WW 981: Semi-Sophisticated - Microsoft Releases Source Code For 86-DOS 1.00

WW 981: Semi-Sophisticated - Microsoft Releases Source Code For 86-DOS 1.00

Author: TWiT April 29, 2026 Duration: 2:43:48

This episode dives into early MS-DOS/PC-DOS source code, Snapdragon X2 gaming, and the "We are Xbox" messaging. Plus, Paul details 2 big changes in the Windows Insider Program. The latest PowerToys adds 2 useful new utilities and many improvements. And a TWiT listener asked about buying Windows 11 on Arm to virtualize it on a Mac. You're not going to believe what happened next.

Windows

  • Microsoft announces big changes to Windows Update
  • Microsoft announces Windows Insider Program changes, with Experimental channel
  • Hands-on with both predictably shows some nice improvements
  • Hands-on with Snapdragon X2 gaming - more wins, but still some losses
  • Microsoft open sources some of the earliest MS-DOS source code and related materials
  • Intel loses $3.7 billion and Wall Street could not be happier. WTF is happening - Paul has a theory and its called collusion

AI

  • Microsoft and OpenAI revise partnership again and wait for it...
  • OpenAI immediately signs on with AWS
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot subscribers get Word, Excel, and PowerPoint agentic AI features
  • Copilot in Outlook can manage your inbox and calendar, but seriously stop using Outloook
  • GitHub Copilot's switch to usage-based billing starts June 1
  • OpenAI is reportedly working on a phone because of course it is
  • Adobe Firefly AI Assistant is now available in preview
  • And then Anthropic goes deeper into the creator market

Xbox and gaming

  • Microsoft Gaming is being (re)rebranded to Xbox!
  • New Xbox leadership can't stop explaining its plans and it's glorious
  • Microsoft still plans a mobile game store, waiting on Apple to stop being so f'ing terrible
  • Valve's Steam Controller will cost $99 and launches next week

Tips and picks

  • Tip of the week: Windows licenses, $, and you
  • App pick of the week: PowerToys 0.99
  • RunAs Radio this week: M365 Copilot vs Claude Cowork with Sharon Weaver
  • Brown liquor pick of the week: Reifel 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: 13

Windows Weekly (Video)
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