This week brought some truly significant news from Microsoft, from extending support for Windows 10 to a major change for the infamous “Blue Screen of Death” and official confirmation of the next big Windows 11 update. Here’s a quick rundown of the key headlines: Windows 10 users can get an extra year of security updates for free, the dreaded blue error screen is changing color, and Windows 11 version 25H2 is officially on the way.
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Windows 10 & Windows 11: Big Changes Ahead
The biggest news making waves is the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10. With Windows 10 support ending soon, this program offers users extra security patches. What’s surprising? Microsoft is offering a free year of these updates if you simply back up your PC using the Windows Backup tool. Other options involve paying or using Microsoft Rewards points, but the free route is a welcome option for many. Governments are even starting to issue warnings about the approaching end of support for Windows 10 users.
If you’re still using Windows 10, you might be wondering if it’s time to switch. Microsoft recently shared reasons why Windows 11 could be a better choice, highlighting performance benefits and new features to encourage users to make the jump. They also released a guide specifically for businesses with older PCs that don’t meet Windows 11 requirements but need ESU keys.
Windows 10 default desktop wallpaper
Prepare for a visual change when your PC encounters a critical error. The iconic Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is getting a makeover. Later this summer, it will become a Black Screen of Death and lose its familiar sad face icon. Alongside this change, Microsoft is introducing Quick Machine Recovery, a new tool designed to help fix PCs that won’t start properly due to issues like malware or software problems.
It’s official: Windows 11 version 25H2 is coming later this year. Microsoft has confirmed the next major feature update, and the first test versions (preview builds) marked with the 25H2 designation are now available for testing by Windows Insiders.
June also brought a round of non-security updates for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. These updates often include fixes and sometimes new features rolled out gradually. For example, Windows 11 users saw updates bringing things like resizable taskbar icons and improvements to the PC migration tool. Various setup and recovery updates were also released to help with installation and update issues.
Another crucial announcement involves Secure Boot, a security feature required for Windows 11. Microsoft warned that the first certificates used for Secure Boot are nearing expiration. Users need to ensure these are updated to maintain security and compatibility with certain software.
Secure Boot setup screen with technical details
Of course, no week is without a few tech hiccups. Dell acknowledged an issue affecting the Night Light feature on some of its Windows on ARM PCs, though they attributed it to the chipset provider. Microsoft also confirmed ongoing problems specifically affecting the Chrome browser on Windows.
Finally, an interesting piece of Windows history surfaced this week. A Microsoft veteran shared a story about how PC manufacturers years ago would sometimes manipulate system information (BIOS copyright strings) to get fully licensed versions of trial software – a clever, if ethically questionable, trick!
Want to give your Windows 11 PC a little boost? There’s a hidden accessibility setting that many find makes the interface feel noticeably faster and more responsive. It’s a simple change that can make a difference in daily use.
Windows Insider Program: Testing the Future
For those who like to get an early look at new features, the Windows Insider program saw a couple of notable builds this week.
- Dev Channel: Builds introduced a new Recall homepage, acting as a central spot for recent activity snapshots and documents. Users also gained more control over where system indicators appear. A later build added 1Password integration for Passkeys and further improvements, plus the official version 25H2 marking.
- Beta Channel: Received builds mirroring the Dev Channel features (like the Recall homepage and Passkey integration) but without the 25H2 version identifier yet.
Additionally, the Snipping Tool app gained new screen-recording capabilities for a wider group of Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview channels.
Software Updates: Browsers, Office, and More
Plenty of software updates rolled out this week. Firefox 140 arrived with support for custom search engines and an updated Extended Support Release, quickly followed by minor updates (140.0.1 and 140.0.2) to fix various issues, including startup crashes on Windows. Microsoft Edge 138 was released, featuring AI-powered history search, and Google Chrome 138 also saw a new version.
Microsoft Edge web browser logo
In the world of Microsoft 365 and Office, the new Outlook for Windows is set to arrive for Microsoft 365 Education accounts early next year. Microsoft also published content defending the new Outlook app, addressing common criticisms.
Other productivity updates include a new health dashboard for Microsoft Teams admins, the ability for PowerPoint Copilot to generate presentations from PDFs or text files, and the addition of Modern Page Templates in SharePoint to speed up creation. Microsoft also shared detailed steps to fix Office 2024 activation issues. We also got a look at upcoming features on the Microsoft 365 roadmap and a recap of new additions to Excel in June 2025.
Weekly Hardware & Software Reviews
This week’s reviews covered some interesting tech.
We looked at the TerraMaster F4 SSD, a compact and quiet 4-bay NAS designed for media storage. While not perfect, its performance and design earned it a solid score, making it a good option for those needing fast, silent network storage.
TerraMaster F4 SSD 4-bay NAS device
For gamers, the Keychron Lemokey G2 8K Wireless gaming mouse was reviewed. It boasts high performance, a lightweight design, and onboard memory. Despite its strengths, the review pointed out a few drawbacks to consider before purchasing.
Keychron Lemokey G2 8K Wireless gaming mouse on a dark background
Gaming News: Xbox App, VR, and Deals
Big news for PC gamers using the Xbox app: Microsoft is transforming it into a universal game launcher. Soon, you’ll be able to launch games from Steam, Epic Games Store, and other platforms directly from the Xbox app, creating a single library for all your PC games. This feature is currently being tested in the Xbox Insider program.
Xbox App home screen showing game library
The Xbox June 2025 update also brought new features for console users, including improved management for unsynced game saves, the ability to browse games by their publisher, and options to hide system apps on the dashboard.
Microsoft also unveiled an official Xbox-branded VR headset. Developed in partnership with Meta, this headset is currently listed as having “extremely limited” stock.
Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition VR headset
On a less positive note, reports emerged about significant layoffs planned for the Xbox division.
For simulation fans, Microsoft Flight Simulator received its City Update 11, bringing enhanced visuals for areas including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, offering a more realistic flying experience.
Screenshot from Microsoft Flight Simulator showing an urban area
Looking for new games or deals? The Epic Games Store is currently giving away Sable, a unique exploration game with a distinct art style. Meanwhile, the massive Steam Summer Sale 2025 is in full swing, offering huge discounts on PC games for weeks. Be sure to check out the latest Weekend PC Game Deals for more offers.
Screenshot from the game Sable showing a character riding a vehicle in a desert landscape
Catch Up on More Tech News
This week was packed with updates, from crucial Windows support changes and interface redesigns to new hardware reviews and gaming developments. Whether you’re staying on Windows 10 (with free updates!), looking forward to Windows 11 25H2, or exploring new gaming options, there was plenty to keep track of.
Stay tuned for more tech news, reviews, and deals!
