This week brought more AI magic inside Windows, Microsoft officially ended free Windows 10 support (so procrastinators beware), and some sneaky scams are going wild again. Whether you’re running a small business, working from home, or helping relatives with their PCs, here’s what’s worth knowing (and doing).
News For The Week:
Microsoft’s Windows 11 gets deeper Copilot upgrades
Microsoft has rolled out a set of new AI features in Windows 11 to make Copilot more helpful and integrated. Among the changes: you can now speak “Hey Copilot” to activate it (if you opt in). Copilot Vision is now enabled in more regions, meaning it can “see” what’s on your screen to help with tasks. And Microsoft is experimenting with Copilot Actions — letting Copilot carry out basic tasks (with permission) like managing files, opening apps, or reading from PDFs. (Reuters)
This is a big deal because it moves AI from being a separate tool into part of how you naturally use your PC. As long as your computer meets system requirements, things like document summaries, search across files, and small automations may soon need little to no manual effort. Just remember: always review what Copilot wants to do before giving it permission.
Search box in taskbar becomes Copilot chat in Windows 11
To make Copilot more accessible, Microsoft is replacing the standard “Search” box in the taskbar with a Copilot chat interface (optional at first). This means from wherever you are on the PC, you can launch Copilot for help — not just in Edge or a separate app. (Windows Central)
For regular folks (non-techies), this means faster access to help: like “find this file,” “summarize this page,” or “show me recent invoices.” It’s optional, so you can choose to keep or hide it. But expect many users to see that change soon.
Free support for Windows 10 ends — time to upgrade or protect
Full link: https://apnews.com/article/8fbfc66b59c1ee9d15e0af856d29f52
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended free security updates for Windows 10. That means PCs still on Windows 10 are now exposed to new vulnerabilities—and won’t get patches to fix them. (AP News)
If your computer still runs Windows 10, consider:
- Upgrading to Windows 11 (if hardware allows)
- Using an Extended Security Update (paid) plan if possible
- Isolating that PC from sensitive data (e.g. not using it for banking)
- Getting a new machine if upgrade is impossible
We at Holy City Computer Services can help you audit your setup and recommend safe paths forward.
Servicing stack update KB5066835 improves stability of Windows updates
This week Microsoft released a servicing stack update (SSU) — KB5066835 — aimed at improving the reliability of updates (especially for Windows 11). The servicing stack is the component that handles the “installing updates” process. (Microsoft Support)
Why this is important: a solid servicing stack helps you avoid “update failures” or boot issues after patches. If you haven’t installed this update yet, doing so is a good safety measure before larger OS upgrades.
Microsoft 365 Copilot being auto-installed starting October
In October 2025, Microsoft began automatically installing the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows machines that already have Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook) desktop apps. This essentially brings AI features directly into Office tools. (TechRadar)
That said, many users have balked, feeling it’s “pushed too hard.” Admins (for business users) can opt out, but personal users may not have that control. If this shows up on your machine and you don’t want it, we can guide you on disabling or hiding it.
“Hey Copilot” voice activation and AI everywhere push
Full link: https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/microsoft-windows-11-copilot-get-voice-integrated
(Also covered in Reuters article above)
Microsoft is giving your PC more conversational input options: voice, vision (seeing the screen content), text. The mantra now seems to be: interact naturally. (Tom's Hardware)
For home users, this means your PC is shifting from “you drive it” to “you ask it.” But you’ll always get to approve what it does. It’s not magic without guardrails.
Walmart spotlights U.S. small business manufacturers
Full link: https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2025/10/09/walmart-highlights-us-manufacturing-and-small-business-growth-at-2025-open-call
Walmart ran its annual Open Call event this month, promoting U.S.-made goods and giving small entrepreneurs a chance to get their products in Walmart shelves or online. (Walmart Corporate News and Information)
If you’re a maker, artisan, or product business in South Carolina, events like this may be your ticket to scale. Even if you’re service-based, knowing retail mechanisms helps with planning: inventory, packaging, shipping, and visibility.
Windows Tips For The Week:
- Install KB5066835 (the servicing update) before applying bigger OS patches.
- Explore new Copilot features safely. Start with simple tasks (Summarize, Find File) before letting voice or vision handle more sensitive stuff.
- After upgrade, review permissions. Copilot and Office Copilot may ask for file access—check what you grant.
- Backup before letting auto-installs run. New features or apps (like Microsoft 365 Copilot) should be backed by a restore point.
- If still on Windows 10, consider isolation. Use it only for non-critical tasks, and don’t expose it to business accounts with sensitive data.
AI Prompt Ideas:
Here’s a prompt to try this week:
“You are my local marketing & tech guide. Create a 2-week social media and email content plan for small businesses in Charleston, SC to highlight IT, cybersecurity, and AI tools. For each post: include a catchy title, 100-word body text aimed at non-techies, a simple tip, and a call to action to contact Holy City Computer Services (843-670-4153 / support@holycityit.com). Make it friendly and actionable.”
Whether you need help upgrading, protecting old PCs, deciding which AI features to turn on (or off), or just making sure your business stays safe, Holy City Computer Services is your local partner. Call 843-670-4153, email support@holycityit.com, or visit https://www.holycityit.com. We’re here so you don’t have to worry about tech—just focus on your business.