The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 introduces several enhancements, including a registry option that locks batch files during execution to improve security and performance. The update also features separate volume sliders for shared Bluetooth LE Audio and a new Narrator shortcut for reading status bars, enhancing accessibility for users. Additionally, Paint now supports freeform rotation of selected objects, allowing for more precise editing. Minor reliability fixes have also been implemented, particularly for storage cleanup and ADLaM keyboard typing, although these changes are mostly background improvements
Windows 11 KB5077239 Preview: What's New and Improved in this 26H1 Update
The Windows 11 preview update KB5077239 is being rolled out gradually to 26H1 PCs, featuring enhancements to Copilot, updated aesthetics in File Explorer, camera improvements, and accessibility tweaks. Key improvements include language support for the Copilot experience and a more cohesive dark mode for File Explorer, alongside better camera functionality through Windows Studio Effects. The update also addresses issues like lock screen freezing, Explorer.exe stalling, and a memory leak in the slideshow lock screen, while enhancing BitLocker recovery and Windows Sandbox stability. Users can expect to receive these updates soon, with the full rollout planned for later this month
Windows 11 KB5077241 Preview Update: New Features and Fixes
The Windows 11 KB5077241 preview update introduces new features and fixes for versions 25H2 and 24H2, including the addition of Emoji 16.0, a network speed test, and camera pan/tilt controls. The update improves overall performance with enhancements to BitLocker reliability and Secure Boot certificate management. It is being rolled out in two phases—gradual and normal—so users may see the "This PC needs to restart" message on different days. Additionally, while most users will experience a smooth update process, some may encounter issues that can typically be resolved by updating network drivers or uninstalling the update in Safe Mode
Windows 11 Canary Channel Insider Preview Build 28020: Latest Features and Updates
The latest Windows 11 Canary Channel Insider Preview Build 28020 introduces several new features aimed at improving user experience, such as Cross-Device Resume for seamless file transfers between Android devices and Microsoft 365 programs, and Narrator Customization for better screen-reader usability. Enhanced Windows Hello now supports external fingerprint readers, ensuring high-assurance login experiences on desktops and Copilot+ machines. Voice Typing has been improved with a delay slider to prevent premature commands, and Voice Access offers a streamlined setup process for easier voice navigation. Additionally, the Settings Agent has expanded to support multiple languages, while a revamped Paint app introduces freeform rotation for shapes and text
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 Released to Insiders in the Dev Channel
The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 introduces various enhancements primarily focused on cosmetic improvements and usability. Key changes include an updated right-click "Open" icon that matches the default app, a more streamlined Device info card in Settings, and improved taskbar animations. Additionally, the update addresses a significant bug in File Explorer related to tab behavior and enhances Nearby Sharing for larger files. Paint also receives a new freeform rotate feature, adding a playful element to the application
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7872 Available in the Beta Channel
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7872 (KB5077231) has been released to the Beta channel, introducing several user-friendly updates. Notably, the context-menu "Open" icon now matches the default app for .exe, .bat, and .cmd files, addressing a long-standing visual inconsistency. Additionally, the Settings app features a streamlined "Device info" card that consolidates essential hardware specs, making troubleshooting easier, while taskbar hover animations have been smoothed for a more pleasant user experience. Insiders can access these updates immediately if they have enabled the latest update toggle, or they will receive them later through the standard rollout
Windows 11 Preview Builds 26100.7921 and 26200.7921 Refresh: Overview
Microsoft has released refreshed preview updates for Windows 11 Build 26100.7921 and 26200.7921, incorporating several enhancements such as automatic activation of Quick Machine Recovery, a built-in Sysmon tool, and a network speed test accessible from the taskbar. The update also introduces camera pan/tilt controls, minor improvements to search functionality, and better printing performance. Users can now set .webp images directly as desktop wallpapers, and new features for organizations using Microsoft Entra streamline the first sign-in process for devices. Overall, these updates provide a mix of useful tools and polish to enhance user experience
Visual Studio Code 1.109.5: Slash Commands, Session Renaming, and Kitty Keyboard Support
Visual Studio Code has released version 1.109.5, introducing three significant features designed to enhance user productivity with background agents. The update allows users to utilize slash commands for streamlined access to built-in actions in prompt files, reducing the reliance on mouse clicks. Additionally, users can now rename background agent sessions for better organization and easier retrieval of past discussions. Lastly, the integration of Kitty keyboard support enhances navigation and snippet insertion, improving the overall user experience
Windows 11 Insider Build 29531.1000: How to Opt-In and What to Expect
Microsoft has introduced a new optional update for Windows 11 Insiders, build 29531.1000, which is now available in the Canary channel and focuses on low-level platform modifications. Users interested in switching to this new track should be aware that they will remain within the 29500 series for future updates and cannot revert without a clean reinstall. The update process involves navigating to Windows Update settings, selecting the optional update, and restarting the system to apply the new build. While this new build offers early access to kernel changes and UI experiments, it may temporarily disable some non-essential features, making the previous 28000 series a safer choice for power users needing stability
Windows 11 Update: New Features and Improvements in Release Preview 26100.7918 and 26200.7918
The latest Windows 11 Release Preview (builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918) introduces various new features and improvements that enhance user experience. Notably, new emojis have been added to the panel, and organizational capabilities have been improved with features like First-sign-in restore and Quick Machine Recovery enabled by default for Pro users. Additionally, updates include a taskbar network speed test, camera pan/tilt controls, and the ability to use .webp files as desktop wallpapers. Minor UI enhancements and performance tweaks have also been implemented to optimize search, storage dialogs, and printer responsiveness
Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7859: New Features and Fixes for Beta Insiders
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7859 to Beta Channel insiders, featuring several minor improvements and fixes. Notable updates include enhanced account settings for Microsoft 365 Family subscribers, a resolution for taskbar icon glitches, and a fix for the file explorer jump bug that disrupted user workflow. Additionally, nearby sharing has been optimized for more reliable large file transfers over slower Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth wheel settings are now more stable, preventing unwanted resets. This update aims to refine the user experience, with feedback encouraged through the Feedback Hub
Windows Server vNext Preview Build 29531: What's New and How to Install
Microsoft has released Windows Server vNext Preview Build 29531, introducing ReFS boot support for enhanced integrity checks and data protection at startup, although it requires a mandatory 2 GB WinRE partition that could lead to complications if space runs low. Users are advised to perform a clean installation instead of upgrading from any earlier preview builds due to potential operational failures during migration. The clean installation process involves downloading the appropriate ISO, creating a bootable USB, and ensuring the partitions are deleted for a fresh setup that includes the required WinRE slice. Additionally, users should be aware of limitations regarding resizing the WinRE partition post-installation and utilize the preinstalled Feedback Hub for troubleshooting any issues
Windows 11 Canary Build 28020.1611: Sysmon Native Logging and OneDrive Share Improvements
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Canary Build 28020.1611, which introduces native Sysmon event logging integrated into the OS, eliminating the need for separate downloads. This update also features an overhaul of the OneDrive Share pane, adding icons to streamline the sharing process, although it is currently limited to users outside the EEA. Additionally, the build fixes a long-standing watermark bug that incorrectly displayed an older build number, now reflecting the actual version. Overall, the update provides functional enhancements and improved usability without significant changes to the operating system
TypeScript 6.0 Beta: Unlocking Future-Proof Code with the Latest Upgrade
The TypeScript 6.0 beta has been released, providing developers with the opportunity to explore new features and defaults while ensuring their projects remain functional. This update serves as a precursor to the upcoming Go-based compiler in version 7.0, implementing changes aimed at future-proofing code but potentially causing issues for those not using modern practices. Developers can start using the beta by installing it as a dev dependency and adjusting key default settings, though those with older bundlers may choose to wait for necessary upgrades. The changes include stricter defaults and the removal of certain options, with the update primarily benefiting projects already adhering to modern coding standards, while older setups may face challenges
Visual Studio Code 1.109.2 released
Microsoft has released Visual Studio Code 1.109.2, focusing on bug fixes and enhancements to the chat experience within the IDE. The update resolves the long-standing Alt-buffer bug that caused unwanted duplicate terminals and improves the reliability of the Chat panel's filtering options, reducing accidental selections. Minor tweaks, such as renaming the background agent for better clarity and updating search terminology to align with existing VS Code language, also contribute to enhanced user experience. Users can easily update to the new version through the auto-update feature or by checking for updates in the command palette
.NET 11 Preview 1 released
.NET 11 Preview 1 has been released, introducing various enhancements to the runtime, SDK, libraries, and languages aimed at improving performance and adding useful features. Notable library updates include Zstandard compression, BFloat16 support, and improved handling of Unicode graphemes, while runtime changes focus on reducing async overhead and supporting new architectures like RISC-V. The SDK has been updated with new features such as interactive framework selection and configurable hot-reload ports, making development easier. Language improvements for C# and F# include collection expression arguments and default parallel compilation, respectively, which enhance the coding experience and efficiency
Windows Package Manager 1.28.190 Pre-Release released
Microsoft has released the pre-release version of Windows Package Manager 1.28, which introduces new features such as the ability to toggle a source between explicit and implicit states using the 'winget source edit' command and the 'list --details' switch for enhanced package reports. The 'source edit' command helps manage custom feeds by allowing users to avoid errors when a source is unavailable, particularly after driver updates that affect the Microsoft Store's certificate. The 'list --details' flag provides a more comprehensive view of installed packages, displaying essential metadata that aids in troubleshooting issues like unexpected app rollbacks. While these features improve usability for certain users, they may feel excessive for others, especially those who don't frequently manage custom feeds or prefer simpler methods for viewing app information
Windows Server 2022 KB5075906 (OS Build 20348.4773) released
The release of KB5075906 (OS Build 20348.4773) for Windows Server 2022 addresses several issues, including fixing the desktop.ini renaming glitch in File Explorer, expanding Chinese font coverage, and resolving a GPU-related crash caused by a race condition in the dxgmms2.sys driver. It also restores proper shutdown behavior for systems using Virtual Secure Mode, which had been experiencing unintended restarts. Additionally, a new feature allows for random shuffling of DNS resource records to improve load balancing, which can be enabled through a specific registry change. However, administrators should be aware of some lingering side effects, such as the loss of detailed WSUS synchronization error messages and potential issues with legacy applications due to the DNS shuffle feature
Windows 10 KB5075912 (OS Builds 19045.6937 and 19044.6937) released
Windows 10 KB5075912 is a security update for ESU and LTSC 2021, addressing issues such as compliance of Chinese fonts with GB18030-2022A and a bug causing Secure Launch-enabled PCs to reboot instead of shutting down. The update restores custom folder names hidden by desktop.ini files, improves GPU stability for certain configurations, and introduces a targeted delivery system for new Secure Boot certificates to devices with proven update behavior. These changes aim to enhance user experience by fixing various annoyances while improving security. Users experiencing issues like font rendering, folder name disappearance, or shutdown problems are encouraged to install this update for a more stable system
Windows 11 KB5077181 (OS Builds 26200.7840 and 26100.7840) released
Microsoft has released the KB5077181 update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, addressing various issues including problems with full-screen gaming and WPA3 Wi-Fi connectivity. The update resolves a device-eligibility issue that previously prevented some laptops from running games in true full-screen mode, enhancing the gaming experience. It also fixes an incompatibility with WPA3 networks caused by an earlier driver update, allowing devices to connect seamlessly again. Furthermore, the patch improves the rollout of Secure Boot certificates, ensuring that only devices with consistent update success receive the new keys for improved security