Windows Weekly (Audio)

Microsoft just made a major change to the Windows 11 install media, and you're not going to believe what happens next! Plus, the AI spelling and grammar checking app/service that Paul relies on. And yes, he does pay for it. Windows 11 Copilot Vision gets full Desktop support, Voice integration across all Insider channels Click to Do gets a "Describe image" action, Administrator protection, App permission dialog changes in Dev (25H2) and Beta (24H2) Canary finally gets the features everyone else has had for a while now Also, Microsoft quietly killed the simplified date/time in the Windows 11 Taskbar because no one liked it PC sales grew 5 percent in Q2 but there is a BIG caveat Semi-related: Google is "combining" ChromeOS and Android ChromeOS will build on Android going forward, smart Even less related: HMD quietly pulls Nokia out of the U.S. market, the dream is over Microsoft 365, AI Microsoft layoffs directly attributed to AI Microsoft scuttled OpenAI's acquisition of Windsurf and all hell broke loose Google snapped up key execs and engineers and licensed Windsurf for $2.4 billion All's well that ends well: Cognition acquires Windsurf Microsoft keeps changing the terms of the deal: Microsoft 365 apps will be updated on Windows 10 only through August 2026 Microsoft 365 Copilot is finally getting a Memory OpenAI is going to war with Microsoft and the world It's working on a web browser It's also working on an office productivity suite of sorts Google NotebookLM gets curated featured notebooks. This is emerging as one of the more useful AI tools Xbox and Gaming Xbox app for Windows 11 gets "Stream your own game" functionality Grounded 2, more coming to Game Pass in second half of July Cyberpunk 2077 is coming to the Mac for some reason Tips & Picks Tip of the week: Save big on PCs, go refurbished App pick of the week: LanguageTool for Desktop RunAs Radio this week: Fabric in 2025 with Arun Ulag Brown liquor pick of the week: Slane Triple Casked Blend Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell Download or subscribe to Windows Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com The Windows Weekly theme music is courtesy of Carl Franklin. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: helixsleep.com/twit bitwarden.com/twit uscloud.com

It's been a big year for Windows 11 updates. This month is at least semi-manageable! Also, a few more bits from the layoffs. Plus, Amiga Forever 11 and C64 11 Forever help you live in the past! Patch Tuesday Copilot+ PC only: Ask Copilot action for Click to Do 24H2 only: Show smaller Taskbar icons. Screen curtain feature in Narrator. Settings home page for commercial customer 23H2 and 24H2: Windows Share shows preview when sharing web content. Beginning of PC migration feature in Windows Backup. More changes for EU users to meet DMA requirements, mostly Edge related Windows 10: EU/DMA updates as above More Windows 11 WE DID IT! Windows 11 is now in use on more PCs than Windows 10. It's time for Windows 12! No new Insider features but some bug fixes in Canary Microsoft Edge keeps getting more responsive Microsoft 365 and AI Teams gets threading in Channels about three years later than needed Google brought its Veo 3 video generation model to all AI Pro subscribers last week, and now it's bringing that and two other big AI features to Pixel Perplexity just launched its AI web browser Xbox and gaming No, Phil Spencer is not retiring Romero Games forced to cancel Xbox shooter, lay off 100 employees Warcraft Rumble Mobile won't get any more updates Xbox angst in the wake of last week's layoffs is mostly undeserved Xbox fans keep finding new ways to complain - Most of the game/studio closures we know about were well-deserved. If anything, Microsoft let these things continue for too long with no viable deliverables But what is Xbox? Looking at the platform and what Microsoft has done under Phil Spencer paints a very different picture than all the moaning we see on social media Game Pass was key to getting Satya Nadella to keep Xbox going, but after the Activision acquisition, the day and date promise was unworkable. After the changes and price hikes, it's possible that Game Pass has peaked. Microsoft uploaded an out of date version of Call of Duty: WWII to the Store and hilarity ensues Sony to publish a game for Xbox for the first time Epic Games quietly settled with Samsung ahead of today's Unpacked event - but not with Google Tips and picks Tip of the week: Office 365 for IT Pros 2026 Edition is now available App pick of the week: Microsoft Edge RunAs Radio this week: Building Real Software using PowerApps with Luise Freese Brown liquor pick of the week: Bolster Road Maple Rye Whiskey Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell Download or subscribe to Windows Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com The Windows Weekly theme music is courtesy of Carl Franklin. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: 1password.com/windowsweekly threatlocker.com/twit

The podcast dives into Microsoft's massive layoffs affecting 9,000 employees, particularly in Xbox Gaming, despite the company's record profits. Discussions include the upcoming Windows 11 updates and the introduction of Microsoft Copilot for Mac users. The hosts explore passkey security enhancements and the evolving landscape of AI in tech, contrasting the development strategies of major firms like Microsoft and Apple. Humor and anecdotes add a light touch as they navigate through gaming innovations and the future of online security practices.

Microsoft is winding down support for Windows 10, but users can snag a year of free extra security updates! The podcast dives into the challenges of upgrading to Windows 11 and explores new features in the Insider Program. It hilariously contrasts Copilot's struggles against ChatGPT in AI adoption. Plus, discussions on Xbox layoffs reveal the industry's shifting landscape while throwing in some light banter about tech hiccups and humorous anecdotes about loyalty rewards. Don't miss insights into whiskey production in South Africa, blending tech with fine spirits!

Windows Hello faces backlash for malfunctioning in low light, raising user security concerns. The hosts humorously recount their Lenovo shopping experiences while navigating the latest updates in Windows features. They dive into AI developments, including Copilot Vision's launch and the evolving partnership between Microsoft and AMD for Xbox. The complexities of app development and Microsoft's history are explored, shedding light on industry challenges and innovations, all presented with entertaining banter and insightful commentary.

Get to know Microsoft's latest Patch Tuesday updates and new features in Windows 11, such as improvements to the Start menu, File Explorer, and Copilot integration. They also cover new AI features coming to the Photos app for Copilot+ PCs and updates to the Microsoft Store. The discussion then shifts to developer conferences like Google I/O and Apple's WWDC, with a focus on their respective AI advancements and product strategies. Plus, the controversy surrounding Microsoft's decision to no longer host its Build conference in Seattle. Don't miss the discussion on the evolving role of the iPad as a potential threat to Surface devices due to recent software enhancements! Windows 11 June Patch Tuesday is here! Big changes for Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2 New Start menu finally debuts in Dev and Beta - synchronized again for some reason Copilot+ PCs get Relight feature and natural language search in the Photos app The Microsoft Store gets a major update in the Beta channel And Canary is still a thing, no one knows why Developer conference season draws to a close Build: Protests, problems, and more problems Microsoft pulls out of Seattle permanently Google I/O: Stunning array of AI announcements. But Android 16 is on a weird slow boil after a truncated development cycle Apple WWDC: Apple Intelligence? Look, Liquid Glass! Also, some actual advances across its newly unified platforms Look out Surface: The iPad is a real computer now - And it only took 15 years Microsoft, Google, and Apple all played to their strengths Between Windows 11 2xH2, Android 16, and iOS whatever - do the platform makers even know how to ship software anymore? Xbox Microsoft unveils the first Xbox-branded third-party gaming handheld as part of its Xbox Games Showcase 2025 event - a few interesting things there as well - COD: BO7, Gears remake, Gears v.next delayed to 2026 This heavily modified/optimized version of Windows 11 is coming to more gaming handhelds Looking to the future: What if this is literally the model for future Xbox console hardware? What if the next Xbox was a NUC? More Game Pass titles across platforms for the second half of June You can add 4 TB of storage to your Xbox, but it will cost you dearly Apple loses again in Epic v. Apple, Fortnite can stay in the App Store and developers can stop getting robbed by Apple The Nintendo Switch 2 launched this past week and is apparently the best-selling console of all time at launch PS5 controllers to support multiple Bluetooth connections Tips and Picks Tip of the week: Share Feature, image crunching App pick of the week: Dia Browser RunAs Radio this week: The Case for Telemetry with Liz Fong-Jones Brown liquor pick of the week: Glenlossie 26 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell Download or subscribe to Windows Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com The Windows Weekly theme music is courtesy of Carl Franklin. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: uscloud.com 1password.com/windowsweekly

Microsoft's Notepad faces a hilarious backlash as it tests new formatting features, sending users into a frenzy. The podcast dives into the tumultuous history of this beloved text editor, balancing nostalgia with modern updates. In tech news, Xbox's handheld device is delayed, and exciting preview updates for Windows 22H2/23H2 arrive. The hosts also reflect on the chaotic landscape of tech advancements and explore Apple's recent moves compared to Microsoft's efforts. With humorous anecdotes, they tackle the ever-evolving challenges of cybersecurity and password management.

Microsoft shakes up Windows Update with third-party app integration while AI features flood into Paint, Notepad, and Snipping Tool. Plus, the browser wars heat up as Arc pivots to agentic AI and Opera launches Neon, while Richard calls in from Cape Town with whiskey wisdom. Windows 11 It's Week D! Microsoft issues preview updates for 23H2/22H2 - Windows Key + C for Copilot, Drag tray, FAQs in Settings, Lock screen widget customization, IT admin controls for Taskbar Windows Insider Program Canary - Microsoft adds support for asymmetrical key encryption that won't be vulnerable to quantum computing attacks Beta (24H2) - New Microsoft 365 text actions in Click to Do, Lock screen widget customization, multiple dashboards in Widgets, App recommendations in Open with dialog, PC to PC migration experience in Windows Backup New Paint, Notepad, and Snipping Tool features in Canary and Dev - Paint sticker generator and Object select tool, Snipping Tool perfect screenshot and color picker, Notepad writing tools (draft from prompt, rewrite text, etc.) Now Windows Update is going to update third-party apps too As promised last week, Notion is now available in the Microsoft Store Signal will explicitly prevent Recall from screenshotting the app Related: Why is Lenovo doing so well financially? Also related: IDC predicts 4.1 percent growth in PC market this year to 274 million units AI and Web Browsers, Oh My Browsers go agentic The Browser Company says it will no longer offer functional updates to Arc as it focuses on Dia Opera announces Neon, its agentic AI web browser Hand-wringing as OpenAI buys Jony Ive's newish company Duck.ai if you ask it nicely (and use the right model) Yes, Google is going to put ads in Search AI Mode Vivaldi 7.4 arrives for desktop and for mobile Firefox 139 is a minor update - maybe it's time to move to a 6 week schedule? Xbox and Games Xbox's Copilot for Gaming Launches on iOS and Android in Beta FTC drops its bid to unwind Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard Sony discounts PS5 and peripherals temporary to undercut Switch 2 Tips and Picks Tip of the Week: 'Fear and Loathing in Seattle' and 'More Fear and Loathing in Seattle' App Pick of the Week: Instapaper Plus: Fences 6 is GA on Windows 11 RunAs Radio This Week: How to Talk to Security with Sarah Young Brown Liquor Pick of the Week: Aerstone 10 Sea Cask Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell Download or subscribe to Windows Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com The Windows Weekly theme music is courtesy of Carl Franklin. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Agentic AI is the theme of the show this year, and this time its multi-agent with orchestration! But first, we need to discuss the protestors. Paul and Richard have stories. So many stories! Build 2025 New Microsoft 365 Copilot features are rolling out now because it's a day that ends in y Tuning is the unexpected Build Bingo center square term - rolling out to agents GitHub Copilot is open source in VS Code, more Win32 app support improvements, no more fees in Microsoft Store A shift in making Windows 11 the best place for developers - some things said, some left unsaid Edge gets new AI features too of course New native app capabilities in Windows App SDK, React Native And, pre-Build, 50 million Visual Studio users Copilot for consumers does image generation now. Fun tip: You can Minecraft-ize photos OpenAI has a coding agent too, obviously And OpenAI is buying Jony Ive! Windows Administrator Protection is coming soon - And not just for businesses. This feels very much like the firewall in XP SP2, it's going to be disruptive New 24H2 features in Release Preview: New text actions in Click to Do, a lot more New 24H2 features in Dev and Beta: AI actions in File Explorer, Advanced Settings, Search improvements, more New 23H2 features, Windows 10 features in Release Preview Surface Laptop Studio RIP Calendar companion app for Windows 11/M365 Microsoft may finally put the Teams antitrust issue in the EU behind Xbox Fortnite returns to the Apple App Store Apple blocked it first, Epic complained to judge And Microsoft files a legal motion against Apple and for Epic Games Qualcomm job listing confirms Xbox plans to some degree What happens when you combine Qualcomm NPU with Nvidia GPU? Xbox May Update arrives and it's a big one Retro Classic Games for Xbox Game Pass Game Bar updates, Edge Game Assist, GeForce now etc. on PC Custom Xbox gift cards More streaming of your own games Hellblade II is coming from Xbox to PS5 Many more games coming to Xbox Game Pass across platforms Tips and Picks App pick of the week: You can try Microsoft's command line editor now Game pick of the week: Doom: The Dark Ages RunAs Radio this week: PowerShell 7.5 and DSC 3.0.0 with Jason Helmick Brown liquor pick of the week: Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell Download or subscribe to Windows Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com The Windows Weekly theme music is courtesy of Carl Franklin. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: spaceship.com/twit uscloud.com

It's go time: The biggest Patch Tuesday of 2025 sets the stage for 2025! Microsoft has finally revealed whether it will further extend Windows 10 support past October (it won't). Also, Microsoft designed notifications in Windows 11 to be annoying and pointless, so Paul has some advice. Plus, Proton Drive gets a long awaited albums feature, and more on the way.Windows 11 Recall (preview) and Click to Do (preview) come to stable for the first time Let's give Microsoft a bit of credit for this one non-reported behavior Also: Improvements to Settings, Narrator, Start, Phone Link, Widgets, File Explorer You knew this was coming: Microsoft now testing a "Hey, Copilot" feature It's opt-in and an alternative to holding down Alt + Spacebar for two seconds Microsoft discusses the new Start design and it's not a s#$t show like it was three years ago No builds for the second Friday in a row Improvements to Settings AI agent, intelligent text actions in Click to Do, a few small changes come to 24H2 in Dev and Beta channels Copilot Vision gets Highlights and 2-App Support across all channels Google's big Android reveal includes Material Expressive, big Wear OS update. Android, like Windows 11 (and iOS) is just being updated all the time now Windows 10 Extended support program Will support Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 through October 2028 Those time frames are identical So what about those Surface PCs that can't upgrade to Windows 11? Microsoft has an answer (for all unsupported PCs) and it's not as cynical as you think Microsoft quietly discontinued entry-level 13.8-inch Surface Laptop and 13-inch Surface Pro when it introduced those smaller new models last week Layoffs Microsoft just made $70 billion, so naturally it's laying off employees. How to explain this? The FTC's losing streak against Microsoft continues A proposal for solving the "Mozilla problem" in U.S. v. Google Fortnite could return to the iPhone App Store as soon as today AI OH MY GOD IS THERE NO AI NEWS FOR ONCE. OK, three small items OpenAI brings OneDrive and SharePoint integration with ChatGPT for paid business customers "AI mode" could replace "I'm feeling lucky" on the Google home page Spotify's AI DJ keeps improving Dev Build is next week in Seattle, a few thoughts .NET 10 Preview 4 is out Xbox & Games Today's the day: DOOM: The Dark Ages goes live at 8:00 ET tonight! Xbox Insiders can now play cloud-enabled games with mouse and keyboard Paul reviews the Backbone Pro controller Nintendo revenues slide big ahead of Switch 2 - 15m consoles expected in first year Sony sold 18.5 million PS5s in the most recent fiscal year, down 11 percent YOY Tips & Picks Tip of the week: Windows 11 notifications make iOS look sophisticated App pick of the week: Proton Drive RunAs Radio this week: Active Directory in 2025 with Liz Tesch Brown liquor pick of the week: Limeburners Albany Tawny Cask These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly/episodes/932 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell Sponsors: 1password.com/windowsweekly threatlocker.com/twit uscloud.com