Windows 12 Isn't Coming Soon: Focus on Windows 11 Copilot+ AI Hardware

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Windows 12 is not arriving this year — and Microsoft’s roadmap makes clear why the company is leaning into Windows 11, Copilot+ hardware, and iterative feature updates instead of rushing a numbered successor.

Background / Overview​

Microsoft’s next major Windows chapter has been the subject of relentless rumor and speculation for more than two years. Early leaks and off‑hand references inside the industry suggested an internal codename such as “Next Valley” for whatever follows Windows 11, and many outlets treated a 2024–2025 launch window as likely. The short version of where we stand today: Microsoft has not announced a consumer product called Windows 12, the company is shipping substantial feature work inside Windows 11 (notably the 25H2 cycle and Copilot integrations), and independent reporting plus Microsoft’s own communications point to a continued focus on Windows 11 and AI‑enhanced PCs rather than a hard pivot to a new OS number. This reading of the landscape is reflected in the summary coverage compiled by the 9meters piece that sparked this update.
The practical consequence for users and IT teams is simple: treat Windows 11 as Microsoft’s current flagship, expect continued major feature updates inside Windows 11, and plan hardware refreshes around the arrival of Copilot+ and AI‑ready silicon rather than a single “Windows 12” replacement day. The evidence behind that guidance is drawn from Microsoft’s own technical blogs and multiple independent outlets tracking the company’s product moves.

Why the question of “Windows 12” matters now​

Three overlapping dynamics make talk about Windows 12 more than idle rumor‑mongering:
  • Windows 10 reaches its planned end‑of‑support, which creates migration pressure for enterprises and consumers alike. Microsoft’s lifecycle guidance pins that date and vendors have been planning around it.
  • AI is rapidly shifting the PC value proposition. Microsoft’s Copilot strategy and the new class of Copilot+ PCs (machines with on‑device NPUs and new hardware gates) change upgrade calculus for users who want local AI responsiveness. Microsoft and OEMs are promoting those devices and tying AI capabilities to both hardware and software roadmaps.
  • Microsoft has changed its update model several times across the last decade. The hybrid of “continuous feature updates” plus occasional bigger releases means a visible “Windows 12” could be unnecessary if Microsoft chooses to fold major changes into successive Windows 11 updates or into platform releases that target new silicon. Observers point out that today’s development cadence is flexible enough that the company can deliver substantial experience shifts without a new major number.
These forces combine to create ambiguity: Windows 10’s sunset nudges users toward a successor, while Microsoft’s AI and platform investments create incentives to tie large changes to hardware generations and services (Copilot, Azure, NPUs) rather than to a single boxed product.

What Microsoft has actually said (and what it hasn’t)​

Microsoft’s public message is straightforward and cautious: the company continues to invest in Windows 11 and is shipping major feature and servicing updates there. The official Windows IT Pro blog and Release Preview communications document the rollout approach for Windows 11 version 25H2, and they explain that Microsoft is using shared servicing branches to make 25H2 an incremental, low‑friction installation for existing Windows 11 users. That messaging does not include an announcement of a “Windows 12” consumer product. At community channels and Q&A pages, Microsoft staff and moderators reiterate the same point: there is no published plan to ship a major new Windows version beyond Windows 11 at this time, and customers should assume continued investment in Windows 11 feature updates and Copilot experiences. Those official signposts, read alongside Microsoft’s product marketing for Copilot+ PCs and the Windows Insider channels, are why many analysts have concluded that — practically speaking — there is no Windows 12 rollout scheduled for 2025. Important clarifications:
  • Microsoft’s language has been to emphasize Windows 11 as the platform where innovation will continue in the near term. That is not the same as a categorical refusal to ever use another version number in the future; it is a statement about the company’s present roadmap.
  • When journalists write that “there’s no Windows 12,” they often mean “no Windows 12 arriving in 2025.” Microsoft can change its approach if strategy or market conditions demand it.

The 25H2 context: what’s shipping now and why it matters​

Microsoft’s 25H2 update (Windows 11, version 25H2) is emblematic of a new model: substantial experience and security work delivered with minimal disruption, plus AI‑first features that can be toggled or gated by hardware capabilities.
Key points about 25H2 and the immediate roadmap:
  • 25H2 is being delivered with a shared servicing branch so the installation behaves like an enablement package for many PCs — fast, low downtime, and designed to keep compatibility stable. Microsoft’s Windows IT Pro materials explicitly describe this approach.
  • The update emphasizes AI features (Copilot expansions, Click‑to‑Do AI actions, summarization, File Explorer AI elements) and improvements to accessibility, gaming performance, and security. Many of the new features are progressive rollouts tied to Insiders or Copilot+ hardware.
  • From a support perspective, 25H2 resets the servicing window for enterprise SKUs, making Windows 11 the platform for long‑term commercial support while Microsoft continues to innovate within that lifecycle.
Why this matters to the Windows 12 conversation: 25H2 demonstrates Microsoft can and will deliver “big” changes without introducing a new major Windows number. For many users the practical experience of arriving features will be just as relevant as the name of the OS itself.

Rumors vs. verifiable facts: codenames, “Next Valley,” and leaks​

A recurring rumor in reporting about a successor OS is the internal codename “Next Valley” (a play on Windows 11’s Sun Valley branding). The name has appeared repeatedly in coverage of leaked UI experiments, Ignite demos and industry reporting, and reputable outlets have treated the codename as plausible — but not confirmed as a ship name or public branding. In short, “Next Valley” is a credible leak‑level codename, not an announced product name. Other leak patterns to weigh:
  • UI prototypes (floating taskbar, different search positioning, more adaptive layouts) first surfaced in Ignite-era imagery and subsequent Insider experiments. These prototypes show Microsoft exploring new metaphors, but prototypes are a long way from final shipping products. Treat them as design signals, not guarantees.
  • Hardware vendor references (Intel, OEMs) sometimes mention compatibility with a “next Windows,” but these references are often about silicon enablement rather than a final OS shipping date. For example, hardware roadmaps that promise support for future OS features typically describe enablement windows rather than launch dates.
Bottom line: the codename traces are real signals from the industry, but they remain unverified as official product names or dates. Any article that treats “Next Valley” as the public brand or as proof that Windows 12 is imminent is relying on rumor, not Microsoft confirmation.

AI at the center: Copilot, Copilot+ PCs, and why that changes timing​

Microsoft’s narrative for PC evolution now centers on AI as a platform capability. Two constructs are central:
  • Copilot — the system and service that embeds large‑language models, context awareness, and productivity actions into Windows and Microsoft 365 experiences.
  • Copilot+ PCs — OEM and Microsoft‑certified devices with local NPU acceleration, designated to deliver the best on‑device AI experiences (lower latency, local model inference). These devices are being marketed as a category and are sold on the promise of enhanced on‑device AI.
The practical implications:
  • Microsoft can roll AI features progressively in Windows 11 and let them be hardware‑gated: users with Copilot+ silicon experience richer local features; others get cloud‑backed behaviors. This reduces the urgency of a single “Windows 12” release to add AI features — the platform already allows differentiation inside Windows 11.
  • Hardware partners and Microsoft want time to ship and certify NPUs and next‑gen chips. Tying major OS features to a hardware wave takes coordination and often delays public feature availability until silicon and drivers are mature.
That strategic tethering of features to hardware is a large reason the industry expects AI‑first changes to be phased over time and dependent on Copilot+ PC adoption — another argument for Microsoft to refine Windows 11 instead of switching version numbers prematurely.

System requirements and compatibility: separating rumor from likely outcomes​

A central anxiety for users is whether their current PC will run whatever comes next. Rumored minimums and “AI‑only” requirements vary widely in press and community threads, so it’s important to be explicit about what’s verified and what is speculation.
What is verifiable:
  • Windows 10’s end‑of‑support is a fixed date: October 14, 2025. That calendar event is real and should be the anchor for migration planning.
  • Microsoft’s official Copilot+ hardware guidance and partner certification do specify minimum NPU/TPU performance bands for devices to qualify as “Copilot+” — in other words, Microsoft is already defining a subset of features that will work best on specifically certified hardware. Those spec documents are real and affect OEMs and device SKUs.
What remains speculative or unverified:
  • Specific Windows 12 minimum system requirements (for a hypothetical Windows 12 “base” or “Pro” SKU) have not been published by Microsoft. Community leaks and rumor posts propose ranges (8–16GB RAM, modern 8th‑gen Intel or Ryzen 3000+, TPM 2.0, SSD/ NVMe), but these are educated guesses based on historical patterns and the push to AI enablement. Treat these as guidance at best.
  • Claims that a future Windows will mandate an NPU or that older Windows 11‑compatible machines will be blocked are not supported by Microsoft’s public guidance. The company’s current approach is to gate advanced AI features by hardware while keeping the base OS broadly compatible. That means older compatible devices will likely run the OS at a functional level but may miss hardware‑accelerated AI features.
Practical guidance for readers and IT managers:
  • Use October 14, 2025 (Windows 10 EoL) as the planning milestone for migrations and security posture changes.
  • If local AI features matter, budget for Copilot+‑class hardware and consult OEM Copilot+ certification guidance rather than single leaked requirement lists.
  • Expect Microsoft to continue delivering features to Windows 11 for both AI‑enabled and non‑AI devices; plan for phased rollouts rather than a one‑time big upgrade.

Release scenarios: what to expect and how to prepare​

Analysts and reporting outline three reasonable scenarios for how Microsoft might proceed in the next 12–36 months:
  • Incremental evolution inside Windows 11 (the most likely near‑term path): Microsoft continues to deliver AI and UX changes as annual/frequency updates (25H2, 26H1/26H2 model) and ties advanced features to Copilot+ devices. This is Microsoft’s present posture and aligns with its public messaging.
  • A formally numbered “Windows 12” launch timed with a hardware wave (less likely in the immediate term): Microsoft could choose to ship a new major version when a meaningful portion of the ecosystem supports on‑device AI. This would be accompanied by a classic RTM/GA cadence and significant partner marketing; however, Insider, blog, and product activity to date show Microsoft is prioritizing Windows 11 feature delivery instead.
  • A hybrid approach: Microsoft launches “Next Valley” as a targeted edition for Copilot+ devices or enterprise SKUs while keeping Windows 11 as the consumer mainstream label. This modular approach would let Microsoft segment feature gates while minimizing disruption for legacy users. Some leaks and industry commentary have described modular or CorePC architectures that support this model — again, unconfirmed but possible.
How to prepare (recommended, ordered steps):
  • Inventory: Map which devices in your fleet are Windows 11 capable and which are stuck on Windows 10. Prioritize security‑critical systems for early upgrades.
  • Pilot Copilot features: Test Copilot and privacy settings on candidate devices; evaluate whether local NPU acceleration matters to your workflows.
  • Budget for hardware refresh where AI matters: For roles that will tangibly benefit from on‑device AI (content creation, dev/test, large dataset analysis), plan device replacements in FY cycles that align with vendor Copilot+ SKUs.
  • Update deployment plans: Use Windows 11 25H2/26H1 lifecycle rules for update windows and servicing, and keep Extended Security Update (ESU) options in mind if you need extra runway.

Strengths and risks of Microsoft’s current strategy​

Strengths
  • Reduced disruption: Delivering big features inside Windows 11 with shared servicing reduces the installation friction that historically accompanied OS jumps. That’s a clear operational win for IT.
  • Hardware differentiation without fragmentation: Microsoft can create premium, AI‑rich experiences for Copilot+ buyers while still supporting a broad base of devices — a practical market segmentation that helps OEMs upsell without forcing a hard fork.
  • Faster iteration on AI features: Building AI into Windows 11 and Copilot allows Microsoft to iterate quickly, refine agentic capabilities, and learn from telemetry before committing to a full platform rebrand.
Risks
  • Confusion and upgrade fatigue: Users and admins may be confused by overlapping feature gates, “Copilot only” messaging, and shifting minimums — complicating procurement and support. Rumors about mandatory NPUs can fuel uncertainty even if they’re false.
  • Platform balkanization: If Microsoft sharply differentiates AI features by hardware, some classes of customers (e.g., budget or long‑life industrial PCs) could feel excluded and shift to alternative platforms. That fragmentation could hurt the broad Windows ecosystem.
  • Security and privacy tradeoffs: Deeper Copilot integration and agentic features raise legitimate questions about telemetry, local vs cloud model behavior, and data governance that enterprises must address through policy and configuration. The tradeoffs are manageable but real.

What we can verify today — and what to treat with caution​

Verified (public, attributable facts):
  • Windows 10 end of standard support: October 14, 2025. Organizations should treat this as the migration anchor.
  • Windows 11 version 25H2 is Microsoft’s current major update path and uses a shared servicing branch for faster installs and extended support windows for enterprise SKUs.
  • Microsoft is actively promoting Copilot and Copilot+ PCs; OEM certification and partner communications for the Copilot+ category are public and meaningful for hardware planning.
Unverified or speculative (treat cautiously):
  • Any particular ship name or public branding such as “Windows 12” or “Next Valley” as an official, consumer‑facing product until Microsoft announces it. Use these names as rumor tags, not facts.
  • Exact minimum system requirements for a hypothetical Windows 12 — until Microsoft publishes them — remain speculative; community lists and rumor pages should not be used as procurement specifications.
Whenever you see a confident claim about a formal Windows 12 release date, system‑level requirement, or feature list — look for Microsoft’s own announcement or a Windows Insider blog post. Those are the only places to accept product definitions as official.

Realistic timelines and final read​

Given Microsoft’s public posture, platform releases, and hardware partner cadence, the most realistic near‑term outlook is:
  • Short term (next 3–9 months): Continued Windows 11 feature rollouts (25H2 and smaller updates), expanded Copilot functionality, and more Copilot+ certified devices hitting the market. Enterprises should use this window to execute their Windows 10 migration plans and pilot AI features.
  • Medium term (9–24 months): Possible rebranding or larger structural changes to Windows if Microsoft chooses to consolidate a major set of AI and platform changes into a new product label — but there is no publicly confirmed Windows 12 date. If Microsoft opts for a new major version, expect a phased unveiling (Insider builds → preview → staged public rollout) tied to OEM silicon readiness.
  • Long term (24+ months): Microsoft’s platform choices will be clearer once silicon cycles settle, enterprise adoption of Copilot+ hardware scales, and the company decides whether a new version number improves clarity or just creates needless churn. Until there’s an official Microsoft announcement, treat major‑version timelines as speculative.

Quick takeaways and actionable checklist​

  • Windows 12 as a formal product is not confirmed — Microsoft is focused on Windows 11 and Copilot/AI rollouts for the near term.
  • Use October 14, 2025 (Windows 10 end of support) as your operational milestone and plan upgrades accordingly.
  • If on‑device AI matters to your users, budget now for Copilot+ certified hardware and validate vendor claims against Microsoft’s Copilot+ guidance.
  • Treat codename leaks (e.g., “Next Valley”) and system‑requirement lists from rumor pages as useful signals, not procurement spec documents. Verify with Microsoft blog posts and Windows Insider documentation before acting.
Microsoft’s strategy right now is pragmatic: ship polished, AI‑enhanced capabilities in Windows 11, give OEMs time to deliver AI silicon, and avoid the disruption of a full version‑number switch unless doing so clearly simplifies the customer story. For users and admins, the most sensible posture is to prepare for migration from Windows 10 by the official end‑of‑support date, pilot Copilot features where they provide real benefit, and watch Microsoft’s Windows Insider and Tech Community posts for any formal announcements about product naming, system requirements, or a true “Windows 12” launch. Conclusion
The “Windows 12” conversation is now less a single release date and more a discussion about how Microsoft will stitch AI, silicon, and Windows forward‑compatibility together. That stitch is happening inside Windows 11 today. Until Microsoft issues a formal statement about a new Windows product — with published system requirements and a clear deployment schedule — the prudent approach is to plan around Windows 11 updates and hardware refresh cycles that enable Copilot and on‑device AI.
Source: 9meters Latest About Windows 12 Release Date - 9meters
 
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Microsoft is rolling the Xbox Ally X’s full‑screen, controller‑first Windows shell — the “Full Screen Experience” (FSE) — out to a broad set of Windows 11 handhelds starting November 21, 2025, turning the Xbox PC app into a console‑style home screen and changing how handheld Windows machines boot, conserve resources and present game libraries.

Background / Overview​

Microsoft introduced the Full Screen Experience (FSE) as a layered, controller‑first shell that sits on top of Windows 11 rather than replacing the operating system. The feature first shipped preinstalled on ASUS’ ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, devices co‑engineered with Xbox to present a console‑like launcher out of the box. Microsoft has moved the underlying FSE components into the Windows 11 25H2 Insider preview stream and is enabling the UI on other handhelds by OEM entitlement and staged rollout, with MSI Claw models among the early preview recipients. Under the hood FSE is a session posture: the Xbox PC app becomes the “home app,” Explorer and other desktop ornamentation are deferred or hidden during the session, and Windows applies policies to delay non‑essential background tasks. That preserves Windows compatibility with Steam, Epic, Battle.net and other PC storefronts while exposing a simplified, controller‑optimized surface for launching games. Microsoft’s Windows Insider post (Build 26220.7051 / KB5067115) documents the expand‑to‑preview plan and the Settings control path for enabling FSE: Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience.

What the Full Screen Experience actually changes​

A controller‑first home, not a new operating system​

FSE does three practical things at the visible level:
  • Boots the device directly into the Xbox PC app (when configured) so users land in a full‑screen game launcher instead of the Windows desktop.
  • Aggregates installed titles and store entries (Microsoft Store/Game Pass, Steam, Epic, Battle.net, etc. into a single, controller‑navigable grid so gamers don’t have to wrestle with small desktop UI targets on handheld screens.
  • Adapts Game Bar, Task View and an on‑screen controller keyboard for bumpers, sticks and an Xbox hardware button where present, making switching between games and apps practical without a keyboard or mouse.
Technically, the system remains Windows 11: kernel, drivers and anti‑cheat systems still run as normal. What changes are the session policies and shell components: Windows defers wallpaper, some Explorer shells and non‑essential startup services to reduce idle CPU wakeups and free memory that the desktop would otherwise consume. That trimming is intended to improve sustained responsiveness and battery life on thermally constrained handheld APUs. Early reporting and Microsoft’s preview notes frame reclaimed memory as a directional improvement rather than a guaranteed number; observed results vary by device, drivers and what was running before you entered FSE.

How to enable FSE (the supported path)​

  • Update to a Windows 11 build that contains the FSE plumbing (Microsoft references Build 26220.7051 / KB5067115 in the Insider stream).
  • On supported hardware, open Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience.
  • Choose a home app (Xbox is the default) and select whether the device should Enter full screen experience on startup.
  • During a session, you can enter or exit FSE from Task View or the Game Bar.
Microsoft emphasizes staged visibility: binaries may be present in a preview build but server‑side entitlements, OEM firmware and product validation determine whether a particular device sees the FSE toggle. That’s why some Insider users see the option on certain handhelds while others do not.

Performance claims and what the numbers mean​

Public reporting and hands‑on tests claim modest but meaningful runtime benefits: by suppressing desktop UX elements and deferring background maintenance, FSE can reclaim roughly 1–2 GB of RAM on tuned handhelds and reduce the number of idle CPU wakeups that cause micro‑stutters. The Verge, Windows Forum analysis and device reviews quote memory savings on that order, but the key caveat is device dependence: driver maturity, OEM power profiles, and what background apps were installed will determine the actual impact. Treat headline memory figures as engineering estimates, not universal guarantees. Why this matters: many handheld PCs use thermally constrained APUs where sustained frame pacing — not peak FPS — determines the feel of a session. Reducing background noise can keep the APU from needing to dip clocks during long sessions, which translates into steadier frame delivery and, in some cases, better battery efficiency. But FSE does not alter kernel scheduling or GPU driver models; it simply lowers system overhead so the hardware has a cleaner timeslice for rendering work.

Compatibility, anti‑cheat and ecosystem constraints​

FSE’s layered approach preserves the openness of Windows, but it does not remove the practical compatibility problems that can plague PC handhelds:
  • Anti‑cheat and DRM systems: these still run under Windows and are not magically solved by FSE. Games blocked on Linux/SteamOS for anti‑cheat reasons will still face issues on Windows handhelds with FSE disabled or enabled depending on driver/OS state. Users who rely on titles with legacy DRM or experimental anti‑cheat stacks should test those games before assuming they’ll work in handheld posture.
  • Store downloads inside the Xbox shell are bounded: Game Pass and Play‑Anywhere titles are first‑class citizens inside the Xbox PC app, but not all purchases from the Xbox storefront are immediately downloadable via the Xbox launcher; some titles still require their original launchers or cloud streaming. That friction can limit the “one launcher to rule them all” promise in practice.
  • Community workarounds exist (ViVeTool, registry edits, third‑party utilities) that can unlock FSE in unsupported configurations — but they are brittle, may break overlays/anti‑cheat and can void warranty or complicate vendor support. Use the official Insider route or an OEM‑blessed update where possible.

How FSE stacks up against SteamOS and Valve’s approach​

Valve’s SteamOS and the Steam Deck UI launched years earlier and have been refined with heavy focus on controller navigation, sleep/quick‑resume and Linux‑native optimizations. Observers note that SteamOS remains more mature in areas such as system integration for game resuming and a tightly tuned console‑like software layer, while Windows FSE is newer and still maturing. That said, FSE’s advantage is straightforward compatibility with the full breadth of Windows PC software and anti‑cheat systems that still favor Windows, not Linux. Which is better depends on user priorities:
  • If you want the broadest library compatibility and native Windows support (including Windows‑only titles and tooling), FSE on Windows handhelds is the pragmatic choice.
  • If you prioritize a polished, console‑like experience with quick resume and a decades‑refined interface for controller users, SteamOS currently has the edge — though Microsoft’s broader rollout pressures it to iterate faster.

OEM rollout, timelines and practical availability​

Microsoft’s public timeline places broader handheld availability on November 21, 2025, with the Insider Build 26220.7051 serving as the distribution vehicle for the preview plumbing. ASUS shipped Ally devices with FSE preinstalled; MSI Claw models received the preview toggle in Insider channels; Lenovo and other OEMs have signaled plans to enable the UI when they’re ready. The staged, entitlements‑based rollout means availability will vary by OEM and region; OEMs will deliver validated firmware and driver packages before enabling FSE for retail customers. Windows Central and other outlets confirm Microsoft’s partner showcase messaging: the Xbox FSE will be available on Windows handhelds starting November 21 and will arrive on more PC form factors via Xbox and Windows Insider programs soon. Expect a staggered cadence — preview on Insiders, then broader OEM‑enabled consumer rollouts as firmware and driver stacks mature.

Practical risks and advice for enthusiasts and IT buyers​

Risks to understand​

  • Gated enablement and entitlements: having the right OS build does not guarantee the FSE toggle will appear — OEM entitlement servers and firmware are part of the equation. Don’t flip channels mid‑project on a device you need for work without recovery media.
  • Support implications: community unlocks and registry hacks can lead to unsupported configurations that OEMs may refuse to service under warranty until you return the software to a supported state.
  • Software edge cases: early responders reported sleep/resume oddities, occasional Game Bar/overlay misbehavior and the occasional driver mismatch that affected input mapping or heatsink profiles. These are typical for major changes in boot/session posture and will improve with subsequent driver/firmware updates.

Recommended steps before experimenting​

  • Back up your system image and create a Windows recovery USB before changing Insider channels.
  • Prefer OEM‑provided updates: wait for your vendor to provide an FSE‑validated firmware/driver bundle if you rely on the device for work.
  • If you test the Insider path, ensure the Xbox PC app and Game Bar are on preview channels and check Feedback Hub for known issues.
  • If you must use community tools, document every change and know how to revert via Safe Mode or recovery media.

What this means for developers and the game ecosystem​

Microsoft’s Handheld Compatibility Program, developer guidance on controller input and the new Windows Performance Fit indicators are intended to give developers a way to tag games as “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible.” That taxonomy matters: as more OEMs ship FSE‑enabled devices, developers will need to test for legibility, controller mappings and thermal ceiling behavior to ensure a good handheld experience. Microsoft and OEMs must also provide clear guidance for scaling UI, text legibility and input schemes so the Handheld Compatibility badges have actionable meaning for players.
For middleware and anti‑cheat vendors, FSE’s arrival does not change the underlying requirement to support Windows drivers and kernel components; it does, however, increase the importance of predictable behavior across boot postures and power states — particularly for live‑service games where disconnections or overlay incompatibility can be catastrophic. Developers should test in both desktop and FSE sessions and explicitly document any known issues for players.

Strategic implications for Microsoft and the Xbox hardware story​

Microsoft’s move to roll FSE onto a variety of Windows handhelds is consistent with a platform‑first hardware strategy: rather than producing a proprietary handheld OS, Microsoft is using Windows 11 as the base and delivering a consolelike front end via the Xbox PC app. That approach keeps Windows’ ecosystem advantages while giving Microsoft a surface to highlight Game Pass, Play Anywhere and Xbox services on portable hardware. Analysts and outlets have pointed out that this partner‑centric approach — exemplified by the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally family — aligns with comments from Xbox leadership about premium, curated hardware experiences; some outlets have speculated that Microsoft’s next Xbox might look more like a high‑end PC‑hybrid than a traditional console. Those are industry read‑throughs, not confirmed product plans, and should be treated as informed speculation rather than fact. Strategically, the advantages are clear:
  • Microsoft can expand the Xbox experience across multiple device classes quickly by shipping a layered shell rather than a distinct OS.
  • OEM partners shoulder hardware margins and distribution while Microsoft controls platform services and the user interface presented to Game Pass customers.
  • The model preserves Windows compatibility (a major business advantage over Linux‑only alternatives) while offering a more console‑like experience for consumers.
The tradeoffs are also clear: Microsoft’s experience must scale cleanly across dozens of OEM driver stacks and firmware variants, and OEMs must be willing to invest in tuned driver and power‑profile updates to deliver the polished experience players expect.

Verdict: pragmatic, promising, but not finished​

Microsoft’s Full Screen Experience is a pragmatic engineering approach to a long‑standing Windows handheld problem: make the platform behave more like a console without throwing away the openness and compatibility that make Windows valuable. Early hands‑on reporting and the Windows Insider rollout demonstrate clear UX and resource management wins on supported hardware, and the November 21, 2025 expansion places FSE where it can reach more owners and faster telemetry cycles. That said, the experience is still early. Expect incremental improvements in driver maturity, sleep/resume behavior and launcher polish over the next several months. Buyers who prize immediate, worry‑free console‑like behavior should favor devices that ship with FSE enabled and validated by the OEM (for now, the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally family is the exemplar). Enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering can experiment with Insider builds, but they should do so with full backups and recovery plans in place.

Short checklist for buyers, with a recovery safety net​

  • Confirm your handheld is on Windows 11 25H2 or newer and identify the exact Insider build (Build 26220.7051 / KB5067115 is the preview that surfaced FSE expansion).
  • Prefer OEM‑enabled updates over community unlocks.
  • Back up system images and create a recovery USB before switching Insider channels.
  • Test critical titles (especially those with anti‑cheat) in both desktop and FSE modes before assuming full compatibility.
  • Report issues via Feedback Hub (Gaming and Xbox > Gaming Handhelds) so Microsoft and OEMs can prioritize fixes.
Microsoft’s rollout of the Xbox Full Screen Experience to more Windows handhelds is an important step for portable PC gaming: it closes the gap between Windows’ flexibility and the pick‑up‑and‑play polish gamers expect from consoles. The work ahead — driver tuning, developer adoption and careful OEM enablement — will determine whether FSE becomes a routine feature that elevates handheld Windows gaming, or an optional mode that only advanced users adopt. For now, the controlled rollout starting November 21 gives both testers and OEMs the breathing room to iterate, and for players it presents a clear, supported way to get a more console‑like Windows experience without leaving the Windows ecosystem.
Source: Engadget Microsoft brings the Xbox Ally X's full screen experience to other handhelds
 
Microsoft’s Store now lets you remove store‑installed apps directly from the Store Library, and Windows 11 gains a supported, device‑level policy to deprovision inbox Store packages centrally — a pair of changes that closes a long‑running gap between everyday users’ expectations and enterprise manageability.

Background / Overview​

For years Microsoft Store apps and inbox Store packages have lived under two different management expectations: end users would uninstall simple Store apps through Settings or the Store UI, while IT teams relied on brittle scripts, DISM image edits, or third‑party “debloat” tools to strip nonessential inbox apps from corporate images. That split created operational friction: removals broke after feature updates, package family names shifted between builds, and administrators had no reliable first‑party policy surface to control provisioning at the device level.
Microsoft recently addressed both sides. First, the Microsoft Store’s Library page now offers an Uninstall option for Store‑managed apps so users can remove them without opening Settings. Second, Windows 11 (version 25H2) introduces an ADMX‑backed policy named Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system, which lets administrators pick inbox Microsoft Store packages to deprovision at the device level through Group Policy, Microsoft Intune, or an MDM CSP. These are distinct features with different target audiences — the first simplifies end‑user workflows, the second provides enterprise control.

What changed in the Microsoft Store (Library uninstall)​

A simpler path to remove Store apps​

The Microsoft Store Library now exposes a three‑dot menu entry and an Uninstall action for apps listed as installed. That removes the extra step of opening Settings → Apps just to remove a Store app, and it aligns the Store with other modern app stores where the library and installed lists double as management surfaces. The change first appeared for Insider builds (notably around the 22510.x preview family) and is rolling out through Store updates.
Benefits for everyday users include:
  • Faster cleanup of ephemeral or test apps without leaving the Store UI.
  • A consistent place to view installed apps and act on them.
  • Reduced friction for users who rely on the Store as the single app management surface.
Important caveat: managed or provisioned apps may be re‑deployed by MDM/Intune policies or by OS provisioning flows; local uninstall does not always prevent re‑provisioning for managed fleets. Administrators should validate store‑side provisioning and device policies before relying on the Store Library uninstall as a management control.

What changed for IT: Windows 11 25H2 device‑level removal policy​

The new policy at a glance​

Windows 11, version 25H2 includes an ADMX/MDM setting called Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system. This is a device‑level policy (not per‑user) and is intended for Windows 11 Enterprise and Windows 11 Education SKUs. Administrators can enable the policy via Group Policy (ADMX) or Intune (Settings Catalog) and select which inbox Store packages to remove from a curated list exposed by Microsoft. Enforcement occurs during provisioning events such as OOBE, the first sign‑in after an OS upgrade, or when the policy itself is updated and processed at sign‑in.
Key technical facts confirmed in Microsoft’s shipped configuration surfaces:
  • Group Policy path: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → App Package Deployment → Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system.
  • Intune (Settings Catalog): Exposed under Administrative Templates → Windows Components → App Package Deployment → Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system.
  • Corresponding MDM CSP OMA‑URI: ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/ApplicationManagement/RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages (accepts an ADMX‑style XML payload).
This policy gives organizations a supported, auditable surface for “debloating” that replaces fragile scripts and image hacks — but it is intentionally targeted (inbox Store packages only) rather than being a universal debloat tool.

Technical walkthrough: how to configure and validate​

Group Policy (ADMX)​

  • Open Group Policy Management / Local Group Policy Editor.
  • Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → App Package Deployment.
  • Find Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system and set it to Enabled.
  • Use the policy options UI to toggle the apps you want to remove (the UI lists the removable package items exposed by the build). Apply and scope the GPO to target OUs or machines.

Microsoft Intune (Settings Catalog)​

  • In the Intune admin center create a Device configuration profile (Platform: Windows 10 and later → Settings catalog / Administrative Templates).
  • Add: Administrative Templates → Windows Components → App Package Deployment → Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system.
  • Enable the setting and set the per‑app toggles as needed. Assign to device groups.

Direct CSP / OMA‑URI (advanced)​

  • OMA‑URI: ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/ApplicationManagement/RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages
  • Data type: String (XML/ADMX‑backed payload specifying package IDs and true/false flags)
  • Useful for MDMs that prefer raw OMA‑URI payloads or for automation through Intune’s custom OMA‑URI controls.

How enforcement runs​

  • Enforcement triggers: OOBE, first sign‑in after an OS upgrade, or user sign‑in after the policy is updated. This design aligns the cleanup with provisioning flows so images remain clean during on‑boarding and upgrades.

How to verify success​

  • Check the Appx deployment operational event log for Event ID 762 to confirm package deprovisioning actions and outcomes.
  • Validate the absence of target apps in Settings → Apps → Installed apps, and confirm Start/tiles and Provisioned package lists.
  • For device‑level telemetry, verify that the corresponding registry keys under HKLM reflect the applied ADMX values (Group Policy writes HKLM entries when applied).

Which apps can be removed (and limitations)​

Microsoft ships the policy against a curated list of inbox Microsoft Store packages. Early enumerations and community testing showed common consumer/Inbox items such as Calculator, Paint, Notepad, Photos, Camera, Snipping Tool, Sound Recorder, Windows Media Player, Windows Terminal, Clipchamp, News, Weather, Sticky Notes, To Do, Solitaire, some Outlook/Teams consumer components, Xbox and related Xbox helper packages, Feedback Hub, Quick Assist, and similar Store experiences appearing on the removable list. The exact set of package IDs is exposed in the Group Policy UI and the CSP payload for each build and may change over time. Administrators must validate the actual package set available in their 25H2 build before relying on it.
Critical constraints to remember:
  • The policy targets Microsoft inbox Store packages only — third‑party OEM or vendor apps are generally out of scope unless Microsoft parcels them as Store inbox packages.
  • Supported editions: Windows 11 Enterprise and Education (version 25H2 or later). Consumer SKUs such as Home or Pro are not the target for this policy.
  • Device‑level behavior: The policy prevents provisioning for new accounts and attempts to remove packages for the device, but existing user profiles may retain some app state depending on timing — plan pilots accordingly.
  • Provisioning and resets: Sysprep/Reset/feature updates can re‑provision apps in some scenarios; validate image lifecycle and Reset this PC flows in lab testing.
Because Microsoft may update package IDs and the supported removal list between builds, any claim of a fixed set of removable apps should be treated as time‑bound and validated in each environment. This is an important operational reality to call out: the package list is not static.

Real‑world impact: wins and operational caveats​

Why this matters for IT​

  • It replaces fragile script‑and‑image workflows with a supported, auditable policy surface that integrates with existing management tooling (Group Policy, Intune, MDM).
  • It reduces maintenance overhead and the risk of rework after major updates that used to reprovision inbox apps unexpectedly.
  • It standardizes the debloat process across devices when applied at scale, producing cleaner images for provisioning and Autopilot flows.

Practical caveats and risks​

  • Device‑level scope complicates clean removal for existing user profiles. If you must clean up user profiles already on machines, be prepared for supplementary remediation (PowerShell, DISM, or account‑level fixes).
  • Staged rollouts and feature gating mean identical hardware might behave differently across rings. Pilot coverage must include representative hardware and update channels.
  • The policy is not a silver bullet for OEM preloads, drivers, or non‑Store binaries; it only targets Microsoft’s curated inbox Store packages. OEM partner apps and vendor utilities typically remain outside the policy’s reach.
  • Some community tests have reported UI artifacts (dead Start tiles) and other small quirks after removal; plan remediation documentation and user support playbooks accordingly.

Deployment playbook: step‑by‑step recommendations for admins​

  • Inventory and scope:
  • Identify test devices across hardware families (laptops, desktops, Copilot/NPU devices if relevant).
  • Flag devices by join type (Azure AD / Hybrid / On‑prem domain) and management channel.
  • Record baseline installed Store packages and provisioned Appx packages.
  • Pilot (5–10% of fleet):
  • Create a pilot policy in Intune and a matching GPO for lab domain devices.
  • Target a small, representative set of devices with a helpdesk/test user included.
  • Apply the policy and capture logs at OOBE and first‑sign‑in enforcement events.
  • Validate:
  • Check Event ID 762 in the Appx deployment operational log after enforcement.
  • Verify removed items aren’t present for new user accounts.
  • Test Autopilot/OOBE and Reset workflows; validate Sysprep and Push Button Reset behaviors in a lab image.
  • Rollout:
  • Expand rings iteratively, monitoring helpdesk tickets and compatibility hit lists.
  • Keep policy toggles minimally invasive at first — remove only clearly unneeded consumer items, not shared runtimes.
  • Rollback and re‑enable:
  • To re‑enable a removed app, clear the selection in the policy, sync the policy, and reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store or redeploy via management. Document the path and test restore scenarios.

Complementary tools and when to use them​

  • DISM /Remove‑ProvisionedAppxPackage: Use when building or maintaining images to prevent apps from appearing for new user profiles. This is the image‑level control that persists across new accounts. Be careful: DISM edits are image‑level and harder to reverse without reimaging.
  • PowerShell Get‑AppxPackage / Remove‑AppxPackage: Useful for per‑user removals or targeted cleanup of existing accounts. Works well in scripts for remediation post‑policy.
  • winget uninstall: Good for repeatable, scriptable removals of non‑system desktop apps. Doesn’t replace Store provisioning controls but helps with Win32 tool cleanup.
Use the new policy as the first‑line supported mechanism for controlling inbox Store packages on managed devices; use DISM/PowerShell/winget when you need image‑level persistence or per‑user remediation that the policy does not address.

Strengths, limitations, and what to watch next​

Strengths​

  • Provides a supported, centralized way to control a class of preinstalled apps that historically required fragile hacks.
  • Integrates with existing management tools (Group Policy, Intune), making adoption straightforward for modern management pipelines.
  • Improves reproducibility of provisioning and onboarding flows, reducing post‑upgrade surprises.

Limitations / Risks​

  • Limited to Enterprise/Education SKUs on Windows 11 25H2 or later; not a universal consumer feature for Home/Pro fleets.
  • The policy only targets a curated set of inbox Store packages; it won’t clear OEM or third‑party preloads.
  • Existing user profiles may still retain app state after enforcement; supplemental cleanup may be necessary.
  • Because the removable package list is subject to change, administrators must verify available package IDs for their exact build before creating production policies. Treat any published list as a point‑in‑time snapshot.

What to watch​

  • How Microsoft evolves the removable package list across servicing updates.
  • Whether Microsoft extends this policy to other SKUs or broadens the set of removable packages.
  • Integration improvements with Intune reporting and removal telemetry for smoother verification at scale.

Conclusion​

The combination of a Store‑side uninstall from Library and a supported, ADMX‑backed device policy to remove default Microsoft Store packages marks a meaningful step forward for both end users and enterprise administrators. End users gain a simpler, more intuitive way to remove Store apps from the Library interface, while IT gets a supported, centralized mechanism to deprovision inbox Store packages during provisioning and upgrades. These changes don’t erase the need for careful pilot planning, image validation, and supplemental cleanup tools — but they do replace a lot of brittle, unsupported workarounds with a predictable, integrated management path. Administrators should pilot the policy, verify package lists for their builds, and keep fallbacks (PowerShell, DISM) ready for existing‑profile remediation.
If you manage Windows fleets, the immediate takeaways are clear: test the new policy in a controlled ring, update your runbooks to include Event ID 762 checks and Reset/Sysprep validations, and treat Store Library uninstall as a user convenience — not a substitute for centrally managed provisioning controls.
Source: TechPowerUp Microsoft Store Can Now Directly Remove Store-Installed Apps
 
Microsoft’s Store and Windows 11 have quietly closed a long-standing management gap: you can now uninstall store-installed apps directly from the Microsoft Store Library, and organizations running Windows 11, version 25H2 can use a supported, ADMX-backed device policy to remove selected in‑box Microsoft Store packages centrally during provisioning. These two changes — a consumer-focused convenience in the Store UI and a management-grade “deprovisioning” policy for Enterprise and Education devices — together reduce friction for both end users and IT teams while reshaping how administrators approach “debloating” Windows images.

Background​

For years the Windows ecosystem split app lifecycle management into two imperfect worlds. End users removed apps through Settings or third‑party utilities, while IT administrators relied on brittle scripts, DISM image edits, or unsupported hacks to keep corporate images free of consumer-focused inbox Store experiences. Those manual techniques were fragile: package names and provisioning behaviors changed between releases, updates re-provisioned apps, and automations often required constant maintenance. Microsoft’s recent changes aim to replace much of that fragility with a supported, auditable policy surface for inbox Store packages alongside a small but meaningful UX improvement for consumers.

What changed — two related but distinct updates​

1) Microsoft Store: uninstall directly from Library​

The Microsoft Store’s Library page now exposes an Uninstall action for installed Store-managed apps via the three‑dot menu on each Library entry. That removes the extra step of opening Settings → Apps and aligns the Store with other modern app stores that let you manage installs from within the store UI itself. For everyday users this is a simple but welcome quality‑of‑life improvement: faster cleanup of test apps, quicker uninstall of trial apps, and a single place to view and act on installed Store items.
Important consumer caveat: apps provisioned by device policies or OS provisioning flows may be re‑deployed automatically, so a local uninstall does not guarantee permanent removal on managed devices. Administrators and managed‑device owners should confirm provisioning rules and MDM policies before relying on the Library uninstall as a permanent remediation.

2) Windows 11, version 25H2: device‑level deprovisioning policy​

On the enterprise side, Windows 11, version 25H2 introduces an ADMX/MDM policy named Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system. This device‑level policy is targeted at Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions running 25H2 or later. When enabled and configured via Group Policy (ADMX) or Microsoft Intune (Settings Catalog) — or by sending the corresponding MDM CSP OMA‑URI payload — administrators can select a curated list of in‑box Microsoft Store packages to be deprovisioned across the device. Enforcement occurs during provisioning events such as OOBE (Out‑Of‑Box Experience), the first sign‑in after an OS upgrade, or when the policy itself is updated. Key management surfaces and identifiers:
  • Group Policy path: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → App Package Deployment → Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system.
  • Intune (Settings Catalog): Administrative Templates → Windows Components → App Package Deployment → Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system.
  • CSP OMA‑URI: ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/ApplicationManagement/RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages (accepts an XML/ADMX-style payload).
Verification and auditability are built in: administrators can check the Appx deployment operational event log (Event ID 762) for recorded removals, and Group Policy writes corresponding HKLM registry values when applied.

Which apps are affected​

Microsoft ships the policy against a curated, evolving list of in‑box Microsoft Store packages. Early enumerations and Microsoft’s documentation show common consumer-inbox items appearing on the removable list:
  • Calculator, Notepad, Paint, Photos, Camera, Snipping Tool, Sound Recorder, Windows Media Player, Windows Terminal
  • Microsoft Clipchamp, Microsoft News, MSN Weather, Microsoft Solitaire Collection, Microsoft Sticky Notes, Microsoft To Do
  • Microsoft Teams (consumer components), Microsoft 365 Copilot (consumer), Outlook for Windows
  • Xbox Gaming App and supporting Xbox helper packages (Xbox Identity Provider, Xbox Speech to Text Overlay, Xbox TCUI)
  • Feedback Hub, Quick Assist, and similar inbox Store experiences.
Caveat: the set of removable package IDs is subject to change across servicing updates. Administrators must validate the package list exposed in their exact 25H2 build before deploying a policy at scale. The policy deliberately targets Microsoft inbox Store packages only; OEM preloads and third‑party software are not covered unless they’re delivered as inbox Store packages.

Why this matters: practical benefits​

  • Supported, auditable control for enterprises. The policy replaces fragile scripts and image hacks with a first‑party, supported surface that integrates with existing management tooling like Group Policy and Intune. This reduces maintenance overhead and the need to retest brittle removals after each feature update.
  • Better end‑user experience. Uninstalling Store apps from the Library simplifies day‑to‑day device hygiene for consumers and help desks, cutting clicks and reducing confusion.
  • Integrates with provisioning flows. Enforcement during OOBE and first sign‑in ensures images can be kept “work‑ready” before users first sign in, improving consistency for Autopilot and bulk provisioning scenarios.
  • Safer than image edits for many scenarios. Use of Group Policy/MDM gives a reversible path: deselecting an app in the policy and syncing will clear the removal and allow reinstallation, rather than forcing destructive image edits that are laborious to reverse. Microsoft documents the restore path for removed apps.

Limits and risks — what administrators must watch for​

No single change is a silver bullet. The new features improve control and convenience, but they also introduce a set of concrete risks and operational constraints that organizations must plan around.

1) Scope limitations and SKU restrictions​

  • The device policy is officially supported only for Windows 11 Enterprise and Education running version 25H2 or later. Pro and Home customers do not get the supported ADMX policy in the same way. Attempting to use the policy on unsupported SKUs will not work and may require alternative approaches (DISM or PowerShell) for image-level control.

2) Existing user profiles and residual state​

  • While the policy deprovisions apps and attempts to remove local app data, existing user profiles may retain state or cached data. Additional remediation (PowerShell or scripting) could be required to fully clean preexisting accounts. The strongest guarantee is for new user profiles created after enforcement or for devices processed during provisioning events.

3) Not a catch‑all “debloat” tool​

  • The policy targets Microsoft inbox Store packages only. OEM preloads, third‑party trial software, and drivers remain outside its scope. Organizations that need image-level suppression of OEM or third‑party items will still need DISM-based image edits or OEM coordination.

4) Dependencies and runtime risks​

  • Removing certain packages can break dependent apps or runtimes. Administrators must avoid removing shared frameworks or components used by enterprise software. Thorough testing against representative images and application compatibility suites is essential. Microsoft’s guidance and community experience both emphasize caution when removing runtime libraries.

5) Reprovisioning and update behavior​

  • Major feature updates, OEM recovery, or certain reset flows may reintroduce provisioned packages unless the image and provisioning steps are aligned. Use DISM to modify provisioned packages in an image when a persistent, image-level change is required. The Group Policy/MDM policy is strongest when applied during provisioning or as part of a controlled policy rollout.

6) Operational telemetry and verification​

  • Administrators need reliable telemetry to confirm removals at scale. Microsoft surfaces verification via Event ID 762 in Appx deployment logs and by checking registry keys written by the ADMX. However, organizations should also build their own post‑deployment checks and helpdesk playbooks for users who report missing apps or unexpected behavior.

How to deploy safely — a recommended rollout strategy​

  • Inventory and classification
  • Flag devices by join type (Azure AD / Hybrid / On‑prem domain) and management channel. Record baseline installed Store packages and provisioned Appx packages.
  • Pilot (5–10% of fleet)
  • Create a pilot policy in Intune and a matching GPO for lab domain devices. Target a small, representative set of devices with helpdesk/test users included. Apply the policy and capture logs at OOBE and first‑sign‑in enforcement events.
  • Validate
  • Confirm Event ID 762 appears in Appx deployment operational logs after enforcement. Verify removed items aren’t present for new user accounts and confirm Start menu/installed‑apps views. Test Autopilot, Windows Autopatch, and Reset workflows in lab images.
  • Expand rings iteratively
  • Monitor helpdesk tickets and compatibility hit lists. Keep policy toggles minimally invasive in early rings — remove only clearly unneeded consumer items, not shared runtimes.
  • Rollback and re‑enable path documented
  • To re‑enable a removed app, clear the selection in the policy, sync the policy, and reinstall from the Microsoft Store or redeploy. Document the path and test restore scenarios.
  • Complementary tools where appropriate
  • Use DISM /Remove‑ProvisionedAppxPackage for image-level persistence. Use PowerShell Get‑AppxPackage / Remove‑AppxPackage for per‑user remediation. Use winget uninstall for Win32 packages that are not in scope of the Store policy. These tools remain valid complements to the new policy, not replacements.

Technical how‑to (concise)​

  • Group Policy (ADMX)
  • Import Windows 11 25H2 ADMX templates into your central policy store. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → App Package Deployment → Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system. Set to Enabled and toggle the apps you want removed.
  • Microsoft Intune (Settings Catalog)
  • Create a Device configuration profile (Platform: Windows 10 and later → Settings catalog / Administrative Templates). Add Administrative Templates → Windows Components → App Package Deployment → Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system. Enable and toggle per-app options. Assign to device groups.
  • Direct CSP / OMA‑URI (advanced)
  • OMA‑URI: ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/ApplicationManagement/RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages
  • Data type: String (XML ADMX payload). Useful for custom automation and MDMs that accept raw OMA‑URI payloads.
  • Verification
  • Check Event ID 762 in Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → AppxDeployment‑Server → Operational for successful removals. Confirm registry values under HKLM for ADMX-applied settings.

How this changes the “debloat” conversation​

For a long time “debloating” Windows relied on community scripts, third‑party tools, or DISM image surgery. Those techniques remain useful, but the policy marks a turning point: Microsoft now offers a supported, centralized mechanism for controlling a defined class of inbox Store packages. That’s a major win for enterprises that prefer supported, auditable controls tied to existing management frameworks.
At the same time, the policy is intentionally conservative: it doesn’t attempt to be a universal bloat removal tool, and Microsoft retains control over which packages are in scope. This is sensible from a platform stability and support perspective, but it means enterprises and enthusiasts still need additional tools and processes for OEM preloads and third‑party software.

Consumer impact — why uninstalling from Library matters​

The Microsoft Store Library uninstall is a small UX change that benefits everyday users and help desks. It reduces cognitive overhead and simplifies routines: instead of switching to Settings to find the app, you can remove it where you discovered or updated it. It’s also consistent with the user expectations set by mobile app stores and third‑party desktop stores that provide a single management surface for installed items. The consumer-facing change is incremental but meaningful for usability.

Final verdict — strengths and open questions​

Strengths:
  • Provides a supported, auditable method for deprovisioning a class of in‑box Microsoft Store apps at the device level, integrating cleanly with Group Policy and Intune.
  • Improves end‑user UX by enabling uninstalls from the Store Library.
  • Reduces operational fragility by replacing many brittle scripts and image hacks for the supported package set.
Risks and open questions:
  • The policy is limited to Enterprise/Education SKUs on Windows 11 25H2 and to a curated set of inbox Store packages; OEM and third‑party preloads remain outside scope.
  • Existing user profiles can retain local state. Administrators must plan remediation for legacy accounts and validate behavior across update/reset workflows.
  • The removable package list may change over time; treat published lists as point‑in‑time snapshots and verify against your exact build.
The combination of a Store‑side uninstall and a supported policy for inbox packages represents a practical, balanced improvement: consumers get a cleaner Store experience while IT gains a first‑party control they’ve long asked for. The feature set is pragmatic rather than revolutionary, but pragmatic fixes are precisely what enterprise deployments and everyday user experiences have needed for years.

Quick checklist for IT teams (actionable)​

  • Verify Windows build: confirm target devices run Windows 11, version 25H2 or later.
  • Acquire 25H2 ADMX templates: import into central store so the new Group Policy appears.
  • Pilot on a small set of devices: target different join and management types (Azure AD, Hybrid, Autopilot).
  • Monitor Event ID 762 and HKLM registry keys for verification.
  • Keep DISM/PowerShell playbooks ready for image-level or per‑user remediation that the policy doesn’t address.
Microsoft’s move is a welcome, necessary step toward simplifying app lifecycle management on Windows. It brings a missing first‑party control to administrators and makes the Store marginally more usable for everyone. The feature won’t eliminate all “debloat” headaches — OEMs, third‑party preloads, and edge‑case dependencies still need careful handling — but it replaces years of guesswork with a supported, auditable toolset that fits modern management pipelines.
Source: TechPowerUp Microsoft Store Can Now Directly Remove Store-Installed Apps | TechPowerUp}
 
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