For those in the Dev Channel, version 134.0.3096.1 has been released, featuring “Browser Essentials” enhancements and various fixes.
Additionally, Microsoft is preparing to enhance the Notifications API, which will soon support call notifications with custom buttons. An amusing development includes a faux “guide” created by the company that humorously critiques Google Chrome instead of providing uninstallation instructions for Edge.
Chrome is also set to receive exciting updates, with version 134 enhancing picture-in-picture mode for a smoother video playback experience across tabs.
Reviews are in
This section features hardware and software reviews published this week.
This week, two notable reviews were released. Steven Parker evaluated the GEEKOM A6 mini PC, highlighting its compact design and enhanced memory and storage capabilities. In contrast, a pair of sleep-specific headphones from Philips received a less favorable review, with the conclusion that they did not meet expectations.
On the gaming side
Stay updated on upcoming game releases, Xbox rumors, new hardware, software updates, and enticing deals.
In a surprising turn of events, several Xbox titles are making their way to the PlayStation 5. Following the announcement of Forza Horizon 5 transitioning to the rival console, Microsoft is set to release Age of Mythology: Retold and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 5 users.
For fans of the Need for Speed series, EA has delivered disappointing news. Currently, all efforts from Criterion Games are focused on the next Battlefield installment, expected before April 2026, leaving the future of Need for Speed uncertain. Vince Zampella, in a recent interview with IGN, mentioned that while the series may return, a timeline remains unclear.
Microsoft has already hosted a gaming event this year, with another scheduled for February. The first ID@Xbox showcase will take place on February 24, 2025, featuring a variety of indie games from different publishers, streamed live by IGN at 10 AM PT, 1 PM ET, and 6 PM BST.
Valve has also made a small but impactful update to Steam, introducing a banner for abandoned games that have not received updates for an extended period, aiding gamers in avoiding abandonware.
Nvidia has announced a new lineup of games now playable on the GeForce NOW streaming service, including Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, SWORN, Alan Wake, Far Cry: New Dawn, and more.
Deals and freebies
The Epic Games Store is currently offering two free titles: Beyond Blue and Humankind, available for free until next Thursday. Amazon Prime members can also enjoy several free titles through the Amazon Games app, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, including Bioshock Infinite: Complete Edition, Surf World Series, Sands of Aura, among others. More games are expected to be available later this month.
As always, additional deals can be found in this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals article.
Stay tuned for more gaming stories and updates as the week unfolds.
Great deals to check
Each week, we explore various deals on hardware and software. The following discounts are still available, so take a look—you might discover something that piques your interest.
