WW 985: Putting the Mental in Experimental - Some Linux Learnings for the Windows User

WW 985: Putting the Mental in Experimental - Some Linux Learnings for the Windows User

Author: TWiT May 27, 2026 Duration: 2:35:35

Paul has been testing various Linux distributions and other Windows alternatives for months as part of a Switcher series. The zen of Linux can mostly apply to Windows, too: Install and manage software with package managers, and embrace the command line, especially. And if you're going to use a local account, at least be smart about it. Also, Vivaldi 8.0 looks awesome and appears to deliver what Firefox is promising with its Nova UI. Plus, Discord has a native app for Windows 11 on Arm now.

Windows

  • Week D arrives with a surprise: 24H2/26H1 are aligned and getting the same new features
  • Shared audio with BT LE, multi-app camera support, many improvements - but the big deal may be the performance and reliability improvements across the board
  • This is the next Patch Tuesday, today
  • Friday builds - new accessibility features in Experimental and Beta, more
  • Microsoft CMO Yusuf Mehdi to leave company after an astonishing 35-year run - started in Windows, but with IE, Bing & MSN, Interactive Entertainment (Xbox), Windows and Devices, and then a SLT position before the end. Incredible run. Paul has three milestones and one throughline to share.
  • Lenovo revenues surge 27 percent to $21.6 billion
  • NVIDIA revenues really surged 85 percent to $81.6 billion

AI/dev

  • Google adds Google Drive sync to NotebookLM, and moves preferred sources into AI Mode and AI Overviews
  • Saying no to AI: DuckDuckGo usage surges in the wake of Google I/O's AI tsunami
  • OpenAI releases ChatGPT plugin for PowerPoint
  • .NET MAUI to get Material You support for Android in .NET 10
  • Follow-up on last week's vibe coding adventures: Paul talked about this last week, but a lot has happened since then. The Android app creation capability in Google AI Studio is live. A few thoughts on vibe coding with Android Studio, Claude Code, and more

Xbox and gaming

  • XBOX—and, yes, it's XBOX now—has an official merchandise store to go alongside all its other official merchandise stores
  • The Steam Deck is back in stock! Also, it's 40 percent more expensive

Tips & picks

  • Tip of the week: Understanding the zen of Linux can help a Windows user too
  • App pick of the week: A grab-bag of apps for Windows
  • RunAs Radio this week: Team Productivity using Loop with Karinne Bessette
  • Brown liquor pick of the week: John Sleeman & Sons Rye Whisky

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell

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Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com

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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: 16

Windows Weekly (Video)
Podcast Episodes
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…
WW 971: Texas English - Where Does Xbox Go Next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…