Microsoft Weekly: new Microsoft keyboards, new Windows 11 builds, and unreleased wallpapers Hallie Frederick | usagoldmines.com

On this episode of Microsoft Weekly, we have a look at a revival of some Microsoft-designed keyboards, the primary Home windows 11 preview builds in 2025, some unreleased wallpapers, strong suggestions from ESET for Home windows 10 customers, and extra.

Desk of contents:

1. Windows 10 and 11 news
2. Windows Insider Program
3. Updates are available
4. Reviews are in
5. Gaming news
6. Great deals to check

Home windows 11 and 10

Right here we discuss all the things taking place round Microsoft’s newest working system within the Secure channel and preview builds: new options, eliminated options, controversies, bugs, attention-grabbing findings, and extra. And naturally, chances are you’ll discover a phrase or two about older however nonetheless supported variations.

Allow us to begin the primary Weekly of 2025 with a recap of some cool options Home windows 11 acquired in 2024. From quicker Home windows updates to higher context menus, listed here are ten nice things Microsoft carried out in its working system over the course of the final 12 months.

Now, shifting to contemporary stats. Statcounter stories that in December 2024, Home windows 11’s international market share dropped again and reached 34.1%. Home windows 10, alternatively, elevated the variety of its clients (take a look at the most recent browser report here). On the gaming facet, although, Home windows 11 is doing a lot better. Valve says the working system is put in on 54.96% of all Home windows techniques accessing Steam.

ESET, a preferred AV supplier, has some suggestions for individuals who can not replace from Home windows 10 earlier than its finish of assist later this 12 months. The advice is easy: move to Linux.

¯_(ツ)_/¯

Nevertheless, if you happen to certainly need to jump-ship out of curiosity or necessity, this article might be of help. This week, we revealed an inventory of ten apps switchers to Linux will discover helpful when altering working techniques.

Microsoft has also updated the official steering on the “Operation isn’t supported” error when utilizing MSU packages. Talking of updates, this week, we posted a lengthy editorial discussing the necessity for slower growth cycles to keep away from frustration and bugs in fashionable software program like browsers and working techniques.

Home windows Insider Program

Microsoft is again to releasing weekly Home windows 11 preview builds. This time, the corporate pushed two new builds: one for Canary customers and one for Beta customers. Each comprise principally adjustments, however the one for the Beta Channel backports the up to date context menus from Home windows 11 model 24H2 to model 23H2.

To complete this week’s Home windows part, listed here are some nice unreleased wallpapers that Microsoft deliberate to implement in Home windows 11. Not solely that however some wallpapers had been purported to be dynamic and animated to showcase some new components of the working system, just like the up to date Begin menu. Sadly, the undertaking was nuked, however wallpapers are nonetheless on the market.

Updates can be found

This part covers {hardware}, 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.

Incase is lastly bringing again a few of Microsoft-designed PC equipment. Earlier this week, the corporate introduced the revival of the Microsoft Ergonomic Compact keyboard. The brand new model prices $119.99, and it affords some upgrades like a devoted Copilot key if you’re into that. Incase says the keyboard might be obtainable later this 12 months.

And listed here are the most recent drivers launched this week:

Opinions are in

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

Robbie Khan dropped a review of the Edifier M60: a pair of compact audio system with some significantly spectacular sound for his or her dimension and value. There are some minor omissions, however the M60 general is a improbable set for individuals who need nice sound at a strong value.

On the gaming facet

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

Minecraft 2, anybody? Notch, the maker of the unique recreation that Microsoft purchased in 2014, pitched the concept of a “spiritual successor” to Minecraft on his X and even stated he was keen to companion with Microsoft to make it. In fact, at this level, these are simply talks, however it’s nonetheless attention-grabbing to see Notch eager to return to the legendary blocky recreation.

In the event you marvel why there isn’t any Black Fantasy: Wukong on Xbox, here is your answer: the sport is delayed because of reminiscence limitations of Xbox Collection S. The sport’s director revealed on social media that the console’s 10GB of shared reminiscence was a bridge too far for builders. With the studio not having years of expertise in optimizations, releasing the sport simply was not potential on Xbox Collection S.

Nvidia kicked off 2025 with 14 new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. Now you can play Mirthwood and Slime Rancher 2, and 12 extra video games might be obtainable later this month.

Lastly, Valve revealed the Steam Awards 2024 winners in eleven classes like “Sport of the 12 months,” “Labor of Love,” “Higher With Pals,” “Finest Soundtrack,” and extra.

Offers and freebies

This week’s Weekend PC Game Deals article is stuffed with bundles and large reductions on common and not-so-popular titles which are a part of Steam’s Winter Sale and Epic Video games Retailer’s vacation sale.

Nice offers to test

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

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