Microsoft Weekly Roundup: Start Menu Redesign, AI Features & 50th Anniversary

Microsoft’s latest weekly roundup delivers a veritable buffet of news that spans an impressive range of topics—from a major Start menu overhaul on Windows 11 to milestone celebrations marking 50 years of the tech giant. This week, Windows enthusiasts can look forward to innovative AI-powered features, powerful updates for enterprise customers, and plenty of gaming and hardware action. Let’s dive into the details.

A Bold Overhaul: The Start Menu Reinvented​

One headline grabbing change is the “massive Start menu redesign” in the newest Windows Insider builds. Gone is the traditional two-section format; the new design consolidates your pins, recommendations, and app list into a single, scrollable view. This simplification means:

• Instant access to frequently used apps without extra clicks
• A cleaner, more intuitive layout for effortless browsing
• Improved integration of pinned items and all-app listings, streamlining user interactions

For those who’ve longed for a more coherent user experience, the redesign answers a chorus of user feedback. With this change, Microsoft not only responds to community suggestions but also makes navigating Windows 11 feel more natural—like flipping effortlessly through your favorite playlist rather than navigating a cluttered menu.
Key Takeaways:

• The Start menu is now a single scrollable view.
• Experience a smoother, more modern interface with integrated app lists.
• User feedback directly influenced this redesign.

Windows 11 and Windows 10: Shifting Usage Trends​

In a fascinating twist of fate, Windows 11 is gaining ground quickly in the OS adoption race. Recent statistics reveal that:

• As of March 2025, Windows 11 has reached an all-time high with 42.66% usage among general users.
• Windows 10, though still popular at 54.23%, is steadily declining as support ceases in just six months.
• Among gamers, Windows 11 outperforms — boasting over 55.34% usage compared to Windows 10’s 40.58%.

These numbers not only underscore users’ eagerness to embrace the latest innovations but also herald a shift in how the consumer ecosystem values new features and enhancements in the operating system. With Windows 10 support on the horizon, Microsoft’s aggressive push towards Windows 11 is a clear signal that the future is here—and it’s getting even more immersive.
Key Takeaways:

• Windows 11 is making significant inroads, especially among gamers.
• The operating system shift is imminent as support for Windows 10 winds down.

AI-Powered Enhancements: The Next Generation of Copilot​

In a move that cements the convergence of AI and everyday computing, Microsoft is expanding its Copilot features to all PC users on Intel and AMD systems. The latest suite of AI-powered enhancements includes:

• Live Captions: Transforming audio from any application or video into system-wide captions, improving accessibility and convenience.
• Paint Cocreator: A feature that turns your basic sketches into complete artworks, harnessing AI’s creative intuition.
• Restyle Image and Image Creator: These tools let you reimagine your digital pictures in different styles or generate entirely new visuals from prompts.

This infusion of AI creativity demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to making the user experience smarter and more interactive. By automating routine tasks and adding layers of customization, the new Copilot features promise to revolutionize how users interact with Windows—from daily productivity to creative endeavors.
Key Takeaways:

• New AI features simplify tasks, from accessibility with live captions to artistic expression in Paint.
• Copilot is not just a productivity tool—it’s a creative companion.

Enterprise-Grade Innovations: Hotpatch and Windows 365 Link​

For business users, Microsoft rolled out game-changing updates aimed at reducing downtime and enhancing security. Notably:

• Windows Hotpatch: Now available in Windows 11 version 24H2 for Enterprise customers, this feature allows critical security patches to be applied directly in memory without the disruptive need for a reboot. Imagine installing security updates while the system keeps on humming—talk about enterprise efficiency!
• Windows 365 Link: A new mini-PC-like device that grants you access to a cloud-based Windows 365 installation. Priced at $349.99 in the United States (and available only to commercial customers), the device comes with unique conveniences and extra features, ensuring that modern business environments can stay agile.

Additionally, the Windows 365 Link functionality has made its way into the revamped Windows App—now available on Android. This means users can maintain a connected workspace across devices, further blurring the lines between traditional desktop and mobile experiences.
Key Takeaways:

• Windows Hotpatch provides seamless security updates without downtime.
• The Windows 365 Link device brings cloud-based Windows into a cohesive, mobile-friendly ecosystem.

Insider Program: Building the Future, One Update at a Time​

The Windows Insider Program never sleeps. This week’s preview builds paint a picture of rapid evolution:

• Dev Channel Build 26200.5518 introduces taskbar modifications, including the ability to switch to smaller taskbar icons, alongside a cache of improvements in file sharing and recovery features.
• Beta Channel Build 22635.5160 (23H2) focuses on AI-driven enhancements like Narrator’s speech recap and additional refinements for Copilot and the sharing experience.
• Build 26120.3671 (24H2) mirrors much of the positive changes seen in the Dev Channel, ensuring continuity across different user feedback streams.

While nothing new came out of the Canary channel this week, the Dev and Beta channels are where the magic is happening—keeping the community engaged and the progress relentless.
Key Takeaways:

• Taskbar improvements and new features are being actively tested.
• Windows Insiders continue to play a crucial role in shaping the next version of Windows.

Celebrating 50 Years: A Look Back and a Leap Forward​

This week also marks a major celebration—Microsoft’s 50th birthday. The anniversary isn’t just a commemorative moment; it’s a testament to the evolution of technology over half a century. Key highlights from the celebration include:

• Special event gatherings with CEOs reuniting for an exclusive Copilot interview—a nostalgic yet forward-looking conversation.
• Bill Gates sharing some of the company’s earliest lines of Microsoft code, a poignant reminder of the modest beginnings that sparked a tech revolution.
• Launch of new celebratory wallpapers that let users immerse themselves in the company’s storied past while enjoying modern aesthetics.

During the event, Microsoft also unveiled several new Copilot enhancements such as Copilot Memory, Copilot Vision for Windows, Copilot Podcasts, Copilot Search, and Copilot Avatar. However, not all attention was celebratory—a protester raised concerns over Microsoft’s use of AI, alleging ties to controversial applications. Even so, the event underscored the power, complexity, and occasionally contentious nature of technological progress.
Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary with nostalgia and forward-thinking initiatives.
• Copilot’s new features hint at a future where AI integration deepens across the entire OS.
• The event balanced celebration with a reminder of tech controversies.

Productivity and Utility: From Office to Tools​

Office and productivity apps saw their share of updates this week:

• Microsoft 365 now boasts an astonishing capability: summarizing documents up to 3000 pages long. Whether you need a brief rundown or a detailed analysis, Copilot’s summarization feature offers three distinct levels—brief, balanced, and detailed.
• A refined mechanism for photo uploads via the Microsoft 365 Copilot app enhances the integration between mobile capturing and desktop productivity.
• While Microsoft delivered a detailed fix for a six-month DLL bug in Outlook and Word, users should remain cautious as issues like blank calendars and malfunctioning meetings persist in Outlook.

Further afield, two notable “toys” received significant attention:

• PowerToys have been updated to version 0.90, featuring a reimagined PowerToys Run launcher (now dubbed Command Palette), improved Color Picker, and robust support for variables—a boon for power users.
• Wintoys, on the other hand, has jumped to version 2.0. Among its new features are the forced classic File Explorer mode, a more graceful method to uninstall Edge, and an enhanced super-user section.

These updates underscore Microsoft’s commitment to not only addressing legacy issues but also furnishing users with tools that boost day-to-day productivity in a highly customizable environment.
Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft 365 improvements enhance document handling and photo integration.
• PowerToys and Wintoys are evolving to meet the needs of advanced users and administrators.
• Ongoing fixes in Outlook show Microsoft’s responsiveness to user feedback despite some persistent bugs.

Browsers, Firmware, and the End of an Era​

While Microsoft led the charge in OS and app enhancements, other industry players weren’t lagging:

• Mozilla’s Firefox version 137 now introduces exciting features such as tab grouping, PDF signature support, and an address bar that doubles as a calculator. In addition, Mozilla is revising how add-ons gather user data, signaling a commitment to privacy.
• Microsoft Edge is on the move too—version 135 is designed to enhance privacy by curtailing user fingerprinting.
• On a somber note for legacy hardware fans, the Surface Book 3 has officially reached its end-of-life as of April 1. Although Windows updates will continue, driver and firmware support for this once-popular device is over.

Not to be overlooked, Intel has rolled out its 32.0.101.6732 non-WHQL drivers. Promising better performance and support for high-profile games like The Last of Us Part II Remastered and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, these updates are a nod to the gaming sector’s relentless appetite for smooth and optimized performance.
Key Takeaways:

• Firefox and Edge are sharpening their tools to stay competitive with innovative browser updates.
• The end-of-life announcement for Surface Book 3 highlights the relentless pace of tech evolution.
• Intel’s driver updates aim to enhance the gaming experience on Windows.

Gaming and Beyond: Console Rumors, Game Pass Lineups, and Controller Innovations​

Gaming news this week stretches from major console rumors to the latest in Game Pass announcements. While the spotlight isn’t solely on Microsoft, here’s what stands out:

• Nintendo is gearing up for a major release with Nintendo Switch 2, slated for June 5. Boasting a 120Hz display, 256GB storage, reworked controllers, 4K output, and new social features, this console — priced at $449 — is already generating buzz. However, reservations in the United States are on hold while Nintendo evaluates tariff implications amid evolving market conditions.
• For those who prefer to enhance their Xbox experience, 8BitDo released the Ultimate 3-mode Controller for Xbox. Its distinctive translucent green design pays tribute to that legendary special edition of the original Xbox, and it even features Hall effect sticks and triggers.
• Meanwhile, Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers have new games to feast on. Titles such as Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition, Wargroove 2, Blue Prince, Hunt: Showdown, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, and South of Midnight have now joined the roster, while some games are saying their farewells.
• Minecraft’s Vibrant Visuals update is now available for beta testing on Windows. Although it promises a visual overhaul, testers should note a potential FPS hit on less powerful devices—a trade-off for striking new aesthetics.

Key Takeaways:

• Gaming innovations span next-gen consoles, refreshed controllers, and ever-expanding Game Pass offerings.
• Developers are challenging gamers to balance between cutting-edge visuals and optimal performance.
• Whether through new hardware or enhanced software, the gaming ecosystem continues to diversify its offerings.

Deals, Reviews, and Community Highlights​

A weekly roundup isn’t complete without a nod to community deals and editorial reviews:

• The Epic Games Store is currently offering Cat Quest II for free—a perfect opportunity for those interested in whimsical adventures with a feline twist.
• Reviews this week range from the beautifully crafted “South of Midnight”—an enthralling platformer lauded for its narrative and soundtrack—to the HONOR Pad V9, an affordable Android tablet that scores well for its lightweight design and solid build quality. However, potential buyers should note that the latter might lack features such as a microSD slot or cellular connectivity.
• Additionally, hardware deals across the board provide enthusiasts with opportunities to snag discounts on both software and tech gadgets, ensuring that there’s something for every budget.

Key Takeaways:

• Gaming freebies, like Cat Quest II, keep the community engaged and exploring new genres.
• In-depth reviews ensure that buyers are informed about the latest products in both the gaming and consumer electronics space.
• Weekly deals continue to serve as a valuable resource for tech aficionados looking for cost-effective upgrades.

Final Thoughts​

From a groundbreaking Start menu redesign that promises a more intuitive Windows 11 experience, to sweeping improvements in AI-driven features and enterprise-class security updates, Microsoft is pushing the envelope like never before. The celebration of 50 years serves as both a retrospective on decades of innovation and a preview of what’s to come—a future where integration between devices, applications, and intelligent tools is seamless.
Whether you’re a developer testing early builds as a Windows Insider, a business user deploying critical patches with Windows Hotpatch, or a gamer eagerly anticipating new Game Pass additions, this week’s announcements cater to every segment of the Windows community. As Microsoft and the broader tech ecosystem continue to evolve, one thing remains clear—the future of computing is not just about what comes next, but how it continuously adapts to meet our ever-changing needs.
The landscape of Windows and associated technologies is a dynamic one, blending performance, creativity, and security into a single narrative that defines modern computing. With each update, Microsoft reaffirms its commitment to user feedback and innovation while maintaining a delicate balance between nostalgia—as seen in its 50th celebration—and modern practicality.
Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft’s updates span consumer, enterprise, and developer needs.
• Community feedback, insider testing, and real-world performance improvements are cornerstones of the platform’s evolution.
• The interplay of innovative AI features, design overhauls, and robust security updates promises a bright future for Windows users.

As always, stay tuned to our community discussions on WindowsForum.com for the latest insights, deeper analyses of each update, and expert opinions that help you navigate this rapidly evolving tech jungle. Here’s to the next 50 years of innovation, creativity, and, yes, a little bit of playful disruption in the world of Microsoft technology.

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Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: Big Start menu redesign is here and Microsoft celebrates 50 years