This Week in IT, the next version of Windows is now in testing and is more an enablement package than a significant feature upgrade. Third-party passkey provider integration comes to Windows 11 in the Dev Channel, Exchange Server SE is finally here but will cost you more, and Microsoft sets a date for Azure AD Graph API retirement. 

Windows 11 25H2 Now in Testing

• Windows 11 25H2 is in testing and focuses on stability and security improvements rather than major new features, maintaining the same base as version 24H2. It includes enhancements to recover devices quickly from issues like blue screens caused by faulty security updates.
  
  
• Microsoft is developing an API to allow antivirus and endpoint detection tools to operate in user mode instead of kernel mode, reducing the risk of system crashes from security software updates. This feature will enter private preview in July and aims to improve Windows security and compatibility.
  
  
• Third-party passkey provider integration is being introduced, initially supporting the 1Password manager, allowing users to create and sync passkeys on Windows devices without relying solely on Microsoft Authenticator. This expands options for passwordless authentication.
  
  
• The Azure Active Directory Graph API will be retired in early September, with Microsoft providing tools to identify applications still using the deprecated API to ensure migration to the Microsoft Graph API before the cutoff.
  
  
• Exchange Server Subscription Edition is now available, replacing traditional licensing with a subscription model and increased pricing for on-premises use, while Exchange Online pricing remains unchanged. This reflects Microsoft’s push towards cloud services and subscription licensing for server products.
  
  
• Other Microsoft on-premises products like Skype for Business Server are also moving to subscription-only licensing, with end-of-life dates approaching for older versions, encouraging upgrades to subscription editions.