WSL is central to our commitment to making Windows the best place to build, run and manage Linux workloads. As AI, cloud-native development, containers, and open-source ecosystems continue to converge on Linux, more developers are choosing to perform these workloads directly on Windows devices. We’re continuing our journey towards this goal with a new feature in WSL: WSL containers, which is generally available today. To try it out,  simply runwsl --update in your terminal or download the latest release from GitHub and you will gain access to:

• WSL containers CLI: wslc.exe to directly build, run and deploy Linux containers on Windows, or use its built-in alias container.exe to run the same familiar container commands
• WSL containers API: Access functions to run Linux containers programmatically in your native Windows apps – unlocking scenarios like running local AI workloads or using cloud-based containerized applications locally.

For a deeper look at how WSL containers are built, how they work with WSL, and the architecture behind the platform, see our WSL containers architecture blog. Let's get into what's new with GA.

New commands and capabilities

Since public preview, we've continued to evolve WSL containers and our focus has been on making every day container workflows simpler, improving visibility into running environments, and adding the flexibility needed to manage containers at scale. As part of the GA release, we've introduced several new commands and capabilities across container lifecycle, networking, and observability. Here are a few highlights, and you can view the full change logs on our releases page:

• wslc container restart — restart a running container
• wslc container cp — copy files in and out via tar archive
• wslc system info — see the state of your container environment at a glance
• wslc network connect and wslc network disconnect — attach and detach containers from networks
• wslc network create now supports arbitrary network driver options
• wslc events – Streams real time container activity
• Container health checks are now supported
• --stop-timeout on wslc create and wslc run, including -1 for an infinite timeout
• --mount support during wslc create and wslc run
• A configurable storage path for the default wslc session, so you can put your container storage on the drive you want.

Alongside new commands and platform enhancements for developers, we've also focused on helping organizations adopt WSL containers with the governance and security controls required for production environments.

Enterprise manageability for WSL containers

This release extends Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) integrations in WSL to include container workflows as well. MDE’s existing plugin for WSL has been augmented to also include support for containers. MDE can surface process, file and network activity from WSL containers and connect that activity back to Windows host, helping security teams investigate suspicious activity without creating a separate security workflow. Microsoft Intune has also added controls to enable or disable WSL container and restrict image pulls to approved registries. Additionally, on your Intune dashboard you will see new settings specific to the WSL container feature:

• Allow WSL containers access - Control access to the entire WSL containers feature.
• WSL containers registry allow list - For WSL containers enterprise adoption, organizations need stronger controls over the container images that can be introduced into their environment. With container registry allow lists, administrators can define approved registries and help ensure developers only pull container images from that list, that meet organizational security and compliance requirements.

You can view the WSL enterprise doc pages to learn more on how to set up WSL for your company.

Partner and community integrations

Partners and community contributors are bringing WSL containers into the editors, terminals and desktop tools developers already use, adding support for WSLc into existing projects or creating new ones. We're grateful for the fantastic community contributions that continue to expand the ecosystem around WSL containers.

• VS Code dev container support: Use wslc as your default driver for creating and interacting with VS Code dev containers
• Aspire: Aspire can use WSL Containers as first-class container runtime
• VS Code container extension: A popular extension to manage your containers in VS Code, now supports wslc.
• Lazywslc: A TUI dashboard to manage your WSL containers
• WSL Container Desktop: WinUI 3 desktop app for managing WSL containers, Kubernetes (k3s) and container registries.
• WSLc remote: A short wrapper script to run wslc from within WSL distros

What's next for WSL

Over time, we see Linux on Windows evolving beyond a development environment into a strategic execution platform for AI and cloud-native workloads, participating in the same enterprise security, management, and governance frameworks as Windows. We will continue to invest in the broader WSL experience, and in context of this release wanted to highlight two WSL specific items on our roadmap.

Adding wslc compose

Our top feature request for WSLc is adding compose support, and this will be our focus for our next iterations.   Our aim is for wsl compose up to work with your existing compose.yaml files, unchanged. We’ve started on this and hope to share more soon.

WSL fundamental improvements

We are also actively investigating how to better improve some of the core platform capabilities for WSL including networking, cross-OS file performance and more. You can see some of this work today with wslc, supporting up to 2x faster performance when accessing Windows files from Linux environments, helping reduce one of the most common cross-OS bottlenecks. It also introduces the new consomme network mode, enabled for container workflows which improves networking compatibility across developer and enterprise scenarios. These foundational improvements benefit WSL distributions, WSL containers, and other container technologies built on WSL, reflecting a broader effort to make Linux on Windows feel increasingly seamless and integrated.

Building the future of Linux on Windows, together

Thank you to the developers who tested the preview, shared feedback and helped improve WSL containers.  You can file any technical issues and feature requests at the WSL GitHub repo microsoft/wsl, and you can learn more about WSL at the WSL docs. We invite you to bring your next project to WSL containers and help shape what comes next. We will continue investing in the performance, compatibility and integration that make Windows a great place to build with Linux.

Windows powers how people around the world work, learn, create, and connect every day. Today, we're announcing the availability of the Windows 11 2026 Update, also known as Windows 11, version 26H2. Built on the same servicing foundation as recent Windows 11 releases, version 26H2 delivers the latest Windows innovations with a streamlined update experience designed to minimize disruption and help you stay secure, productive, and up to date. As organizations and individuals continue to expect faster deployments and less downtime, Windows 11, version 26H2 takes advantage of the same modern servicing technologies that have simplified recent feature updates. For many eligible devices, moving to version 26H2 is as simple as installing a small enablement package, allowing people to start using this new release with minimal download size, quick installation, and a single restart.

A predictable and low-disruption update

Windows 11, version 26H2 is delivered as an enablement package for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. An enablement package is a lightweight update that activates new features already included in the operating system through previous monthly servicing updates. Because versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2 share a common servicing branch and underlying codebase, many of the components required for version 26H2 are already present on devices before the feature update becomes available. This approach enables a significantly faster update experience compared to a traditional operating system upgrade. For eligible devices, installation is similar to a monthly update, requiring only a small download and a quick restart to transition to Windows 11, version 26H2. As with every Windows release, version 26H2 includes the latest quality, reliability, and security improvements designed to help protect people and organizations while delivering a dependable Windows experience.

How to get it

Windows 11, version 26H2 is now available for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. To be among the first to receive the update, go to Settings > Windows Update and turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they're available. Once your device is eligible, you'll see the option to download and install Windows 11, version 26H2. As always, we take a measured and data-driven approach to broad availability and will be releasing version 26H2 using a controlled feature rollout. During rollout, we might place safeguard holds on devices where we detect a known compatibility issue that could impact the update experience. We will continue expanding availability over time and provide updates through the Windows release health hub.

Information for commercial and education customers

Windows 11, version 26H2 is available now through the tools organizations use to manage Windows updates, including Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center^[i]. Existing management tools, update rings, policies, and deployment practices can continue to be used. We recommend that commercial and education customers begin targeted deployments to validate applications, devices, and business-critical workflows before expanding deployment more broadly throughout their organizations. Windows 11, version 26H2 continues the annual Windows feature update cadence, with a new Windows 11 feature update released during the second half of the calendar year. As with previous annual releases, installing version 26H2 resets the support lifecycle for supported editions of Windows 11. That means 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months of support for Enterprise and Education editions. Select features and enhancements initially released as disabled by default in version 25H2 will be enabled by default in version 26H2. You can find more information on these features, plus guidance to help with planning and deployment, in the Windows IT Pro Blog.

Staying protected and productive

We recommend updating eligible devices to Windows 11, version 26H2 to take advantage of the latest Windows innovations, quality improvements, and security enhancements. We'll continue to closely monitor the rollout and share information about known issues, safeguards, and rollout progress through the Windows release health hub and official Windows communications channels. Thank you for your feedback and partnership as we continue to improve Windows for people and organizations around the world. We love to hear about your experience, so please keep your comments and suggestions coming in via Feedback Hub.

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[i] Downloads in the Microsoft 365 admin center and similar channels may be delayed. 

Hello Windows Insiders, Today, we’re releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to the Beta and Experimental channels. New builds this week Select your channel below to view its release notes:

• Beta: Build 26220.9568
• Experimental: Build 26340.9577

For those on other specific Windows build versions, here are today’s new builds and release notes:

• Beta (26H1): Build 28020.3112
• Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.3122
• Experimental (Future Platforms): We do not have a release for Experimental (Future Platforms) today.

Notable new features:

[Start menu - Phone companion]

Release channel: Experimental

• See more of your latest activities at a glance: Phone companion for the Start menu now shows more of your recent activity, with a scrollable side pane so you can view even more without leaving the Start menu.

[caption id="attachment_179178" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The phone companion in Start with a scrollable pane for viewing more recent mobile activity.[/caption]

• Windows Insiders will now see Energy Recommendations directly in Quick Settings, making it easier to discover and take actions that can help reduce energy consumption and improve device sustainability.

[caption id="attachment_179179" align="aligncenter" width="550"] The Power & battery settings page showing Energy Recommendations, including suggested actions.[/caption] Thanks, Stephen and the Windows Insider Program team

Today at Snapdragon Summit, we introduced the next Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch, built on the Snapdragon X2 Plus® processor, alongside the new Surface Mouse with integrated haptic feedback¹. Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch are two of our most versatile Surface devices, designed to deliver the performance and battery life people need in PCs they can comfortably carry all day. This generation brings up to 18% more efficient battery performance², over 60% faster graphics³, and 95% faster on-device AI⁴ — all in the same lightweight design.

What defines Surface laptops?

Surface is hardware built to bring the best of Microsoft to life — Windows, Copilot, and Microsoft 365 experiences that make a PC feel more useful, more personal and more responsive.  That work starts long before the chip is finished. Surface engineers partner with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. during silicon development to help make sure Snapdragon X2 is tuned for the realities of thin, light PCs: sustained performance, efficient power use, quiet thermals and responsive on-device AI.  It’s the innovation role Surface has always played: turning what’s possible in Windows into products people can hold, carry and use every day. We did it with touch, pen⁵, and haptics. We’re doing it now with AI on the PC. With Snapdragon X2 Series and Windows, you shouldn't have to choose where that AI runs. Supported experiences can use the device, the cloud, or both, so you get lower latency, less dependence on cloud calls and tokens, and more privacy when your data stays with you.  The result is more than a processor upgrade. Compared to previous generations, Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch with Snapdragon X2 Plus offer: 

• Up to 17% faster in Office productivity workloads^6,7 

• Up to 18% more efficient battery performance⁸  

• More than 60% faster graphics performance^2,9 

• Up to 95% faster local AI inferencing on the NPU^3,8

Peak numbers only tell part of the story. What matters is hour six — twenty tabs, a call running, something rendering — and the machine still calm and quiet in your hands. 

Surface Pro 12-inch: big ideas start here

Surface Pro 12-inch is the most portable and versatile Surface Pro we make — a thin, light and fanless Windows PC that moves from tablet to laptop as quickly as your day changes. Attach Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard to write, code or respond to email. Pick up the magnetically stored Surface Slim Pen when an idea is easier to sketch than type.⁵ With Snapdragon X2 Plus, Pro feels more responsive for everyday work like summarizing notes, editing photos and annotating designs, and adds an extra hour of active web browsing¹⁰. A 25% brighter, 500-nit PixelSense™ touchscreen and new Black color bring more clarity and choice¹¹, while an enclosure made with 86% recycled content reflects the craft behind a design built for wherever work moves.¹² Surface Pro 12-inch starts at $1149.99 MSRP, available starting October 13 in select markets. Surface Pro 12-inch introduces Microsoft Ink Canvas, an AI-powered, pen-first experience for sketching, annotating, generating images and summarizing text directly on the canvas. Built for the moments before an idea becomes a document or prompt, Ink Canvas lets customers use Slim Pen to express intent visually, spatially and in their own handwriting — giving Copilot richer context and helping rough thoughts become useful creations faster.⁵ Ink Canvas will be pre-installed on the new Pro 12-inch, and will also be available to download from the Microsoft Store on other supported Surface and Windows devices on October 13.¹³

Surface Laptop 13-inch: think big, travel light

Surface Laptop 13-inch is the classic Surface laptop refined — a thin, light Windows PC built around the details that people notice every day: a full-size backlit keyboard, precision touchpad, premium aluminum body and taller 3:2 PixelSense™ touchscreen.^14,16 Snapdragon X2 Plus keeps everyday experiences feeling smooth, whether you’re streaming a movie or designing a presentation. With a 25% brighter, 500-nit display, 22.5 hours of battery life¹⁵ and a new Black color⁹, Surface Laptop is designed to feel polished, personal and easy to carry every day. Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at $1,199 MSRP, available starting October 13th in select markets.

Surface Mouse: feedback you can feel

We also introduced Surface Mouse, a new mouse designed to make everyday interactions feel more precise. Its haptic feedback adds a small, purposeful physical response to the moment you usually only see on a screen: a click registering, a window snapping into place or an object aligning just right. It is subtle by design, but noticeable within seconds — and hard to give up once you have it. Surface Mouse brings a redesigned ambidextrous shape for comfortable all-day use, a customizable action button for Copilot¹⁶ and everyday shortcuts, and Bluetooth 6.0 so you can pair with multiple devices and move between them easily. It’s also made with 30% recycled content, including the most post-consumer recycled plastic of any Surface mouse.¹⁷ Surface Mouse starts at $79.99 and will be available in Black and Platinum beginning October 13th in select markets.

Built for business, ready for AI

Surface Pro 12-inch, Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Mouse will also be available to commercial customers through Surface for Business beginning October 13. Pro 12-inch will also offer an optional 5G configuration¹⁸ — one of the most requested additions to this form factor — helping mobile teams stay connected without relying on public Wi-Fi. Across both PCs, Snapdragon X2 Plus gives organizations a consistent foundation for supported local AI experiences.  Security and manageability are built in from chip to cloud. Microsoft-designed protections include Secured-core PC safeguards, Microsoft Pluton with TPM 2.0, and Surface UEFI built with Secure Patina Core and Project Mu open-source components available through the Open Device Partnership. Surface Tools for Business — including Surface Management Portal, Surface Support Portal, Surface IT Toolkit and Surface Repair Tool — help IT teams manage, protect, support and recover devices throughout their lifecycle.  Together, these devices extend the Surface for Business lineup with thin, light Windows PCs and accessories built for mobility, AI and modern endpoint management.

Find your next Surface at Microsoft Store

Choose Surface Pro 12-inch if you want one device that moves from tablet to laptop, with pen-first flexibility for notes, sketches and ideas in motion. Choose Surface Laptop 13-inch if you want a thin, light touchscreen laptop with a full-size keyboard built for long days and long documents.  Visit Surface.com to explore the new Surface Laptop, 13-inch (2nd edition) and Surface Pro, 12-inch (2nd edition).  When you shop at Microsoft Store, you can get: 

• Up to $400 in additional value with an eligible device trade-in¹⁹

• Fast, free shipping and 60-day free returns 

• Flexible payment and financing options 

• Expert support from Microsoft 

• A one-year limited hardware warranty²⁰

Surface has been shaped for more than a decade by the people who use it — architects, developers, students, creators and anyone turning an idea into something real. Together, Surface Pro 12-inch, Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Mouse carry that work forward with devices and accessories built for how people create, move and get things done today.

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¹ Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. ² Compared to Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Editon) with Snapdragon X Plus based on UL Procyon Office Productivity benchmark and power testing conducted by Microsoft. Performance varies significantly by device and with workload, settings and other factors. ³ Tested by Microsoft September 2026 using 3DMark Steel Nomad Lite benchmark comparing Surface Pro 12-inch (2^nd Edition) with Snapdragon X2 Plus to Surface Pro, 12-inch (1^st Edition) with Snapdragon X Plus. Performance varies by configuration. ⁴ Tested by Microsoft September 2026 using Procyon AI benchmark comparing Surface Pro 12-inch (2^nd Edition) with Snapdragon X2 Plus to Surface Pro 12-inch (1^st Edition) with Snapdragon X Plus devices. Performance varies by configuration. ⁵ Slim Pen and Surface Keyboard are sold separately. ⁶ Tested by Microsoft September 2026 using Procyon® Office Productivity Benchmark comparing Surface Pro 12-inch (2^nd Edition) with Snapdragon X2 Plus with Surface Pro, 12-inch (1^st Edition) with Snapdragon® X Plus devices. Performance varies by configuration. ⁷ Tested by Microsoft September 2026 using Procyon® Office Productivity Benchmark comparing Surface Laptop 13-inch (2^nd Edition) with Snapdragon® X2 Plus with Surface Laptop, 13-inch (1^st Edition) with Snapdragon® X Plus devices. Performance varies by configuration. ⁸ Compared to Surface Laptop 13-inch (1st Edition) with Snapdragon X Plus based on UL Procyon Office Productivity benchmark and power testing conducted by Microsoft. Performance varies significantly by device and with workload, settings and other factors. ⁹ Tested by Microsoft September 2026 using Procyon AI benchmark comparing Surface Laptop 13-inch (2^nd Edition) with Snapdragon® X2 Plus with Surface Laptop, 13-inch (1^st Edition) with Snapdragon® X Plus devices. Performance varies by configuration. ¹⁰ Based on a web browsing test. Testing conducted by Microsoft in August 2026 using preproduction software and preproduction Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 Plus 16GB, 256GB devices. Testing consisted of full battery discharge while accessing twelve popular websites over multiple open tabs through the browser. All settings were default except screen brightness set to 150 nits with auto-brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors. ¹¹ Colors available on selected models only. Available colors, sizes, finishes, and processors may vary by store, market, and configuration. ¹² Device (excluding power supply) contains 3.7% recycled content, consisting of 100% recycled rare earth metals in magnets, 100% recycled tin in solder, 100% recycled copper and 100% recycled gold in the motherboard. Based on validation performed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. using Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, UL ECVP-2809-2, Second Edition, dated June 2024 Recycled Content is defined in accordance with ISO 14021. ¹³ Microsoft Ink Canvas requires Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher and integrated touch support. Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Premium or Pro subscription required for AI features. AI usage limits apply. Learn more about AI credits and limits. Minimum age limits may apply for use of AI features. See Copilot Frequently asked questions. ¹⁴ Surface display has rounded corners within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape the screen is 13” diagonally (actual viewable area is less). ¹⁵ For local video playback. Battery life varies significantly based on usage, settings and other factors. See aka.ms/SurfaceBatteryPerformance ¹⁶ Customization requires the Surface app on Windows. Functionality varies by operating system. ¹⁷ Contains 30.8% recycled content, consisting of post-consumer recycled plastics ranging from 9% to 50% by components, including 50% recycled plastic in the Top Case Inner, Bottom Case, Skirt, Battery Door, and Top Button Frame; 25% recycled plastic in the Battery Case and Power Pairing Button; and 9% recycled plastic in the Light Pipe. Based on validation performed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. using Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, UL ECVP-2809-2, Second Edition, dated June 2024. Recycled Content is defined in accordance with ISO 14021. ¹⁸ Wi-Fi+5G Models only. Support may vary by market and carrier.   ¹⁹ Offer valid with purchase with purchase of any new Surface Pro or Surface Laptop made between August 3rd, 2026 – September 30th, 2026 (the “Promotion Period”) after trade in of qualifying device where the customer submits the online trade-in claim for their used device, plus proof of purchase for new device during the Promotion Period, while supplies last. Available only in Microsoft Store online in the United States. See Microsoft Store Trade-in Program for terms, conditions, steps and requirements. ²⁰ Without prejudice to any legal (statutory) rights to which you may be entitled under your local law, Microsoft Limited Hardware Warranty covers your device for one year from the date of original purchase from Microsoft or an authorized reseller. Restrictions apply. Please refer to Microsoft Limited Hardware Warranty & Agreement.

Beyond the Build is a monthly update from Marcus Ash, CVP Design and Research across Windows & Devices, on what’s happening across the Windows Insider Program. Plus, read on to see how you can register to attend our next Windows Insider event on October 15 in Brooklyn, NYC.  Earlier this month, we kicked off the next leg of our Windows Insider meetup tour with stops in Berlin, Cologne, and Prague. [caption id="attachment_179172" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A group of Windows Insiders from the Windows Insider meetup in Cologne[/caption] [caption id="attachment_179173" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A group of Windows Insiders from the Windows Insider meetup in Berlin[/caption] [caption id="attachment_179174" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A group of Windows Insiders from the Windows Insider meetup in Prague[/caption] These meetups were smaller by design. That gave us more time for direct conversations, questions, and feedback. Many of you shared that you can feel the improvements in Experimental builds, especially in overall system responsiveness. That feedback came with a clear ask to keep rolling these improvements out to everyone so your friends, family, and other people in your life can experience them too. Some of that is already underway. Start and taskbar improvements have started rolling out broadly, and you can expect more as we head into the fall. You also asked us to explore new ways of sharing our work, including early design concepts and ideas. We recently held a feedback session where we shared the design for the File Explorer context menus that recently shipped to Experimental builds. You can expect more lightweight, early sharing sessions so we can hear your feedback before improvements make their way into Experimental builds. We also heard that it can be difficult to understand what’s happening with the feedback you submit. You want similar feedback grouped together and a clearer view of what we’re considering and actively working on. We’re increasing our investment in this area and will have more to share soon. A consistent theme across the meetups was the strength of the Insider community. Across each stop, attendees reconnected in person, met people they had previously only known online, and shared tips with one another. It was great to be together, swap insights, and spend time with this community. The feedback and energy we feel from Insiders help us shape Windows. We’re looking forward to keeping the conversation going as the tour continues. Marcus Windows Community Connection in Brooklyn, NYC on October 15: Register for a chance to attend an exclusive Windows Insider event on October 15 in Brooklyn: https://www.aka.ms/windowsfans. Hear from Microsoft leaders and the Windows Insider team, share your thoughts on the program, and get a closer look at what's ahead for Windows. Space is limited.

Welcome back to New in Edge for developers, our recurring roundup of recent web platform updates in Microsoft Edge. In this edition, we'll look more closely at some of the newest additions to Microsoft Edge and the Chromium project, such as the OpaqueRange API, to highlight and interact with ranges of text in input fields, the referenceTarget property, to make your custom web components more accessible, and the aria-actions attribute, to expose your widgets' secondary actions to assistive technologies. We'll then round up other useful additions, including media-state pseudo-classes, relative alpha colors, and PWA drag regions, and go over early features that are ready for testing such as WebMCP, to unlock browsing agent scenarios.

OpaqueRange API: highlight and interact with text ranges in form inputs

The new OpaqueRange API provides live access to ranges of text within form inputs, such as <textarea> and <input> elements. You can use these ranges for operations like getBoundingClientRect() and getClientRects(), and therefore position UI at specific places within form inputs. The OpaqueRange API also works with the CSS Custom Highlight API, making it possible to create personalized highlights within editable text regions. To learn more about the OpaqueRange API, checkout our intro video, explainer, and live demos.

Reference Target: improve your web components' accessibility

A common pain point developers face when creating web components with Shadow DOM is making them accessible. A problem also known as cross-root ARIA. The referenceTarget property of a ShadowRoot object, which can also be set via the shadowrootreferencetarget HTML attribute on elements, solves this. It makes it possible to forward ID reference attributes, such as for or aria-labelledby, to elements that are inside the shadow DOM of a component. For example, you can use this to link a <label for> element to the right <input> element, even if that <input> is inside the shadow DOM of a web component.

<label for="custom-checkbox">Checkbox value</label>
<custom-checkbox id="custom-checkbox">
  <template shadowrootmode="open" shadowrootreferencetarget="real-checkbox">
    <input id="real-checkbox" type="checkbox">
  </template>
</custom-checkbox>

To learn more, read our explainer, and use our live demos.

aria-actions: make composite widgets accessible

Complex UIs often contain composite widgets with multiple actionable parts. For example, a tab widget may also include another button. These composite interactive widgets can be hard to make accessible to assistive technology users. The new HTML aria-actions attribute makes it possible to expose your widgets' secondary actions to screen readers. For example, you can expose the close button of a tab widget as follows:

<button class="tab" aria-actions="close-tab">
    <span class=”tab-title”>Tab 1</span>
    <span id="close-tab">Close</span>
</button>

To learn more, check out the tabs with action buttons example from the ARIA Authoring Practices Guide.

And many other features

The above features, which our team added to Microsoft Edge and contributed to Chromium, are only a part of what's been added over the past few releases. Below are other additions that might simplify your daily life as a web developer. For even more, check out the Edge web platform release notes.

• Media pseudo-classes allow you to style media elements, such as <video> and <audio>, based on their playback state, by using the new :playing, :paused, :buffering, :muted, and :stalled pseudo-classes.
• The window-drag CSS property is a new standardized way to make installed PWA windows draggable, which is helpful when using the Window Controls Overlay API. In addition, starting with Microsoft Edge 151 on Windows, when you use the Window Controls Overlay API, the PWA app title bar is now hidden by default, giving you more control over the look and feel of your app.
• New JavaScript Iterator methods make it easier to work with iterators:
  • Iterator.join() returns a string that's the concatenation of all elements that are produced by the iterator.
  • Iterator.zip(), and Iterator.zipKeyed() create new iterators that aggregate elements from multiple iterable objects. These methods zip the input iterables together, allowing simultaneous iteration over the input iterables.
• The soft-navigation and interaction-contentful-paint performance entries help you improve performance of modern single-page web apps by measuring soft navigations that update the page without triggering a traditional page browser history changes.
• The alpha() CSS function creates a new color by adjusting another color's transparency.
• textStream() is now available on Response, Request, and Body objects, making it more convenient to process text incrementally without manually decoding byte chunks.
• The <camera> and <microphone> HTML elements are browser-provided buttons that let users toggle camera or microphone streams and, when needed, connect the permission request directly to an explicit user action.

Ready for testing

We're already hard at work on what's coming next. Here are upcoming features that are available for your early testing and feedback. You can test these new features either by enabling them locally, or on your production website with your own users, by registering for an origin trial. Your feedback is crucial to help us shape these next features and ensure they meet your needs as developers, and the needs of your users.

WebMCP: unlock browsing agent scenarios on your site

We have been actively involved with the Web Machine Learning Community Group, specifying WebMCP: a web API that helps you create efficient, fast, and trusted human-agent collaboration workflows for your site. Using WebMCP, you can reuse your existing front-end code, and expose it as structured tools which a browsing agent can then use to help users accomplish tasks on your site. Our implementation of the WebMCP spec in Microsoft Edge is ready for testing. To get started, we created a few samples and a browser extension to run and debug your WebMCP tools. Find out more on the webmcp-labs repo.

JS Self-Profiling markers: see what the browser is doing during a trace

The JS Self-Profiling API is a great way to measure your app's performance in production, on real user devices. But it only samples your page's JavaScript, which often leaves unexplained gaps in a trace, moments where the browser was styling, laying out, painting, or running garbage collection. We're adding sample markers to fill those gaps. Each sample can now carry a marker that identifies what the browser was doing at capture time. Now, an unexplained gap shows up clearly as, for example, a run of layout markers, so you can pinpoint the real cause of a slow trace and optimize the right thing instead of guessing. To learn more, read the feature explainer, see the markers in action by running our live demo, and register for the origin trial to test it with your own users and share feedback.

New network debugging tools: edit and resend requests

Starting with Edge 153, the Network tool in DevTools now includes two new actions, available on each request via the contextual menu:

• Resend: this action resends a request such as XHR or Fetch.
• Edit and resend as fetch: this action creates a Fetch API call but doesn't send it right away. Instead, it writes it to the input of the Console tool. You can then modify the new request, such as by changing the request headers or parameters, and send it.

Learn more about these new features on our Network tool reference documentation at Resend a request and Edit and resend a request as a fetch call. These features are planned to replace the experimental Network Console tool. Try them out and share your feedback.

navigator.install() and <install>: install other web apps

Updated versions of the Web Install API and the <install> element are available for testing. Both navigator.install() and the <install> element now take a direct link to the target manifest file of the app you're installing. For example:

// Install the current app
navigator.install();

// Install a cross-origin web app
navigator.install( { manifest: https://example.com/manifest.json });

<!-- Install the current app -->
<install>

<!-- Install a cross-origin web app -->
<install manifest="https://example.com/app/manifest.webmanifest"></install>

To learn more about these web app installation features, check out the Web Install API and <install> element demos and resources. You can also start using the <install> element on your own site by registering to the origin trial.

News from across the web platform

Before closing, here are a couple of updates from the broader web ecosystem.

The Interop 2027 call for proposals closes soon

The Interop 2027 call for proposals is open, submit your ideas now! If there's a web feature you care about and would like to see more consistently supported across browsers, now is the time to make your case. Submit your idea and help shape the priorities for Interop 2027. Learn more by reading our blog post: Calling for Interop 2027 proposals.

Microsoft Edge sponsors Open Web Docs for the 7^th consecutive year

High-quality and up-to-date technical web platform documentation continues to play a key role in making the web the most universal application runtime in history. This is why, at Microsoft Edge, we have been sponsoring Open Web Docs. This year marks our 7^th consecutive year funding OWD, enabling the collective to continue creating and maintaining the documentation and data that all web developers need.

A native menu element is coming

Web developers have long needed a browser-provided way to build menus that don't require re-implementing accessibility, keyboard navigation, focus management, and positioning from scratch. The Open UI community is working on a new native menu element that aims to provide these capabilities out of the box, while remaining flexible enough to fit modern design systems. We're excited about this work because it reflects a broader trend toward more powerful, customizable built-in web platform components. Great work from the Google team for implementing the <menubar> element. To test the element, enable the "Experimental Web Platform features" flag on the about://flags page. We can't wait to see what you build.

Do you have feedback? We're listening

On the Microsoft Edge web platform team, we're always listening to what users and web developers need and work toward a better, more capable web. We hope these recent additions help you build experiences that are easier to use, easier to measure, and easier to maintain. Try the features that matter to your projects, tell us where the APIs fall short, and share the use cases the platform still doesn't solve. Your feedback helps us improve Edge, Chromium, and the web platform for everyone.

Hello Windows Insiders, Today, we’re releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to the Beta and Experimental channels. New builds this week Select your channel below to view its release notes:

• Beta: Build 26220.9492
• Experimental: Build 26340.9502

For those on other specific Windows build versions, here are today’s new builds and release notes:

• Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.3032
• Experimental (Future Platforms): Build 29671.1000

Notable new features:

[Accessibility - Mouse indicator]

Release channel: Experimental

• We're introducing a sleeker new animation for the Mouse indicator. This can be enabled under accessibility settings. We've also added the option to keep the indicator activated until the user presses the escape key.

[Magnifier]

Release channel: Experimental

• A new contrast theme toggle for a lower-glare screen. If bright screens are uncomfortable, many people use color inversion to reduce glare. However, inversion changes everything on screen, including photos, charts, and videos. With this update, we're introducing a new contrast theme toggle in Magnifier. Check out the release notes link for more information.

[caption id="attachment_179168" align="aligncenter" width="1079"] UI showing the new contrast theme toggle in Magnifier[/caption]

[Cloud rebuild]

Release channel: Experimental

• We're updating Cloud rebuild, the recovery option that restores a Windows 11 PC to a clean, known-good state by performing a full OS reinstall, with two additions. Cloud rebuild can now sanitize the device's drives as part of the rebuild and IT administrators can now configure and start Cloud rebuild remotely through the Recovery CSP. See release notes for more information.

[caption id="attachment_179169" align="aligncenter" width="1481"] UI showing new Cloud rebuild file removal options.[/caption] Thanks, Stephen and the Windows Insider Program team

Development teams are under increasing pressure to ship software faster, even as the environments they rely on grow more complex. However, modern development has only become harder to provision and maintain with AI-assisted development, cross-platform toolchains, tighter security demands and specialized compute requirements. As a result, developers still spend too much time configuring machines, troubleshooting environment drift, and waiting for access instead of building and shipping software. Windows 365 provides secure, flexible Cloud PCs that can complement local development and give teams an easier path from access to first commit. Developers can select an environment suited to each workload while IT applies consistent identity, security, management and governance.

Five ways Windows 365 supports modern development

1. Give developers a ready-to-code, customizable environment

A ready-to-code Windows 11 developer configuration provides developers with a prepared environment from day one. Autopilot device preparation can install required applications and scripts before first sign-in, while Azure Compute Gallery integration supports standardized custom images. Planned VM customization will provide additional flexibility to configure project-specific SDKs, tools, scripts, and dependencies within enterprise guardrails.

2. Scale compute and run local AI directly on the Cloud PC

Cloud PC configurations up to 32 vCPU and GPU-enabled options give teams the right compute for memory-intensive development, graphics, AI, data and visualization workloads. Select local language models can run directly on appropriately sized Cloud PCs, providing more predictable costs while preserving access to hosted models when greater scale or performance is required. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-WDKwkGuZc See how a ready-to-code Windows 365 Cloud PC uses Foundry Local and local language models to build and run an AI meeting-summary app without consuming cloud tokens. 3. Contain agent activity during development Developers increasingly use coding and autonomous agents to generate code, execute tasks and maintain long-running workflows. With Windows 365 support for Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) becoming generally available in the coming months, customers will be able to run supported agent workloads, from coding agents such as GitHub Copilot CLI to autonomous agents such as OpenClaw on managed Cloud PCs. Process and session isolation help contain agent activity, while familiar enterprise security and governance controls allow organizations to manage these workloads with confidence.

4. Build and run enterprise agents securely

AI agent builders have different needs. As agents move from development into sustained enterprise workflows, they may require dedicated environments that operate independently from users’ devices. Windows 365 for Agents provides Microsoft Entra-joined, Microsoft Intune-managed, and policy-enforced Cloud PCs where agents can perform computer-use tasks across browsers, desktop applications, and legacy systems. New preview capabilities extend secure access to on-premises applications and help IT manage agent pools at scale.Companies such as Login VSI, WorkspaceDNA, and Simular are already building AI agents that can run on Windows 365 for Agents.

5. Protect sensitive development work

Organizations need to give developers flexibility without exposing source code or confidential data. Windows 365 works with Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Intune, and Microsoft security capabilities to apply consistent identity, access, compliance and endpoint controls. For example, context-based redirection, now in preview can restrict clipboard, drive, printer or USB redirection based on security conditions, while output protection helps safeguard on-screen information.

Why modern development needs an environment that responds to change

As development workflows evolve in the era of AI, developers need different environments based on workloads. Local devices remain essential for developers when direct hardware access, offline work, or specialized local performance matters. Pairing the latest in hardware innovation with software optimized for development helps developers build breakthrough experiences. Project Zenith offers a ready-to-code distraction-free Windows experience on developer-class devices with 64+ GB unified memory and 250+ GB/s memory bandwidth, so developers can get started. And cloud-based environments can complement local development when continuity across devices, workload isolation, flexible compute, or secure access creates a better outcome.  Developers should be able to choose the environment best suited to their work while maintaining a consistent, trusted development experience. A developer may move between coding, compute-intensive builds and testing, AI-augmented application development, and work in a secure customer environment. Each workload benefits from an environment optimized for its specific requirements.  

Windows 365 brings the right environment to developers

A modern developer environment should allow developers to begin coding on day one, support customization for specific projects and provide secure governance without limiting developer flexibility. Windows 365 brings these capabilities together in a personalized Cloud PC that developers can access through the Windows App or a browser, while their applications, code, settings and project state remain securely managed in the Microsoft Cloud.  With Windows 365, developers can start with a Windows 11 developer configuration featuring familiar tools such as Visual Studio Code, Git, GitHub Copilot CLI, Python, Node.js and Windows Subsystem for Linux with Ubuntu. Meanwhile, platform engineering and IT teams can standardize environments with reusable images and automated preparation while centrally managing identity, security, policy, monitoring, and lifecycle controls.  The result is more than a desktop in the cloud: it is a faster path from access to first commit. Customers are already seeing this balance of developer flexibility and enterprise control in practice: London Stock Exchange Group increases developer productivity with Windows 365. “Windows 365 gives us the ability to provide different types of performance and development environments plus access to GitHub Copilot, where we’ve seen an increase in developer productivity and efficiency.” says Sandra Lee, Group Chief Information Security Officer, LSEG.Siemens uses Windows 365 for scenarios that include developers who need specialized digital tools, as well as employees requiring temporary access. “In all these cases, we need a trustworthy device and a verified identity in our IT landscape—even if the access is only intended to be temporary,” says Hendrik Harder, Global Service Owner Virtual Client at Siemens. ABN AMRO transforms the workplace for 3,500 offshore developers with Windows 365. Developers reported smoother performance, faster onboarding and more productivity, while IT teams benefited from simplified operations and scalability. “The first time I used Windows 365, I thought I was using my own laptop—the performance was that smooth,” says Peter Witmond, Product Owner Virtual Workplace at ABN AMRO.

Advancing developer experiences with Windows 365 on a unified platform 

Microsoft is bringing cloud development environments together on a single platform. With the retirement of Microsoft Dev Box, Windows 365 becomes Microsoft's strategic platform for virtualized developer environments, AI and agent workloads, and the broader workforce. While existing Dev Box customers can continue using their deployments according to the official service timeline, Windows 365 offers a broader, unified foundation for developers and organizations moving forward. Dev Box proved what developers need: environments that combine developer flexibility with enterprise control. Windows 365 carries these promises forward and extends them across developers, information workers, AI builders and agents through a shared foundation for identity, security, management, and access models. That shared foundation is what makes the next generation of developer Cloud PCs possible.​‌ 

Turning workload choice into a modern developer workflow 

With Windows 365, organizations can start with a ready-to-code environment, match compute to each workload, contain agent activity during development, provide dedicated environments for enterprise agents and apply consistent controls to protect sensitive work. Start with a scenario where setup delays, hardware constraints or security requirements slow delivery, and measure improvements in onboarding, time to first commit, support requests, or build performance. Explore Windows 365 developer resources and review the official Microsoft Dev Box guidance. 

This year at IFA, I saw the Windows ecosystem doing what it does best: bringing innovation to life through products and experiences for every person, purpose, and price point. Our partners introduced new Windows PCs, spanning dependable everyday devices, beautifully crafted premium designs, new and immersive gaming systems, commercial devices designed to help organizations work securely and productively, and powerful tools for developers, creators, and AI power users. Together, these announcements demonstrated the breadth of what’s possible with a Windows PC. This matters because people are being thoughtful about when, where, and how they spend. We know that a new PC is a meaningful purchase, and that customers want to feel confident that they choose the right PC for them. They want to know that it will deliver a better experience today while continuing to meet their needs for years to come. Windows PCs from our partners give people more ways to find the right device without compromising on what matters most to them.

Innovation available today

For more than 40 years, our goal has been to put a computer on every desk and in every home. We know the PC is personal and the place you go to play, create, build, connect and learn. Some prioritize battery life and portability, while others need greater performance for gaming or creative work. And increasingly, people are also looking for useful AI experiences that are easy to use and fit seamlessly into their existing workflows. And of course, everyone needs to find the right device at the right price for them. IFA showed how our partners are meeting those different needs. The strength of Windows is choice, and the latest Windows PCs bring together modern design, stronger performance, built-in security and useful AI experiences available at different price points. For those who have been holding on to an older PC, the choice and value available today makes it a good time to find the right device.

Building the next era of the PC

IFA also demonstrated how Windows is evolving for the next era of computing. The latest OpenClaw Windows App makes it easier to configure and run AI models locally on supported NVIDIA RTX Spark Windows PCs. It builds on the secure agent-execution foundation we introduced at Microsoft Build, helping agents work within defined boundaries while taking advantage of the computing power available on the device. We are also making it easier for developers to turn ideas into reality with new ready-to-code Windows experiences for next-generation devices. By pre-installing the essential tools and pre-configuring Windows settings for development on developer class devices with 64GB+ unified memory and 250gbps memory bandwidth, developers can jump right in. Project Zenith devices enable developers to run capable coding models locally and unmetered, helping lower token costs, experiment more freely, and stay in their flow. Project Zenith shows how Windows and our ecosystem partners are bringing these innovations together to create more capable, purpose-built experiences. 

Windows at IFA 

Check out the latest announcements and activity from our partners at IFA.

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Acer

Acer launched the new Acer Vero 16 laptop, a Copilot+ PC designed to reduce waste and environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. As the fourth-generation Vero consumer laptop, the device debuts a new chassis design incorporating post-industrial recycled aluminum, low-carbon aluminum, and PCR plastic, along with greatly expanded repairability features. For uncompromising performance and all-day productivity, it is powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with up to 180 platform TOPS.  [caption id="attachment_263915" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Acer Vero 16[/caption] Acer’s Windows compute lineup at IFA 2026 also included the Swift Blade 14, a 799-gram ultra-lightweight laptop for ultimate mobility; the Acer SFF RTX Spark reference design powered by the NVIDIA RTX Spark superchip for the age of personal AI agents; the Acer Veriton RI110 AI Mini Workstation, a Copilot+ PC designed for agentic AI workflows; the Aspire G 3D 16 laptop, powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor and offering Acer’s naked-eye 3D technology; the Swift Air 16 laptop with a premium aluminum chassis and Intel Core Series 3 processors; the Predator Atlas 7 gaming handheld; and the refreshed Aspire S series all-in-one desktops.

ASUS

At IFA, ASUS showcased the new ProArt P16 and P14, powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark and running Windows 11. Designed for creators who need both performance and mobility, the ProArt P16 is the thinnest 16-inch RTX Spark laptop at just 12.9 mm, while the P14 is the lightest ProArt laptop ever at 1.48 kg, complemented by large 99Wh and 90Wh batteries and ASUS Lumina Pro OLED displays with up to 1,600-nit brightness and professional-grade color accuracy. The new lineup also introduces two distinctive ProArt expressions — Nano Black and Neo White — combining refined design with creator-focused functionality. ASUS brought these capabilities to life through its first global live showcase of agentic AI solutions for creators and developers, demonstrating how ProArt PCs can connect local AI, ASUS applications, and customizable workflows to transform creation, development, and production. [caption id="attachment_263917" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ProArt Laptop (Nano Black & Neo White)[/caption]

Dell

Dell introduced the new Dell 14S, a stylish, portable and dependable everyday Windows laptop built for students, young adults and anyone who wants a device that keeps up with their day. It comes in four expressive colors, Linen, Dusty Rose, Washed Denim and Velvet Green, so you can pick the one that reflects your personality and lifestyle. At just 1.15 kg and 13.5 mm thin, the refined aluminum build slips easily into a bag and travels well from class to coffee shop to couch. Two 16:10 panel options meet different priorities: a 2.8K 120Hz display for the sharpest, smoothest experience and a 2K 60Hz display for those prioritizing battery life and value. Both panel options are bright and provide vibrant, accurate colors. The Dell 14S offers up to 21 hours of Netflix streaming on a single charge¹. That's enough to carry you through a full day of classes, browsing, and everything in between, no scrambling for an outlet required. [caption id="attachment_263922" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Dell 14S Laptop[/caption]

HP

HP showcased new OmniBook PCs powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark, combining the flexibility of Windows 11 with powerful local AI capabilities. Built for developers, creators, entrepreneurs, and advanced users, the HP OmniBook Ultra 16 and HP OmniBook X 14 are designed to support intelligent assistants, emerging agentic workflows, advanced content creation, and AI application development. By bringing together premium hardware, on-device AI performance, and the Windows ecosystem, HP is helping customers move from AI experimentation to real-world productivity and creation. [caption id="attachment_263935" align="alignnone" width="1024"] HP OmniBook X 14[/caption]

Lenovo

Lenovo expanded its Yoga portfolio with two premium devices powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark. The Yoga Pro 9n is built for creators and developers, supporting demanding local AI, software development, content creation, and 3D rendering with up to 128GB of unified memory. The versatile Yoga Pro 9n 2-in-1 pairs substantial local performance with a flexible convertible design and a dual-surface pen experience, allowing creators to write and draw on either the OLED display or haptic Force Pad. [caption id="attachment_263919" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Yoga Pro 9n (15”, 11)[/caption] For students, families, and everyday users, the new IdeaPad Vibe series combines bold colors and lightweight designs with responsive performance and Copilot+ PC experiences. Available in 14- and 15-inch configurations, the lineup offers a choice of Snapdragon X or AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processors. Lenovo also introduced the compact, cluster-ready ThinkCentre X Ultra for advanced business AI workloads, the streamlined IdeaCentre AIO i, and the ultra-slim ThinkBook 14 Gen 9 for mobile, AI-enhanced productivity. [caption id="attachment_263918" align="alignnone" width="1024"] IdeaPad Vibe[/caption]

MSI

MSI announced the new Venture 15 AI+ B3M at IFA. Featuring a highly efficient Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor, a 144Hz 100% sRGB display, comprehensive I/O connectivity, and Windows 11, the Venture 15 AI+ B3M is a versatile productivity laptop that also handles gaming needs with ease. [caption id="attachment_263921" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Venture 15[/caption]

AMD

AMD Senior Vice President and General Manager Jack Huynh delivered the event’s opening keynote on "The Era of Personal AI," exploring how agentic, on-device intelligence can make technology more personal, private, and adaptive. AMD announced that Ryzen AI Halo systems will support Microsoft’s Project Zenith out of the box, providing developers with a ready-to-code Windows experience that includes Visual Studio Code, WSL, GitHub Copilot CLI, and PowerShell. AMD also previewed the Threadripper Halo Station, a prototype desktop workstation designed to bring datacenter-class AI compute to developers. New AMD-powered OEM systems announced at IFA included Acer’s Aspire G AGB110 mini-PC and Aspire G 3D 16 notebook, alongside Lenovo’s ThinkCentre X Ultra, ThinkCentre M75s Gen 6, ThinkCentre M75q Gen 6, and IdeaPad Slim 3, all powered by AMD Ryzen AI Max 400 Series processors. [caption id="attachment_263916" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ryzen AI Halo[/caption]

NVIDIA

This year at IFA, NVIDIA showcased how it’s accelerating local AI and new ways to make local AI agents easier and faster to run on Windows. Highlights include simplified local model setup coming in Hermes Agent, OpenClaw and Perplexity Portable Computer; inference optimizations delivering up to 1.9x faster performance; and NVIDIA PAIR, a new open-source tool that distributes AI workloads across compatible PCs. NVIDIA and its partners also announced that NVIDIA RTX Spark Windows PCs will arrive in October 2026. [caption id="attachment_263920" align="alignnone" width="1024"] NVIDIA RTX Spark Superchip[/caption]

Innovating together for what comes next

I want to thank our partners across the Windows ecosystem for the ingenuity, investment, and collaboration they bring to customers every day. IFA reflected what is possible when Windows, silicon, hardware and software innovation come together. The momentum we saw in Berlin was only the beginning. As computing becomes more personal and intelligent, our ecosystem will continue to turn new technology into practical experiences that help empower people and organizations to do more. I am excited about what we are building together and, even more importantly, about what our customers will do with it.

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1. Netflix Streaming Video Playback: Dell 14S tested with Intel®  Series 3 Intel® Core™ 5 320 Processor, Intel Graphics, FHD, 8GB and 256GB SSD. Testing conducted by Dell labs in Aug 2026 with display brightness set to 150 nits and wireless enabled. Based on streaming Netflix Streaming Video Playback. Actual battery life may be significantly less than the test results and varies depending on product configuration and use, software, usage, operating conditions, power management settings and other factors. Maximum battery life will decrease with time. The stated Watt Hour (WHr) is not an indication of battery life.

Hello Windows Insiders, Today, we’re releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to the Beta, Experimental, and Release Preview channels. New builds this week Select your channel below to view its release notes:

• Beta: Build 26220.9472
• Experimental: Build 26340.9482

For those on other specific Windows build versions, here are today’s new builds and release notes:

• Beta (26H1): Build 28020.2991
• Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.3002
• Experimental (Future Platforms): Build 29667.1000
  • Please note it may take your device up to 30 minutes post announce to pick up this build.

We also have the Windows 11, version 26H1 Release Preview going out today:

• Release Preview (26H1): Build 28000.3079

Notable new features:

[Context menu]

Release channel: Experimental Building on the work we've been doing to improve the context menu experience:

• We've added a new teaching tip you might see as a first-time experience to help you learn about the customization options.
• In theme with giving you more control, you can also now turn off the customize context menu entry in the new context menu settings.
• We've fixed a few small issues with the Send To option in the context menu not working as expected.

• Search from This PC in File Explorer is now indexer-based, making it much faster and consistent with search from File Explorer Home.

Thanks, Stephen and the Windows Insider Program team

Hello Windows Insiders, Today we’re releasing build Builds 26100.9539/26200.9539 for Release Preview for Windows 11, version 24H2/25H2. Release notes can be found over in the Windows Insider Documentation Hub as usual, as well as below: Highlights  This update is available through two release phases: gradual rollout and normal rollout. A gradual rollout delivers an update in phases, so features reach devices over time instead of all at once, meaning availability varies by device.​​​​​​​​​​​​​ A normal rollout is the broad release to all eligible devices at the same time, usually when it reaches general availability (GA). Gradual rollout This section highlights some new features and enhancements for Windows 11 PCs, including AI-powered capabilities, continuous innovation, and performance improvements. File Explorer

• New! This update adjusts how the preview pane handles files downloaded from the web. For HTML files, a new Preview anyway button lets you acknowledge the warning and preview the file. Non-HTML files, such as PDFs, are now previewed automatically.

• New! File Explorer Home now preserves the state of sections (expanded or collapsed), so you can pick up where you left off.

• New! This update improves the reliability of thumbnail previews for cloud files in the Details pane. The pane has also been reorganized so file properties are easier to find and review at a glance.
• New! The update addresses an issue that could clear the address bar contents when entering edit mode by clicking near the right side of the address bar.

Emoji

• New! This update adds support for Emoji 17.0, including new emoji such as distorted face, fight cloud, and hairy creature. To insert them, press the Windows key + Period (.) to open the emoji panel.

• New! This update also refines the design of several existing emoji for better consistency across platforms, including saluting face, face with peeking eye, goose, lotus, and kissing cat.

Widgets

• New! This update introduces the Tips widget, which provides short, helpful guidance about Windows features. To add it to your Widgets board, open the board, select Add widgets, and then choose Tips. To add it to your lock screen, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and add Tips to your lock screen widgets.

Personalization

• This update includes a variety of improvements to desktop background experiences.

• This update improves the reliability of the Personalization > Background page in Settings.

• This update adds support for using DIB image files as desktop backgrounds.

• This update improves reliability of desktop slideshow transitions on newly created accounts.

• This update improves resolution of previews when selecting a desktop background in Personalization > Background.

• This update improves desktop background preview display in Settings for users with portrait mode monitors.

• This update improves reliability of processing desktop wallpaper changes when they happen in quick succession.

• This update adds support for using slideshow wallpapers with multiple desktops, so that it won’t automatically switch you back to Picture.

Bluetooth

• This update contains several enhancements to improve reliability and experience when connecting to and using Bluetooth devices:

• During voice calls, the Windows shell volume flyout now appears when adjusting the volume of a Bluetooth Classic Audio accessory via the volume controls on the accessory, providing visual feedback of the new volume level.

• This update improves the accuracy of the connection state displayed by Windows for accessories that have disconnected from the PC.

• This update improves stability of the Bluetooth and devices page in Settings when managing Bluetooth and audio devices.

• This update resolves an issue where the Bluetooth radio could be turned off, but the state of the radio control toggle in the Bluetooth and devices page in Settings shows as on.

• This update improves Bluetooth audio stability and compatibility.

• This update improves microphone compatibility with certain Bluetooth Classic audio accessories.

• This update resolves an issue that could result in a crash (error code 0x139) while streaming Bluetooth audio.

• This update improves reliability and performance with LE Audio accessories.

• This update improves the reliability of shared audio.

Accessibility

• New! This update introduces Open apps maximized, an accessibility setting that automatically maximizes app windows as they open. It removes a bit of everyday friction whether you use a screen reader or magnification, work in tablet mode, or simply prefer a consistent, full-screen workspace. To turn it on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects and turn on Open apps maximized.

• This update improves navigation of the Bluetooth quick settings page when using keyboard input, gamepad input, or Narrator.

Magnifier

• New! This update brings a modernized visual refresh to the Magnifier taskbar.

• Updated icons. Magnifier's toolbar icons align with Windows 11 visual design, giving the tool a cleaner, more modernized feel.

• Refined spacing and padding. The padding is adjusted with spacing across the toolbar for a more polished, consistent layout.

• Views, zoom controls, keyboard shortcuts, and Read Aloud all behave exactly as they did in earlier versions.

Settings

• This update improves the reliability of Settings when interacting with the contents of the Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners page.

• This update updates Settings > Apps > Installed apps to show the version number at the top level for packaged apps, as it already does for other apps.

• This update improves the time picker control in Settings so that it reflects your preferred time format when you switch between 12-hour and 24-hour. This applies in places such as setting active hours and scheduling night light.

• This update improves persistence of the Allow multiple apps to use camera at the same time option in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Camera settings.

Touchpad

• New! Additional gesture controls for precision touchpads are available in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad:

• Single-finger scrolling — Scroll vertically with one finger starting from the left or right side of the touchpad.

• Automatic scrolling — Keep scrolling without lifting your fingers by moving them near the edge of your touchpad while scrolling.

• Previously, gesture controls for scroll and zoom speed and accelerate scrolling were released in the July 2026 update (KB5101684).

Copilot key

• New! This update introduces a new Windows 11 setting that lets you remap the Copilot key to function as the Right Ctrl or Context Menu key, helping preserve familiar keyboard shortcuts and accessibility workflows. For more information, see Understand updates to the Copilot key on Windows devices.

Cameral roll

• New! This update introduces Camera roll backup in Settings, helping eligible users protect their photos with OneDrive. You can turn on the feature from the Settings Home or Accounts page and complete setup on their mobile phone using a QR code. ¹

Fonts

• New! This update adds support for the Garay and Beria Erfe scripts to the Ebrima font, the first Microsoft font to support both. Garay was encoded in Unicode 16.0 and Beria Erfe in Unicode 17.0.

• New! This update also refines the Adlam glyph designs in Ebrima to align with the current Unicode standard and improve consistency.

Windows Recovery (WinRE)

• New! This update enables WinRE to automatically reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles already saved in Windows, including supported certificate-based networks. Devices can now get online automatically during recovery scenarios such as quick machine recovery or cloud rebuild, without preconfiguring Wi-Fi credentials in WinRE. This capability is on by default, and IT admins can disable it. For more information, see Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).

• New! This update adds recovery remote management plug-in for extending WinRE management capabilities for MDM providers. For more information, see Recovery Remote Management Overview.

Kiosk mode

• The Windows key plus Tab keyboard shortcut is now disabled when using a restricted UX kiosk.

• The Windows key plus A and Windows key plus C keyboard shortcuts are now disabled when using single app kiosk mode.

Windows Backup 

• PC-to-PC Migration is no longer available. This feature, introduced through a phased rollout, previously allowed you to transfer files and settings directly from your previous PC when setting up a new Windows PC. To back up and restore your files, settings, and other supported items when moving to a new PC, use Windows Backup. For more information, see Back up and restore with Windows Backup.

¹Feature availability depends on your device and market.

Hello Windows Insiders, Today, we’re releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to the Beta and Experimental channels. New builds this week Select your channel below to view its release notes:

• Beta: Build 26620.9343
• Experimental: Build 26340.9354

For those on other specific Windows build versions, here are today’s new builds and release notes:

• Beta (26H1): Build 28020.2904
• Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.2912
• Experimental (Future Platforms): Build 29661.1000

Notable new features:

[Cross-device resume improvements]

Release channel: Experimental We're making it easier to continue where you left off on your PC. When you resume a webpage from your phone and the phone's browser isn't installed on your PC, the Resume hovercard now gives you two options: open the page directly in your PC's default browser or install the phone's browser for a native experience. This update helps you continue your work immediately without requiring an app installation first. [caption id="attachment_179156" align="aligncenter" width="864"] The Resume hovercard provides an option to open the webpage in the PC's default browser.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_179157" align="aligncenter" width="684"] The Resume hovercard provides an option to install the originating phone browser.[/caption]

[Narrator]

Release channel: Experimental Read and explore math equations with Narrator We are adding math reading and navigation support in Narrator, bringing clearer and more natural math experiences to users who are blind or have low vision. Math is at the heart of STEM education and learning, and this update helps students and professionals independently read, understand, and explore equations, formulas, and scientific notations with confidence. Read more in release notes link above. [caption id="attachment_179158" align="aligncenter" width="2303"] Screenshot of Windows settings page with Narrator Math reading settings page open[/caption]

[Magnifier]

Release channel: Experimental Magnifier now understands each of your displays

• Every screen keeps its own view, at its own zoom. In earlier versions of Magnifier, zooming in stretched a single magnified view across all of your displays, so one screen's zoom followed you everywhere and screen edges blurred together. With this update, each monitor's boundary is respected, and each monitor can hold its own zoom percentage. Your writing screen can sit at 300% while your reference screen stays at 150%, and the magnified view no longer spills from one display into the next. This matters because different tasks, and different screen resolutions, often call for different levels of magnification to stay comfortable to read. Read more in release notes link above.

[caption id="attachment_179159" align="aligncenter" width="758"] UI showing Magnifier settings with Zoom per display enabled, allowing each monitor to maintain its own zoom level.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_179160" align="aligncenter" width="1041"] UI showing Magnifier's multiple display controls, including independent zoom and view locking options.[/caption] Thanks, Stephen and the Windows Insider Program team

The latest Windows Family Safety improvements are part of a broader effort to create safer, age-appropriate digital experiences for kids and families. As we’ve recently outlined, Microsoft Family has been on a focused journey to raise the quality of the everyday offering that parents and kids rely on — and that journey started by listening to you. We gathered feedback from families and let it guide our priorities, month after month.   The result is a steady stream of meaningful fixes we continue to iterate on:  

• Parental approvals for offerings like screen-time extensions, app access, and purchases now happen faster, so kids aren’t left waiting and parents stay in control.
• We restored clear visibility into web and app activity so parents can trust what they see in their reports.
• Made spending more transparent, with wallet balances.
• We also gave adults in a family more control over their own experience, making it far easier to add, manage, or leave a family group 

We know these areas have presented pain points, and while we've made progress, we know some of you may still run into issues. We're continuing to improve and will continue to listen to your feedback as we improve the experience.  

Parental control: Faster and reliable approval flows 

Parents and children may have experienced inconsistent and noticeable delays while approving children requests such as app access, screen time extensions, and purchase approvals. During these delays, children are unable to access the requested content or continue their activities, while parents are left uncertain whether their approval has been received and applied.  Parental approvals for app access, screen time extensions, and purchases now happen faster than before, reducing wait times and frustration for parents and kids alike.  

Activity reporting: full app coverage 

Some parents noticed that certain apps were missing from activity reports, making it difficult to fully understand how their child was using their device. Activity reporting now includes broader app coverage across all applications used on a child's PC, providing a more complete and trustworthy view. Additional improvements to usage time accuracy are also on the way.  Both parent and children will have the broader view of apps used and time spend.  

Family funding balance after top-up 

Family funding balance was not reflecting proper updated balance but now this issue has been addressed, and parents can now easily manage the funds for their children.   Each of these improvements came from a real family experience — from issues parents told us mattered most: speed, accuracy, control, transparency, and peace of mind.  This is the compounding effect of a team that treats every piece of customer feedback as a commitment to do better. Thank you to every parent who shared their voice; you’ve shaped this product, and we’re just getting started.  All of the above fixes are available in the latest versions of the Family Safety mobile app both iOS and Android are available. You can also access Family Safety on the web by visiting: https://account.microsoft.com/family/  

What’s next 

We also know the journey is not over. While we have made important progress, some families may still run into issues, and we want to hear about them.  If something is not working the way you expect, please reach out to us at familysafetyfeedback@microsoft.com. That inbox is more than a contact point — it is an open invitation from our team to yours. Your feedback helps us understand what families are facing today so we can fix issues at the earliest and keep improving.  Thank you to every parent who shared their voice. You have shaped this product, and you will continue to shape what comes next.  We have been listening. We have been fixing. And we will keep going.

Our children and teens are growing up in a digital world where apps, games, and AI-powered tools are part of how they learn, play, create, and connect. For parents and educators, that brings both opportunity and responsibility: digital experiences should help young people explore with confidence while supporting their wellbeing, building healthy habits, respecting their privacy, and providing protections that are appropriate for their age.  At Microsoft, we believe safety should be easier for families to understand and easier for developers to build into experiences for children to use. On Windows, that starts with the account. Microsoft account is a trusted foundation through which Windows brings age-appropriate protections and parental choices into more of the digital experiences encountered by children and teens every day. A child’s account should help unlock safer, more age-appropriate experiences wherever they use Windows. This is the first in a series of posts on family safety on Windows. Over the coming months I’ll share what we're building — in the account, in the platform, and in the tools we provide to parents, educators, and developers. As Pavan recently shared, Family is a key focus area in our commitment to improving Windows quality. We'll build in the open: shipping new capabilities, listening closely to what families tell us, and refining as we learn. 

From account to safer experiences 

Every experience on Windows starts with identity, and for consumers, that foundation is the Microsoft account (MSA).  MSA enables Windows to understand key context about the user in a consistent and privacy-conscious way: 

• Whether the user is a child, teen, or adult 
• Whether parental controls or consent apply 
• Whether age verification has been completed 

This creates a simple, scalable model:  User account → age signal → age-appropriate experience and controls  Because this foundation is tied to the account, protections are designed to follow the user across Windows and apps, creating safer experiences consistently, not just in individual features. This enables product experiences to support a user’s stage of life. Protections are matched to children, teens, and adults. 

Extending safety across the ecosystem with the Windows Age APIs 

As experiences expand across apps, services, and AI, one challenge becomes clear: how can these experiences consistently understand and respect a user’s age?  To address this, Windows is introducing a new platform capability: the Windows Age API.  This API brings age awareness beyond the operating system by making it available across the entire Windows ecosystem so that apps and services can deliver age-appropriate experiences using the same trusted foundation. By making age awareness available as a platform capability, Windows helps developers build safeguards into experiences from the start rather than placing the burden on children and families to manage protections app by app.  The Windows Age API offers the following capabilities: 

• GetUserAgeRangeAsync: Provides non-personally identifiable age group categories for apps to utilize in providing safe and age-appropriate user experiences, while protecting the date of birth data and overall privacy of users. Age groupings available via the API include- under 10, 10-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18+.
• GetAgeVerificationStatusAsync: Provides verified age status for scenarios when self-reported age is not sufficient.
• CheckAgeStatusAsync: Extends the functionality of the legacy CheckUserAgeConsentGroupAsync API to offer child, minor, or adult classification globally and as defined by regional policies.

These signals are designed to protect privacy: 

• Apps receive only the age-related signal needed for the experience and not sensitive personal data such as full date of birth
• Users remain in control through consent and platform-level controls
• Age information is handled consistently at the platform level to reduce unnecessary sharing and fragmentation 

This enables a new level of consistency across Windows experiences. Apps can recognize when a user is under a certain age and adjust features accordingly, helping create safer, more appropriate interactions without requiring manual setup. This platform approach also helps make protections more consistent and accessible, so safer experiences do not depend on whether a family discovers or configures controls in each individual app.  Just as importantly, this extends to emerging experiences, including AI, where applying age-appropriate safeguards is increasingly important as innovation continues to evolve.  By making this a platform capability, Windows drives safety which is built-in and available across apps, services, and new scenarios.   For more details, including developer guidance, check out the Windows Age API documentation found at https://aka.ms/windows-age-api. 

Building toward high-confidence age assurance 

In many cases, understanding age is not enough. Increasingly, certain experiences require high confidence that a user is an adult.  To support this, Microsoft is expanding age assurance through the Microsoft account using Microsoft Age Verification (MAV), a centralized platform that enables users to verify their age once and use that status across Microsoft experiences. Developers can access this verified status through Windows Age APIs.   Age verification is already available in Microsoft Storefronts in Singapore, Brazil, and Australia. As more regions around the world expand regulatory requirements for age verification, Microsoft will add support for those geographies and product scenarios.  MAV creates a simple, consistent model:  Verify once → use everywhere  Verified status is stored with the Microsoft account and can be used across Windows and apps to enable appropriate experiences, helping reduce friction while improving safety.  

Making safety clearer from the start 

We’re also improving how parental controls are surfaced during device setup, so families can more easily understand available protections and make informed choices from the very beginning.  In regions such as France and others, Windows is raising the visibility of parental controls and consent experiences during setup, designed to increase awareness of the available offerings and enabling early application by parents.  

Family Safety and Parental Controls 

With Family Safety built into Windows, parents can set up a child's device and manage screen time, apps, and content in one place. Over the past six months, we’ve focused on making those everyday moments more dependable – faster parental approvals, clearer activity reporting, and more overall control – guided by what parents told us mattered most. You can read more about what’s improved and what’s coming next here: Listening to families. Improving Microsoft Family. 

Raising the bar for digital safety 

Digital safety must be built into the platform—not added on later.  With Microsoft account as the foundation, and with investments like the Windows Age API expanded age assurance, and available parental controls, Windows is working to support a safer digital environment that is also age-appropriate, privacy-conscious, and easier for families to navigate.  Our goal is to help create experiences where safety, privacy, and participation can work together across the Windows ecosystem. 

Availability 

The Windows Age APIs are broadly available to Windows Insiders now and will be available to all Windows users soon. The CheckAgeStatusAsync API will be available with a future update.

Building an extension has never been easier. Rapid adoption of AI-assisted coding is enabling developers to build extensions faster than ever. We have seen that momentum on the Edge Add-ons site. More developers are building, iterating, and submitting extensions, which is great for the ecosystem and ultimately gives users more choice. It also creates a challenge: how do we keep up with the pace at which the ecosystem is growing, while maintaining a high bar for quality?

Speeding up extension reviews

We know time matters to developers. Whether launching an extension, fixing an issue, or making improvements, waiting for a review can slow progress. Last year, we introduced an expedited review process for high-quality and high-value extensions. Since then, submission volumes have continued to increase, and our review pipeline has experienced additional strain, causing an increase in extension review turnaround time. At the same time, at Edge we have always held a very high bar on quality. So, the challenge in front of us was to reduce the turnaround time for extension updates while ensuring the quality of extensions is maintained. To address this challenge, we've introduced automation for many of the repeatable validation checks that are part of the review process and streamlined how reviews move through our pipeline. This doesn't change our review standards or reduce the checks an extension must pass. Instead, it helps us identify known policy violations and security issues more consistently while allowing reviewers to spend more time on complex cases that benefit from human judgment. The result is a more efficient review process that helps extensions move through the pipeline faster while maintaining the high quality and security standards developers and users expect from the Edge Add-ons site. For developers, this mean bug fixes and new features reach your users sooner. Our objective is to make Edge the easiest place to build, publish, and grow an extension. Faster reviews are just one part of that investment. We continue to look for ways to reduce friction across the developer journey while maintaining a trusted marketplace for users.

Recognizing quality as it improves

As more extensions become available on the Edge Add-ons site, helping users discover extensions they can trust is equally important. The Featured badge has long helped users identify high-quality extensions in the Edge Add-ons site. It serves as a trust signal, highlighting extensions that demonstrate a strong commitment to quality, reliability, security, and user experience. The Featured badge is awarded to select extensions that align with Best practices for extensions. Our evaluation considers more than 60 quality signals across multiple dimensions of an extension. Today, much of our evaluation process is automated to make it more consistent, objective, and scalable as the ecosystem expands. But quality is not static. As we continue to refine our badging criteria, and as developers continuously improve their extensions by fixing issues, refining experiences, and responding to user feedback, we automatically update badges on the Edge Add-ons site. And now, to more quickly recognize quality improvements, we're refreshing Featured badges every 15 days. With this more frequent cadence, high-quality extensions can earn recognition sooner, and developers receive faster feedback on their investments in quality. At the same time, users benefit from a more up-to-date view of the extensions that meet our quality standards. Our goal is simple: make it easier for users to find extensions they can trust while ensuring developers who invest in quality are recognized more quickly.

Breakthroughs in computing become real through the experiences developers create. Our goal is to have Windows be the best platform for developers. That means pairing the latest in hardware innovation with software optimized for development. At Build 2026, we introduced a developer-optimized Windows 11 experience to build and ship faster and shared how Windows is becoming the open platform for secure agentic experiences. Today, we're taking the next step with Project Zenith, a ready-to-code distraction-free Windows experience on developer-class devices with 64 GB+ unified memory and 250+ GB/s memory bandwidth, so developers can jump right in. Project Zenith will first become available with AMD’s Ryzen AI Halo, with more devices from our OEM and silicon partners available in the coming months. Project Zenith devices come with a preconfigured Windows setup for development, and a set of tools curated for what developers reach first.  On these devices, developers can run 30B+ parameter models locally and unmetered - accelerating experimentation while helping reduce reliance on metered cloud tokens. Project Zenith represents Windows at its best - listening to developers, responding with purpose and working across our ecosystem to raise the bar for what a developer PC can be.

Improving the baseline Windows 11 experience

Since the beginning of this year, we’ve been dedicated to making Windows 11 more performant, reliable and refined across day-to-day experiences. From Search to File Explorer, and everyday memory usage, Windows is becoming faster, calmer, and more polished with more control over the experiences you care about most. Project Zenith devices will benefit from all these improvements, while delivering an optimized developer environment you’ve been asking for.

Ready to code out of the box

Project Zenith comes with a set of pre-installed tools spanning languages and runtimes, source control, and productivity tools. Windows Terminal and Visual Studio Code are pinned to the Taskbar by default, putting your favorite tools within immediate reach. We’ve also pre-configured Windows Settings for coding across File Explorer, Search, Start, and the Taskbar. File Explorer shows file extensions, hidden files, the full path in the title bar, and the details pane, with long-path support enabled. Recently used files and folders and sync provider tips are turned off for a cleaner workspace. In Search and Start, Command Palette is enabled, while Start menu tips and account notifications are turned off to reduce distractions. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has become foundational for running Linux workloads on Windows. Last year we open-sourced WSL. Building on that momentum at Build 2026, we integrated WSL more deeply into Windows with WSL containers to provide a built-in way to create, run, and interact with Linux containers directly on Windows. Together, with Project Zenith, these choices create a calm, and meaningful starting point for development. Project Zenith is not about prescribing a single workflow. You can continue to configure, extend, and personalize your environment around the tools, languages, and frameworks you prefer. It is about beginning from a better baseline, shaped by the settings and tools developers reach for first, so a new device works with you to accelerate your workflows.

Secure platform for agents on developer-class hardware

We’re entering a new era of software development. Agentic applications are becoming more common, and developers need a secure foundation for building and running them. At Build 2026, we shared how Windows is evolving to provide exactly that – combining OS-enforced identity, containment with Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC), and enterprise-grade manageability for agents.  Project Zenith devices will benefit from these platform investments from day one, providing a secure environment for developing and running agents. As AI models become more powerful, agentic coding workflows demand continuous compute. By shifting some of that intelligence to the edge, we are achieving token economics and transforming the developer experience: frontier models tackle frontier problems, while everything else runs locally at scale. With 64 GB+ of unified memory and 250 GB/s+ of memory bandwidth, Project Zenith devices enable developers to run capable coding models locally and unmetered, helping lower token costs.

Project Zenith is just the beginning

Over the past year, we have continued to evolve Windows around how development happens today. From WSL and Windows Developer Configurations to Intelligent Terminal and expanded on-device AI capabilities, each investment is focused on helping developers stay in control and build faster.  Project Zenith brings together the work happening across the Windows platform into a tailored experience on new developer-class PCs. Project Zenith also reflects how Windows moves forward with our ecosystem. By working with our OEM partners, we give developers choice across devices and performance tiers while preserving the ready-to-code experience. The hardware may vary, but the developer promise is consistent - powerful for modern development, thoughtfully configured and ready for developers from the start. Project Zenith is the result of listening to developers about what they need from Windows today, and where they want the platform to go next. As AI continues to transform software development, we are committed to evolving Windows alongside the community that builds on it. We are excited to see what you will build, making Windows the platform where the next generation of applications, agents, and AI experiences come to life.

The Interop 2027 call for proposals is open, submit your ideas now! Over the past six years, the Interop project has helped bring key web platform features to a state where developers can rely on them across browsers. Technologies such as CSS layout and utilities, View Transitions, anchor positioning, popover, and shadow DOM have all benefited from the focused effort that Interop makes possible. This year, browser vendors have continued to work across a broad set of focus areas including View Transitions, Navigation API, CSS Anchor Positioning, WebRTC, WebTransport, Dialogs and Popovers, custom highlights, container style queries, and more. These efforts are helping move the web platform toward a future where developers can spend less time working around browser differences and more time building great experiences. Interoperability remains one of the most important challenges facing the web. New capabilities are constantly being standardized and implemented, but they're most valuable when they work consistently everywhere. That's why the Interop project continues to evolve each year, guided by input from developers, framework authors, browser vendors, and standards communities. Today, we're opening the proposal process for Interop 2027. If you've encountered a web platform feature that behaves differently across browsers, a standards-based capability that's difficult to rely on today, or an area where better interoperability would unlock new opportunities, we want to hear from you. The proposal submission period is open now and will remain open through September 23, 2026. The Interop team will review submissions and evaluate them using the Interop selection process, with the goal of publishing the final Interop 2027 scope early February 2027.

What makes a strong proposal?

The strongest Interop proposals share a few common traits:

• They solve a real developer problem. Make sure you explain how inconsistent browser behavior or missing support affect developers in practice.
• They have ecosystem impact. Evidence from developers, frameworks, libraries, issue trackers, surveys, or real-world sites helps demonstrate that a problem is worth solving.
• They're about standards-based features. Features with a stable specification and broad standards support are better candidates for Interop.
• They can be measured. Interop relies on Web Platform Tests (WPT) to track progress, so proposals should either have strong existing test coverage or a clear path to adding it.
• They are scoped for meaningful progress. A focused, concrete proposal is often easier to evaluate and more likely to succeed than a broad request such as "improve CSS" or "fix forms everywhere."

For more information, check the Interop Proposers Guide.

Submit your proposals now

Submit your ideas now, even if you're unsure they qualify. Even proposals that aren't selected can help us understand where you're experiencing pain and where future interoperability work is needed. On the Microsoft Edge team, we're always listening to developer signals, and unselected Interop proposals often constitute clear needs from developers. We track these needs, and others, on our Top Developer Needs dashboard to influence progress on the highest-impact, long-running issues. We'll be refreshing this dashboard early next year.

Hello Windows Insiders, Today, we’re releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds for Windows 11, version 26H1 to the Beta and Experimental channels. Please see the release notes for each channel below:

• Beta (26H1): Build 28020.2818
• Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.2824

Thanks, Stephen and the Windows Insider Program team

[Update 31 August 2026: ISOs are now available] Hello Windows Insiders! Today, we are making this year’s annual feature update, Windows 11, version 26H2 (Build 26300.9278),  available in the Release Preview Channel for customers to preview ahead of general availability later this calendar year. Windows 11, version 26H2 will be delivered as an enablement package (eKB). This means that Windows 11, versions 24H2¹, 25H2, and 26H2 use a shared servicing branch. It also means that they share the same new features and enhancements delivered through our continuous innovation efforts. As a result, many of the features and improvements available in Windows 11, version 26H2 might already be familiar, as they have been gradually introduced through monthly updates. For commercial customers, Windows 11, version 26H2 enables several experiences that were introduced in earlier releases but not previously enabled by default for commercial devices. This includes Windows settings backup, app-specific actions from the taskbar, and some File Explorer enhancements. For guidance on how to prepare for Windows 11, version 26H2 in your organization, see Get ready for Windows 11, version 26H2. Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can install Windows 11, version 26H2 via our “seeker” experience in Windows Update. This means if you are an Insider currently in the Release Preview Channel on a PC that meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements, you can go to Settings and Windows Update and choose to download and install Windows 11, version 26H2. Once you update your PC to Windows 11, version 26H2, you will continue to automatically receive new servicing updates through Windows Update (the typical monthly update process). For instructions on how to join the Windows Insider Program and enroll your PC in the Release Preview Channel, click here. If you are a commercial² customer enrolled in the Windows Insider Program for Business, you can deploy and begin validating Windows 11, version 26H2 on PCs in your organization using Windows Update client policies and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Azure Marketplace will be available later today. Should any issues arise, IT admins in organizations deploying Release Preview updates can request Microsoft Support. And finally, ISOs will be available for download for Windows 11, version 26H2 via the Windows Insider ISO download page in the near term. Thanks, Windows Insider Program Team ¹Windows 11, version 24H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of updates on October 13, 2026. Enterprise and Education editions remain supported until October 12, 2027. ²We consider a device a commercial device if it is not running the Windows 11 Home edition AND is being managed by an IT administrator (whether via Microsoft Intune or other management solution), or has a volume license key or commercial ID, or is joined to a domain.

In a significant milestone for the platform, Microsoft and NVIDIA recently announced NVIDIA RTX Spark. These new devices are the most powerful and efficient, thin-and-light Windows PC ever, built with the Arm architecture. In the fall of 2026, devices from Microsoft Surface, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI will be available. NVIDIA's entry into the Windows on Arm silicon family joins the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series of chipsets that have already established Windows on Arm as the premium experience across Microsoft Surface Copilot+ PCs. The market is sending a clear signal: more silicon providers and more OEM partners are investing in Windows on Arm because customer demand is growing for these powerful and efficient Windows devices and experiences.   Alongside the expanding PC landscape, the Windows app ecosystem continues to grow rapidly. As powerful Arm-based devices reach more customers, this motivates developers to build and optimize for the platform. Consequently, as the app catalog grows, customers have even more reason to choose Windows on Arm hardware. That virtuous cycle is now clearly in motion. The app catalog growth is evident in the Works on Windows on Arm site. This site catalogs over 7000 verified apps and games available for Windows on Arm and is built with compatibility data from Microsoft. Given the breadth of Arm-capable hardware available from multiple silicon providers and the depth of the app catalog, Windows on Arm has become a first-class platform for any workload.   App Assure, Microsoft's app compatibility program, with its dedicated Arm Advisory Service, continues to expand the Windows on Arm ecosystem. We continue working side by side with a diverse set of software development companies to bring their apps to the Windows on Arm catalog, ensuring that no customer is left behind. The goal of this blog is to share App Assure's latest progress report: a roundup of some of the most notable new additions to the Windows on Arm app portfolio since our previous update. 

STEM and education apps

This is a rapidly expanding category that demands its own section. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as education tools all play a critical role in how people learn in classrooms, research environments, or via independent study. As Windows on Arm devices become more prevalent, developers in this space now recognize the opportunity to reach learners and professionals who value portable, power-efficient devices without sacrificing performance. The growing number of STEM and education apps now available reflects increasing investment aligned with these needs and the growing adoption of Windows on Arm devices by educational customers. [caption id="attachment_57881" align="alignnone" width="931"] Recent STEM and education apps available on Windows on Arm devices[/caption]

Security apps

Security remains foundational for Windows customers, and it spans far more than a single tool or workload. Modern environments require layered protection across endpoints, consistent device management, and secure connectivity, especially as work increasingly happens across hybrid, mobile, and distributed environments.  Arm-based devices are designed with security at the core, integrating hardware, firmware, and software protections to help defend against modern threats. In addition to the built-in security features, strong support for Windows on Arm in endpoint protection, endpoint management, VPN and Zero Trust solutions helps ensure that customers can adopt these devices without compromising their security posture.   Our previous update showcased well-known apps from companies including Norton, CrowdStrike, and McAfee in the Endpoint Protection space; VMware, Beyond Trust, and Cisco in the Endpoint Management space; and Nord, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Networks in the VPN and Zero Trust space. The continued expansion of the Windows on Arm security app ecosystem, as seen below, highlights how software vendors are aligning with customer expectations for secure, manageable Arm‑based deployments. [caption id="attachment_57875" align="alignnone" width="967"] Recent security apps available on Windows on Arm devices[/caption]

Productivity apps

Productivity apps remain the cornerstone of how people get work done on Windows. Whether managing projects, collaborating with teammates, organizing information, or communicating across teams, these apps are essential to our customers’ daily work. The growing list of productivity apps now available reflects both customer demand and increasing momentum from developers building with Arm as a first-class Windows platform. The new apps listed below join those previously announced from industry leaders such as Google, Adobe, Slack, Trello, and Dropbox. [caption id="attachment_57868" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Recent productivity apps available on Windows on Arm devices[/caption]

Creativity, social media and entertainment apps

Windows devices are as important for work as they are for expression, connection and entertainment. From creative tools to social platforms and media experiences, these apps enable users to create, share and unwind throughout their day. Developers continue to bring rich, engaging experiences to Arm-based devices, ensuring users don’t have to choose between productivity and creativity. Our previous update saw brands such as Camtasia, Blender and Figma release Arm apps. Below are the latest additions. [caption id="attachment_57869" align="alignnone" width="1368"] Recent creativity, social media and entertainment apps available on Windows on Arm devices[/caption] The takeaway is clear: Windows on Arm is no longer defined by potential, but by a rapidly expanding ecosystem of devices with apps available across workloads that customers depend on most. As developers continue to invest in Arm-native experiences and compatibility, customers gain more choices, flexibility, and confidence in adopting the next generation of Windows devices. As the ecosystem continues to expand, the Microsoft App Assure team is ready to assist software developers interested in bringing their apps to Windows on Arm. Through our Arm Advisory Service, we offer expert guidance, technical workshops, code samples, and an escalation path to Microsoft engineers ready to assist with software development. Reach out to us here to learn more. Finally, don’t forget to bookmark https://worksonwoa.com/ for a comprehensive and continuously updated list of all the apps available on Windows on Arm devices.

Reading and resources on the expanding Windows on Arm ecosystem

• Works on Windows on Arm
• Empowering the future: The expanding Arm app ecosystem for Copilot+ PCs
• Introducing a powerful new chapter for Windows PCs, accelerated by NVIDIA RTX Spark
• Fall 2025 Windows Musician Technology and Arm64 Update
• Accelerating Arm momentum in Japan with App Assure
• Advancing print readiness across the Windows on Arm ecosystem

Microsoft Edge is moving to a two-week release cycle, and the WebView2 Runtime is moving right along with it. Starting with 152, the WebView2 Runtime will align with Edge's new two-week major-release cadence, instead of the previous four-week cadence, for faster security fixes, platform improvements, and other capabilities.

• On the week of August 27, the WebView2 Runtime version 152 will be last major version to be released 4 weeks after the previous version.
• On the week of September 10, version 153 will be the very first version to be released only two weeks after the previous version.
• After that point, a new major version will be released about every two weeks, aligned with the Edge release cadence.

The WebView2 SDK release cadence will also be updated. Instead of the monthly releases, SDK versions will be released when there are new features, bug fixes, security updates, and other improvements to share. When we do ship an SDK, it will be released on the same date as the corresponding Runtime release.

What this means for your app

If you use the Evergreen Runtime distribution mode, which is the default, there's nothing you need to do. Your users' machines will start getting security and platform fixes at the more frequent cadence. If you ship a Fixed Version Runtime instead, you stay in control of when you update, but new major versions arrive more often. Plan to validate and pick up new versions more frequently, so you don't fall behind on security fixes.

Recommended actions

We recommend that you test your WebView2 app by using the Beta preview channel of Microsoft Edge to catch any bugs before they roll out to your users. Early testing is the best way to catch app-specific issues before they reach Stable. To learn more, see Prerelease testing using preview channels. We also recommend automating the validation of your app's core workflows with the WebView2 preview channels. You can automatically test your app by using Microsoft Edge WebDriver. See Automate and test WebView2 apps with Microsoft Edge WebDriver. Finally, report regressions early so we can address them before the Stable release. You can report bugs by using the WebView2Feedback GitHub repository.

Stay current

Moving with Edge means your users get a safer, more capable web platform sooner, and you get a single, predictable release train to plan around. We're grateful for the partnership of the WebView2 developer community, and we'll keep sharing details as the new cadence rolls out. To learn more, read our recent announcement, check out our release notes, and review the release schedule. And, as always, feel free to share feedback with us.

Hello Windows Insiders, Today, we’re releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to the Beta and Experimental Channels. Experimental Feature Flags We’ve fixed the issue causing the Feature Flags list to show empty for Insiders in the Experimental channel. You should now see Feature Flags reappear after installation of the latest Experimental build. New builds this week We’re releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds today. Select your channel below to view its release notes:

• Beta: Build 26220.9223
• Experimental: Build 26340.9233

For those on other specific build versions, here are today’s new builds and release notes:

• Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.2760

Notable new features:

[Modernized Autoplay experience]

Release channel: Experimental

• We've updated the AutoPlay dialog that helps you choose the preferred experience when devices are connected to your PC (e.g., a phone, camera, or removable drive). Rebuilt with WinUI, the refreshed experience is more consistent with the rest of Windows, supports dark mode, and continues to provide the familiar AutoPlay actions you use today. The experience is also more responsive to text scaling and display settings. Notifications for this dialog will now be docked in the notification center for easy access.

[caption id="attachment_179139" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The new AutoPlay experience, shown in dark mode.[/caption]

[Accessibility]

Release channel: Experimental, Beta A simpler way to open apps maximized

• We are introducing a new accessibility setting, “Open apps maximized”, that automatically maximizes app windows when they open — so you no longer have to do it yourself every time. This is a small change that removes a bit of everyday friction, whether you use a screen reader or magnification, work in tablet mode, or simply prefer a consistent, full-screen workspace.
• To turn it on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects and switch on Open apps maximized. Once enabled, Windows maximizes app windows for you as they open. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you.

[caption id="attachment_179140" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] UI showing the new "Open apps maximized" accessibility setting in Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.[/caption] Thanks, Stephen and the Windows Insider Program team

Five years ago, we introduced Windows 365 and created a new personal computing category: the Cloud PC, providing a familiar Windows desktop running in the Microsoft Cloud that is secure by design, simple to manage, and enables work from any device. On the fifth anniversary of Windows 365, we’re reflecting on what our customers have accomplished, highlighting key advancements that have earned industry recognition, and sharing insights on where leaders should focus next. How work happens has changed a lot with the increasing adoption of AI and agents, but the need for secure, managed, and reliable workspaces remains.

The measurable impact of Windows 365 Cloud PCs

Today, tens of thousands of organizations across industries and around the world are using Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Customer feedback tells a consistent story of unlocking significant benefits, including reduced costs, lower network latency, fewer support tickets, and faster employee onboarding. [caption id="attachment_180428" align="alignnone" width="1430"] See what customers are saying about Windows 365. Learn more at aka.ms/Windows365Stories.[/caption] Over the past five years, we’ve evolved Windows 365 in meaningful ways and introduced new offerings to meet our customers’ diverse needs:

• Windows 365 Flex provides Cloud PCs for part-time, shift-based, or occasional use
• Windows 365 Reserve equips employees with temporary Cloud PCs if their physical devices are unavailable
• Windows 365 Link is the simple, secure purpose-built device for Windows 365 that’s especially useful for shared workspaces
• Windows 365 for Agents provides a secure execution environment for AI agents to run.

These solutions are making it easier for more customers to adopt cloud-powered Windows experiences in ways that fit their workplace needs. Our continued commitment to providing secure, managed and reliable workspaces for human and agentic workforces at scale has earned industry recognition.

Microsoft recognized as a Leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Desktop as a Service

We are honored to share that Microsoft has been named a Leader for 4 consecutive years in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Desktop as a Service and positioned highest in Ability to Execute. Gartner defines desktop as a service (DaaS) as the provision of virtual desktops by public cloud or other service providers. Read a complimentary copy of the report to see why Microsoft was named a Leader. [caption id="attachment_180429" align="alignnone" width="624"] This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document available at aka.ms/DaaSMQ2026. Note: Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service, 5 August 2026, By Stuart Downes, Todd Larivee, Sunil Kumar. Gartner and Magic Quadrant are trademarks of Gartner, Inc., and/or its affiliates.[/caption]

Microsoft recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Desktop as a Service 2026 Vendor Assessment

We are also honored to share that Microsoft was recently named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Desktop as a Service 2026 Vendor Assessment. Read the excerpt to learn why Microsoft was named a Leader. [caption id="attachment_180430" align="alignnone" width="620"] IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. The Capabilities score measures vendor product, go-to-market and business execution in the short-term. The Strategy score measures alignment of vendor strategies with customer requirements in a 3-5-year timeframe. Vendor market share is represented by the size of the icons.[/caption] “Microsoft offers a fully integrated DaaS stack where endpoint management, identity, security, and compliance serve as native prebuilt components.” Additionally, “Microsoft stands out as the only vendor to productize the agentic workspace as a distinct purchasable offering alongside the standard managed desktop. This provides a robust production foundation for IT leaders whose DaaS strategies must accommodate AI agent deployment over the next three years." - IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Desktop as a Service 2026 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US54118526, July 2026)

What’s new and next with Windows 365

Five years in, Cloud PCs are enabling secure, flexible work not only for information workers but also the frontline, developers, and emerging AI agents. We are excited to share our most recent developments and where things are going next. Watch this Microsoft Mechanics demo to take a closer look and read on to learn more: https://youtu.be/MK-hCq7Su1w

Empowering developers

For developers, we made several announcements at Microsoft Build 2026, including ready‑to‑code Cloud PCs preconfigured with common development tools, now in preview. We also announced general availability of a new Windows 365 GPU Select offering along with 32vCPU Windows 365 Cloud PCs for graphics-intensive and compute-intensive workloads like software development, data modeling, simulations, and AI/ML. Select language models (LM) can run directly on Cloud PCs, enabling developers building AI‑powered apps to use Cloud PC compute to build and iterate effectively without incurring token costs. Always available Cloud PCs also enable long-running builds, test loops, dev environments, and AI-assisted workflows to be persistent beyond the limits of a physical device, so work can continue on a Cloud PC even when a physical device goes to sleep.

Enabling AI agents

For agent-makers, we made Windows 365 for Agents generally available earlier this year. Windows 365 for Agents provides a collection of Microsoft Entra-joined, Microsoft Intune-managed, and policy-enforced Cloud PCs for agents to execute multi-step workflows across software, including opening apps, navigating interfaces, entering inputs, and processing data. Companies such as Login VSI, Simular, and WorkspaceDNA are already building AI agents that can run on Windows 365 for Agents. And at Microsoft, we’re using Windows 365 for Agents to power agentic experiences such as computer-use scenarios in Researcher. Looking ahead, we’re continuing to introduce new capabilities to enable secure use of enterprise-grade AI agents. Now in preview, Windows 365 for Agents supports accessing on-premises applications using agents’ identities, enabling organizations to extend automation across legacy business applications without modernizing existing applications. Also in preview, we’re introducing support for linking Windows 365 for Agents Cloud PC agent pools to either a Microsoft Entra group or a Microsoft Intune Autopilot device preparation profile. This enables IT administrators to manage Cloud PCs for agents at scale by applying security and compliance policies, deploying required applications, maintaining consistent configurations across agent pools, and using existing Intune workflows. Additionally, with Windows 365 support for Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) becoming generally available in the coming months, customers can securely run supported agent workloads, from coding agents, like GitHub Copilot CLI to autonomous agents like OpenClaw, on managed, always-available Cloud PCs using process and session isolation with familiar enterprise security and governance controls.

Strengthening security

Our commitment to security remains as important as ever. Cloud PCs enable organizations to reduce their attack surface by having data remain secure in the Microsoft Cloud – not on dispersed endpoints. Earlier this year, we introduced context-based redirections using Microsoft Entra authentication context, enabling more precise control over how users access Cloud PCs. We’re further strengthening defenses against endpoint threats by safeguarding sensitive data on-screen. With output protection capabilities becoming generally available in September, displayed content on a Cloud PC can stay shielded from screen scrapers and other endpoint threats.

Streamlining management

We’re also enabling IT admins to further streamline Cloud PC management by leveraging AI. With the new Windows 365 monitoring and reporting platform becoming generally available in September and a new agent for Windows 365 administrators now available in limited preview, IT admins can more easily monitor Cloud PC health in Microsoft Intune, investigate issues, identify likely root causes, and accelerate troubleshooting through a guided conversational experience that streamlines analyzing operational signals and insights across the Cloud PC environment. Complete this form or contact your Microsoft account team to express interest in participating in the Windows 365 admin agent preview. [caption id="attachment_180447" align="alignnone" width="1528"] Windows 365 monitoring and reporting platform (generally available in September) and a new agent for Windows 365 administrators (limited preview).[/caption]

Partnering on the next chapter

As we look ahead to the future, we remain committed to evolving to meet the diverse needs of customers, enabling new ways of working securely, fueling human and agentic productivity and ensuring business continuity. Hear from Judson Althoff, CEO, Microsoft Commercial Business, on how an AI-ready foundation serving employees and agents can help every business deliver the productivity, flexibility, and security their workforce needs to thrive. https://youtu.be/JZ9TX2fUTp8 We are grateful for the customers and partners who have shaped this journey with us, and we’re excited to build the next chapter of Cloud PCs together.

Ready to get started?

Contact sales to discuss Windows 365 use cases across information work, frontline work, as well as software development and assess Cloud PC plans. Seeking a secure execution environment for emerging agents? Try 50 free hours of Windows 365 for Agents Cloud PC with Microsoft Copilot Studio. Seeking a business continuity solution? Consider Windows 365 Reserve to equip employees with Cloud PCs if their primary devices become unavailable. Evaluating a PC refresh? Consider Windows 365 Link - the simple, secure, purpose-built device for Windows 365 – as a cost-effective alternative to traditional desktops.

Hi Windows Insiders, File Explorer is one of the most used experiences on Windows. It's where you get work done: organizing files, finding what you need, and moving content seamlessly across local storage and the cloud. Earlier this year, we shared our commitment to improving Windows quality, with a focus on performance, reliability, and craftsmanship. In File Explorer, that means investing in the foundational work needed to improve the experience end-to-end: reducing hangs and delays, improving responsiveness and reliability, addressing customer-reported issues, and removing friction from everyday tasks. But quality is also about continually evolving the experience to feel more modern, intuitive, and efficient for the millions of people who rely on File Explorer every day. Today we're sharing progress on both fronts. Alongside continued investments in File Explorer performance and reliability, we are introducing a substantially redesigned context menu experience that's faster, simpler, and more customizable than ever before. This new context menu experience is now rolling to Windows Insiders and represents one of several major improvements underway as we continue to modernize File Explorer.

Fewer bad moments

What people remember most are the worst moments. A single freeze while renaming a file, a slow right-click, or a Home view that flashes and reloads can outweigh dozens of smooth interactions. That reality has guided our approach to improving File Explorer. We focused on the everyday experiences people rely on most and set clear goals to make those interactions faster, more reliable, and less disruptive. Improving the moments that matter most We've profiled and invested in improving the performance and responsiveness of File Explorer. File Explorer now launches faster, and the overall experience feels more consistent and predictable. We’ve analyzed the issues behind many of the freezes, hangs, and delays users encounter, and eliminated dozens of potential stalls and interruptions in the experience.  As a result, you'll see fewer freezes and flashes when browsing, renaming files, navigating, or selecting multiple files. There are many more improvements to come, and these changes are designed to reduce disruptions and make File Explorer feel more responsive and reliable day to day.

Improving the details that matter every day

Our work extends beyond performance and reliability improvements. Many of the requests we hear from customers aren’t about major new features, they’re about the small interactions that happen every day.  We’ve continued refining File Explorer based on that feedback, removing friction and improving the details that help make everyday tasks feel more natural and predictable. For example, file renames no longer get interrupted by background file synchronization, and case-only filename changes now appear immediately. We’ve also improved navigation workflows.  The Address Bar now supports a wider range of inputs, including paths with quotation marks and double backslashes. Support for opening folders in a new tab with a middle-click has also been expanded to the Address Bar and Home page folders, making multitasking faster and more intuitive. Smaller usability improvements add up as well. Home now preserves whether sections are expanded or collapsed so you can pick up where you left off. File sizes are now displayed using appropriate units such as KB, MB, and GB, making them easier to understand at a glance. The Details pane has been reorganized so file properties are easier to find and review. Many of these improvements came directly from customer and Windows Insider feedback. They represent just the beginning of our ongoing effort to improve the everyday experiences people depend on most.

Putting you in control of the context menu

Right-clicking is one of the most common actions in Windows. If it doesn’t work as intended, or is difficult to navigate, it can derail your workflow. When we launched Windows 11, we introduced a new context menu with a modernized design, improved organization, and a new approach to application extensions. Over time, though, the menu became cluttered and sluggish, and we recognized the need to dramatically reduce the time between right-clicking and having a menu that’s fully ready to use. Today, we're excited to announce an updated context menu that delivers a faster, simpler, and more customizable experience. The new design reduces top-level clutter, keeps commonly used actions easy to access, and introduces a new Settings experience that gives you more control over what appears in the menu. [caption id="attachment_179130" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The new right-click menu.[/caption] Faster to open The first thing you'll notice is that the menu opens much more quickly. For something used as often as the context menu, speed is part of good design. A lot of that comes from behind-the-scenes engineering improvements, and a good part comes from a cleaner default menu, with the full set of options just a click away in Settings. Clutter isn't only a visual problem; it slows the menu down because every app that adds its own options can make the menu do extra work each time it opens. Your menu, your control Part of the broader push we’re making across Windows 11 is making the operating system calmer by default, with more personalization and control. Each person uses the context menu in different ways, so we’re adding more customization to allow you to choose the layout that works best for you. At the bottom of the new context menu, you’ll now find “Customize menu”, as a shortcut to its Settings page, where you can shape the menu around your preferences, your habits, or the years of muscle memory you’ve built with a specific configuration. [caption id="attachment_179131" align="aligncenter" width="760"] The new Context Menu page in the Settings app, under Personalization.[/caption] The top section lets you turn built-in Windows commands like Send to or Create shortcut on or off. Some of these commands, like Print, weren't available in the Windows 11 context menu before and can now be switched on if you want them. The next section is about options for app extensibility, so you can choose which app extensions appear in the main menu or submenu, including hiding the submenu altogether. Finally, the last section is about where the most common commands live. We know many people have years of muscle memory from the Windows 10 menu, so we've added options to bring that feel back. You can list the main commands (Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete, and Share) inline directly in the menu instead of as a row of icons, and you can move Properties down to the very bottom. As we continue refining this experience with Insider feedback, our goal is to make right-click feel more responsive, predictable, and personal.

Building a healthier File Explorer for the long term

We are committed to continue doing the hard work and consistently improving File Explorer month after month. Not every update will be obvious on its own, but together they should make File Explorer feel faster, polished, and more dependable across tasks users do most. Your feedback continues to shape every step of this journey. Keep it coming through Feedback Hub, and we'll continue sharing our progress as this work evolves. The File Explorer team

Hello Windows Insiders, Today, we’re releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to the Beta and Experimental Channels. This post also includes reminders about renewed flight certificates and the current Feature Flags settings issue in the Experimental channel. Renewed Windows Insider flight certificates As a reminder, all new builds include renewed Windows Insider flight certificates, replacing certificates that expired on August 11, 2026. Flight certificates are renewed periodically to help ensure Insider devices remain on supported builds and continue receiving future Windows Insider Preview updates. Devices that are not updated to a newer build with a current certificate may encounter compatibility issues with software such as anti-cheat applications. For more information, please visit the certificate renewal FAQ. Experimental Feature Flags We’re investigating an issue that causes the Feature Flags settings page to appear empty for Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. We expect to resolve it in the next Experimental build and will share updates on the blog. New builds this week We’re releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds today. Select your channel below to view its release notes:

• Beta: Build 26220.9202
• Experimental: Build 26340.9212

For those on other specific build versions, here are today’s new builds and release notes:

• Beta (26H1): Build 28020.2731
• Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.2738
• Experimental (Future Platforms): Build 29648.1000

Notable new features:

[File Explorer]

Release channel: Experimental Introducing the new, redesigned Context Menu in File Explorer

• We’re beginning to roll out an updated context menu experience in File Explorer, designed to feel faster, cleaner, and easier to tailor to the way you work. The new design reduces top-level clutter, keeps commonly used actions easy to access, and adds a new Settings experience that gives you more control over what appears in the menu. As we continue refining this experience with Insider feedback, our goal is to make right-click feel more responsive, predictable, and personal.

[caption id="attachment_179130" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The new right-click menu.[/caption]

[Emoji]

Release channel: Experimental

• We’re adding support for Emoji 17.0. This includes new emoji such as distorted face, fight cloud, and hairy creature. To try out the new emoji, you can press the Windows key plus Period (.) to open the emoji panel and insert them from there.

• As part of this effort, we’ve also made some slight adjustments the design of some of our current emoji to improve consistency across platforms. This includes the saluting face, face with peeking eye, goose, lotus, and kissing cat emoji.

Thanks, Stephen and the Windows Insider Program team

Hello Windows Insiders, Today we’re releasing new builds for Release Preview across our supported versions of Windows 11.  Please see the build numbers and links to the release notes below:

• Windows 11 version 24H2/25H2: Build 26100.9267/26200.9267
• Windows 11 version 26H1: Build 28000.2796

Thanks, Stephen and the Windows Insider Program team

Back in 2020, we committed to Manifest Version 3 (MV3) as the future direction of the Chromium extensions platform. Since then, we've worked with developers, listened to feedback, and continued evolving Microsoft Edge toward a more secure and performant extensions foundation. Today, we're announcing the next phase of that journey. With 95% of the top MV2 extensions on the Edge Add-ons website already moved to MV3, the ecosystem has made meaningful progress. Beginning in August 2026, Microsoft Edge will start the consumer transition away from Manifest Version 2 (MV2) extensions and toward MV3. Our goal is to complete the consumer transition by the end of 2026, with enterprise deprecation following in early 2027.

The ecosystem is ready for the next step

This is a significant milestone for the extensions community, and one we have approached deliberately. Microsoft Edge continued to support MV2 extensions so developers, enterprises, and users who depend on specific extensions had more time to adapt. The move to MV3 has come a long way. MV3 offers security and performance improvements over MV2, and developers across the ecosystem have done the work to modernize their extensions. To put some numbers around the progress the ecosystem has made, there are only 58 MV2-based extensions in the Edge Add-ons website with any meaningful usage. Of these, only three don't have a publicly available MV3-based extension already available. Developers and users have spoken: the vast majority of extensions of all types—from password managers to VPNs to ad-blockers—have successfully transitioned to MV3 with no loss of customer functionality. We're committed to working with all developers with MV2-based extensions to smoothly move their users to MV3 extensions.

What to expect next

Starting in August 2026, a subset of users with MV2 extensions installed will begin to see notices on the Manage Extensions page (edge://extensions) and on Microsoft Edge Add-ons product detail pages. The very few developers with an MV2 extension will see a similar notice in Microsoft Partner Center, along with a direct outreach from our team to help them complete the migration. Over the next few months, MV2 extensions will be gradually turned off by default. Users will be notified in advance and directed to recommended MV3 versions where available. These changes will start in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels and gradually broaden to Stable in the following months, with the goal of completing the consumer transition by the end of 2026. Managed devices will not be affected during the consumer rollout. Enterprise deprecation will follow in early 2027. We will keep the community updated on the status of the rollout on a regular cadence.

What developers should do now

For developers who still maintain MV2 extensions, now is the time to complete the move to MV3. Ship an MV3 version of your extension and submit the update through Microsoft Partner Center. The Migrate an extension from Manifest Version 2 to V3 guide outlines the required changes. This progress only works because of the developers who have already moved their extensions to MV3 and shared feedback along the way. Thank you for your partnership and continued support in improving Microsoft Edge. If you run into questions during your migration, please reach out to the Microsoft Edge extensions team. We're happy to help.

At a glance Edge for Business security connectors extend your security tools into the browser, so you gain visibility and enforcement where work happens. This update adds new partner integrations, including Cisco Secure Access, Tanium, and Clever.

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You’ve built a security stack to protect your organization. As work shifts into the browser, a critical question emerges: can those tools protect work at the point where it happens? Good news, they can—when combined with the Edge for Business security connector framework. The framework extends your existing security stack into the browser, bringing greater visibility and policy enforcement into everyday work without adding another control plane or duplicating tools. We’re expanding this ecosystem with new integrations so you can maintain consistent protection wherever work happens.

Now generally available

• Cisco Secure Access is an advanced enterprise browser integration for Edge for Business. As a single integrated connector, it brings not only secure access but also unified data protection and AI guardrails directly into the browser.
• Tanium Connector for Microsoft Edge for Business delivers real-time browser telemetry into Tanium Autonomous IT Platform, helping organizations gain deeper visibility into browser-based threats, close critical security blind spots, improve compliance validation, and strengthen overall endpoint security across the enterprise.
• Clever Classroom MFA TrustPass helps streamline logins in education environments by recognizing trusted devices in Edge for Business—reducing unnecessary MFA prompts while maintaining strong security.

Bringing it all together

Our goal at Edge for Business is to give you a simpler way to secure how work gets done. As our connector ecosystem continues to grow, you have more options than ever to easily integrate the security tools you already use into the browser. Easily Integrate Security Tools with Connectors

In March I wrote to you about our commitment to Windows quality. Four months in, the team and I have been reflecting on our progress and wanted to share an update. We know there is more to do, especially in getting these improvements to all customers. We’re not slowing down. What we said we'd focus on In my letter, there was a list of immediate changes we committed to making. This included:

• More taskbar customization
• Integrating AI where it’s most meaningful
• Reducing disruption from Windows Updates
• Faster and more dependable File Explorer
• More control over widgets and feed experiences
• A simpler, more transparent Windows Insider Program
• Improving the Feedback Hub experience

We also named three areas of focus at the start: performance, reliability, and well-crafted experiences. Since then, the team has been deeply focused on these priorities. Many of these improvements have been rolling out to Windows Insiders over the last few months, and they'll start rolling out more broadly across Windows 11 PCs beginning this fall. Here's what our work so far looks like

• Earlier this month, we began previewing improvements to Windows Search Box, including a calmer home screen, clearer results, removing promotional content from web results and more.
• At Build 2026 in June, we introduced a number of improvements to the developer experience on Windows including a developer-optimized Windows 11 experience to build and ship faster, announcing and later delivering a public preview of WSL containers, Windows 365 with developer configuration, Microsoft Execution Containers and much more.
• We've strengthened the fundamentals of WinUI 3 and extended it into more of the Windows shell, including Widgets and the new Run experience, with Autoplay dialog and more File/Folder Properties dialogs coming soon to Windows Insider Preview Experimental builds. And with substantial improvements in memory efficiency and latency, these investments are strengthening the platform foundation needed to accelerate the modernization of Windows 11 and the broader application ecosystem.
• In May, we began previewing changes to Taskbar and Start, which included the ability to move your taskbar positions as well as provide more personalization of Start.
• In May, we shared updates on how we've been simplifying AI throughout the OS, starting with inbox apps, part of a broader shift to make AI in Windows more intentional and focused on the experiences that provide the most value to customers.
• We have previewed several improvements to File Explorer, including foundational architecture enhancements designed to improve responsiveness and reliability across launch and navigation. We’ve addressed long-standing feedback about Home, including unstable transitions and blurry thumbnails. We also made updates to address File Explorer reliability, readability, and usability across the Address Bar, file size formatting, keyboard navigation, and renaming, and there’s more to come soon.
• In May, we previewed updates to the widgets and feed experience, giving you more control over and making them quieter by default.
• In May, we introduced the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), a comprehensive, ecosystem-wide effort designed to fundamentally raise the bar on driver quality, reliability, and security across Windows. Since March, we've improved reliability across some of Windows' most common connectivity experiences, including improved USB4 docking performance, improved compatibility with Bluetooth devices like AirPods, as well as major gains in printer connectivity, including reducing in-network printer discovery failures.
• We're continuing to invest across the full stack, from the kernel and shell to the apps and developer tools built on Windows, so performance improvements benefit the broad range of ways people use Windows. Building on the responsiveness and scheduler work we described in May, application launches and experiences like Start, File Explorer, Search, and Snipping Tool are faster and more responsive. Our focus has been on improving these experiences, so they are responsive, free of stutters and delays, and customers enjoy a reliable experience every time. Boot and logon times are also improved. Additionally, developers benefit from faster compile times, streamlining enterprise workflows.
• Alongside all of these areas, we’ve steadily been introducing several improvements to the memory efficiency of Windows, from taking advantage of a more efficient memory allocator to reduce overhead across apps and components, continued tuning of WinUI 3 so that apps built on it use less memory by design, as well as driving efficiencies across Chromium and Webview2 components when they appear in the operating system.
• Throughout this effort, we've improved Windows Hello to make signing in with your face or fingerprint more reliable, helping you get to your desktop faster. It's part of our broader focus on the everyday experiences that should just work, making Windows feel more polished, dependable, and consistent every day.
• In April, we began previewing changes that reduced disruption from Windows Updates and provided more control like the ability to skip updates during the out-of-box experience (OOBE), extending update pauses and more.
• In April, we made changes to the Windows Insider Program to become simpler and easier to navigate, with fewer channels and more control over the features you flight.

What happens between now and the end of the year Across our focus areas, the work continues as we bring these enhancements to general availability and deliver ongoing improvements customers can feel across performance, reliability, and craft. We're going to take everything we've learned since March and keep listening and closing the loop on your feedback. The signal from you is clear: keep going. We intend to. We're staying focused on our initial areas, and we're expanding into four new ones.

• Onboarding and setup. Delivering a faster and more efficient out-of-box experience.
• Memory optimization for 8GB and above. Reducing Windows memory footprint to deliver a fast and responsive Windows experience across the PCs customers use every day.
• Family. Providing a faster set up and making it easier for families to access useful parental controls.
• Voice. Making voice more natural and fluid to interact across the apps you use every day.

What's energized us most The last few months have energized us. Meeting Windows Insiders at our monthly meetups and hearing what you think has been one of the best parts. This is work our engineers love and we want you to feel it in the product. We know we have more to do, and we're grateful to be on this journey with you. Pavan

Hello Windows Insiders, We have new releases today with builds across Beta and Experimental, including refreshed security certificates across all new builds. Renewed Windows Insider flight certificates All builds this week contain renewed Windows Insider flight certificates (Note: Experimental (Future Platforms) has already contained the renewed flight certificate since the build released earlier this week). Windows Insider Preview builds use flight certificates that are renewed periodically to help ensure Insider devices remain on supported builds and continue receiving future Insider Preview updates. The current flight certificate expires on August 11, 2026, so please update your device to a build containing the renewed flight certificate before that date. For more information, please visit the certificate renewal FAQ. New builds this week Today we are releasing new Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds. See your channel release notes here:

• Beta: Build 26220.9022
• Experimental: Build 26300.9032

For those on other specific build versions, here are today’s new builds and release notes:

• Beta (26H1): Build 28020.2623
• Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.2630
• Experimental (Future Platforms): Build 29639.1000

Notable new features:

[Updated 4 August 2026: thank you for the feedback from Insiders who found that the taskbar improvements had not made their way to the latest Beta build on release. After a slight delay, those improvements are now included in the build, a reboot maybe required. We look forward to continuing receiving your feedback for the new Taskbar improvements.]

[Taskbar]

Release channel: Experimental, new to Beta and Beta (26H1) Alternate Taskbar Position

• You can now change the position of taskbar on your screen. In Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar Behaviors, you can select the side of the screen you want your taskbar on: bottom, top, left, or right. In these other positions, tooltips, flyouts, and animations will still come from the taskbar, and most customization settings like never combine taskbar icons will work with all locations.

• Support for touch gestures, Search box, and Ask Copilot in alternate locations is in progress. Auto-hidden taskbar and touch optimized taskbar are not currently supported. Smaller taskbar is currently supported only for top and bottom positions.

[caption id="attachment_178963" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Screenshot of the taskbar in the left-aligned position.[/caption] Smaller Taskbar

• We’re introducing a smaller taskbar for users who want to maximize screen space, especially on smaller devices. While the default taskbar remains unchanged, this setting provides a more compact experience with smaller icons and a reduced taskbar height, giving you more room for your apps. Core elements like Start, Search, and the system tray scale appropriately to stay aligned and consistent.

• To change your taskbar size, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar size. When set to Small, both the icons and the taskbar height become smaller.

[caption id="attachment_178959" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Side-by-side comparison of the standard and smaller taskbar heights on the same device and resolution, showing the additional screen space gained.[/caption]

[Adaptive Hibernate Policy]

Release channel: Experimental Updates to the adaptive hibernate policy to increase instances of instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and increased battery preservation at the low end of the battery.  Noticeable changes include less hibernation while the battery is above 80% and hibernating sooner when the battery is below 10%. Thanks, Stephen and the Windows Insider Program team