Microsoft News Roundup: Two Windows 11 updates, Build 2023, Microsoft upstages PlayStation Showcase, and more

Windows 11 Taskbar closeup
(Image credit: Future)

This week was another big one for Microsoft news. Build 2023 took place, giving us a closer look at what Microsoft has on the way for Windows 11, Microsoft Edge, and Bing. The Windows 11 May 2023 Feature Update also started shipping as an optional update ahead of its general release next month.

On the gaming side of things, Sony held its PlayStation Showcase. Microsoft took the opportunity after the event to share that 14 games unveiled at the event will also make their way to Xbox and/or PC. We also confirmed reports that Metal Gear Solid 3 will get a remake for Xbox and PC as well as PlayStation.

Build

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 SE

Native support for RGB lighting was one of the many Windows 11 announcements at Build 2023. (Image credit: Future)

Microsoft Build is one of the company's largest events of the year. While it is a developer conference, many of the features announced and discussed make their way to everyday users. For example, Microsoft announced the next major Windows 11 update at the event. Even sessions that may not interest general PC owners on a technical level affect how Windows 11 and Microsoft apps and services run.

Rather than do a full recap of Build a second time, I'll point you to our Senior Editor Zac Bowden's piece covering the biggest announcements from Microsoft Build 2023. There were also several other announcements made at the conference. Here's a rundown, with each bullet point being a link to the related story:

Windows 11 May 2023 feature update

Windows 11 new widgets layout

The next Windows 11 update has a new Widgets Board layout. (Image credit: Windows Central)

You'll have to wait until later this year to get Windows 11 version 23H2, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to get a wave of new Windows 11 features. The Windows 11 May 2023 feature drop just, well, dropped. also known as Moment 3, the update has a new Widgets Board layout and many other features. 

Microsoft won't ship the update to everyone until June 13, 2023, but you can install the Windows 11 May 2023 feature update right now as an optional update.

Here's everything that's new, as outlined by our Senior Editor Zac Bowden:

  • An updated Widgets Board layout and pinning experience
  • New animated Taskbar weather icons
  • Bing AI button in the Taskbar search bar
  • 2FA code recognition in notifications
  • Multi-app kiosk mode
  • Show clock seconds in the system tray
  • Glanceable VPN status icon in the Taskbar
  • Various improvements to Voice Access
  • Support for more languages in the live captions feature
  • Updated touch keyboard settings
  • Cloud suggestions in Simplified Chinese IME
  • USB4 settings page
  • Search box will be lighter when app mode is set to light
  • Access keys in File Explorer
  • Create live kernel dumps in Task Manager
  • Settings search is faster
  • New presence sensing settings
  • Win32 app isolation feature (preview)
  • Windows 365 boot (preview)

Xbox and PC games at PlayStation Showcase

Sony's PlayStation Showcase was this week. Based on that name, you may assume that all of the games shown off are PlayStation exclusives. Sony certainly didn't clarify that 14 of the announced titles will also make their way to PC, Xbox, or both. We'll have to play them first, of course, but many of the titles look like favorites to earn spots on our lists of the best PC games and best Xbox games.

Our Jerko Čilaš rounded up all of the games that will be available on PC and/or Xbox. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Alan Wake 2, and Immortals of Aveum are all making their way to Microsoft platforms.

Microsoft joined in on the fun with a playful tweet about the PlayStation Showcase games coming to Xbox.

Reviews & Editorials

Razer Nommo V2 Pro PC gaming speakers, software, and components

(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Each week our experts review the latest accessories, PCs, and games. They also share insight about Microsoft, Windows 11, and Xbox and PC gaming with editorials. Here's a recap of everything our team covered this week.

Deals of the Week

We love tech. We don't love spending more money than needed on tech. I suspect you're the same way. That's why our team scours the web for the best deals each week. With it being a holiday weekend in both the US and UK, there are quite a few deals to be found. Our Managing Editor Ben Wilson has a collection of the best Memorial Day sales that we'll update throughout the weekend.

Here are the most popular discounts and deals that are still live from throughout the last week:

Note that some prices have changed since initial coverage. 

IdeaPad Slim 9i 14" | $1,669.99$999.99 at Amazon

IdeaPad Slim 9i 14" | $1,669.99 $999.99 at Amazon

Featuring an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1195G7 CPU, this 14" touchscreen laptop features a 1080p panel rated for 400-nits brightness. A built-in fingerprint reader quickly unlocks Windows 11 Pro, and Thunderbolt 4 connects modern devices.

WD_BLACK SN850 2TB | $359.99$181.99 at Best Buy

WD_BLACK SN850 2TB | $359.99 $181.99 at Best Buy

One of the most popular M.2 solid-state drives, thanks to its compatibility with PlayStation 5 consoles, also works perfectly inside any gaming desktop PC with a compatible Gen4 2280 socket — fast storage at a massive discount.

Destiny 2: Lightfall + Annual Pass | $99.99 $66.99 at Microsoft

Destiny 2: Lightfall + Annual Pass | $99.99 $66.99 at Microsoft

This edition of the Lightfall DLC includes the expansion's content, Season Passes for every season remaining in Destiny 2 Year 6, and access to both of Year 6's upcoming dungeons. Put simply, it allows you to play every piece of new content that releases before the next major DLC.

Buy for: Xbox | PC

Destiny 2: Lightfall | $49.99 $29.99 at Microsoft

Destiny 2: Lightfall | $49.99 $29.99 at Microsoft

Lightfall introduces players to the new Strand Darkness element on the Neptunian city of Neomuna. There, Emperor Calus — now a Disciple of The Witness — is invading the metropolis to find and control a paracausal object called "The Veil." The DLC includes a story campaign, new quests, plenty of gear to earn, and a raid set on a Pyramid that was terraformed by the Traveler.

Buy for: Xbox | PC

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X | $299 $246.99 at Newegg

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X | $299 $246.99 at Newegg

The Ryzen 5 7600X is one of the best bang-for-your-buck gaming CPUs, and thanks to this Newegg deal and the use of promo code MDSCS2342 at checkout, you can snag one for over $50 off.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.