Microsoft has released a preview update for Windows 11 26H1 (KB5079489), introducing several useful features including built-in System Monitor functionality and a network speed test accessible from the taskbar. This update enhances reliability in File Explorer and improves common issues like sleep resume times and printing performance. The new Sysmon feature allows administrators to capture system events directly within the OS without needing third-party tools, although it remains disabled by default. Additionally, users can now set WebP images as desktop backgrounds, and the taskbar now displays search group headers with result counts for easier navigation

Microsoft has released the KB5079391 preview update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, focusing on quality improvements rather than security. A key feature of this update is the ability for users to enable or disable Smart App Control directly from the settings without needing a clean install. Additionally, accessibility tools like Narrator now support AI-powered image descriptions, and File Explorer has improved reliability for unblocking files and using voice typing during renaming. The update also fixes critical installation errors and enhances stability for displays and biometric authentication

Visual Studio Code 1.113 has been released, emphasizing improved agent workflows and a modernized user interface. The update allows subagent invocations for better handling of complex tasks and offers centralized customization options for chat interactions, including reasoning controls directly in the picker menu. Additionally, the integrated browser now supports temporary trust for self-signed certificates, streamlining local development, while new default themes enhance the editor's appearance. Users can also benefit from features such as a full image viewer for attachments and improved browser tab management for a more efficient experience

Microsoft has released a pre-release update for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) 2.7.1, focusing on security enhancements and networking improvements. The update addresses specific vulnerabilities by upgrading the .NET runtime and introduces native IPv6 support, along with better handling of mounted directories through virtiofs. It resolves several bugs and includes iptables as a default application for new Linux distributions, streamlining firewall management. Additionally, the update refines ARM64 development workflows and supports Visual Studio 2026 solution generation projects to align with new IDE features

TypeScript 6.0 has been released as a transitional update that prepares for performance enhancements in the upcoming version 7.0. The new release has significant changes in configuration defaults, requiring developers to manually enable strict mode and specify type packages, as automatic discovery has been disabled. It introduces support for modern standards like es2025 while deprecating older module systems, necessitating immediate updates to tsconfig files to address breaking changes. Notably, several legacy features have been removed or altered, emphasizing the need for projects to adapt to the stricter and more modern module standards

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update, KB5085516, for Windows 11 to fix a sign-in failure that affects users trying to log into apps like Teams and OneDrive. This update addresses a misleading "no Internet" error caused by a previous quality update, restoring the necessary connection for personal accounts. Additionally, it introduces updates to internal AI components, such as Image Search and Semantic Analysis, to improve the processing of visual content without changing user-facing features. The release also includes a servicing stack update to ensure future installations remain stable and reliable

Microsoft has released PowerShell 7.6 LTS, which is now the new baseline for .NET 10 automation, offering improved engine reliability and enhanced tab completion in the interactive shell. Users should be aware of breaking changes, particularly with the Join-Path cmdlet and escaping logic, necessitating a review of existing scripts before deploying updates in production environments. This update addresses long-standing issues by standardizing behavior across various platforms to ensure scripts execute reliably without unexpected failures. The improvements to command completion and native command handling enhance usability, making this version essential for anyone focused on consistent automation in their workflows

Microsoft has released Windows Insider Preview Build 29553.1000 for Canary users, featuring a refreshed Feedback Hub app with a simplified reporting interface and a new search function. This update allows users to submit compliments alongside complaints and improves screenshot tools for easier visual attachment. While the build focuses on enhancing user experience within the Feedback Hub, it also incorporates backend platform changes in preparation for future feature sets. Overall, this update aims to streamline the feedback process and improve usability, despite the typical instability associated with Canary channel builds

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 to the Canary Channel, introducing independent volume sliders for shared audio, allowing users to adjust their volumes without affecting others. The update also improves File Explorer by ensuring the Open verb icon matches the default application for file handling, and refreshes the Feedback Hub to streamline submission processes and allow users to send compliments along with bug reports. Additionally, Bluetooth audio sharing now features individual volume controls for each listener, accommodating different preferences and enhancing user experience. Users are encouraged to test the new features and report any issues through the updated Feedback Hub interface

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8085 in the Dev Channel, which includes the return of the Pointer Indicator accessibility feature for low vision users. The update addresses network glitches by ensuring the Sharing Center accurately displays only one active Wi-Fi connection at a time. Additionally, the Feedback Hub has been modernized to streamline the bug reporting process with improved screenshot editing tools. Overall, this build focuses on enhancing accessibility and stability within the Windows 11 environment

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8079 to Beta Channel users, addressing specific reliability issues that have affected daily users. The update includes improvements to Explorer.exe, particularly when closing input flyouts, and fixes for configuration errors in voice typing settings. Additionally, the Network and Sharing Center now accurately displays a single active Wi-Fi connection, resolving confusion caused by duplicate connections after switching networks. Users should expect these updates to roll out gradually and are encouraged to report any remaining issues through the Feedback Hub

Visual Studio Code 1.112 introduces new permission levels for agents, allowing them to operate autonomously and reducing the need for constant approval requests from developers. The update enhances web development by integrating browser debugging directly within the editor, enabling breakpoints and variable inspections without switching to an external browser. Additionally, security is improved through MCP server sandboxing on macOS and Linux, which limits file system access for local tools to protect sensitive data. Finally, the update includes troubleshooting commands that analyze debug logs in the chat interface, making it easier to diagnose issues with agent behavior

PowerToys version 0.98.0 has been released, featuring a revamped Keyboard Manager interface built with WinUI3 for improved usability. A new Command Palette Dock allows users to pin their favorite tools for quick access, streamlining workflow for power users. Additionally, the update addresses long-standing issues with multi-monitor setups, enhancing cursor wrapping and Always On Top functionality. This release focuses on resolving practical frustrations rather than adding unnecessary features, making it a valuable tool for daily users

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1737 to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel, featuring refinements to pen settings and a new option for the pen tail button that aligns with Copilot's functionality. The updated Pen settings page now organizes options for easier access and allows users to disable pressure sensitivity for specific apps, streamlining workflows for artists and designers. Additionally, the pen tail button can now be customized to perform actions similar to those triggered by the Copilot key, enhancing user efficiency. It's important to note that features in the Canary Channel may roll out gradually, and not all users will see the updates simultaneously

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) to the Dev Channel, introducing new features aimed at IT administrators. Notable updates include a dynamic list for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps, a customizable user folder naming option during setup, and stricter policies for cross-signed drivers that now require WHCP approval. Additionally, enhancements to the Point-in-Time restore wizard improve user experience by adding a settings dialog and clearer prompts. Other changes include a rebranding of the Drag Tray to Drop Tray, updates to pen settings, and fixes for display language reliability and the sfc/scannow error

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) to users in the beta channel, introducing practical tweaks aimed at both IT professionals and everyday users. Key updates include a policy-based approach for administrators to remove preinstalled Microsoft apps, the ability to customize user folder names during setup, and enhancements to the driver policy for improved security. Additionally, the update features a renamed "Drop Tray," refinements in pen settings, and a pause in the rollout of new context menu changes for further improvements. Overall, these updates aim to enhance user experience and security within Windows 11

Windows 11 Preview Builds 26100.8106 and 26200.8106 introduce AI-powered Narrator features and make Smart App Control toggleable for all PCs. The Narrator now allows users to instantly describe images and share them while maintaining privacy, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency. Additionally, the Smart App Control feature can be easily turned on or off without requiring a clean reinstall, streamlining user experience. Other improvements include a refreshed Settings layout, more reliable file unblocking in File Explorer, and various minor enhancements for better performance and usability

The Windows Package Manager (winget) has released version 1.28.220 RC, introducing new features such as a source edit command and an experimental listDetails option for richer output. Users can now toggle between implicit and explicit sources, and control log file sizes with the new --log-size-limit option, preventing excessive storage use. Additionally, the update addresses several bugs related to portable packages, configuration agreements, and font installation scripts. Overall, these improvements enhance the functionality and usability of winget, making it more script-friendly and efficient for system administrators

Microsoft has released .NET 11 Preview 2, which addresses common runtime issues and enhances performance with several new features. A significant addition is the "Runtime Async (V2)" feature that eliminates deadlocks from mixing async code with older synchronization methods. The update also optimizes the SDK size for Linux and macOS installers, incorporates native OpenTelemetry tracing in ASP.NET Core, and introduces new functionalities in Entity Framework Core and .NET MAUI. Developers can experiment with these updates by downloading the SDK from Microsoft's site and using "--preview" in their build commands

The Visual Studio Code 1.111 release introduces AI-centric features designed to improve user efficiency, including an adjustable permissions picker and a new debug snapshot attachment function. Users can enable the Autopilot feature, which allows the built-in agent to auto-approve tool calls and retry on errors, although it bypasses safety checks, necessitating user caution. The update also enhances terminal usability with a dedicated AI profile group and offers extension authors improved local-string IntelliSense capabilities. Additional improvements include structured onboarding chat tips, agent-scoped hooks for custom processing logic, and various bug fixes to enhance overall performance