Windows 11’s Exclusive Update for AI PCs (and This Week’s Top IT News)

Microsoft is bending its own rules with a special Windows update only for new AI-powered PCs. Plus, Teams is about to start auto-blocking malware and phish by default for everyone, and if you’re migrating from Slack to Teams, Microsoft’s rolling out a new tool to make it seamless.

Thanks to Cayosoft for sponsoring this episode!

Links and resources

• Windows 11 version 26H1 is coming this Spring – Neowin
• New Tool Simplifies Slack to Microsoft Teams Migration
• These Microsoft Teams security features will be turned on by default this month – here’s what admins need to know and why you should update | IT Pro

Episode overview

This Week in IT – Key Updates & Insights:

Key Highlights from This Week in IT

1. Windows 11 Update for AI PCs
   • Microsoft is introducing a special Windows 11 build called Bromine (26H1), optimised for new Snapdragon X2 processors.
   • This version is exclusive to new AI PCs and won’t include new features—just the base platform for hardware support.
   • General users will get feature updates later with 26H2 in autumn.
   • Qualcomm’s X2 chips promise major performance gains:
     • CPU: +35%
     • GPU: +39%
     • Neural Processing Unit: 80 TOPS (78% improvement), enabling advanced AI tasks.
   • Goal: Compete with Apple’s M-series and improve Windows on ARM performance and battery life, though compatibility challenges remain.
     
2. Slack-to-Teams Migration Tool
   • Microsoft is previewing a tool to migrate Slack channels to Teams.
   • Features:
     • Imports messages, files, and members from Slack channels into Teams.
     • Manual mapping of channels required.
   • Limitations:
     • Direct messages, integrations, and apps won’t migrate automatically.
   • Available in preview until end of January; general availability expected in March.
   • Admins should review compliance settings before migration.
     
3. Teams Security Enhancements
   • New secure-by-default settings rolling out by mid-January for organisations using default security policies.
   • Changes include:
     • Blocking risky files (e.g., executables).
     • AI-powered URL scanning to detect phishing and malware.
     • Red warning banners for suspicious links.
   • False positive reporting and optional unblocking available.
   • Admins must apply custom policies by 11 January if they want to override defaults.