Windows update news

Microsoft is testing a new Settings app for Windows 11 in the Microsoft Store, and it could help speed up fixes for Settings and the move away from Control Panel. The preview build includes helper tools for tasks like renaming a PC and is currently aimed at Insider PCs. If you are not on the Insider program, there is nothing to do yet.

Python 3.15 now delivers a native-by-default experience on Windows on Arm. Microsoft says the wider ecosystem has matured, with more package maintainers publishing native Arm64 wheels, which should make Python development on Windows on Arm easier for users and developers.

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 October 2026 Update for 24H2 Home and Pro. It bundles KB5124010 and adds Open apps maximized, new touchpad gestures, a Tips widget, plus fixes for File History and domain trust. People on Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro can install it now if they want the new features and fixes. The post also says it covers the Secure Boot deadline and how to move to 26H2.

Microsoft appears to be testing an AI tool for Edge that can diagnose browser problems and recommend fixes. If it rolls out, Edge users who run into browser issues could get guided troubleshooting instead of having to work through problems manually.

Windows 11 KB5127648 is rolling out now for Windows 11 26H2. Microsoft says it is the first cumulative update for that release and it brings Bluetooth improvements and Emoji 17.0 support, along with other changes. It is available through Windows Update, and Microsoft has also posted direct download links for the offline installer.

Microsoft Publisher has been retired and is already stopping working on some PCs. People who still use Publisher or open .pub files in Microsoft 365 for Windows are affected, and those files will no longer open there. If you still rely on Publisher, check your PC now and move your files to another format or app.

Windows 11 is getting a UI rejuvenation in the coming months. Microsoft’s design boss said the company cannot make every one of its billion users happy with the same design choices, so people should expect more changes to legacy features and the Start menu area. This affects Windows 11 users who want the interface to look and work differently. Microsoft has not given a way to opt out in the candidate summary, so readers should watch for the upcoming changes and check how they affect their setup.

Windows 11 26H2 is rolling out now, and Microsoft says you do not have to wait for it to reach your PC. Users can install the 2026 Update through Windows Update, the Installation Assistant, an ISO, or USB media. This affects Windows 11 users who want the update sooner. If you plan to upgrade, choose the method that fits your setup and make sure you are ready before starting.

Microsoft is adding dark mode to more of Windows 11’s legacy UI, including Hyper-V. The change affects parts of the system that still use older interfaces, and Microsoft is choosing to improve them instead of removing them for now. Users who rely on these features should expect the older Windows 11 look to become darker and more consistent over time.

Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen says Windows 11 users should not run multiple antivirus apps at the same time. He found the issue while helping investigate a complex system failure on Windows 11 Enterprise PCs, and the advice is simple: use one anti-malware solution instead of two or more.

Microsoft 365 Family now includes 4TB less OneDrive storage, which affects subscribers paying the same price. People using the family plan may want to check their storage needs and review or cancel their subscription if the reduced storage no longer works for them.

Microsoft says one bad driver can crash all of Windows, and Intel’s Windows 11 26H2-ready GPU drivers are next to get the fix. The issue affects Windows PCs that rely on Intel graphics drivers. Microsoft is also updating its driver quality checks, so users should keep Windows Update and Intel’s driver updates installed when they become available.

Microsoft has paused the Copilot entry on the Windows 11 taskbar. The change affects people who use the Search box, which had been turned into an Ask Copilot shortcut. Microsoft says it is doing this to incorporate feedback. Windows 11 users who saw the Copilot button in Search should no longer see it while the company works on the change.

Windows 11’s October update adds several new features, including changes to maximized apps, File Explorer, WinRE Wi‑Fi, and Copilot key options. It affects Windows 11 users installing the update, and it may change how some built-in tools work.

Microsoft’s Windows App can now connect directly to remote PCs, closing a major gap left by the move away from Remote Desktop. The change affects Windows users who rely on remote access, especially people connecting to work PCs or home machines. If you use the app, you can now try the direct connection feature instead of relying on the older Remote Desktop path.

Microsoft has explained what is actually new in Windows 11 26H2 and how to check it. The update mostly turns on features your PC may already have received through monthly updates, and it also changes some defaults on work PCs. If you want to verify the update, check build 26300 in Settings or with winver.

Microsoft is holding a special Windows and Surface event on October 7. The keynote could bring something meaningful for Windows and Surface users, although the summary does not say exactly what will be announced. If you follow Windows hardware and features, this is the event to watch.

Windows 11 26H2 has quietly shipped with a performance boost. Microsoft rolled up months of performance work into the update, including a Low Latency Profile for app launches. The change affects Windows 11 users on 26H2, and the summary says apps such as WhatsApp, Teams, Outlook and 4K YouTube stayed under 90% RAM use in testing. No action is mentioned, but the update is the one to watch if you want better responsiveness.

Windows 11’s File Explorer is getting a new shortcut that sends the squiggly ~ key straight to the user folder. The update will let people open folders like their user profile, Documents, Downloads, and sometimes AppData more quickly. This affects Windows 11 users who work with file paths in File Explorer. If you use AppData often, the change should make it easier to reach without typing the full path.

Windows 11 has broken a long-standing Shift+click scrollbar shortcut in WinUI apps, including Notepad. The issue affects users of Windows 11 and apps built on WinUI, while Electron, Win32 and WPF still support the shortcut. A GitHub bug is open, and Microsoft is still patching missing WinUI basics.

Microsoft says Windows 11 26H2 is crashing some games and apps. The issue affects some PCs running the update, and Microsoft says it will fix the problem in the next update.

Microsoft says Windows 11 will use less RAM as it responds to rising memory costs. The change affects Windows 11 users, especially on PCs with 8GB of RAM, and Microsoft has made 8GB PC optimization official. Microsoft also explained why Windows 11 uses so much memory and said it is working on fixes.