Windows Weekly 940: The Donkey Always Wins – Detailed Summary

Released on July 9, 2025 by TWiT

Hosts:

• Leo Laporte
• Paul Thurot
• Richard Campbell

1. Introduction

Leo Laporte kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to "Windows Weekly" alongside Paul Thurot and Richard Campbell. The hosts tease a discussion about significant updates for Windows 11, milestone achievements in its installation numbers surpassing Windows 10, and various topics related to Xbox gaming, including a cautionary note about a flawed Call of Duty download from the Microsoft Store.

2. Windows 11 Updates and Patch Tuesday

The primary focus shifts to the latest Patch Tuesday updates released for Windows 11. Paul Thurot elaborates on the complexity of managing updates across different Windows versions:

• Windows Versions Covered:
  • 24H2
  • 23H2
  • Copilot Plus PCs
  • Windows 10

Paul highlights the introduction of the "Ask Copilot Edition," which he dismissively describes as "borderline useless" ([03:31]). The discussion delves into the challenges of the new PC migration feature, noting that while the first half involving the Windows Backup app is implemented, the second half integrated into Windows Setup is pending future updates ([06:45]).

Richard Campbell expresses optimism about the forthcoming features, anticipating easier PC migrations similar to seamless experiences in the mobile sector ([08:17]).

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurot [03:31]: "Ask Copilot Edition to click to do, which I can categorically state as borderline useless."
• Paul Thurot [06:45]: "But instead of doing it from the cloud, it will do it over the network from the other PC."

3. Microsoft Edge Performance Enhancements

Transitioning to Microsoft Edge, the hosts discuss substantial improvements aimed at enhancing user experience:

• Performance Boosts:
  • Reduction in load times by an average of 40% across 13 browser features.
  • Achieving a First Contentful Paint (FCP) score below 300 milliseconds, making it the first browser to attain such a benchmark ([50:47]).

While acknowledging the enhancements, Paul advises users to configure Edge properly to avoid privacy pitfalls. He recommends using extensions like Privacy Badger and utilities like Wintoys to block unwanted tracking and reset attempts by Edge ([137:03]).

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Campbell [53:08]: "It's their rendering engine."
• Paul Thurot [50:47]: "There are good reasons to like Edge... if you overlook the crap, it's a really good browser."

4. AI Integration and the Future of Browsing

The conversation shifts to the burgeoning role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within web browsers:

• AI-Driven Features:
  • Introduction of AI models like Gemini in Google’s Pixel devices and Microsoft’s Copilot.
  • Speculation on browsers evolving from traditional tools to AI-centric platforms that handle tasks autonomously ([63:08]).

The hosts express concerns about AI's potential to erode traditional browsing habits and the implications for privacy and user autonomy.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurot [63:08]: "Browsers are about to change dramatically... AI is going to be everywhere."
• Leo Laporte [77:30]: "We plan to use all the context to build a better user profile."

5. Compliance with the EU Digital Markets Act

Microsoft's alignment with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) is scrutinized:

• Key Changes:
  • Ability to uninstall Microsoft Edge in the EU.
  • Modification of default app settings to comply with DMA requirements.
  • Introduction of tools like PowerToys to manage these settings ([11:52]).

Paul emphasizes the necessity of these compliance measures, comparing Microsoft's approach to that of Apple in addressing regulatory demands.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurot [11:58]: "This is about accessing default apps and making sure you're DMA compliant."
• Paul Thurot [05:41]: "So enjoy that."

6. Personal Anecdote: Noisy Parade Experience

Paul shares a personal story about being awakened at 4 a.m. by a cacophonous parade in his neighborhood:

• Event Details:
  • Continuous explosions resembling a war zone.
  • Interaction with a neighbor who is accustomed to the annual event.
  • Impact on personal life, including disrupting sleep and causing household frustrations ([29:50]).

This segment adds a personal touch, highlighting the hosts' real-life experiences outside of technology discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurot [29:50]: "I could hear it. It was gonna come down the street... I started recording on my phone."

7. Whiskey Segment: JP Trodden's Maple Rye Whiskey

A delightful diversion takes the form of an in-depth discussion on a niche whiskey product:

• Product Spotlight:

  • JP Trodden's Maple Rye Whiskey: A unique bourbon aged in maple syrup barrels, imparting a distinct sweetness.
  • Production Insights:
    • Utilizes a 70/30 corn and winter wheat mash bill.
    • Employs lambic-style stills for distillation.
    • Barrel-aging in specially treated maple syrup barrels to infuse flavors.

• Business Growth:

  • Started as a single-still operation, winning awards like double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits.
  • Expanded to a larger facility in Snohomish, Washington, enhancing production capacity and introducing a tasting room.

The hosts commend the craftsmanship and innovative approach of JP Trodden, appreciating the blend of traditional techniques with modern flavor infusions.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurot [134:07]: "JP Trodden's Maple Rye Whiskey is different because it is only 50% of the small batch, the black label and 50% of a rye whiskey made for the purpose."
• Richard Campbell [157:15]: "They do making bourbon, maple syrup now we're talking."

8. Xbox and the Gaming Industry

A critical examination of Microsoft's gaming division unfolds, focusing on recent layoffs and strategic missteps:

• Recent Developments:

  • Significant layoffs within Microsoft’s gaming studios despite substantial acquisitions.
  • Challenges in integrating acquired studios and delivering successful game titles.
  • Specific issues with the Call of Duty download from the Microsoft Store, which contained vulnerabilities that hackers exploited ([116:56]).

• Game Pass and Market Strategy:

  • Discussion on the sustainability of the Xbox Game Pass model.
  • Comparison with competitors like Sony and Nintendo, highlighting Microsoft's struggles to match their first-party game success.
  • Speculation on the future direction of Xbox hardware and potential shifts away from traditional consoles to partnerships with PC makers ([85:07], [90:07]).

The hosts express frustration over Microsoft's inability to effectively manage its gaming acquisitions and maintain consistency in game quality, leading to financial and reputational setbacks.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurot [116:56]: "It's a good game. I don't know. I'm really... to experience what real people experience."
• Richard Campbell [90:07]: "They rolled up the industry."

9. Addressing Privacy and Configuration in Microsoft Edge

Paul offers actionable advice for users to secure their Microsoft Edge browser:

• Recommendations:

  • Install privacy-focused extensions like Privacy Badger and Adblock Plus.
  • Utilize utilities such as Wintoys to enforce DMA compliance and prevent Edge from resetting user configurations.
  • Disable Edge from running at startup to enhance privacy and control ([137:03], [141:43]).

• Challenges:

  • Users must manually adjust settings to maintain privacy.
  • Synchronization issues across multiple devices prevent seamless configuration replication.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurot [137:03]: "With the right configuration is not problematic. Without the right configuration. Extremely problematic."
• Leo Laporte [135:52]: "It's a nexus of the insertification that occurs in Windows 11."

10. Conclusion and Recommendations

In wrapping up, the hosts encourage listeners to:

• Engage with Community:

  • Join the "Club Twit" Discord for exclusive content and discussions.
  • Support the show through memberships for additional benefits like ad-free episodes and access to special events.

• Stay Informed and Protected:

  • Regularly update and configure Windows and Edge to ensure security and compliance.
  • Explore niche interests, such as boutique whiskeys, as part of a balanced lifestyle outside of technology.

Notable Quotes:

• Leo Laporte [141:53]: "If you like this kind of stuff, definitively take a look at these things."
• Paul Thurot [137:18]: "It's a problem for me, especially because I use so many different computers."

Notable Ads Skipped:

• 1Password: Promoted Trelica by 1Password for SaaS app security.
• ThreatLocker: Highlighted for Zero Trust cybersecurity solutions.
• Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Advocated for online privacy and rights.
• Progressive Insurance & PayPal: Standard sponsorship segments promoting their services.

Closing Remarks: Leo Laporte and the hosts thank listeners for tuning in, encouraging them to subscribe, leave reviews, and participate in the community. They tease upcoming segments, including discussions on gaming and more personal anecdotes in future episodes.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions of "Windows Weekly 940," providing insights into Windows 11's evolution, the complexities of Microsoft's gaming strategies, the integration of AI in everyday tools, and a delightful foray into the world of specialty whiskey. Notable quotes underscore key sentiments and opinions expressed by the hosts, offering listeners a distilled version of the episode's rich content.