11 Sep 2025 01:29
Windows Weekly 949: How Do I Get Back to Windows 7?
Windows 11 just dropped one of its biggest updates yet, but new features and relentless AI integrations are making right-click menus bigger—and more confusing—than ever. Is Windows getting better, or just busier?
Windows 11 • Patch Tuesday arrives with several new features for all Windows 11 users • A few new features added for Copilot+ PCs • This may be the last cumulative update before 25H2
Windows Insider • New Canary build includes features we've seen before • Copilot+ PCs bring Windows Studio Effects to secondary cameras in Dev and Beta channels
Hardware • 40-year Intel veteran now leads PC chips business • Paul's continued criticism of Lunar Lake problems • Lenovo's three IFA concept devices should become shipping products
Apps • Atlassian acquires The Browser Company, potentially threatening the Dia browser
Microsoft • Microsoft mandates employees return to office three days per week • Microsoft accused of "gross cybersecurity negligence"
Dev • Microsoft open sources 6502 BASIC • First Visual Studio 2026 preview now available • Individual developers can register for Microsoft Store for free
Mobile • Google ships Android 16 QPR1 with Material 3 Expressive on Pixel devices plus September Pixel Drop • Apple announces iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and new Apple Watches • Comparison of OS updating styles between Apple, Google, and Microsoft and their impact on hardware upgrades
AI • Microsoft to pay almost $20 billion for third-party AI infrastructure • Microsoft may turn to Anthropic for Office apps • Anthropic settles with book authors, then judge rejects the settlement (Apple faces similar lawsuit) • Google details all Gemini tier offerings • Firefox will use Apple Intelligence on iPhones with iOS 26
Xbox and Games • Lenovo Legion Go 2 coming in October with new Xbox Ally OS in early 2026 • Xbox to announce games at Tokyo Game Show on September 25 • Xbox Cloud Gaming coming to select cars • PlayStation 6 will be modular
Tips and Picks • Something to read: iWar by Tim Higgins • Something to watch: New Dave Plumber interview on YouTube • Something to get for free: Microsoft 365 free for US students for one year • Something to plan for: Proton offers emergency access on accounts • RunAs Radio this week: Training for AI with Stephanie Donahue • Brown liquor pick of the week: Boplaas 8 Single Grain Whisky
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.
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