Microsoft Weekly: Windows 10 is [not] dead and Microsoft wants you to talk to your PC

This week's news recap is here, bringing you the latest news from the world of Microsoft. We have Windows 10 six feet under, Windows 11 version 25H2 for more users, some bugs here and there, new preview builds with useful changes, app updates, guides, and more.

Quick links:

1. Windows 10 and 11
2. Windows Insider Program
3. Updates are available
4. Reviews are in
5. Gaming news

Windows 11 and Windows 10

Here, we talk about everything happening around Microsoft's latest operating system in the Stable channel and preview builds: new features, removed features, controversies, bugs, interesting findings, and more. And, of course, you may find a word or two about older versions.

October 2025 Patch Tuesday updates are now out, which means Windows 10 is out of support. However, you can give your PC 12 more months of support with the Extended Security Updates program, which is now available (Microsoft will continue updating Defender). In addition, Office 2016 and 2019 are now unsupported as well.

Also, Microsoft released new recovery updates for Windows 10 and 11.

With the end of Windows 10 support, many Linux developers want affected customers to join their ranks (some claim we are finally in the so-called year of Linux). Zorin OS, for one, experienced a big influx of users, with Zorin OS 18 reaching 100,000 downloads in just over two days, with over 72% of new customers coming from Windows 10. Microsoft, naturally, is fighting back, with Windows 11 version 25H2 becoming more available.

Microsoft also announced updates on various known bugs in Windows 11. For one, the company confirmed issues with IIS websites on Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. There is a workaround, which you can check out here.

Also, Microsoft blocked upgrades to Windows 11 version 24H2 on many PCs due to a bug with a third-party system driver, and issued a warning that some USB-based keyboards and mice might now function correctly in WinRE after updating to Windows 11 version 25H2.

Finally, Microsoft confirmed an Active Directory sync failure bug on Windows Server.

Moving from updates and bugs, we have Copilot and a bunch of AI-related announcements. On October 16, Microsoft announced that the "Hey Copilot" command is now publicly available (this one brings some memories). This one lets you invoke Copilot and start a voice conversation by simply talking to your PC. Also, with the new command, Microsoft launched Copilot Vision worldwide, announced a new taskbar experience for Windows 11 users, and introduced the ability to delegate various actions to Copilot while you do something else and access system settings (more features are on the way).

If you want to update from Windows 10 to 11 or clean install the latter, you may want to do it offline and with a local account. Since Microsoft is making it harder for everyone, we prepared a guide detailing how to install Windows 11 with a local offline account (this method could also work, but it is a bit more complicated).

Additionally, you may use the updated Flyoobe app, one of the many programs for skipping Windows 11's hardware requirements and limitations, or tiny11 25H2, the latest release of the popular lightweight Windows 11 mod, which has no hardware limitations, bloat, or other stuff that a lot of users want to keep away from their PCs.

Interestingly, you currently cannot update using one of Microsoft's official methods, as the company confirmed that the Media Creation Tool app is broken on Windows 10.

Windows Insider Program

Here is what Microsoft released for Windows Insiders this week:

Updates are available

This section covers software, firmware, and other notable updates (released and coming soon) delivering new features, security fixes, improvements, patches, and more from Microsoft and third parties.

This week, Microsoft released PowerToys 0.95, a new feature update for everyone's favorite set of modules for Windows 11. The update introduced a new "toy" called Light Switch, which can change the system's appearance on schedule. Also, PowerToys borrowed a great productivity tool from Mac, which allows for easier file preview in File Explorer.

You may remember that Microsoft recently announced a major redesign for Microsoft 365 icons, offering users a fresh new look for the first time since 2018. This week, Microsoft revealed some of the prototypes and design inspirations that did not make their way to the final version.

This week's browser updates include a new version of Microsoft Edge Game Assist, a special gaming-focused browser for Game Bar. The latest version adds support for more games, some new features, fixes, and more.

Mozilla released Firefox 144.0 with some long-requested features, such as improved tab groups, profile manager, Google Lens integration, and more. Mozilla is also working on a built-in Firefox VPN, and the company wants you to test it.

Here are other updates and releases you may find interesting:

• Windows 10/11 users have a reason to rejoice as Microsoft's rival gains platform support.

• Microsoft brings 365 Copilot to schools for $18/month, adds new AI teaching tools.

• VMware Workstation Pro 25H2 is out with a new command-line tool, USB 3.2 support, and more.

• Here are all the new features in SQL Server Management Studio 22 Preview 3, now available.

• Microsoft commits to making Windows drivers better through strict WHCP policies.

• Microsoft really wants you to try out Windows hotpatch updates.

• Microsoft unveiled MAI-Image-1, its first in-house developed image generation model.

• Microsoft brings a highly requested feature to SQL Server Management Studio.

   

Here are the latest drivers and firmware updates released this week:

• Nvidia 581.57 with support for ARC Raiders and more.

On the gaming side

Learn about upcoming game releases, Xbox rumors, new hardware, software updates, freebies, deals, discounts, and more.

Nvidia announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. The latest additions include Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, Ball x Pit, Fellowship, Escape from Duckov, Street Fighter V, Wobbly Life, and more.

Finally, check out this week's Weekend PC Game Deals article, where you can find a multitude of various discounts and the latest freebie from the Epic Games Store, which is Amnesia: The Bunker and Samorost 3.

Other gaming news includes the following:

• Black Myth: Wukong gained improved lighting quality, FSR 4, and more upgrades.

• Battlefield 6 sold seven million copies at launch, setting franchise records for EA.

• Surviving Mars: Relaunched releases this November, with more expansions incoming.

• Stardock is launching Elemental: Reforged remaster into Steam early access next week.

Source

Hope you enjoyed this news post. Feedback welcome.

Posted Monday 20 October 2025 at 3:32 am AEST (my time).

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