Microsoft has released a preview build of the Windows Package Manager, version 1.29.50, aimed at power users looking to test upcoming fixes. This update enhances PowerShell repair logic, addresses recursive loop issues during updates, and improves internal stability for automated setups. While average users may not see significant changes, the improvements focus on reliability and reducing crash risks for those running automated scripts. Additionally, the update includes a new DSC resource list for easier configuration tracking and the removal of an experimental feature gate, indicating readiness for broader use
Windows 11 KB5086672 (OS Builds 26200.8117 and 26100.8117) Out-of-band released
Microsoft has released an out-of-band emergency patch, KB5086672, for Windows 11 users experiencing the error code 0x80073712 after the last preview update. This update addresses file corruption preventing the installation of previous updates without needing a full system reinstall and includes improvements from prior updates. Users unable to install the patch through Windows Update can manually download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog, ensuring their system meets the version requirements. The patch is specifically designed for devices that have installed KB5079473 or later updates, making it essential to check version history before downloading
Azure SDK Release (March 2026) released
The Azure SDK March 2026 update introduces significant security enhancements for .NET, enabling developers to pull certificates directly from the operating system's store, eliminating the need for loose files. However, Rust users will face challenges due to the removal of WebAssembly support and API redesigns in the Cosmos DB client library, necessitating code refactoring. Additionally, the Content Understanding feature becomes generally available across .NET, JavaScript, and Python, allowing teams to analyze documents more efficiently. It is crucial for teams to review their dependency lists carefully before implementing these updates, as breaking changes may lead to production pipeline failures
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29558.1000 (Canary Channel) released
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29558.1000 for Insiders in the Canary Channel, focusing on enhancing the command line experience. This update significantly improves console performance, allowing for tenfold scrolling speeds and introducing inline icon support, while also enabling advanced users to activate a Direct3D rendering path. Additionally, it addresses an authentication error for Azure Virtual Desktop users and enhances power settings performance. Other improvements include support for regular expression searches in the console and various backend updates aimed at improving stability and reliability in administrative tasks
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1797 (Canary Channel) released
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1797 to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel, focusing on general improvements related to backend stability and security rather than new features. The vague release notes indicate that users should not expect noticeable changes, as most updates aim to fix driver issues and enhance security. It is advised to test this build on a secondary PC or virtual machine due to the potential for system instability and networking issues that may arise from bad driver updates. Overall, the risks of installing this build on a primary device may outweigh the benefits, especially for those prioritizing stability over early access to features
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8142 (Dev Channel) released
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300 to the Dev Channel, focusing on improving hardware management and user experience. The update allows users to customize the right-click zone size on touchpads to prevent accidental clicks, while also enhancing Task Manager with new tracking options for Neural Processing Units (NPU) and AppContainer isolation details. Additionally, security features like Administrator Protection are now more accessible through Windows Security settings, and printing workflows have received visual updates to indicate Windows Protected Print Mode. The release also addresses accessibility issues by fixing Braille display functionality for some users
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8138 (Beta Channel) released
The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8138 has been released, allowing users to toggle Administrator Protection directly from the Settings menu without needing an IT admin account. The update introduces adjustable right-click zone sizes for touchpads, providing options for default, small, medium, and large settings based on the hardware capabilities. Additionally, Task Manager has been enhanced with new columns for NPU usage and process isolation, offering better insights into AI resource utilization. The update also addresses accessibility issues related to Braille support and corrects language display problems for multilingual users
Windows 11 KB5079391 Preview Distribution Stopped Following Error Reports
Microsoft has halted the distribution of the Windows 11 update preview KB5079391 due to error code 0x80073712, which indicates missing or problematic system files during installation. This pause is intended to prevent further damage while the internal team investigates the issue and works on a fix, as the update initially promised high refresh rates and improved USB4 power efficiency. Users attempting to force the installation should refrain from doing so to avoid additional complications, and they are advised to check the Release Health Message Center for updates. The incident highlights potential shortcomings in internal testing for compatibility before releasing updates to a broader audience
Windows 11 KB5079489 (OS Build 28000.1764) Preview released
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
Windows 11 KB5079391 (OS Builds 26200.8116 and 26100.8116) Preview released
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 released
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
Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.7.1 Pre-release released
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 released
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
Windows 11 KB5085516 (OS Builds 26200.8039 and 26100.8039) Out-of-band released
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
PowerShell 7.6 (LTS) released
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
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29553.1000 (Canary Channel) released
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
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 (Canary Channel) released
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
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8085 (Dev Channel) released
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
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8079 (Beta Channel) released
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 released
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