ISOs Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft Issues Windows 11 Version 26H2 to Release Preview

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2 (Build 26300.9278) in the Release Preview Channel for customers to preview ahead of its general availability later this year. This version will be delivered as an enablement package, allowing for seamless integration of new features and enhancements. Users with PCs in the Release Preview channel can manually install this version. Key features for business users include Windows Backup, app actions from the Taskbar, and improvements to File Explorer. Organizations can deploy Windows 11 version 26H2 using Windows Update client policies and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Updates to the ISOs on the Windows Insider Program download site will also reflect this new version.

Winsage

August 26, 2026

Windows XP’s most famous pirated key wasn’t a hack, and a Microsoft engineer explains why

The FCKGW-RHQQ2-YXRKT-8TG6W-2B7Q8 key is a notorious Windows XP product key that became widely associated with the operating system, which was released on October 25, 2001. Unlike modern free upgrades, Windows XP required users to purchase a physical copy, making the product key essential for installation. The FCKGW key was a legitimate Volume License Key that was misappropriated and allowed users to bypass Microsoft's Windows Product Activation (WPA) system, which linked product keys to specific hardware to combat piracy. This key was whitelisted in the activation logic, enabling installations without activation prompts. Although it is still technically usable on older discs, Microsoft's servers no longer validate it, and the key has been blacklisted. Microsoft recently released a new version of the Windows Bliss wallpaper to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Windows XP.

Winsage

August 16, 2026

Microsoft releases new Defender update for Windows 11, 10, Server ISO installations

Microsoft released its August 2026 Patch Tuesday updates, including the latest Defender package for ISO installations. The updates are aimed at combating malware threats and are issued approximately every three months for Windows installation images (WIM and VHD) and ISOs. The latest Windows 11 update is available through the Media Creation Tool (MCT). The security definitions were delivered through security intelligence update version 1.455.50.0, applicable to various platforms including Windows 11, Windows 10 ESU, Windows Server 2022, and others. The update includes enhancements to the anti-malware client, engine, and signature versions, with platform version 4.18.26070.9, engine version 1.1.26070.7, and security intelligence version 1.455.50.0. The previous security intelligence update was version 1.447.236.0, which introduced detections for various malware types. The most recent intelligence update is version 1.457.181.0.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Microsoft shipped a native Xbox 360 emulator with its new backwards-compatible releases on PC — modders quickly got 360 games running with minor tweaks

Microsoft has released four original Xbox titles for PC, enhancing its gaming ecosystem and aligning with its commitment to backwards compatibility. These titles are packaged as standard Games on Demand (GOD) files, which can be converted into base ISOs using GOD extractors. The company has utilized a native x86 version of its Xbox 360 emulator, Xe03, to facilitate this transition. Xe03 is integrated into Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles for backwards compatibility and allows modern consoles to run original Xbox titles. The recent PC port of Xe03, combined with components from projects like XWine1, enables the running of dumped backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. Among the released titles is Fuzion Frenzy, and Microsoft plans to expand its library of backwards-compatible titles for PC. The PC version of Xe03 enhances the original 480p output of OG Xbox games to 4K and includes features like built-in V-Sync and enhanced anti-aliasing. These games are available through the Xbox PC app under the Xbox Anywhere program, allowing users with digital licenses on console to access them for free on PC. Microsoft is also set to introduce Xbox Achievements support for these titles.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

The Phocus Mobile app for Hasselblad cameras has finally arrived on Android

Phocus Mobile has launched on Android, allowing users to process, view, and export RAW photographs from smartphones and tablets. The app is compatible with Hasselblad cameras such as the X2D II 100C, X2D 100C, and 907X & CFV 100C. It features the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS), AI-powered noise reduction, editing tools, and a photo management system. For HDR-capable devices, it processes images with full dynamic range and fine-tunes HDR highlights. The app includes Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction (HNNR) for low-light photography, reducing noise in 100MP RAW images in about 15 to 20 seconds. Phocus Mobile offers two processing modes: Purity Mode for noise reduction and Detail Mode for capturing microtextures and fine details.

Winsage

June 8, 2026

Microsoft making much needed change to Windows 11, 10 Patch Tuesday security updates

Microsoft has rolled out new Defender patches for Windows 11 ISOs, aligning with its commitment to security updates. Updates for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's endpoint detection and response (EDR) will no longer be included with monthly Windows security updates or Patch Tuesdays; they will now be delivered via Microsoft Update. This change aims to allow faster deployment of EDR enhancements independently of the operating system's update cycle. The rollout for Windows 10 began in late May 2026, with plans to extend support to Windows 11 and other versions by fall 2026. EDR updates will be delivered using KB5005292, contingent on prerequisite updates. Systems must run Sense version 10.8798.25857.1000 or later and have specific Windows updates installed to qualify for the new delivery method. Organizations should align their update policies with this new approach before the broader rollout. In case of significant issues, the EDR update can be reverted using a specific command. Further details are available in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center under message ID MC1381119.

Winsage

June 6, 2026

Microsoft released new Defender update for Windows 11, 10, Server ISO installations

Microsoft is rolling out updates for Windows Defender to protect users from newly discovered malware threats. These updates occur frequently, with a significant refresh every three months for Windows installation images (WIM and VHD) and ISOs. The recent Windows 11 update includes the latest definitions and addresses vulnerabilities from outdated anti-malware definitions in installation images. The latest security definitions were delivered through security intelligence update version 1.445.323.0, applicable to various platforms, including Windows 11 and several Windows Server versions. The update enhances the anti-malware client, engine, and signature versions to platform version 4.18.26040.7, engine version 1.1.26040.8, and security intelligence version 1.447.236.0. The most recent intelligence update is version 1.451.297.0, which improves threat detection against various malware types.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Why I’m still tweaking Windows 11’s Registry, even after April’s “improvements”

Windows 11's April update includes performance boosts, a refined File Explorer, and a revamped Settings app, but primarily addresses existing issues rather than customization preferences. Users still face challenges with the lack of easily accessible customization options, leading many to rely on registry tweaks to adjust settings not available through the standard Settings menu. Key registry modifications include restoring the classic right-click menu, adding an "End Task" option to the taskbar's right-click menu, disabling Bing search in the Start menu, and removing the Recommended section from the Start Menu. These tweaks enhance functionality and convenience, as the updates do not sufficiently address user customizability concerns.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Miss Windows XP or 7? Then I have a free, open-source alternative for you

ReactOS has merged its Live and Boot ISOs into a single installation image, simplifying the installation process for users. This integration allows users to test the OS in a live environment and transition to installation without needing multiple discs or USB drives. The installation process still resembles older Windows versions with a text-based setup, but a full graphical installation interface is expected in the upcoming 0.4.16 build. Additionally, ReactOS is expanding its hardware compatibility with a new ATA storage driver, enabling it to boot on a wider range of storage devices. ReactOS is currently in its alpha stage of development and is not yet suitable for everyday use.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

New Windows Insider Experience Starts Rolling Out to Some Canary Testers

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has transitioned Dev Channel testers to the new Experimental Channel and is expanding this initiative to include Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, who will also move to the Experimental (26H1) Channel. The new Windows Insider experience introduces feature flags in Windows Update settings, allowing testers to toggle features on and off. Microsoft plans to roll out new features through Controlled Feature Rollouts (CFRs) and has stopped gradual feature rollouts on the updated Beta Channel. Recently, Microsoft released four new builds available via downloadable ISOs. Canary testers on 29500 series builds will soon transition to the "Experimental (Future Platforms)" Channel and can currently download build 29580.1000, which includes a revamped Feedback Hub with a 500 MB file upload limit and design improvements. For Canary testers on the 28000 series, the transition to the "Experimental (26H1) Channel" follows the installation of build 28020.1921, which enhances the Task Manager app. Insiders who moved from the Dev Channel to the Experimental Channel can download build 26300.8346, featuring improvements such as a Widgets board that remains closed by default, a redesigned Run dialog, promotional app recommendations in Windows Share for Microsoft Entra account users, sharper file thumbnails in File Explorer, and enhanced Windows Magnifier functionality. The Beta Channel build 26220.8340 includes similar Windows Share improvements and minor UI enhancements for Task Scheduler. The Beta Channel is set to transition to a new experience that will eliminate Controlled Feature Rollouts.