Microsoft has released PowerToys 0.99, introducing the Grab And Move feature, which allows users to drag and resize any window without needing to find title bars, and the new Power Display utility for easy monitor adjustments from the system tray. The update also enhances the Command Palette with stability improvements, a compact dock mode, and a persistent calculator history, while addressing long-standing issues in the Keyboard Manager and ZoomIt. The Image Resizer has been revamped in WinUI for a cleaner look, and advanced paste functionality has been improved for applications like Teams. Users can download the update from GitHub to benefit from these enhancements and report any issues encountered
Windows Server vNext Preview Build 29574: Quick Recovery, NVMe-oF and Clean Install Warning
Windows Server vNext Preview Build 29574 introduces Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to automatically address boot failures and expands network storage options with NVMe-over-Fabrics support. Microsoft has set Build 29531 as the new baseline, requiring users with older preview builds to perform a clean install to avoid breaking their environments. The release also enables ReFS Boot but warns that improper partition management could lead to systems being locked out, necessitating fresh installations. Additionally, there are potential licensing issues for Server Core environments, and users are advised to download the latest ISO directly while avoiding incremental upgrades
Windows 11 Insider Experimental (Future Platforms) Preview Build 29576.1000 released
The Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 29576 introduces significant improvements, including moving audio configuration settings from the legacy Control Panel to the modern Settings app, streamlining the management of multiple sound devices. Additionally, it features a point-in-time restore option in the recovery environment, allowing users to quickly roll back system states following problematic updates or driver issues. Task Manager also receives enhancements, with new columns for monitoring neural processing unit activity and AppContainer isolation, providing users insights into local AI workloads. As this build is part of an experimental channel, users are advised to test it on secondary machines due to potential instability and ongoing feature rollouts
Windows 11 Insider Experimental (26H1) Preview Build 28200.1873 released
Windows 11 Preview Build 28200 has been released in the Experimental channel, featuring several practical tweaks to enhance system performance. Key improvements include the renaming of the gaming overlay to Xbox mode, which now has a more streamlined setup wizard, and a redesigned voice typing interface that keeps animations anchored to the dictation key. Additionally, storage navigation has been sped up, network data counters have been corrected, and startup apps now launch faster after boot. This update is part of Microsoft's shift away from the Canary label, with features potentially changing without notice, and users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences
Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8289 released
Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8289 has been released, introducing users in the Dev Channel to a new Experimental track with significant updates for system management. The build enhances update controls by allowing unlimited pause times, skipping updates during setup, and providing clearer installation details, which helps mitigate workflow interruptions caused by forced reboots. It also addresses long-standing issues like reliable taskbar interactions and Group Policy Editor errors, while updating printer driver identifiers in preparation for upcoming ranking changes. Users are advised to test this experimental build with caution, keeping backups ready to avoid potential regressions
Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.8283 released
Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.8283 addresses several key issues, including fixing crashes in the Group Policy Editor and improving the functionality of the left-aligned taskbar, allowing users to access the Start menu without missing clicks. The update also enhances the Times New Roman font to better handle diacritical marks in Greek and Cyrillic scripts, encouraging users to report any remaining issues through the Feedback Hub. Additionally, changes to printer driver hardware IDs indicate that Microsoft is implementing stricter rules for third-party print software, which may require users to check compatibility with legacy network setups before installation. Overall, this build focuses on improving desktop stability and user experience rather than introducing new features
Stop Surprise Restarts: New Windows Update Changes Give You Actual Control
Microsoft is introducing significant changes to Windows Update that provide users with greater control over patch timings, including the ability to pause updates indefinitely and skip setup updates until after reaching the desktop. The power menu has been updated to clearly separate standard shutdown options from update-specific actions, preventing unexpected installations when turning off the PC. Additionally, driver patches will now have clearer labels indicating their hardware categories, and updates will be coordinated into a single monthly reboot cycle to minimize interruptions. These improvements aim to enhance user experience, reduce frustrations related to update management, and ensure systems remain secure without constant disruptions
Visual Studio Code 1.117 released
Visual Studio Code 1.117 introduces significant updates for business users, allowing them to integrate their own API keys into the Copilot chat for better compliance without leaving the editor. The update enhances the chat experience with smoother AI response streaming and improves terminal command tracking through built-in notifications. Additionally, it addresses long-standing issues with terminal profiles and includes updates for the Insiders Agents app, such as sub-session support. Lastly, the release bundles TypeScript 6.0.3 to fix import bugs and marks several older settings for deprecation, prompting teams to review their configurations before updating
Microsoft .NET 10.0.7 released
Microsoft has released the .NET 10.0.7 update, which includes a critical security fix for CVE-2026-40372 that addresses a flaw in DataProtection HMAC validation, allowing attackers to forge authentication tokens. Developers can install the update via official installers, Docker images, or package managers, but must also rotate the DataProtection key ring to invalidate any compromised tokens from the vulnerable period. The guide highlights the importance of verifying the installation to prevent build failures, especially when using Docker or Visual Studio. Teams are advised to monitor application logs post-upgrade for any lingering issues and ensure compatibility with the updated project files to avoid silent failures
Windows Server 2022 KB5091575 (OS Build 20348.5024) Out-of-band released
Microsoft has released an out-of-band update, KB5091575, for Windows Server 2022, addressing critical LSASS startup crashes in environments using Privileged Access Management. This update includes a servicing stack refresh to facilitate future updates and enhance error reporting for enterprise admins managing WSUS. The patch is crucial for preventing repeated restart loops and authentication issues in multi-domain forests, particularly during maintenance windows. While the update temporarily disables detailed sync error reporting to mitigate a remote code execution vulnerability, administrators can still access error codes through server logs or PowerShell cmdlets
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29570.1000 (Canary Channe 29500 build series) released
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29570.1000 in the Canary Channel, introducing several new features aimed at enhancing user experience. The build includes a dedicated Xbox mode that optimizes the gaming interface by shifting the desktop to a full-screen layout, as well as improved touchpad controls for right-click zones. Additionally, lock screen widget personalization is now available globally, and File Explorer has been updated to display the correct application icon when opening files. For enterprise users, a new group policy tool allows for the removal of preinstalled Microsoft Store packages, although it lacks integration with Intune in this preview
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1863 (Canary Channel) released
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Canary Build 28020.1863 to address a connectivity reporting bug that incorrectly blocked app sign-ins, allowing applications to authenticate properly without displaying false offline errors. This update prioritizes stability improvements over new features, making it a practical fix for users experiencing login issues with Microsoft accounts and other services. The rollout occurs gradually via standard Windows Update cycles, with users advised to check for updates or restart their devices if problems persist. Although the release notes mention some minor improvements, the focus remains on resolving background issues rather than introducing new functionalities
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8276 (Dev Channel) released
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8276 for the Dev Channel, which includes several user-driven improvements such as graying out location controls when tracking is disabled. The update enhances clipboard history speed, improves the reliability of fingerprint sensors upon waking from sleep, and makes minor UI adjustments in File Explorer for better daily use. Additionally, it addresses font rendering issues for Southeast Asian scripts, ensuring better readability and visual clarity. Insiders can access this experimental build through Windows Update, but it is recommended for testers rather than as a primary operating system
Windows 11 Builds 26100.8313 and 26200.8313 (Release Preview Channel) released
Windows 11 has introduced Builds 26100.8313 and 26200.8313 in the Release Preview Channel, focusing on stability and workflow enhancements for versions 24H2 and 25H2 rather than new features. Key improvements include faster File Explorer launches, consistent view preferences, stricter driver security, and enhanced boot times, along with an expanded FAT32 formatting limit. The update also enhances taskbar monitoring and input device responsiveness, while providing tools for system administrators to lock batch files and tighten driver trust. Users should be aware of the gradual rollout process, which may cause variability in availability, and can check Windows Update manually for their updates
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8271 (Beta Channel) released
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8271 to the Beta Channel, introducing several usability improvements. The update includes a more intuitive Settings app that greys out location options when services are disabled, faster clipboard history access, and enhancements to File Explorer’s layout. Additionally, it improves fingerprint scan reliability after waking from sleep and fixes rendering issues for certain Southeast Asian scripts. Users who have enabled the latest updates toggle will receive these changes over the next few days as Microsoft finalizes the update
TypeScript 6.0.3 released
Microsoft has released TypeScript 6.0.3 as a crucial transitional update ahead of the upcoming TypeScript 7.0, which will be built on a new Go-based engine. This version marks the end of the current JavaScript codebase, with the new infrastructure promising improved compiler performance through native code speed and multi-threading. Developers are encouraged to update to 6.0.3 and test their projects with the near-complete TypeScript 7.0 previews to avoid potential compatibility issues in the future. Installation of TypeScript 6.0 is straightforward, but users should be aware of impending breaking changes in the next major release
Windows Package Manager 1.29.140 Preview released
Microsoft has released a preview build of Windows Package Manager 1.29.140, which introduces source priority controls to improve search result ordering and reduce disambiguation prompts during package installation. Users can now assign priority values to repositories, allowing for better control over which sources are preferred in ambiguous situations. The update also includes scripting enhancements, such as a no-progress flag for automation scripts and improved GitHub API authentication to minimize rate limit failures. As this is a preview version, users should treat it as experimental, as it may still contain minor bugs
Windows Package Manager 1.28.240 released
Microsoft has released Windows Package Manager version 1.28.240, which introduces features primarily beneficial for power users managing installations. A notable addition is the source edit command, allowing users to toggle the state of sources to streamline searches and reduce clutter. The update also includes an experimental listDetails option that provides detailed output for installed packages, aiding in conflict resolution and upgrades. Furthermore, improvements have been made to logging and portable packages, ensuring better stability and efficient disk space usage during routine maintenance tasks
Visual Studio Code 1.116.0 released
Microsoft has released Visual Studio Code 1.116.0, integrating GitHub Copilot as a built-in feature to streamline access to AI suggestions without the need for additional plugins. The update also introduces Agent Debug Logs, which help users track down issues in complex workflows by providing detailed logs of agent interactions. Terminal tools have been enhanced to allow direct communication with foreground sessions, improving overall efficiency and reducing resource consumption. Users should note that the Edit Mode will be removed in version 1.125, prompting a shift in workflows for long-time users while new users benefit from the more integrated experience
.NET 11 Preview 3 released
Microsoft has released .NET 11 Preview 3, introducing significant SDK enhancements such as signed container images and improved solution filters that can be edited via the command line. The update removes preview API opt-in requirements, allowing for smoother runtime execution, while JIT optimizations enhance performance for complex tasks. Key features include C# union type support for better data modeling and Zstandard compression in ASP.NET Core to optimize payload sizes. Developers are encouraged to install the latest SDK or Visual Studio 2026 Insiders to take advantage of these new capabilities before deploying production code