PowerToys 0.100 introduces a complete overhaul of the Shortcut Guide, which now auto-detects active applications and presents relevant shortcuts in a streamlined interface. The update enhances the Command Palette with a built-in extension gallery and supports independent dock configurations for multiple monitors, improving workflow management. Additionally, PowerDisplay sees improved reliability with a new Max Compatibility Mode, faster startup times, and better monitor detection, while ZoomIt receives practical recording upgrades. The migration to .NET 10 reduces the installer size by 15% and significantly enhances the auto-update process, ensuring settings are preserved and configurations remain intact during updates

.NET 11 Preview 5 introduces significant updates, including improved garbage collection, full outer joins in LINQ, and enhanced JSON Lines serialization for large data streams. Developers will benefit from reduced boilerplate code and memory fragmentation, as well as automatic vulnerability checks during the build process. The SDK now allows for direct references between C# files and includes new templates to streamline project setup and reduce the need for common workarounds. Overall, this preview focuses on practical performance improvements and cleaner query paths, aiming to enhance developer experience and application reliability

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Experimental Build 28120.2242 to Insiders, featuring a functional security toggle and various stability improvements. The update addresses issues like memory leaks and Wi-Fi connectivity drops, enhancing overall performance without introducing significant new features. Notably, it allows users to enable Administrator protection directly from the Settings app, streamlining the process for IT departments and improving security against unauthorized access. To activate the new feature, users can navigate to the Privacy and Security section and follow the prompts to ensure the changes are properly applied

Windows Insiders have received the Windows 11 Beta Preview Build 28020.2236 for the 26H1 cycle, which focuses on stability and background service improvements. The update addresses issues like memory leaks and disk thrashing caused by competing background tasks, providing a smoother testing experience. It also resolves common glitches that previously led to crashes during file management, reducing the frequency of forced reboots. Testers are advised to keep recovery media handy and monitor system health through the feedback hub while using this build

Windows 11 Beta Preview Build 26220.8575 introduces significant fixes, including the removal of the hard limit on update pauses, allowing testers to delay feature installations indefinitely. The update resolves audio issues caused by previous builds that left speakers and headphones silent, as well as errors in the Installed Apps menu that caused it to hang or display empty categories. Additionally, it addresses freezes in search and Notepad by fixing race conditions in the background indexing service, ensuring a more responsive user experience during heavy tasks. Users are encouraged to download the update through Settings and monitor the feedback hub for any new issues

The WSL 2.7.8 Pre-Release addresses a critical CreateInstance failure that occurs when the Windows hosts file exceeds a certain size, which can cause crashes in Linux instances. This update includes a kernel version bump to 6.18.33.1-1, enhancing hardware compatibility and providing routine maintenance updates. Users who manage extensive local DNS configurations or development environments are encouraged to apply this update promptly to avoid unexpected failures. To install the pre-release version, users must run a specific command in an elevated terminal, and it is advisable to test the changes on a secondary machine before deploying them in production environments

The Windows Package Manager v1.29 release candidate introduces a source priority feature, allowing users to control the order of search results and reduce disambiguation prompts. It also preserves custom installer arguments during export and import, enhancing the reliability of system rebuilds and automation scripts. Additionally, the update offers cleaner terminal output with a new no-progress flag and improved sorting capabilities for redirected list commands, making it easier for administrators to manage software installations. Enhancements to PowerShell authentication and DSC schema further streamline enterprise deployment workflows, while new logging strategies improve organization during troubleshooting

Windows 11 Experimental Preview Build 29599 addresses false offline alerts that disrupt Microsoft account sign-ins in third-party apps and corrects a Task Manager issue displaying inflated CPU speeds in virtual machines after hibernation. The update improves connectivity detection to prevent misleading error messages and enhances CPU speed reporting, which helps users effectively monitor performance. However, AMD systems with System Guard will not receive this build due to an identified fault that causes hard crashes during early boot stages, urging users to avoid manual downloads of unstable builds. This release emphasizes Microsoft's focus on refining core functionalities rather than solely introducing new features, and users are encouraged to report any new glitches

Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 28020 focuses on minor bug fixes without introducing significant features or performance enhancements, and it marks the transition from the Canary track to the newly named Experimental channel. The rollout of this build will be gradual, resulting in potential patch inconsistencies across devices, and it is recommended that most users wait for a more stable release. While the update includes some minor improvements, it does not offer any major changes or boosts in performance, making it less appealing for average users. Those who choose to install the build should back up their data and be prepared for possible driver conflicts and troubleshooting, as this is primarily aimed at testers identifying specific system issues

Windows 11 Experimental Preview Build 26300 introduces significant updates aimed at improving user experience, particularly with the Start menu, which has been renamed to better reflect its function. The update allows users to have direct control over pinned and recent items, enhances file search capabilities to recognize partial keywords, and fixes visual glitches in taskbars positioned to the left or right. A key fix addresses a local recovery issue that previously left devices unresponsive during resets, allowing users to recover systems without relying on cloud downloads. This build also marks a transition to the Experimental channel for insiders, setting the stage for more predictable updates in the future while encouraging users to back up important data before testing

Windows 11 Beta Preview Build 26220 introduces substring file search, allowing users to find documents using partial terms rather than exact filenames. The update also standardizes system transition animations with a consistent donut spinner and clear status text, enhancing user experience during updates and restarts. Additionally, a new toggle in the Printers & scanners settings gives users control over default printer installation methods, allowing them to choose between IPP and legacy options. These changes aim to alleviate common frustrations and improve workflow for both administrators and regular users

The Windows Package Manager v1.29 release candidate introduces source priority controls, allowing administrators to determine which repositories take precedence during package searches. It enhances the export and import workflow by preserving custom installer arguments, reducing the need for manual adjustments when migrating installations. Additionally, the update improves search result sorting and output formatting for smoother automation, while enforcing a hierarchy for installer types to eliminate guesswork in package selection. Various bug fixes are also included to enhance deployment efficiency and prevent issues related to configuration corruption

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 29595.1000 to the Canary channel, marking a transition to the new Experimental Future Platforms track. This build is intended for testing and includes experimental features that may undergo changes or be removed before becoming stable. Users should anticipate instability, limited documentation, and a desktop watermark while keeping a system restore point handy and providing feedback through the Feedback Hub. Additionally, those who wish to receive updates more quickly can adjust their settings, but they may encounter unfinished features and localization issues as a result

Windows 11 Experimental Preview Build 28020.2149 has been released, addressing several issues including explorer.exe crashes when switching virtual desktops and allowing users to input Dev Drive sizes in gigabytes directly. The update also fixes a long-standing typography issue with Times New Roman that affected Greek and Cyrillic text rendering. Users are advised to use the cloud download option for system resets due to a known issue with the local recovery process that can cause it to hang. Overall, this build enhances daily workflow and stability for users managing multiple desktops and disk configurations

Windows 11 Experimental Preview Build 26300.8497 has been released, introducing several accessibility enhancements such as plug-and-play HID braille display support, a full screen tint overlay to reduce eye strain, and a local voice isolation filter for Voice Access. The update resolves issues like the explorer.exe crash loop, duplicates in quick settings, and random audio muting, while also adding a toggle for Windows Ready Print installation. Users are advised to use the cloud download method for resetting their machines to avoid potential hangs with the local reinstall option. Additionally, the update continues to invite user feedback for further improvements as it targets early feature testing

Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.8491 has been released, featuring a new Voice Isolation mode that filters out background noise for improved audio clarity. The update also addresses a critical explorer.exe issue that caused endless taskbar blinking and resolves random audio muting problems on certain hardware. Additionally, the build removes a duplicate Energy Saver toggle, enhancing the user interface's functionality. For users facing issues with the Reset this PC feature, it is recommended to use the cloud download option to avoid complications with the local recovery partition

Visual Studio Code 1.121, released on May 20, 2026, introduces several enhancements aimed at improving workflow efficiency and reducing resource waste. Key features include native Mermaid diagram rendering and HTML file previews, eliminating the need for additional extensions, alongside terminal output compression and automatic cleanup of stale processes. The update also enhances model management by allowing users to configure lightweight background tasks with more control and introduces support for remote agent sessions, enabling long-running workflows to persist despite client disconnections. Overall, this release focuses on streamlining the user experience by minimizing clutter and optimizing the performance of agent sessions

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Release Preview Build 26100.8521 to address two significant regressions affecting daily usability on 24H2 and 25H2 systems. This update fixes an issue where audio randomly mutes itself after sleep or driver updates, as well as a frozen push notification service that prevents apps from launching. The availability of the update may vary based on whether a device is part of a gradual rollout or a normal release phase, so users should check Windows Update for the patch. Installing this update is advised for testers to ensure a stable experience while using the preview builds

The latest Windows 11 Experimental Preview Build 29591.1000 introduces significant updates, giving users more control over updates by allowing indefinite pause extensions and clearer installation details. A new shared audio feature enables simultaneous streaming to two Bluetooth headsets, enhancing the user experience for shared listening. Additionally, the storage management interface has been improved by delaying User Account Control prompts until users attempt to clear temporary files, making it less intrusive. Insiders are reminded that this early build is for testing and may undergo changes, emphasizing the importance of providing consistent feedback

Windows 11 Experimental Build 28020 introduces enhancements for update control, including the ability to pause updates indefinitely and skip installations during initial setup. It also addresses a network discovery bug that often caused the Simple Service Discovery Protocol to freeze on busy home networks. However, users should be aware that the local system reset function has a known issue, requiring them to use the cloud download method instead. As this is an experimental preview, it is advisable to test it on secondary hardware before relying on it for daily tasks