WW 971: Texas English - Where Does Xbox Go Next?

WW 971: Texas English - Where Does Xbox Go Next?

Author: TWiT February 18, 2026 Duration: 2:03:32

Microsoft might finally give power users what they've been demanding: the ability to move the Windows 11 taskbar wherever they want. Plus, 3 major new chapters in Paul's next book, and a strange pick that solves his big issue with Windows Spotlight.


Windows 11

  • Potentially good news for the 13 people who want to move the Taskbar to a different screen side
  • Beta (but not Dev) with one new "feature"
  • Release Preview for 24H2/25H2 with emoji 16.0, QMR improvements, network speed test, pan and tilt controls for compatible cameras, widgets improvements, more
  • Lenovo revenues up 18% to $22.2 billion

AI/Dev

  • Google announces 30-second audio generation
  • Google sets a date for I/O 2026, but where in the Carmen Diego is Build 2026?
  • Android 17 Beta is here with an even shorter runway
  • With '26.3 out, Apple releases '26.4 Beta 1s

Xbox and gaming

  • Phil Spencer is always in the spotlight, but he's been on the down-low for months
  • Some hints for the future coming GDC 2026
  • Kingdom Come Deliverance II, Witcher 3, more coming to Xbox Game Pass
  • Avowed comes to the PlayStation 5 along with the Anniversary Update
  • Microsoft is retiring user-created Xbox social clubs
  • NVIDIA GeForce Now comes to Amazon Fire TV 4K Sticks

Tips & picks

  • Tip of the week: Major progress on De-Enshittify Windows 11, the book
  • App pick of the week: Bing Wallpaper
  • RunAs Radio this week: Hacking using AI with Erica Burgess
  • Brown liquor pick of the week: Lot 40 100% Pot Still Rye

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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For anyone following the vast and often intricate ecosystem of Microsoft, Windows Weekly (Video) offers a consistently insightful look behind the curtain. Hosted by Leo Laporte of TWiT, the conversation is driven by veteran Microsoft insiders Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell, whose combined expertise provides context that goes far beyond surface-level news. While the name suggests a focus on the operating system, this podcast truly serves as a comprehensive analysis of the entire company, from its consumer-facing products like Xbox and Surface to its massive enterprise cloud services and ambitious AI initiatives. Each episode feels like a detailed briefing, unpacking the strategies, successes, and stumbles of the tech giant. The video format adds a valuable layer, allowing you to see the hosts' reactions and follow along with screen shares when they delve into technical previews or software updates. You'll hear informed speculation, historical perspective, and critical debate about Microsoft's direction, making it an essential resource for IT professionals, developers, and dedicated enthusiasts who want to understand not just what is happening, but why. This is the kind of deep dive that turns complex topics into engaging discussion, offering the only Microsoft analysis you'll likely need. For those who prefer an uninterrupted experience, ad-free audio and video feeds are available through Club TWiT.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 10

Windows Weekly (Video)
Podcast Episodes
WW 978: Pre-Peated - "Copilot Is for Entertainment Purposes Only" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:19:19
Julia Liuson is leaving Microsoft. Liuson joined Microsoft in 1992, the same year as CEO Satya Nadella (she worked on Access at first). She helped build the first version of Visual Studio and was the first female corpora…
WW 976: Full Thurrottle - Microsoft's Plan To Save Windows in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:16:31
In 2015, Satya Nadella said that he wanted users to love Windows. But Microsoft has only enshittified Windows more aggressively since then. Paul wrote a book. And now Microsoft says it's changed, baby, and it's serious t…
WW 974: DIY Crocs - Project Helix Details From GDC 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:46:57
From bug-busting AI that's transforming Firefox to personal coding breakthroughs, the team breaks down how practical applications are cutting through skepticism and reshaping developer workflows. Plus, hear why lighter P…
WW 972: I'm A Tolkien Scholar - Phil Spencer & Sarah Bond Depart Xbox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:27:57
Just last week, we asked about Phil Spencer and why he's been so quiet lately. Now we know why! Also, OneDrive for the Mac is finally going to look like it belongs on the Mac. And Google Chrome finally picks up a split v…