A leaked Microsoft Store page suggests that the Silent Hill 2 Remake is set to release on November 21st for Xbox Series X/S, with a deluxe edition offering additional digital content, but there is no mention of the Born from a Wish DLC or plans for a Play Anywhere version.
Microsoft has suddenly made Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) available for purchase in the Microsoft Store, allowing users to buy security updates for $30 without needing a Microsoft Account, as an alternative to free updates, with support ending soon.
Several Xbox first-party games have been temporarily removed from the Microsoft Store due to a security vulnerability in the Unity engine affecting versions from 2017.1 onward. The issue does not impact console or cloud gaming versions, but affected PC and store listings are being delisted until developers implement the necessary fixes. Some unsupported games have been permanently removed. Microsoft advises uninstalling impacted titles and awaits updates, with no ETA provided for the fixes.
Microsoft is distributing free Xbox store credit via a promotion that prompts users to check their Xbox messages, primarily in the UK, with codes possibly not yet sent out and regional availability uncertain.
Microsoft Store has introduced a new feature called 'Check Your Chat' on Xbox profiles, hinting at free promo codes for Xbox users, but no codes have been received yet. The promotion appears to be targeted at Xbox Game Pass members and is currently unconfirmed, with users advised to monitor their chat sections for potential rewards amid ongoing sales.
Microsoft is now allowing developers worldwide to publish apps to the Windows Store without any onboarding fees, removing a significant barrier and promoting a more inclusive platform for app innovation and distribution.
Microsoft has stopped selling and renting movies and TV shows on Xbox and the Microsoft Store as of July 18th, but existing purchases remain accessible. The change aligns with similar moves by Apple and Google, and Microsoft recommends alternative services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV for new content. No refunds or transfer options are available for existing purchases.
The Xbox Summer Sale 2025 has started with over 300 games discounted, offering early access to Game Pass members before opening to all players around July 17th, featuring significant deals on popular titles like Elden Ring, GTA, and Red Dead Redemption 2.
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Canary build 27891 removes PowerShell 2.0, which has been deprecated since Windows 10, and introduces a new Microsoft Store feature allowing direct product installation from the home page. The update also includes various fixes for UI, system stability, and performance issues, along with known issues related to Windows Hello PIN, Settings crashes, and remote desktop distortions.
Microsoft is unifying the backend systems of the Xbox console and PC stores, causing some confusion and clutter in the Xbox PC app, as it begins to show older, non-PC games and backward compatible titles. This likely indicates ongoing efforts to improve Xbox PC gaming and possibly prepare for a broader integration or announcement, but it has temporarily disrupted the user experience. The full implications remain uncertain, with speculation about a future unified gaming ecosystem.
A highly acclaimed remake of Dead Space is currently 80% off on the Microsoft Store, priced at $13.99 until June 9, exclusively for Xbox Series X and S, offering a thrilling sci-fi horror experience that typically costs $69.99.
In December 2024, 19 Xbox games will be delisted from the Microsoft Store, including classics like Altered Beast, Crazy Taxi, and Forza Horizon 4 due to expiring licenses. Sega will remove 12 titles, while GameMill and Motorsport Games will delist several others, including G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout and multiple NASCAR games. Players are advised to purchase digital versions before these games are removed, although some have physical copies available.
Microsoft is testing app ads in the Windows 11 Start menu as part of an experiment to help users discover new apps in the Microsoft Store. The ads will appear in the Recommended section and are currently being trialed with a small set of Windows Insiders in the U.S. Users can opt out of seeing the ads during this testing phase. This isn't the first time Microsoft has experimented with ads in the Start menu, as the company has previously promoted its products and services through similar methods.
A bug in the Microsoft Store has caused the deletion of Xbox Wishlists for hundreds of players, with reports of erased wishlists surfacing over the past few days. Despite Xbox Support claiming the wishlist feature is "up and running," users are experiencing issues, and some have lost lists of up to 200 items. Microsoft is yet to address the problem, leaving affected players hoping for a swift resolution.
Xbox users have reported their Wishlists suddenly disappearing despite the official Xbox Status website indicating normal functionality. It's likely a glitch that will be resolved by Team Xbox, so rebuilding the Wishlist may not be worthwhile at the moment. The Wishlist can be accessed in the "Deals" section of the Microsoft Store, and games can be added by selecting the love heart symbol with a '+' icon.