In the world of Microsoft, Windows and games, a lot of news is released every week. It’s easy to miss a few deals, especially when busy searching for the best Prime Day deals. That’s why we’ve compiled all the biggest news from each week into one convenient section to start the weekend.
A bit of a trend emerged earlier this week. We’ve covered a number of stories around making Windows run on things it never had. Indie developer Gustave Monce has seen a major breakthrough in the Windows 11 project on Surface Duo, another developer has added Windows 11 dual-boot support on Chromebooks, and someone even managed for Windows 98 to run on Xbox Series X.
Microsoft moves to three-year release cycle for Windows
The biggest news of the week is that Microsoft is moving into a three-year release cycle for the Windows client. That means the company ships a major version of Windows every three years. This is more in line with what Microsoft did with many previous versions of its operating system but is a big change when compared to Windows 11 and Windows 10, which came out seven years apart.
Some have speculated that the next major release of Windows might have a new name, but that has yet to be confirmed at this time. While Microsoft can do whatever it likes with its own operating system, we chose to focus on what the company does. Candlestick do with it in our weekly poll.
Our senior editor, Zac Bowden, shared this news in an exclusive report earlier this week.
Dual-boot Chromebooks Windows 11 and Chrome OS
Those looking for an affordable laptop are often looking for the best Chromebooks, but switching to Chrome OS presents a learning opportunity that some people don’t want to encounter. Now, those using some Chromebooks can get the most of both worlds by dual-booting Chrome OS and Windows 11 (or Windows 10) into a laptop. Capability is supported by an unofficial project aimed at improving Chromebook flexibility. For now, it only works with a small number of devices with AMD Ryzen 3000-series CPUs, but that could change in the future.
Windows 11 project on Surface Duo takes a leap
Another project focused on bringing Windows 11 to devices where it doesn’t make sense was launched this week. Project Windows 11 on Surface Duo has taken a big step forward by adding support for Wi-Fi, cellular data, GPS, and more. The original Surface Duo can even work with an eSIM after a project update.
While this is still an unofficial project that will probably never be aimed at general users, the Surface Duo has now become much more useful when running Windows 11.
Microsoft tries new Windows Search UI
Microsoft introduced Windows 11 Build 25158 to Insiders in the Developer Channel this week. The update includes a number of new features and changes, the most notable of which is the experimental UI for the search button. The latest Insider version of Windows 11 has three different options for Search in the Taskbar, including text bubbles and icons. You can see the new look and rest of the changes in our section on the build.
Microsoft partners with Netflix
Microsoft and Netflix announced a partnership this week around the streaming service’s lower-priced ad-supported subscription. Microsoft is now Netflix’s new global ad technology and sales partner. The news itself isn’t very exciting, but it leads one analyst to believe that Microsoft could buy Netflix.
Summer Xbox sale begins
On the gaming side, GameStop’s Summer Game Day sale has begun. Events up to 50% off some of the best Xbox games.
Overall rating
Our experts regularly review the latest gadgets, games and more. Here’s what we watched this week:
