On this episode of Microsoft Weekly, we take a look at what occurred in the course of the remaining week of 2024. Spoiler alert: not a lot. A brand new identified challenge in Home windows 11 model 24H2, some app updates, and extra. We additionally revealed our annual listing of the preferred tales revealed on Neowin in 2024. Check out the recap here.
Desk of contents:
- Windows 10 and 11 news
- Windows Insider Program
- Updates are available
- Reviews are in
- Gaming news
- Great deals to check
Home windows 11 and 10
Right here we discuss every little thing taking place round Microsoft’s newest working system within the Steady channel and preview builds: new options, eliminated options, controversies, bugs, fascinating findings, and extra. And naturally, you might discover a phrase or two about older however nonetheless supported variations.
Microsoft issued a warning that Home windows 11 model 24H2 installations made with sure media, reminiscent of flash drives created between October 8 and November 12, may caught in a non-serviceable state, unable to put in any safety updates. Should you plan to clean-install Home windows 11 model 24H2, be certain that your media contains December 2024 safety updates.
There are additionally scattered studies about Home windows 11 22H2/23H2 December 2024 updates inflicting various issues with the Begin menu, Wi-Fi, and extra.
Home windows 11 customers who will not be glad with the present state of the Begin menu and taskbar can obtain the latest version of StartAllBack. This light-weight customization software acquired an replace to model 3.9, which introduced new taskbar choices and the flexibility to revive basic drive grouping in File Explorer.
Nothing within the Home windows Insider program this week because of the vacation season.
Updates can be found
This part covers software program, firmware, and different notable updates (launched and coming quickly) delivering new options, safety fixes, enhancements, patches, and extra from Microsoft and third events.
In a shock vacation announcement, Microsoft revealed that PowerToys Run is getting a major update. Model 2.0 is coming in 2025 with a reworked person interface, extra highly effective extensions, and different modifications to supercharge the launcher.
WritingTools, a neat small app that makes use of Gemini 2.0 Flash to convey Apple Intelligence-like options to Home windows customers, received a big update with new summarization options, improved settings, a brand new default LLM mannequin, and different enhancements. The app is free and open-source, and you’ll obtain it from GitHub.
Keep in mind the final week’s story about Microsoft 365 apps dropping their activation? Excellent news: Microsoft finally resolved all those issues. The engineering crew deployed a patch to repair product activation with no motion required from finish customers.
Different notable updates embody the next:
And listed here are the most recent drivers launched this week:
Evaluations are in
Right here is {hardware} and software program we reviewed this week
This week, Robbie Khan reviewed a relatively unconventional gadget for Neowin: an e-bike with an computerized gearbox and over 150 miles of electrical vary. There are some notable cons, so take a look at the ENGWE P275 Pro review here.
On the gaming facet
Find out about upcoming sport releases, Xbox rumors, new {hardware}, software program updates, freebies, offers, reductions and extra.
Following the Steam Replay 2024 recap for avid gamers, Valve revealed “Best of 2024,” a listing of video games that made essentially the most cash on the platform this 12 months. They embody Counter-Strike 2, PUBG, Palworld, Elden Ring, Black Fantasy: Wukong, and others.
Digital Arts reportedly rejected a Useless House 4 pitch from Visceral Video games earlier this 12 months. Nevertheless, there could be some hope for followers of the franchise as there are rumors that EA may contemplate Useless House 4 or a Useless House 2 remake from a studio aside from Visceral Video games.
Nvidia and its GeForce NOW streaming service finishes 2024 with three new games you’ll be able to stream from the cloud. The newest additions embody Headquarters: World Struggle II (Steam), Grocery store Collectively (Steam), and Ys X: Nordics (Steam).
The Epic Video games Retailer continues its every day giveaways, however if you wish to discover extra offers and specials, take a look at this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals issue.
Nice offers to verify
Each week, we cowl many offers on totally different {hardware} and software program. The next reductions are nonetheless out there, so verify them out. You may discover one thing you need or want.
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