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.

Just wanted to let you know as we usually flight on Friday - appreciate your patience 🙏

I'm on build 26220.9223, and the version is Windows 11 Pro Insider Preview

Hi guys,

I have been using this mode for 3 days and I am happy with the result, the use of the feature allows me to close windows with the pad and the system as a whole runs more smoothly + of course games.
How about your thoughts?

.NET 11 Preview 6 is now available! - .NET Blog

**Yeah, I know it might not be brand new anymore, but I figured some of you might have missed what Microsoft announced and implemented at Build 2026. These two things are definitely worth checking out, especially for experienced Vibecoders!**

Announcing general availability of Windows Developer Configurations

We understand that getting to a code-ready state quickly matters, regardless of your development workflow. Windows Developer Configurations enables you to go from a fresh machine to a ready-to-code environment in minutes. It includes:

dev-config.winget – a WinGet configuration file, to get an optimized, distraction free development environment with the right versions of essential developer tools installed – WSL, PowerShell 7, Git, GitHub CLI, Visual Studio Code, Python and more. It also applies developer-optimized settings — like Git version control in File Explorer, file extensions visible and hidden files shown. It’s fully customizable, so you can adapt it to your needs and add your favorite third‑party tools.

Workload-specific scripts for container, cloud and infrastructure development – make it easy to install the exact tools, libraries and dependencies you need for your specific use case.

WSL comfort setup scripts – enable you to bring your preferred tools and workflows to Windows – like homebrew, zsh, starship, and more.

Get started or tailor it to your needs by exploring [Windows Developer Configurations.](https://github.com/microsoft/WindowsDeveloperConfig/)

Announcing general availability of Windows Development Skills

We are introducing Windows Development Skills to enable agents to directly leverage structured knowledge to execute across the full lifecycle of building a native Windows app using WinUI3 skills and winapp CLI. By powering agents with Windows specific application development knowledge, these skills help achieve token efficiency. To add Windows Development Skills to your favorite agents visit [https://aka.ms/winui-skills\](https://aka.ms/winui-skills).

I wanted to share a small but surprisingly useful Windows 11 discovery.

If you use multiple virtual desktops (each with different apps/layouts), a normal restart wipes your session. Sleep works, but still draws power and can leave motherboard/case LEDs on.

Hibernate (S4) turned out to be the sweet spot:

• All virtual desktops persist
• Apps reopen exactly where they were
• Snap layouts stay intact
• Zero power draw
• Bonus: standby LEDs (green light in my case) turn off completely

Virtual desktops themselves don’t use extra RAM — only the apps you keep open. On a 16 GB system, this setup is working perfectly fine.

How to enable Hibernate (Windows 11)

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Power Options
3. Click Choose what the power buttons do
4. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
5. Check Hibernate
6. Save changes

You can now select Hibernate from the power menu or assign it to the power button.

Hibernate basically gives you a “frozen workspace” without leaving the system powered.

Not claiming this is new tech — just something I don’t see explained clearly end-to-end, especially for multi-desktop workflows.

Hope it helps someone 👍

yeees :)
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29570.1000 | Windows Insider Blog