Visual Studio Code 1.109.1 has addressed a critical bug that allowed the terminal's auto-replies feature to trigger commands across trusted folders, causing unexpected prompts when switching projects. To ensure the fix is effective, users should restart their window and verify that no lingering commands appear in a new terminal. It is recommended to disable the terminal.integrated.autoReplies setting as a precaution unless a specific extension necessitates it, enabling it on a per-workspace basis. The article provides steps to confirm the update is active and suggests disabling any problematic extensions to prevent future issues

Microsoft has announced that the Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011 will begin expiring in June 2026, which could impact future boot-level security updates for Windows users. While existing software will continue to function, users will need to install new 2023 certificates to receive ongoing updates, particularly if they utilize BitLocker or have enterprise policies requiring up-to-date boot-time attestation. Most modern PCs will automatically receive updates through Windows Update, but some devices may require manual firmware updates from the manufacturer. Users who rely on Secure Boot for credential protection or dual-boot setups should plan for a firmware refresh before the expiration date to mitigate security risks

Microsoft has released PowerToys 0.97.2, addressing several crashes and improving user experience by fixing issues related to Advanced Paste, Image Resizer, and Explorer crashes. The update enhances the Color Picker's contrast on low-brightness displays and ensures the Command Palette respects localization strings for non-English users. Additionally, improvements have been made to the Cursor Wrap and Light Switch features, providing better functionality and user control. The update can be installed easily without prior uninstallation, preserving custom settings and shortcuts, making it a recommended download even for those not experiencing crashes

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7760 to the dev channel, which includes updates such as new emoji from Emoji 16.0 and improved camera controls for supported webcams. This build also addresses visual issues like taskbar flicker and enhances security prompts on high-DPI displays. Users must enable the "receive the latest updates" option in Windows Update settings to access these new features, with a gradual rollout expected. Some users may encounter minor issues, such as "camera not found" errors or older keyboards not displaying new emoji until firmware updates are applied

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7755 has been released to Insiders in the Beta Channel, featuring several fixes including the resolution of taskbar auto-hide glitches and visual stutters. The update introduces new emojis, camera pan/tilt sliders for supported webcams, and performance enhancements that improve battery life and reduce delays in Windows Security dialogs. Notably, the taskbar issue that caused it to flicker has been addressed, providing a more stable user experience. While the new emoji set is a fun addition, it does not significantly enhance functionality, as similar options are available through third-party keyboards

Microsoft has released KB5074110 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 to address Secure Boot certificate expiration issues, updating boot files and pre-loading new Secure Boot certificates to avoid errors starting June 2026. The update replaces the old bootmgfw.efi file with a newly signed version and updates the Secure Boot Signature Database on compatible systems, while leaving older systems unchanged. Users running these versions of Windows with Secure Boot are encouraged to install this update immediately to prevent potential boot issues. Additionally, users are advised to create a Secure Boot recovery USB if they recently reset their BIOS to avoid boot failures caused by the old boot manager

Visual Studio Code 1.109.0 introduces several AI-driven features designed to enhance productivity, including an improved chat user experience that allows users to see responses as they are generated, and agent session management for easier navigation through background tasks. The update features a new orchestration editor that enables users to build custom workflows without manually writing JSON, as well as built-in support for Claude and Anthropic models for AI tasks. Enhancements to coding, search functions, and terminal usability aim to streamline daily routines, making the editor more efficient. Overall, the new features provide practical tools for developers, encouraging exploration while maintaining a focus on productivity

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1546 to the Canary channel, featuring minor improvements and fixes. The main update addresses a race condition issue that caused apps to have difficulty opening files stored on OneDrive or Dropbox. Insiders can choose to skip this update if they prefer the previous build, as it is primarily intended for experimentation. Users are encouraged to try the new build while monitoring the Feedback Hub for any issues and to be prepared to roll back if necessary

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7733 has been released in the Dev Channel, featuring updates such as a native Sysmon implementation, Dutch support for Voice Access, and improvements to File Explorer. The build addresses several issues, including keyboard navigation problems and a freeze issue with OneDrive/Dropbox due to a race condition. Users can enable the new Sysmon feature by uninstalling any third-party Sysmon binaries and following a specific setup process. Overall, the update provides incremental enhancements, with the inclusion of Sysmon being particularly relevant for security enthusiasts

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7752 has been released for beta channel users, introducing native Sysmon support and enhancements to the Explorer interface. Users can enable Sysmon through Settings or the command line, allowing for detailed event logging that security enthusiasts will appreciate. The update also addresses a OneDrive/Dropbox freezing issue and adds Dutch language support for Voice Access, making it easier for Dutch speakers to navigate using voice commands. Additionally, Explorer improvements fix keyboard navigation, folder renaming issues, and restore the "Add to favorites" feature icon that was previously broken

The pre-release version 1.12.470 of Windows Package Manager (winget) introduces significant updates, including improved font handling and a redesigned App Installer using WinUI 3, which addresses "missing runtime" issues on older Windows builds. A new MCP server wizard has been added to streamline the management of sources and policies, reducing the need for manual configuration. This version also fixes several bugs related to the App Installer and enhances the overall user experience by allowing font installation, uninstallation, and searching. Additionally, the release includes experimental features for auditing installed fonts, making it easier for users to manage their font resources effectively

Microsoft has unveiled its January 2026 update for the Azure SDK, introducing significant enhancements and new AI capabilities for developers. The update prominently features the release of AI Foundry 1.2.0-beta.1 for .NET, which significantly advances support for the Foundry Agents Service. This version offers developers enhanced tools for evaluation, insights, red teaming support, and improved scheduling options, streamlining the process of building AI applications on Azure.

Microsoft has announced the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1495 for users in the Canary Channel, allowing them to preview new features ahead of the broader rollout. This build emphasizes stability and performance improvements, such as a more efficient shutdown process, fixes for dialog truncation issues, and corrections for incorrect restart triggers. Language-related bugs in the Clock app for Australian users and intermittent errors with smart card readers have also been addressed.

Microsoft has unveiled PowerToys version 0.97.1, primarily aimed at enhancing stability and addressing user-reported issues from the prior version, 0.97.0. This update resolves various critical problems, including crashes linked to the Advanced Paste tool and bugs within the Command Palette, Peek, and PowerRename functionalities.

Microsoft has recently rolled out new updates for Windows 11 users in the Release Preview Channel, specifically builds 26100.7701 and 26200.7701. These updates are aimed at enhancing user experience and include several notable features and improvements.

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7674 (KB5074170) for users in the Dev Channel, signaling the conclusion of the transition from older builds to the Beta Channel. This update introduces several features and improvements that align with those in the current Beta Channel, alongside important fixes like the reinstatement of the "Extract All" option for archives.

Microsoft has launched the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7670 (KB5074169) exclusively for Beta Channel users, which includes a variety of enhancements and fixes aimed at improving user experience. Key improvements in this update address issues with File Explorer, Search functionality, Settings, display anomalies, and sign-in complications with Azure Virtual Desktop.

Microsoft has launched a preview version of the Windows Package Manager, designated as version 1.28.110. This update brings a host of new features designed to improve user experience and streamline package management.

Microsoft has recently issued an out-of-band update for Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024, identified as Hotpatch KB5078167, aimed at resolving significant issues affecting builds 26200.7634 and 26100.7634. This update addresses two primary concerns: difficulties with Remote Desktop connections that previously resulted in login failures, and errors that occurred when accessing cloud storage files following a January update.

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update, KB5078127, for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 to address various issues, particularly those causing application freezes after January updates. This cumulative patch not only includes security fixes from earlier updates but also offers a specific fix aimed at resolving freezing issues encountered when using cloud storage services like OneDrive or Dropbox with Outlook's PST files. Users experiencing unresponsiveness in Outlook, especially following updates on January 13th and 17th, may find relief through this update, which necessitates a device restart.