Microsoft has released PowerToys Preview v0.102.2862.0, introducing a headless command-line interface (CLI) for the Advanced Paste feature, allowing users to perform clipboard transformations directly from the terminal. The update also enhances the Command Palette with a more user-friendly full-screen window positioning option, as well as implementing stability fixes across various components. This preview is primarily aimed at scripters and developers who require a scriptable endpoint for clipboard work, while casual users are advised to stick with the stable version for reliability. Future updates are expected to continue improving the suite's functionality and user interface, including ongoing work on WinUI 3 migration and additional features

On October 13, 2026, Microsoft released .NET 11 Release Candidate 2 alongside servicing patches for .NET 10, 9, and 8, collectively addressing approximately 40 to 44 CVEs, primarily related to remote code execution vulnerabilities. This release marks a significant moment as it offers a production-ready preview of .NET 11, which is expected to launch in November 2026, and comes with a go-live license that allows developers to use it in real-world applications. Microsoft advises developers to immediately patch their applications on .NET 8, 9, and 10 due to the large number of security fixes and the imminent end of support for .NET 8 and 9 within months. The updates also include various enhancements across libraries and frameworks, positioning .NET 11 as a more robust and feature-rich option moving forward

Microsoft has released PowerShell versions 7.6.7, 7.5.12, and 7.4.21, which include two shared fixes related to the handling of a corrupt configuration file and a session-restriction check for the Show-Command cmdlet. However, the pressing issue is that versions 7.4 and 7.5 will lose all support, including security updates, on November 10, 2026, making it critical for users to migrate to version 7.6 LTS, supported until November 2028. The updates are considered routine, with no significant security implications or extensions of support, and mainly address minor functionality improvements. Users are advised to upgrade before the deadline, and the easiest method is through WinGet, while ensuring they check their installation type and verify updates post-installation

Microsoft has released PowerToys Preview v0.102.2851.0, introducing a searchable character reference guide for Quick Accent and improved screen recording stability for ZoomIt. The update also includes a rollback of a stricter code-analyzer policy to prioritize build stability ahead of the upcoming stable release. With enhancements like real-time audio pacing and easier character copying, these changes reflect ongoing improvements in the utility's functionality. The release highlights Microsoft's increasing reliance on AI-assisted development for maintenance tasks, while emphasizing that users on stable versions do not need to rush into the preview build unless they want early access to new features

Microsoft has released PowerToys v0.102.2814.0 Preview, introducing command-line interfaces (CLIs) for Light Switch and Settings, as well as a new mouse button lock feature. The CLIs allow users to control settings and toggle modules via scripts, enhancing automation capabilities, while the mouse button lock modernizes Windows' ClickLock by enabling latching for right and middle mouse buttons. This update is still in preview, so users are advised to install it in a separate profile or virtual machine. Additionally, the build includes various improvements and bug fixes, contributing to the broader goal of modernizing the PowerToys suite

Microsoft has released PowerToys Release Preview v0.102.2803.0 as the first build from the stable branch, marking a shift in how the project is managed. This update emphasizes improvements to the Command Palette, including a new layout switch, enhanced settings persistence, and icon fixes. Additionally, the installer size has been reduced by implementing a Hybrid CRT shift and removing unused Boost.Regex DLLs. Although this build does not include some features from the main track, it represents a meaningful change for the PowerToys project since its return as open-source software

Microsoft has released five new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, featuring a major redesign of Windows Search powered by WinUI 3, allowing users to execute tasks directly from the search interface. This update aims to transform search into an action launcher, reducing clutter and improving performance, as well as introducing inline actions like switching modes or arranging windows. Other updates include enhancements to the Battery Status widget, improved accessibility features for the Narrator, and the default activation of IAKerb to reduce reliance on NTLM authentication. While the search overhaul is significant, not all builds contain noteworthy changes, with some primarily offering routine fixes and maintenance updates

Microsoft has released PowerToys Preview v0.101.2781.0, which enhances the Command Palette with a revamped Quick Access Shelf that supports recent items, drag-and-drop organization, and keyboard shortcuts. The update also introduces mouse-wheel layout switching for FancyZones, as well as targeted fixes for Mouse Utilities and Shortcut Guide. This build is part of the experimental "Preview" track and serves as a precursor to the upcoming 0.102 milestone, with most changes spearheaded by lead developer Jiri Polasek. Users can install the update via GitHub, the Microsoft Store, or WinGet, but it is primarily intended for testers rather than those seeking a stable experience

Microsoft has released five new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds on October 2, ahead of its Surface event on October 7. A key feature in these builds is the Cloud rebuild, allowing users to reinstall Windows from Windows Update without needing local files or USB drives. Other updates include enhanced Magnifier controls, improvements to File Explorer, and support for Unicode 17.0, although some known issues persist. These builds represent a significant shift towards cloud-based recovery options and aim to enhance user experience as Microsoft prepares for its upcoming event

Microsoft released three versions of Windows Terminal in one day, including the stable version 1.25, which introduced features like a settings search, a new Actions editor, and Kitty Keyboard Protocol support. The previous stable version, 1.24, received maintenance patches to ensure users could benefit from reliability improvements without needing to upgrade. Additionally, the 1.26 Preview was launched, showcasing redesigned settings, workspaces, and desktop notifications, although it remains in a testing phase. This rollout demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to maintaining stability across all versions while continuing to innovate and expand the terminal's capabilities

The Windows 11 version 26H2 (2026 Update) is now available for download as build 10.0.26300, featuring a movable and shinkable taskbar, a resized Start menu, an improved search function, and a faster File Explorer. The direct ISO is recommended for a clean install, as it contains all the new features and is a multi-edition image that unlocks the appropriate version based on your product key. Microsoft warns that installing the update on unsupported hardware will lead to a lack of updates and warranty coverage, so users should ensure their system meets the minimum requirements. Key enhancements include a revamped Start menu, AI capabilities in File Explorer, improved camera functionality, and enterprise-focused security features, while some legacy tools like WMIC have been removed

Xbox has launched its "Disc to Digital" feature for all users, allowing them to convert eligible Xbox One and Series X discs into free digital licenses linked to their accounts. This feature enables access to Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming while the physical disc continues to function as normal, but users must retain the disc to maintain digital access. Currently, around 1,568 games are supported, although not all Xbox One and Series X titles qualify due to various licensing and technical restrictions. The introduction of this feature has sparked speculation about a potential all-digital future for Xbox, known as Project Helix, as the company navigates challenges in maintaining physical disc production

Microsoft has released PowerToys Preview v0.101.2712.0, which features several new additions including an opt-in Quick Access Shelf, the ability to launch the Command Palette from the Copilot key, and a new shortcut for the multi-monitor Dock. The update focuses heavily on enhancing the Command Palette, which is a key feature of the suite, and includes improvements to the icon-rendering pipeline and several smaller fixes. PowerToys has gained popularity among power users, offering a variety of utilities in a single download, and the latest preview builds on recent enhancements with the promise of further updates in the future. Users can install this preview version alongside their stable copy while Microsoft continues to develop more features for the upcoming v0.102

The Azure SDK September 2026 release marked a significant transition of several libraries from preview to stable, particularly in areas such as AI search, storage access signatures, database authentication, and code signing. Notable highlights included the first stable release of the Rust crate for Azure Storage SAS and the introduction of PostgreSQL authentication for both .NET and JavaScript, enhancing security through managed identities and token-based authentication. Management libraries featured prominently, with several resource-management packages achieving stability across various programming languages, reinforcing Microsoft's commitment to providing consistent APIs for infrastructure-as-code and automation. Overall, the September release demonstrated a steady pace of development within the Azure SDK program, emphasizing reliability and maturity in its offerings

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2, also known as the 2026 Update, which is now available for installation as of September 29, 2026. This update is delivered as a lightweight enablement package, allowing users to activate new features without a full OS reinstall, resulting in a small download and a single restart. Key features include AI integration in Task Manager, enhanced Start menu controls, and improved enterprise security measures such as post-quantum cryptography support. While there are some known issues, Microsoft is gradually rolling out the update and encourages users to enable early updates for a quicker installation

Microsoft has released PowerToys Preview v0.101.2684.0, focusing on significant updates to the Command Palette, including a UI language selector, improved "Window Walker" search functionality, and theme-aware parameter boxes. The update also addresses a security issue in the Keyboard Manager regarding "Run program" mappings that unintentionally inherited administrator privileges, along with an installer fix for context-menu updates. This release follows shortly after the previous version, and aims to enhance the overall user experience while preparing for the upcoming stable release of PowerToys 0.102, slated for completion on October 5, 2026. Future updates for version 0.102 are set to include tabbed pages for the Command Palette, TypeScript and JavaScript SDK support, and various improvements to other PowerToys utilities

On September 25, 2026, Microsoft released four new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds focused on accessibility, energy recommendations, and cross-device continuity, skipping the Dev and Future Platforms channels. The Beta Channel Build 26220.9568 introduced features like a Pointer Indicator for low-vision users, a new contrast theme for the Magnifier, and hover previews for the Phone Link companion. The Experimental Channel Build 26340.9577 expanded Narrator's math reading capabilities to six languages and added Energy Recommendations directly in Quick Settings. While these features enhance usability, Microsoft cautions that they are experimental and may change or be removed in future updates

Microsoft has released WSL 2.9.13, a pre-release version of the Windows Subsystem for Linux that enhances its wslc container CLI with Docker-like features. Key updates include the addition of flags for pulling all tags and displaying digests, along with new command options that aim to provide a more familiar experience for Docker users. The release also addresses two significant security issues, including a mitigation for Redirection Trust and a patch for potential memory access vulnerabilities. Developers are encouraged to try the pre-release for its new features and improvements, while production users may want to wait for the stable version

PowerShell 7.7.0 Preview 5 was released on September 23, 2026, introducing a new switch, $PSStyle.AutoSizeDefaultFormatting, aimed at producing compact output for AI agents and narrow terminal windows. This version also improves startup reliability by allowing the per-user configuration file to fail open instead of crashing PowerShell, addressing common issues for cloud-synced users. Additionally, it includes several smaller fixes and improvements, such as enhancing remote credential prompts and streamlining tooling processes. The preview marks the transition to .NET SDK 11.0.100-rc.1, aligning PowerShell with the latest .NET ecosystem standards

Microsoft has released PowerToys Preview v0.101.2652.0, which includes fixes to the Command Palette and Window Hopper, as well as stability improvements across the suite. This update, available on GitHub, is part of a rapid release cycle that began in late August and targets both x64 and ARM64 systems. Noteworthy changes include enhancements to the Command Palette's navigation and reliability, and improved functionality of the Window Hopper tool, allowing users to switch between windows more efficiently. The update is a fix-oriented release rather than a feature-rich one, and users are encouraged to verify the SHA-256 hashes before installation