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July 2026 Patch Tuesday: KB5101650 Windows 11 Update
Winsage
July 20, 2026

July 2026 Patch Tuesday: KB5101650 Windows 11 Update

On July 14, 2026, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5101650 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, addressing OS Builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875. This update includes essential security fixes, updates to Secure Boot certificates, and enhanced Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) defenses against phishing attacks. It consolidates July 2026's security content, addressing known vulnerabilities and introducing functional improvements. The update is critical for minimizing exposure to identified threats and is prioritized for systems managing remote access or nearing certificate expiration. The update enhances Remote Desktop security by supporting SHA-2 certificate thumbprints while retaining SHA-1 for legacy compatibility. It includes new Group Policy options to mitigate phishing risks associated with malicious .rdp files. The curl upgrade to version 8.21.0 incorporates security patches for command-line tools in Windows environments. Secure Boot certificates are automatically updated through Windows updates, ensuring boot security across various hardware. KB5101650 installs primarily through the Windows Update interface, requiring a restart to activate changes. Enterprise environments can use the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual distribution. A temporary restriction affects certain Dell devices with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers, which Microsoft plans to address in a future update. The cumulative update resolves a total of 622 Microsoft CVEs, including 416 affecting Windows components. Users are advised to verify and install the update promptly to secure the full suite of improvements.
Windows Weekly 990: Don't Be Nostalgic for Stupid
Winsage
July 2, 2026

Windows Weekly 990: Don’t Be Nostalgic for Stupid

Microsoft has extended the Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, now set to end in October 2027. Significant changes are being made to the Windows Insider experience, including a new Windows Update feature and the introduction of five new builds. Microsoft has started offering 8 GB models of its Surface Pro and Laptop, while discontinuing its Surface Go products. HP has partnered with OpenAI, and Anthropic has launched Sonnet 5. Xbox Series X|S prices are set to increase on August 1, coinciding with the discontinuation of the 2 TB X model. Microsoft may lay off approximately 5,500 employees, about 2.5 percent of its workforce. The Minecraft Bedrock edition has introduced closed captions, and Sony plans to cease the sale of physical PS media by 2028.
Windows Insider Preview improves taskbar
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Windows Insider Preview improves taskbar

Microsoft has released new preview versions in the Windows Insider channels, focusing on refining the taskbar in Windows 11. The latest Insider Preview versions include a new option called “Taskbar size” in the “Experimental” release channel (Build 26300.8758), with early screenshots indicating a default setting of “Small.” Users can also dock the taskbar on any side of the monitor. Improvements to system sounds in dark mode and more reliable thumbnail previews for cloud files in File Explorer's preview panel are also included in the Beta Preview (Build 26220.8754). Microsoft has restructured the Insider Preview Program, reducing it from four channels to two: Experimental and Beta, with the Release Preview channel remaining. Switching between Insider Preview channels has been simplified, allowing users to change channels more flexibly.
Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox

Microsoft's Windows 11 celebrated its fifth anniversary on June 24, 2026, and is undergoing regular updates to improve user experience, particularly addressing search functionality. Microsoft has extended the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 for an additional year. A non-security update for Windows 11, KB5095093, was released, introducing enhancements such as point-in-time restore capabilities and accessibility improvements. In the Windows Insider Program, new builds were released across various channels, including accessibility features and improvements to File Explorer. Microsoft has discontinued the AI-powered browsing history search feature in Edge due to user feedback. PowerToys version 0.100.1 has been updated with improvements and bug fixes. In gaming, Microsoft announced a price increase for Xbox consoles effective August 1, 2026, with the Xbox Series X|S models seeing price hikes. The 2TB Xbox Series X will be discontinued, but new accessibility programs are being introduced. Valve's upcoming Steam Machine console is priced at ,049 for the 512GB configuration. Rockstar Games announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch at .99 for the base edition and .99 for the ultimate edition. NVIDIA announced new titles for its GeForce NOW streaming service, while Steam is hosting its annual Summer Sale until July 9, and the Epic Games Store is offering free games and deals.
Windows Update Will Start Showing New Insider Channel System to all Windows 11 Users
Winsage
June 26, 2026

Windows Update Will Start Showing New Insider Channel System to all Windows 11 Users

The Windows Insider Channel system is expanding to all Windows 11 users via Windows Update, allowing non-Insiders to join the program. The previous Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels will be replaced by the Experimental and Beta Channel options. The Experimental Channel will introduce new features first and allow user feedback to shape developments, while the Beta Channel will provide early access to upcoming features but will discontinue controlled feature rollouts. Microsoft recently released five new builds across the Beta and Experimental Channels, including a new taskbar size setting in the Experimental build 26300.8758 to enhance taskbar customizability.
Microsoft Announces New Insider Builds, a Bit of 26H2 News
Winsage
June 19, 2026

Microsoft Announces New Insider Builds, a Bit of 26H2 News

Microsoft has released five new Windows Insider Preview builds and updates for Windows 11 version 26H2. Devices in the Experimental channel will soon update to version 26H2, which can be checked in Settings > System > About or using the winver command. Users in the Beta channel can switch to Experimental via Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, and can revert back to Beta without reinstalling Windows. PCs on Experimental for versions 24H2 or 25H2 will be upgraded to 26H2, with both versions currently supported. Snapdragon X2-based PCs running Windows 11 on Arm will remain on version 26H1 and will not receive an update to 26H2, but may have a future release potentially called Windows 12. The latest builds are: - Beta (25H2): Build 26220.8690, enhancing reliability of Start, Taskbar, Settings, and virtualization. - Experimental (24H2/25H2?): Build 26300.8697, updating to 26H2 with improvements to File Explorer Copy dialog in Dark mode and reliability enhancements. - Beta (26H1): Build 28020.2308, with minor bug fixes and improved HD Audio driver reliability. - Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.2315, offering similar improvements as the Beta update. - Experimental (Future Platforms, Including Canary 29600 series): Build 29613.1000, enhancing Settings > System > Sounds based on user feedback.
Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds
Winsage
June 12, 2026

Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has released seven Insider builds across all Channels, including two builds on the Beta and Release Preview Channels and three builds for the new Experimental Channel. The updates focus on the Experimental (25H2), Beta (25H2), and Release Preview (25H2) Channels. The new 26H1 builds mainly feature elements from the 25H2 builds and are intended for new ARM-based PCs. Key features include: - A less disruptive Windows Update experience requiring only one monthly restart. - Improved Windows Search capabilities for better typo handling. - A new screen tint accessibility feature to reduce eye strain. - Quieter Widgets that do not open on hover and have a smaller memory footprint. - Magnifier tool enhancements with preset zoom increments and direct input options. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements for better compatibility with select devices. - Voice Access and Voice Typing now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Customizable right-click settings for touchpads. The Release Preview Channel is testing an optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, set for release in late June.
Windows Insider Program Adds New Beta (26H1) Channel
Winsage
June 9, 2026

Windows Insider Program Adds New Beta (26H1) Channel

Microsoft's Windows Insider Program is facing challenges with the introduction of Windows 11 version 26H1, which is available for testing across three Insider Channels: Release Preview, Experimental (26H1), and Beta (26H1). The Release Preview Channel saw the unveiling of build 28000.2176 on May 19, classified as an optional update, while users can continue with versions 24H2 or 25H2. Windows 11 version 26H1 will not support upgrades to the next feature update (26H2) scheduled for late 2026. The Experimental Channel recently transitioned to the 28100 series with build 28120.2242, introducing a feature for enabling Administrator Protection. The Beta Channel now offers an optional upgrade path with the new Beta (26H1) Channel, which includes the optional 26H1 build 28020.2236 with minor fixes. Insiders can switch between the Experimental and Beta Channels without a clean installation. No new builds were released for the Experimental or Experimental (Future Platforms) Channels. The complexity of the new Insider Channel system has raised concerns among users due to its intricate naming conventions and structures.
Battle Waves: Mobile is out now on iOS & Android
BetaBeacon
May 29, 2026

Battle Waves: Mobile is out now on iOS & Android

- The game Battle Waves: Mobile had 160,000 pre-registrations on Google Play and became the #1 Card Game in iOS pre-orders worldwide. - Six critical gameplay crashes were identified and resolved during a two-week Open Beta.
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