Welcome to the latest edition of Microsoft Weekly, where the Thanksgiving break might have dimmed activity on the surface, but there’s still plenty of action to discuss. This week, we explore stunning new wallpapers for Windows 11, some eyebrow-raising app updates, and Microsoft's declared "no-build week." Oh, and let's not forget a glimpse into gaming news, freebie treasures, and some tantalizing Black Friday tech deals.
Let’s dig deeper into each major topic!
In one word—nothing. Due to Thanksgiving, Microsoft skipped delivering new builds for the Windows Insider Program, leaving tech communities yearning for fresh features or fixes.
But here’s something to look forward to—Windows 11 version 24H2 updates continue rolling out smoother than ever, and KB5048779/KB5047131 have added setup improvements to refine overall stability.
While Microsoft paused activity this week, we anticipate next week’s Insider builds to focus on performance optimizations and further polish version 24H2, which launched to glowing reviews for its stability and File Explorer upgrades. Fingers crossed for Insider news next Wednesday!
Taking our gaming cap now, Microsoft and the wider gaming community delivered some noteworthy snippets:
It’s never really been a dull week without deals! Here are the standouts worth checking ASAP:
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: New Windows 11 wallpapers, app updates, and a no-build week
Let’s dig deeper into each major topic!
Windows 10 and 11 Updates: Bye Windows 10, Hello New Wallpapers
Key Takeaways:
- Countdown to Windows 10 Farewell: With Windows 10 officially reaching its end of support in about ten months, users have limited options available unless they’re ready to fork over $30 annually for extended security updates. That pricing model doesn’t just feel odd—it raises user grumbles. What are the alternatives? Linux? Windows 11? Upgrading hardware seems almost unavoidable at this point to keep receiving feature and security updates. Could this be your moment to pivot to a new OS, or test the unchartered seas of Linux Mint?
- DeX Says Goodbye: Samsung’s DeX for PC, a quirky yet underrated feature allowing Galaxy devices to run a desktop-like Android interface directly on your PC, is being retired with the arrival of One UI 7. Samsung insists, however, that Microsoft's Link to Windows will fill the gap. While that’s promising, DeX's absence leaves power users looking for seamless setups a little abandoned.
Bonus Treat for Wallpaper Fans:
One of the standout low-key highlights is Microsoft releasing brand new, high-definition wallpapers inspired by Windows 365 Link Devices for Windows 11 users. The visual aesthetic calls back to the signature “Bloom” design but with creative new textures and vibrant color mixes. If you’re ready to liven up your desktop, these wallpapers are an instant hit.
What’s Up with the Windows Insider Program?
In one word—nothing. Due to Thanksgiving, Microsoft skipped delivering new builds for the Windows Insider Program, leaving tech communities yearning for fresh features or fixes.But here’s something to look forward to—Windows 11 version 24H2 updates continue rolling out smoother than ever, and KB5048779/KB5047131 have added setup improvements to refine overall stability.
While Microsoft paused activity this week, we anticipate next week’s Insider builds to focus on performance optimizations and further polish version 24H2, which launched to glowing reviews for its stability and File Explorer upgrades. Fingers crossed for Insider news next Wednesday!
Updates Galore: Exploring the Software Refreshes
- Office Updates with a Dash of Drama:
- Earlier in the week, controversy struck when tech forums debated whether Microsoft quietly harvests user data from Office documents to train AI models. Microsoft swiftly refuted this claim, stating clearly (and repeatedly) that user privacy inside Office products remains sacrosanct.
- What’s new? Word for the Web now supports “line numbering,” a lifesaver for legal teams and content editors previously tied to the desktop version.
- Microsoft 365 Companion App:
Heads up! Microsoft is testing the File Search Companion feature directly integrated into the Windows taskbar. Early feedback suggests seamless file indexing and decision-tree-like decluttering for quicker work sessions. - Clipchamp + Microsoft Stream Merger:
In a surprising move, Microsoft decided to merge its video-editing and streaming platforms, Clipchamp and Stream, under a unified branding strategy. While Clipchamp has gained major traction amongst creators for simplified edits, does absorbing Stream (an enterprise-focused tool) dilute Clipchamp's fun-first audience appeal? Eager to hear your thoughts on this! - Updates You Can't Miss:
- Firefox Version 133 lands with enhanced Bounce Tracking Protection (great for privacy hawks), and a cleaner tab-overview mode.
- Microsoft Edge Dev Channel rolls out Version 132: developers can enjoy extended WebUI2 tweaks and fewer crash scenarios.
- System Updates:
- AMD has quietly rolled out RAID fixes supporting Windows 11 setups in 22H2/24H2, which is essential if you're rocking high-performance storage configurations.
Gaming World Highlights
Taking our gaming cap now, Microsoft and the wider gaming community delivered some noteworthy snippets:- Halo in VR: The 2001 classic, Halo: Combat Evolved, surprises modding communities by debuting a full VR mode! While exclusive to PC builds for now and avoiding the MCC bundle alternative, it rekindles Halo nostalgia with fresh one-on-one engagement intensity.
- Cyberpunk Continues Winning:
- CD Projekt Red finally enjoys some sunshine—Cyberpunk 2077 crosses 30 million copies sold, with expansion Phantom Liberty raking in an additional 8 million units. There’s more to celebrate: the next Witcher saga is already racing through full-scale development with tantalizing teases expected mid-2025.
- Xbox Avatars Say Goodbye:
After years of lukewarm reception, Microsoft is officially burying “Xbox Avatars” on January 9, 2025. Refunds for Avatar-related purchases between late 2023 and January 2025 are promised—so it’s your last chance to snag those good sleeves and nostalgic assets.
Deals to Make Your Day
It’s never really been a dull week without deals! Here are the standouts worth checking ASAP:Hardware to Invest In:
- Motorola Razr+ (2024) – 25% off ($749.98).
- Seagate IronWolf Pro NAS HDD sweetens deal-ready storage choices.
- PlayStation 5 Slim edition clocking $374 (~17% off MSRP!).
SSDs & Wi-Fi Systems:
- SAMSUNG T7 2TB SSD: $139. It’s rarely ever below $150! Lightning quick for backups.
- TPLink's reliable Mesh Wifi/AX Systems drop 28-35%.
Wrapping Up: Should You Care About Microsoft Weekly This Quiet Season?
Even when the flow seems thinner during holiday-heavy weeks, there’s always depth to unearth:- New apps segue niche preferences (File Companion / Explorer),
- Wallpapers reignite desktop-centered creativity,
- Gaming divisions connecting VR reboot essentials.
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: New Windows 11 wallpapers, app updates, and a no-build week
