This week’s information recap is right here, bringing you recent tales from the world of Microsoft. Unlucky layoffs, helpful Copilot updates, Patch Tuesday releases, BitLocker shenanigans, gaming information, numerous {hardware} opinions, and extra.

Fast hyperlinks:

1. Home windows 10 and 11
2. Home windows Insider Program
3. Updates can be found
4. Critiques are in
5. Gaming information
6. Nice offers to test

Home windows 11 and Home windows 10

Right here, we speak about every little thing taking place round Microsoft’s newest working system within the Steady channel and preview builds: new options, eliminated options, controversies, bugs, attention-grabbing findings, and extra. And, in fact, it’s possible you’ll discover a phrase or two about older variations.

This week, Microsoft launched Might 2025 Patch Tuesday updates. These on Home windows 10 obtained KB5058379 with construct numbers 19044.5852 and 19045.5852. Home windows 11 customers obtained KB5058411 for model 24H2 and KB5058405 for variations 23H2 and 22H2. Plus, there’s a new out-of-band hotpatch for Home windows 11 LTSC 2024.

Along with safety updates, these updates mounted some bugs, together with the one stopping Linux dual-boot on Home windows 11 techniques. Sadly, although, the identical updates triggered BitLocker issues on sure Intel-based techniques, and Microsoft is already engaged on a decision.

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Home windows 10 will quickly be out of assist, and also you, like hundreds of thousands of different customers, may be excited about upgrading to Home windows 11 earlier than October 2025. If you’re able to do it now (otherwise you simply wish to enhance your current expertise if you’re already on Home windows 11), take a look at this information with 5 essential issues to vary proper after putting in Home windows 11. And no, it isn’t about altering your wallpaper or transferring the taskbar to the left.

Home windows 11’s calendar flyout is fairly lame, and Microsoft is making an attempt to repair it with a brand new Calendar app, a minimum of for Microsoft 365 customers. The brand new program permits you to invoke a mini calendar together with your schedule and the flexibility to rapidly leap right into a Groups name, create a brand new occasion, or discover one thing.

Different Home windows-related stuff you may discover helpful consists of an official information from Microsoft about troubleshooting blue screens of dying and an attention-grabbing editorial from David Uzondu about what’s accountable for poor efficiency on fashionable, super-powerful computer systems.

Home windows Insider Program

Here’s what Microsoft launched for Home windows Insiders this week:

	Builds
Canary Channel	Construct 27858 This construct arrived after a three-week pause within the Canary Channel. It introduced a brand new emoji button within the tray space, a long-requested repair for desktop icons, and some bug fixes.
Dev Channel	Construct 26200.5581 (KB5058493) This construct introduces new Click on to Do actions for Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel and AMD processors. There are additionally Dynamic Lighting enhancements, a brand new FAQ part within the Settings app, and an replace to the Home windows Backup part, which helps you to switch recordsdata over Wi-Fi.
Beta Channel	Construct 26120.3964 (KB5058496) This is similar construct because the one Microsoft launched within the Dev Channel, nevertheless it additionally incorporates the promised AI agent, which helps you to ask Copilot to regulate Home windows settings within the Settings app (not out there within the Dev Channel in the intervening time).
Launch Preview Channel	Construct 22631.5409 (KB5058502) The replace launched the flexibility to remap the Copilot key, use the Win + C shortcut to invoke Copilot, Press to Speak, a brand new Settings part with regularly requested questions on your {hardware}, and extra.	Construct 1905.5912 (KB5058481) A uncommon preview replace for Home windows 10, which is able to quickly be out of assist, mounted the not too long ago crippled calendar flyout, and launched some minor modifications right here and there.

In addition to new builds, Microsoft launched an replace to Copilot Imaginative and prescient, a particular characteristic that may see what’s going on in your display screen and supply insights, reply questions, and extra. With the most recent replace, Copilot Imaginative and prescient can now work with two apps without delay, plus you’ll be able to ask it to information you thru one thing. For instance, you’ll be able to ask Copilot how one can add textual content to a video in Clipchamp, and it’ll present you (they’re actually stealing my job).

One other Copilot replace for Home windows 11 launched the flexibility to invoke the assistant and its Voice Mode with the “Hey, Copilot” command. It’s now rolling out to insiders throughout all channels. Lastly, ChatGPT’s newest image-generation capabilities are actually out there at no cost to Copilot customers. GPT-4o provides correct textual content technology on pictures, extra exact immediate following, picture modifying capabilities, and extra.

Updates can be found

This part covers software program, firmware, and different notable updates (launched and coming quickly) delivering new options, safety fixes, enhancements, patches, and extra from Microsoft and third events.

Microsoft introduced a brand new wave of layoffs. The corporate is letting go of about 3% of its world workforce, which roughly quantities to over 6,000 employees throughout international locations and departments. The corporate says that it continues “to implement organizational modifications essential to greatest place the corporate for fulfillment in a dynamic market.”

Microsoft additionally closed one of many three remaining offline shops. This time, the Microsoft Expertise Heart in Sydney, Australia, was closed for good. As a reminder, in January, Microsoft closed its Expertise Heart in London, UK.

This week, Microsoft launched an enormous replace for PowerToys. The Might 2025 replace underneath model 0.91 arrived with an extended checklist of varied fixes for Command Palette and different modules. Sadly, no new toys on this launch, however enhancements for current ones are additionally welcome.

No week goes by with out browser updates, and this time, we’ve some huge ones. Microsoft, for one, is pulling numerous options from its browser. Model 137, which arrived within the Beta Channel early this week, deprecates stuff like Picture Editor, Picture Hover menus, Mini menus, video upscaling, the Pockets hub, and extra. Nonetheless, there’s additionally some new stuff within the replace to make up for the loss.

Clients within the Steady Channel obtained a small replace. Model 136.0.3240.76 arrived with fixes for 2 safety vulnerabilities, certainly one of which has been actively exploited within the wild.

Mozilla additionally launched an replace for Firefox, however it’s a minor one. Model 138.0.3 mounted a bunch of bugs inflicting crashes, HDR points, non-working shortcuts, and extra.

Opera GX received a brand new characteristic replace. Builders launched a bunch of productiveness options to their gaming-oriented browser, resembling cut up display screen, latest tab highlights, and tab islands.

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This week’s Workplace updates begin with Microsoft killing a bunch of stuff. SharePoint Alerts are discontinued, and Microsoft will take away them by the tip of June 2026. Additionally, Microsoft is pulling the plug on Group information varieties in Excel as a result of the characteristic is simply too costly for Microsoft to keep up, and PowerPoint on Mac is getting caption technology primarily based on speech recognition.

Lastly, Microsoft delayed the rollout of a brand new coverage relating to enabling or disabling the brand new Outlook on Home windows.

This week introduced some attention-grabbing Floor information. For one, Microsoft reportedly killed the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2. It’s not in manufacturing, and there are not any successors in sight. Whereas Microsoft has not confirmed rumors, retailers informed the press that the software program large is not producing this {powerful} laptop computer with some attention-grabbing design decisions. Nonetheless, there are rumors bout Microsoft making a brand new Floor with certainly one of AMD’s upcoming low-power ARM processors. It may see the sunshine of day in 2026.

On the third-party facet, we’ve an replace for the Recordsdata app, certainly one of our favourite file managers for Home windows 10 and 11. Model 3.9.9, which is at the moment out there within the preview channel, launched redesigned icons, efficiency enhancements, and some bug fixes.

Listed here are different updates and releases it’s possible you’ll discover attention-grabbing:

• Microsoft introduced a serious replace to mannequin fine-tuning in Azure AI Foundry

• Visible Studio and Visible Studio Code reached 50 million month-to-month lively builders

• Microsoft discontinued the Bing Search API

• Microsoft denied accusations of its tech getting used to hurt civilians in Gaza

Listed here are the most recent drivers and firmware updates launched this week:

• Nvidia 576.40 WHQL with assist for DOOM: The Darkish Ages, RTX 50 fixes, and extra.

Critiques are in

Right here is the {hardware} and software program we reviewed this week

Robbie Khan was fairly busy this week, dropping fairly a couple of opinions of varied devices. Beginning with the ENGWE L20 3.0 Increase, a folding e-bike with full suspension, enhance mode, robust brakes, a strong on-board pc, and fast charging. It has some cons, although, resembling heft and a few quirks within the journey pc.

Additionally, Robbie reviewed the Quntis RGB Professional+, a customizable mild bar with a wi-fi controller and a few superb, premium craftsmanship. If you happen to want a comparatively cheap display screen mild bar, the Quntis RGB Professional+ will delight you.

There’s additionally somewhat unconventional evaluate, a comparability of two lavalier microphones, one from NANK and one from Maono. If you must improve your audio seize, our comparability will assist you to make your best option between these two.

Lastly, Robbie reviewed the Keychron B6 Professional, an reasonably priced keyboard that may cater to these on the lookout for a less expensive different to the legendary Logitech MX Keys.

Steven Parker revealed a evaluate of the T-FORCE XTREEM 7200 ARGB DDR5 reminiscence for contemporary Intel and AMD techniques. He in contrast the efficiency in varied modes, resembling 7200 CL34 vs. 7600 CL36 vs. 6000 CL30, and checked out the equipment general, with its fancy RGB lights.

On the gaming facet

Study upcoming sport releases, Xbox rumors, new {hardware}, software program updates, freebies, offers, reductions, and extra.

Microsoft introduced a floral assortment of equipment for Xbox and PC. They embrace floral-themed controllers from varied makers, a stylish-looking Xbox Storage Growth Card, a flowery headset, and extra.

Stalker followers have a motive to rejoice. GSC Sport World introduced a remake of the whole trilogy to optimize legacy video games for contemporary {hardware} and equip them with extra fashionable tech like enhanced lighting, godrays, display screen area reflections, world illumination, 4K cinematics, and extra.

Sea of Thieves continues receiving new content material updates. Season 16 is able to sail with moveable cannons, skeleton mercenaries, and loads of different content material. The replace can be out there on Might 22 on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

Nvidia introduced new video games for its GeForce NOW streaming service. The newest additions embrace DOOM: The Darkish Ages, The Precinct, Blacksmith Grasp, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Capcom Preventing Assortment 2.

Microsoft is testing a neat Dashboard replace for Xbox consoles. A preview replace, which is now out there to sure Xbox Insiders, permits you to cover system apps, pin video games to the house display screen, and extra, giving avid gamers the flexibility to have a cleaner UI with extra deal with their favourite video games.

Offers and freebies

The Epic Video games Retailer is giving freely two titles: Lifeless Island 2 and Completely happy Sport. If that isn’t sufficient, take a look at the most recent sequence of Weekend PC Sport Offers, the place you’ll discover zombies to slay, creatures to gather, and a bunch of recent bundles.

Different gaming information consists of the next:

• Skydance delayed Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra and pushed the discharge to 2026.

• Valve reassured that its techniques weren’t breached after the latest information leak

• Prince of Persia: Sand of Time and Anno 117 Remake lastly have launch dates

Nice offers to test

Each week, we cowl many offers on completely different {hardware} and software program. The next reductions are nonetheless out there, so test them out. You may discover one thing you need or want.

• WD 16TB Components Desktop Laborious Drive – $242
• Amazon Hearth HD 10 64GB Pill – $104.99 | 42% off
• Redtiger Twin Sprint Cam: $89.99 | 55% off

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