Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 to get gaming improvements, new drivers for 25H2 and more

This week's news recap is here, bringing you the latest news stories from the world of Microsoft. Patch Tuesday updates, driver updates for Windows 11 25H2, a promise to improve gaming improvements, new Xbox controllers, 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.

The December 2025 Patch Tuesday updates are now available. Windows 11 received KB5072033, while Windows 10 received KB5071546 for those in the Extended Security Updates program. Also, Microsoft released new recovery and dynamic updates, plus a fresh version of the Media Creation Tool app.

Unexpectedly, Microsoft removed a mandatory clean-install requirement for Windows 11. Smart App Control used to be a must, but now, users are free to turn it off without affecting their device compatibility.

There is a lot of rumbling on how Windows 11 bottlenecks modern gaming devices, particularly handheld consoles, and Microsoft promises that it is not turning a blind eye to those complaints. The company says 2026 will bring a lot of gaming improvements to handhelds and traditional PCs.

Also, Microsoft is improving the personalization aspect of its operating system with a new Themes section in the Microsoft Store, where you can download various wallpaper packs paired with matching accent colors.

Here on Neowin, we often report on tweakers and third-party apps for Windows customization. One of the most famous ones, Winaero Tweaker, was recently under fire for allegedly "injecting hardcoded, legacy binary garbage." The maker of the app addressed the issue in a new update and explained what was going on.

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.

Excel for the web received a new feature for those who use AI. The recently announced Agent Mode for Copilot is now generally available. Also, you can now use the COPILOT() function to describe what you need to achieve using natural language, and Copilot will write formulas for you.

Speaking of Office, if you ever wondered what the difference between Office 2024 and Microsoft 365 is, you can check out a useful comparison table that Microsoft posted this week.

Mozilla released a big update for Firefox this week. Version 146.0 landed with a new backup tool for Windows 10 users, a dedicated GPU process for macOS, and removal of Direct2D support. There are plenty of other changes, which you can check out here.

There was some big news from Opera, too. Opera Neon, the company's first agentic browser, is now publicly available. This $19.99/mo browser can do a lot of AI stuff, and if you feel like using something that is on the bleeding edge, you may want to try it out now.

Here are other updates and releases you may find interesting:

• Microsoft wants you to generate AI slop for performance reviews this year.

• Google brings Windows apps to Galaxy XR with new 'PC Connect' feature.

• Microsoft confirms "major 2026 update" to remove several Planner features, add new ones.

• Microsoft Teams for personal users gets a crucial feature and native screen recording on macOS.

• Microsoft commits billions to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in Canada and India.

• SSMS 22.1 is now out, and destructive database commands powered by AI are coming soon.

• Windows Admin Center 2511 is now available with High Availability and major fixes.

• Microsoft brings Windows Admin Center support to Arm-based Copilot+ PCs.

   

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

• Intel released new Bluetooth and Wi-Fi drivers with Windows 11 25H2 support.
• AMD 25.12.1 WHQL driver with the new FSR Redstone and more.
• AMD released a new chipset driver with Windows 11 25H2 support and changes for supported Ryzen processors.

• Microsoft fixed keyboard bugs, screen flickering, and crashes in Surface Pro 10.

Reviews are in

Here is the hardware and software we reviewed this week

This week, Steven Parker reviewed the AGM G3 Pro, a rugged 5G phone with wireless charging, a massive 10,000 mAh battery, a thermal camera, and a random digital pet on the screen. This one is a tough phone, but look out for some quirks and a bit of a steep price tag.

Robbie Khan reviewed the Vantrue Nexus N4 Pro S, a three-channel dash cam with great image quality, plenty of features, good build quality, and easy installation. It is not the cheapest dash cam, so check out the complete review here.

Additionally, Steven Parker published two hands-on reviews, one about the Maono PD200W hybrid podcasting mic and one about the T-Create EXPERT P34F Find My External SSD with Find My support.

Finally, check out our in-depth review of what the lack of PhysX support does to gaming performance on modern rigs.

On the gaming side

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator is getting a new crossover update. This time, the simulator is collaborating with Stranger Things. Like in the Jurassic Park expansion, players will be able to visit the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana, to discover 40 points of interest. By the way, an interview revealed that Sony asked Microsoft to bring MSFS to PlayStation 5.

Age of Empires fans received a treat from Microsoft, as the company unveiled a massive 2026 expansion for the game and a roadmap that details it.

Microsoft expanded the collection of special editions of its Xbox Wireless Controllers. The latest release comes in two variants for Fallout fans: Fallout Pip-Boy and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Fallout Pip-Boy. Both gamepads are now available for preorder.

Nvidia announced new games for GeForce NOW subscribers. The latest games include Skate Story, Dome Keeper, Death Howl, Everdream Village, Monster Hunter Stories, Monster Hunter Stories 2, and more.

Like always, we have our weekly Weekend PC Game Deals article with plenty of various gaming discounts, including the latest freebie from the Epic Games Store.

Other gaming news includes the following:

• Xbox showcase confirmed for January, featuring Forza Horizon and Fable developer.

• Skyrim is now available on the Nintendo Switch 2, but with a lot of issues.

• Activision announced changes to the Call of Duty release strategy.

• Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic RPG announced, developed by Casey Hudson's new studio.

• Divinity announced as the next game of Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian.

• Control sequel announced by Remedy brings a new protagonist and setting.

• Warhammer 40K is the next Total War setting, coming to PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

• Two new Tomb Raider games are incoming, including a remake of the original 1996 adventure.

Source

Hope you enjoyed this news post. Feedback welcome.

Posted Monday 15 December 2025 at 3:24 am AEST (my time).

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