Operating System Updates
Ongoing coverage on Operating System Updates.
Latest coverage
Are your PC games crashing after the latest Windows 11 update? Microsoft is investigating whether a nasty new bug is the…
Microsoft is investigating reports that its latest Windows 11 update is causing PC games like Arc Raiders, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals to crash. The issue appears to be related to drivers for peripherals with RGB lighting, potentially conflicting with anti-cheat software. Workarounds include uninstalling the update or manually removing the problematic driver file.
Evening Tech Bits
The latest Windows 11 Release Preview build 24H2 and 25H2 introduces new features like Voice Isolation and improved touchpad gestures. Additionally, Media Player Classic has released version 2.7.4 on GitHub.
Saturday Tech Bits
Microsoft has confirmed the upcoming release of Windows 11 version 26H2 and is urging IT administrators to prepare for its rollout. The company has also released an experimental preview build for Windows Insiders.
SteamOS now plays nice with Intel handhelds, and that could help a shunned portable become a solid Steam Deck…
Valve has added official support for Intel chipsets to SteamOS via a beta update, improving compatibility for handhelds like the MSI Claw 8 AI+. While performance on Windows 11 currently surpasses SteamOS on these devices, this broader compatibility could offer a more affordable alternative to the Steam Deck, especially if prices drop further.
Windows 11 sucks slightly less now, thanks to a June update
A recent June update for Windows 11 introduces a low-latency profile and speeds up search functionality. The update also addresses hundreds of previously existing flaws, improving the overall user experience.
You'll need a premium iPad to make the most of iPadOS 27, but Apple's cheapest model is still covered for the…
Apple has announced iPadOS 27, an update that will be available for iPads released after the 2020 base model. However, to utilize advanced features powered by Apple Intelligence, users will need an iPad with an M1 chip or later, typically found in iPad Air and iPad Pro models. The update will bring performance increases, UI improvements, and enhanced Siri capabilities, though some features will not be available in the EU or China.
SteamOS 3.8.8 Beta brings fixes for MSI Claw controls in Desktop Mode
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.8 Beta, addressing issues with MSI Claw controls in Desktop Mode and other regressions. This update includes fixes for performance HUD crashes, slow charger detection, and improved compatibility for various handheld devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. The update also brings significant changes to KDE Plasma, graphics drivers, and system firmware.
SteamOS 3.8.7 Beta brings improvements for Intel handhelds, audio popping and other fixes
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.7 Beta, introducing significant improvements for upcoming Intel handhelds and addressing various system issues. Key fixes include resolving GPU crashes for Grand Theft Auto V, eliminating audio popping, and improving Bluetooth functionality on certain Intel handhelds. The update also adds initial firmware support for new Intel-based devices and enhances UI behavior for low battery situations.
Saturday Tech Bits
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8497 and Preview Build 29595.1000. These builds are part of the ongoing development and testing for future versions of the Windows 11 operating system.
Google announces Wear OS 7
Google has announced Wear OS 7, an update for its smartwatch operating system. The new version integrates Gemini Intelligence and introduces a new widget system for enhanced user experience.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft has released new Windows 11 Insider Release Preview builds, specifically 26100.8514 and 26200.8514. The article also briefly mentions NVIDIA's success in a business context.
Morning Mobilization
Samsung has released its Android 17 update, branded as One UI 9. The article also discusses the integration of Gemini Intelligence into Android, expressing a negative sentiment towards its future implementation.
Sunday Tech Bits
Windows 11 is reportedly receiving performance enhancements through a less intensive update method. The article references a Neowin report, attributing the information to Neutronbeam.
SteamOS 3.8.4 Beta brings further Steam Machine support and fixes for experimental nested desktop mode
SteamOS 3.8.4 Beta has been released, introducing further support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware and fixing issues with nested desktop mode and VRR-capable TVs. A stable update, SteamOS 3.7.23, also rolled out with essential security and stability patches. The beta version includes numerous general improvements, enhanced controller support for various handheld devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally, and updates to the KDE Plasma desktop environment.
Microsoft is updating Windows Update, creating a fractal of fixes that target shutdown and reboot settings, scheduling…
Microsoft is implementing significant changes to Windows Update to improve user experience and provide more control over the update process. New features include the ability to skip updates during installation, a calendar interface for pausing updates up to 35 days in advance, and options to shut down or restart without forced updates. These changes aim to reduce the frequency of reboots and address user complaints about update obtrusiveness.
Forced Windows updates can now be paused forever
Microsoft is implementing significant changes to Windows Update, allowing users to indefinitely pause updates for up to 35 days at a time. These updates, which can now be reset as often as desired, are a response to user feedback regarding disruptive update schedules. The company is also ensuring users can shut down or restart their devices without installing updates, with these features currently rolling out to Windows Insiders.
April's Windows 11 update reportedly causes blue screens and boot loops on HP and Dell PCs
A recent Windows 11 update, specifically KB5083769, has reportedly caused blue screens and boot loops for users of HP and Dell PCs. Affected users experienced visual glitches followed by a persistent boot loop after the update. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix.
SteamOS 3.7.21 released to stable with security and stability updates
Valve has released SteamOS 3.7.21 to the stable channel, providing essential security and stability updates. While the changelog is brief, users on the stable version are advised to install the update to ensure they have the latest fixes.
Windows 11 now lets you skip the time-consuming updates on a fresh install. Neat!
Windows 11 now allows users to defer time-consuming updates during a fresh installation, giving them more control over the setup process. This feature aims to reduce disruption and streamline the initial user experience, bringing it closer to competitors like ChromeOS and macOS. While updates are still recommended for security and stability, the option to postpone them offers greater flexibility.
Bazzite Linux gets some major upgrades for the April 2026 Update
Bazzite Linux, a popular gaming-focused operating system for handhelds and PCs, has released its April 2026 update. This update includes kernel and Mesa upgrades, improved security features like SBOMs and signed ISOs, and image size reductions. Future improvements will align Bazzite more closely with Valve's SteamOS, featuring a new overlay, smoother updates, and enhanced TDP control.
