WW 949: How Do I Get Back to Windows 7? - Microsoft's Patch Tuesday Update Packs Big Windows 11 Changes

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

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Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com

The Windows Weekly theme music is courtesy of Carl Franklin.

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