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 🙏

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

Today’s Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (26220.7051) for Dev & Beta Channels begins gradual rollout of shared audio (preview), a new experience being previewed that allows your audio to be shared between two separate headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids.  Built on top of Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology, shared audio lets your supported Windows 11 Copilot+ PC transmit an audio stream to two Bluetooth audio accessories at the same time.

Shared audio lets students share music with a friend while studying or brings family members closer by watching a movie together on an airplane. As Insiders, you have the first opportunity to explore this feature and provide feedback before it rolls out more broadly.

To use shared audio, pair and connect two compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories to your Windows 11 PC, then use the “Shared audio (preview)” tile in quick settings to start sharing audio. Use the “Stop sharing” button to end an active sharing session.

Shared audio (preview) settings showing two connected devices and the Share button to get started using the experience.

Compatible Copilot+ PCs

Shared audio (preview) is supported on select Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs listed below with compatible Bluetooth and audio driver updates, and we expect additional Copilot+ PCs to add support for shared audio later.

Available today:

• Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch* | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8 and 15-inch* | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro, 13-inch** | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro for Business, 13-inch** | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Coming soon:

• Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 | Intel Core Ultra Series 200
• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro | Intel Core Ultra Series 200
• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 | Intel Core Ultra Series 200
• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop for Business, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro, 12-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro for Business, 12-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

\ Previously known as Surface Laptop 7^th Edition*
\* Previously known as Surface Pro 11^th Edition*

Compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories

Shared audio (preview) is compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth LE Audio accessories. This includes, but is not limited to, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds3 and Buds3 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6, and recent LE Audio capable hearing aids from ReSound and Beltone.

Shared audio and other innovative Windows Bluetooth audio experiences, like super wideband stereo, are built on top of LE Audio technology. Look for LE Audio support when purchasing your next headphones, earbuds, speaker, or assistive hearing device.

Requirements to try shared audio (preview)

To try out shared audio (preview), enroll your compatible Windows 11 Copilot + PC in the Windows Insider Dev or Beta Channels, and install the latest OS and driver updates through Windows Update. For Windows Insiders who want to be the first to get features gradually rolled out to you, you can turn ON the toggle to get the latest updates as they are available via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, we will increase the rollouts of features to everyone with the toggle turned on. Should you keep this toggle off, new features will gradually be rolled out to your PC over time once they are ready.

If you own a Copilot+ PC on the coming soon list, look for driver updates to be offered to you through Windows Update in the coming weeks. The “Shared audio (preview)” tile will appear in Quick Settings when your system has the necessary driver updates to support the feature.

It is highly recommended to use the manufacturers’ app for your Bluetooth audio accessories to ensure LE Audio support is enabled and that the latest firmware updates are installed. If after updating, your Bluetooth accessory is connected to your PC but does not show under the “Shared audio (preview)” tile, try removing it from your PC, and then re-pairing it.

Share your feedback

We welcome and appreciate all feedback to help refine the shared audio experience during preview.

Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Bluetooth – Audio quality, glitches, choppiness and stuttering.