Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox

This week’s roundup covers a mix of updates: Microsoft grants Windows 10 an extra year of support, Windows 11 receives new taskbar settings in its preview builds, Steam Machine pricing changes, higher Xbox prices, and more.

We dive into every development surrounding Microsoft’s latest OS, from the Stable channel to preview builds—highlighting new features, removed functions, controversies, bugs, and intriguing discoveries. A brief nod to older versions is also included.

On June 24, 2026, Windows 11 celebrated its fifth anniversary. Since its launch half a decade ago, the platform has faced criticism—particularly over Windows Search and its web results. Microsoft is now actively addressing these concerns with regular preview updates that deliver long‑requested features, keeping the OS relevant even as Windows 12 remains off‑the‑radar.

In a quiet move, Microsoft extended the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10, granting users an additional year of security patches for those who cannot or choose not to upgrade to Windows 11.

Microsoft has just rolled out its latest non‑security update for Windows 11, codenamed KB5095093, packed with an extensive array of enhancements—from point‑in‑time restore and revamped Windows Update controls to sleeker widgets, fresh accessibility tools, a polished File Explorer, and a suite of performance tweaks.

Among its changes, the patch revamps taskbar configuration, polishes File Explorer, and delivers further improvements that enhance both productivity and visual appeal.

Additionally, the release patches a OneDrive glitch in File Explorer, adjusts system sounds for dark mode, and incorporates other minor fixes that collectively smooth out the user experience.

Here we spotlight the latest software, firmware, and other noteworthy releases—both current and forthcoming—bringing fresh features, security patches, performance enhancements, and more from Microsoft and its partners.

Microsoft Edge users who rely on AI‑powered browsing history search will find the feature is being phased out. The latest entry on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap confirms the discontinuation, citing concerns over privacy and feature bloat. While the technology promised a more intuitive search experience without exact keyword matching, critics argued it merely added unnecessary AI complexity to the browser.

PowerToys continues to evolve with a series of refinements this week. Version 0.100.1 rolled out, polishing the recent 0.100 release with bug fixes and performance tweaks. A subsequent update addressed memory leaks in the Command Palette Dock. Looking ahead, a new module is in development to streamline window switching within a single application via the Alt + ` shortcut, slated for an upcoming stable release.

Visual Studio Code now includes chat cost tracking and multi‑agent chat capabilities, enhancing the developer experience by monitoring usage and enabling collaborative AI conversations.

Microsoft is constructing a new AI data centre that promises to consume less water than a typical fast‑food restaurant, underscoring the company’s commitment to greener, more efficient infrastructure.

Microsoft is adding a suite of AI‑powered study and teaching tools to Microsoft 365 Education at no cost, expanding its free educational offerings.

Researchers have pointed out that Microsoft’s recent quantum computing claim contains fundamental Python coding errors, calling into question the validity of the breakthrough.

Microsoft’s latest rapid‑coding model, MAI‑Code‑1‑Flash, is now available in Copilot for Business and Enterprise, offering developers a faster, more efficient coding experience.