Microsoft has released PowerToys Preview v0.101.2241.0, a maintenance update that addresses four user-facing issues and stabilizes the build pipeline. The main fix involves the Mouse Highlighter, which corrects a timing issue that caused the ripple effect to freeze during rapid input by implementing a thread-safe ring buffer for event capture. Additionally, the update resolves localization issues with File Locksmith context menus, fixes disappearing selection highlights in Quick Accent lists, and corrects desktop icon positioning for per-monitor DPI awareness. This update also pins the CI pipeline to .NET 10 SDK version 10.0.302 to prevent runtime mismatches, with installers available for both x64 and ARM64 systems

Microsoft has released .NET 11 Preview 7, making NativeAOT the default in the CLI for improved startup performance and introducing new C# 15 features. Alongside this, security updates for .NET versions 8, 9, and 10 address ten critical vulnerabilities, including two remote code execution flaws that require immediate attention. Developers are encouraged to migrate from .NET 8 and 9 as they approach their end-of-support date on November 10, 2026. The release also includes significant library enhancements, such as new decimal types and ZIP password encryption, while emphasizing the importance of updating and testing before moving to production

Microsoft has increased Windows OEM licensing fees by 7% to 10% starting in July 2026, which is a sharper rise than usual, coinciding with significant surges in RAM and SSD prices. As a result, industry analysts predict that PC makers will likely pass these costs onto consumers, leading to further price hikes for pre-built PCs. The current price increases are exacerbated by ongoing supply chain issues and rising demand for memory driven by AI, creating a challenging environment for OEMs, especially smaller manufacturers. For consumers, purchasing new hardware now may be advisable to avoid even higher costs in the near future

Microsoft has released PowerToys v0.101.2222.0 Preview, focusing on stability and quality improvements rather than introducing new features. This update includes critical regression fixes for the Settings General page, resolves visual artifacts in Quick Accent through DWM cloaking, and enhances install path resolution for elevation-aware scenarios. Additionally, the UI test suite has been significantly expanded to ensure better reliability across various architectures. Although this release does not include new utilities, the emphasis on fixing existing issues and enhancing testing infrastructure is crucial for maintaining long-term stability and usability

Microsoft has released Windows Server vNext Insider Preview Build 29641 on August 10, 2026, which is the first preview based on the new Rubidium codebase. This build is available through the Experimental channel for Datacenter, Standard, and Azure configurations, but requires a clean install for users with earlier builds. Key features in this build include ReFS Boot, an NVMe over Fabrics initiator, Quick Machine Recovery, and Trusted Launch for Hyper-V VMs, though detailed release notes are not publicly accessible yet. Users are advised to install build 29531 or later to stay on the upgrade path, as upgrades from builds older than 29531 are not supported

Microsoft has released PowerToys Preview v0.101.2211.0, featuring an on-device AI Paste function powered by Phi Silica, which operates locally without needing cloud services. The update finalizes the transition of the Mouse Jump feature from WinForms to WinUI 3, enabling future multi-device support and improvements to responsiveness and memory retention in the Command Palette. Additional enhancements include improved bug reporting, a new update channel selector, and various reliability fixes across the application. Overall, this release significantly bolsters PowerToys' functionality, transforming Advanced Paste into a local AI assistant for clipboard management

Microsoft Edge is set to fully remove support for Manifest V2 extensions by the end of 2026, aligning with Google Chrome's standards, which will significantly impact the functionality of ad blockers like uBlock Origin. The transition to Manifest V3 involves replacing persistent background pages with service workers, enforcing a limit of 30,000 filter rules, and banning remote code execution, which has raised concerns among privacy advocates about reduced user control and a potential increase in tracking. While Microsoft argues that these changes are aimed at enhancing security and performance, many users are left with limited options, prompting a shift toward alternative browsers like Firefox, Brave, or Vivaldi that still support legacy extensions. As the browser landscape evolves, users must adapt to these changes or face the consequences of losing access to important privacy tools

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will reach its mainstream end-of-support on January 13, 2027, after which enterprises will need to pay for extended security updates. Unlike consumer editions that lost support in October 2025, the LTSC version follows a Fixed Lifecycle Policy, allowing extended support until approximately January 2032 at a cost that escalates significantly each year. Many organizations face challenges with legacy devices that may not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC, such as TPM 2.0 and newer processors. IT leaders must assess their current deployments to determine whether they can migrate to supported hardware, purchase Extended Security Update licenses, or replace outdated devices completely

Microsoft has released the fourth preview build of WinGet v1.30, which includes updates to the manifest schema, enhanced security for admin uninstallations, and critical fixes for unattended installs. This build specifically addresses an error that affected automation workflows involving the experimental Resume feature, which allows interrupted downloads to continue, although it remains unstable for production use. The changes also reflect Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to tighten security around per-user package management and improve testing infrastructure ahead of the stable release. Power users can test the preview build via the winget source, while contributors have been actively involved in making various updates and improvements to the codebase

Microsoft has confirmed that the broad rollout of Windows 11's quality updates is scheduled for Fall 2026, following a progress report on its March commitments. The report highlights seven key areas of improvement, including taskbar customization, File Explorer enhancements, and reduced disruptions from Windows Updates, although specific metrics were not provided. Additional initiatives focus on memory optimization for 8GB PCs and improved driver quality for devices like USB-C docks and AirPods. While the report suggests a shift towards addressing user frustrations, details about the Feedback Hub improvements remain unclear

On July 31, Microsoft released five new builds for Windows Insiders, introducing a significant taskbar overhaul that allows users to reposition it to any screen edge and includes a compact mode for improved space efficiency. The update also marks the beginning of two parallel codebases, with the new 26H1 branch featuring touchpad gesture controls and a unified update schedule, while the existing 25H2 and 26H2 tracks continue to be developed. Additional improvements in the Experimental channel include adaptive hibernate functionality that optimizes battery usage and automatic expansion of search indexing based on recent file activity. Insiders are advised to update before August 11 to continue receiving future builds, though a compatibility issue with PUBG has been noted in the 26H1 builds

In July 2026, Microsoft released an update to the Azure SDK that includes Rust's first client library, azure_storage_sas, allowing developers to create scoped Shared Access Signatures without revealing account keys. Python received significant updates as well, with ten new libraries, including four stable releases for domain registration, certificate management, resource health, and data boundaries, aimed at improving enterprise compliance and automation. The update also introduced beta access for resilience management in both Python and Java, highlighting a commitment to cross-language service reliability. While Rust's capabilities are expanding, the slower rollout of client libraries beyond storage may hinder its adoption compared to more established languages like Python and Java

Windows Package Manager v1.30.80-preview was released on July 29, 2026, featuring optional telemetry for Microsoft Store catalog installs through the winget CLI, while respecting user opt-out settings. The update also concludes two significant internal refactors, upgrading the test suite to NUnit v4 and standardizing CppWinRT coroutines. Additionally, it includes security updates and stable regression patches, indicating Microsoft's ongoing commitment to improving the tool ahead of its stable release. While the telemetry feature may seem like a minor improvement, it enhances observability and debugging capabilities for internal teams without exposing personal user data

Microsoft has released KB5101681 for Windows 11 version 26H1, updating the OS to build 28000.2608 and introducing a calendar-based option to pause updates for up to 35 days. This update is aimed at Insider Pre-Release builds and signifies a shift to a bi-monthly preview cadence, while public releases will receive the corresponding KB5101684 patch. Key features include expanded voice typing support for multiple languages, improved memory management for PCs with over 32GB of RAM, and adjustments to Widgets behavior on the taskbar. The calendar pause option is a major enhancement, allowing users to select an exact date for update resumption, marking a significant revision in the platform’s structure as Windows 11 24H2 approaches its end-of-support date in October 2026

Microsoft has released the KB5101684 preview update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, which introduces features like Voice Isolation for Voice Access and support for external USB fingerprint readers in Windows Hello. The optional update also enhances File Explorer with smart file size units and middle-click tab navigation, improves Windows Search for typos, and adds new precision touchpad controls. This update, which is approximately 5.3 GB for x64 and 4.9 GB for ARM-64, will become mandatory on August 11, 2026, as part of the Patch Tuesday release, and users are advised to check compatibility before installation. Additionally, the update addresses various quality fixes and minor refinements that enhance user experience across the operating system

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29634.1000 to the Experimental channel, which includes a renewed flight certificate that all Insider channels must install before it expires on August 11. The update features on-device Voice Isolation for improved accessibility in Voice Access, as well as native HID braille display support for the Narrator, allowing easier setup for deaf-blind users. UI enhancements include a refreshed Account Control flyout with subscription badges and a switch from Tenor to GIPHY for the emoji panel. Users on the Experimental channel can download the new build immediately, while those on other channels need to wait for future updates to meet the minimum requirements for the renewed certificate

Windows Package Manager v1.30.70-preview was released on July 22, 2026, primarily as a maintenance update to address critical regressions without adding new features. This version fixes a significant crash related to the --disable-interactivity feature and a configuration elevation bug affecting Desired State Configuration (DSC) operations, both of which were impacting automated deployment pipelines. The release includes 15 merged pull requests focusing on infrastructure improvements, including security updates and enhancements to the testing framework. Although it's a small update, it is essential for users relying on automation scripts, ensuring stability and reliability in their workflows

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28120.2546 for the Experimental 26H1 channel, featuring significant accessibility improvements, including instant plug-and-play HID braille display support for Narrator. The update also introduces new language packs for Voice Access, adding support for European Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Korean, while enhancing enterprise security by allowing auto-disconnection of Azure Virtual Desktop sessions when a smart card is removed. Additionally, there are minor UI tweaks, such as gamepad navigation for the Bluetooth quick settings and fixes for a crashing Graphics settings page. This experimental build is not recommended for daily use due to its instability, but it is available immediately for those enrolled in the Experimental track

On July 20, 2026, Microsoft released five new Insider Preview builds for Windows 11, featuring a redesigned Start menu, improved accessibility with HID braille display support, and Voice Isolation for Voice Access. The updates also introduce a calendar-based update pause, allowing users to block installations for up to 35 days, and enhancements for Bluetooth reliability and widget functionality. Additionally, a graphics kernel policy change enables PCs with over 32 GB of RAM to run larger local AI models, enhancing performance for power users. Overall, Microsoft is focusing on accessibility, performance improvements, and user feedback while maintaining a steady pace of updates rather than introducing radical changes

Microsoft has released the first preview build for Windows Package Manager v1.30 (1.30.50-preview), focusing on stabilization and critical bug fixes rather than introducing new features. The update addresses a high-severity crash issue affecting CI/CD workflows when using the --disable-interactivity option in conjunction with the experimental Resume feature. While the release includes additional validation corrections and compatibility tweaks, it is primarily intended for automation testers and preview channel users, with standard users advised to remain on the stable version 1.29.280. Future previews will gradually introduce new capabilities as the stabilization phase concludes, and interested users can manually access the preview build via the GitHub releases page