According to Neowin, Microsoft had quite the week with users absolutely roasting the company over cringe-worthy Copilot ads that showed the AI failing at basic tasks, forcing Microsoft to pull the video entirely. The company released Windows 11 Build 26220.7271 with File Explorer performance improvements and Build 28000.1199 for the Canary Channel targeting early 2026 release. They also announced new recovery features for broken systems, Agenda View for Calendar Flyout, and confirmed most major Windows 11 components are broken in certain scenarios. On the gaming side, Xbox Design Lab expanded to over two dozen new countries while GeForce NOW completed upgrades to RTX 5080 rigs enabling 5K 120FPS gaming.
When AI marketing goes wrong
Here’s the thing about AI marketing – when you’re trying to sell people on how smart your artificial intelligence is, maybe don’t show it failing at the exact tasks you’re promoting? Microsoft learned this the hard way when their Copilot ad backfired spectacularly. The video showed Copilot struggling to perform basic functions, and users absolutely piled on with mockery. It’s the kind of PR disaster that makes you wonder who’s approving these campaigns. And this isn’t even the first time Microsoft’s faced this kind of backlash – remember when the Windows chief had to shut down replies after posting out-of-touch strategies?
The good, the bad, and the broken
While the Copilot ads were crashing and burning, Microsoft was actually rolling out some decent updates. File Explorer getting performance improvements is welcome news for anyone who’s experienced the sluggishness in recent Windows versions. But then they had to go and confirm that most major Windows 11 components are broken in certain scenarios. It’s that classic Microsoft experience – one step forward, one step back. The new recovery features are genuinely useful though, giving users better ways to restore broken systems with minimal disruption. And Agenda View finally coming to the Calendar Flyout? About time.
Gaming gets bigger and better
Microsoft’s gaming division had a much better week than their advertising team. Xbox Design Lab expanding to over two dozen new countries means more gamers worldwide can get custom controllers. That’s actually pretty cool – personalization matters in gaming. Meanwhile, GeForce NOW’s upgrade to RTX 5080 rigs is massive for cloud gaming. 5K at 120FPS? That’s pushing some serious pixels. And with new Game Pass titles like Moonlighter 2 and freebies like Warhammer: Vermintide 2 on Steam, there’s no shortage of things to play. The Epic Games Store finally adding gifting features is long overdue but welcome.
Where does Microsoft go from here?
Looking at this week’s developments, it’s clear Microsoft is fully committed to this AI-focused Windows transition. But they need to be careful about how they message it. When your marketing demonstrates the opposite of what you’re trying to prove, you’ve got a problem. The technical improvements are there – better File Explorer performance, new recovery tools, hardware upgrades. But the communication strategy needs work. Basically, Microsoft should probably focus on what actually works rather than trying to create viral moments that backfire. The substance is there – now they just need to stop getting in their own way with cringe-worthy ads that become instant meme material.
