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A never-before-seen threat activity cluster codenamed UNK_SmudgedSerpent has been attributed as behind a set of cyber attacks targeting academics and foreign policy experts between June and August 2025, coinciding with heightened geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel. "UNK_SmudgedSerpent leveraged domestic political lures, including societal change in Iran and investigation into the

A never-before-seen threat activity cluster codenamed UNK_SmudgedSerpent has been attributed as behind a set of cyber attacks targeting academics and foreign policy experts between June and August 2025, coinciding with heightened geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel. "UNK_SmudgedSerpent leveraged domestic political lures, including societal change in Iran and investigation into the Ravie Lakshmananhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]

With hundreds of business-oriented laptops to choose from, picking the right ones to outfit your company’s workforce can be daunting. We’re here to help with a buyer’s guide that breaks the options into categories and provides details, price estimates, and pros and cons of each.

Ranging from $200 for the cheapest budget models to nearly $10,000 for monster systems with all the bells and whistles, business laptops typically cost more than similar systems aimed at consumers. (All prices in this guide are in US dollars.) What you get for that extra cash often includes the business-ready Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise operating system, the best components, customization options, and a variety of support and warranty choices.

This is where your inner haggler should emerge. The more systems your organization buys, the more leverage you have to push the price down and/or extract extras, like extended warranties. Don’t miss the opportunity to bargain, at least a little.

(For help deciding whether to source business PCs through a reseller, managed service provider, or directly from the vendor, see “How to buy PCs for your enterprise.”)

Laptops’ predictable lifespan — four to five years, according to extended warranty vendor Asurion — makes leasing the systems an attractive alternative by turning a large capital cost into a manageable monthly expense. Leasing means you’ll always have the latest technology (or nearly so), and when the lease is up, you don’t have to worry about hardware disposal.

To help you choose the right laptops for your users, this guide focuses on workloads, who will use the systems, and the hardware and software they’ll need to do it. We’ve divided the market into five categories that range from mainstream, budget, and ultraslim devices to professional tablets, hybrids, and mobile workstations. Each archetype represents a different design philosophy that leads to a diverse mix of hardware for varied tasks and workstyles.

We’ve turned to the hardware experts at our sister sites PCWorld and Macworld for their recommendations on specs and models to look for. “Business and consumer laptops may be aimed at different users, but there’s a lot of overlap,” notes PCWorld associate editor Ashley Biancuzzo.

This guide concentrates on Windows systems, but in an age of workplace diversity, Apple MacBooks and Google-based Chromebooks are also represented. While they’re not as popular with IT buyers, they have their place in many modern businesses.

In this article:

• The AI PC question
• What to look for in a business laptop
• Mainstream laptops
• Budget laptops
• Ultraslim laptops
• Tablets and 2-in-1s
• Mobile workstations
• Time to accessorize
• Laptop pitfalls: What to avoid
• Laptop comparison chart

The AI PC question

Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI (genAI), is sweeping into business operations, with Large Language Models (LLMs) helping human resource pros hone job descriptions, programmers write code, and marketers create advertising images and videos for a product launch. Many larger companies see AI as the new secret sauce to differentiate them from competitors with unique new products, more accurate sales projections, and streamlined operations.

With a specialized processor that contains a neural processing unit (NPU) and algorithms designed to speed up AI workloads, new AI-ready PCs can handle many of these tasks locally, thus reducing the latency, security risks, and inferencing costs associated with typical cloud-based AI operations. AI PCs are popping up in most laptop categories, though you’re not likely to find them at the budget level yet.

As you shop, you’ll see some laptops labeled “Copilot+ PCs.” This is Microsoft’s branding for a subset of Windows 11 AI PCs that meet or exceed certain hardware requirements, including an NPU that performs at 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS), 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a Microsoft Pluton security chip. Copilot+ PCs have exclusive access to certain AI-powered Windows features that your users may or may not find useful.

As yet, however, there’s no killer app for AI PCs, and they often cost about $200 more than standard PCs, according to Gartner. That leaves IT buyers wondering if AI PCs are worth the extra investment at a time when most AI operations still take place in the cloud.

Nevertheless, Gartner predicts that AI PCs will account for half of PC sales in 2026 as companies ramp up AI use — and as software vendors start to take advantage of on-device AI processing in tools such as small-language models (SLMs) for specific, tightly focused tasks. For more details and analysis, see “Should you buy AI PCs for your workforce in 2025?”

What to look for in a business laptop

When shopping for laptops, buyers tend to focus on the processor, along with the laptop’s size and weight. But other elements like the screen, battery, memory, and keyboard play an important part in user experience and should also be considered. 

“For me, the key things a good, business-friendly laptop has to nail are portability, durability, and battery life,” says Biancuzzo.

Here’s a closer look at all the pieces to consider.

Screen

With the screen size (measured diagonally) determining the system’s overall footprint and keyboard size, most business users will be happy with 13- to 15-inch displays, which are big enough to work on comfortably but small enough to slip into a backpack or shoulder bag. For users who need more portability, screen sizes go down to 11.5 inches in mainstream and budget laptops and as small as 11 inches in tablet/laptop hybrids. At the other extreme, designers, programmers, and engineers may need the generous 17- or 18-in. displays (and extra compute power) found in mobile workstations.

HD resolution (1920 x 1080) is the entry ticket for most business laptops, although Wide-XGA resolution (1366 x 768) shows up on budget machines. At the other extreme, 4K (3840 x 2160) screens are increasingly popular for extra detail — a big help when designing a bridge or editing video.

There’s a choice between a traditional Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that requires a backlight to get the image to the eye and an Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED) that creates its own light. While OLEDs often require a small price premium, they deliver richer and brighter imaging that can push 1,000 nits in some models, making it perfect for catching up on work while on a dark overnight flight. Nits, or candelas per square meter, are the most used measure of display brightness.

“I’d usually recommend a 14-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. That extra inch of vertical space makes a difference when scrolling through long documents,” Biancuzzo says. “You should also aim for at least 400 nits of brightness, especially if you work in brighter rooms.”

While touchscreens are de rigueur for tablets and 2-in-1s, they are increasingly used in traditional notebooks as well. This provides the flexibility of typing, using the touchpad, and tapping the screen. Adding a stylus can help creative types who want to draw directly on the screen.

While there’s no shortage of Windows 11 touchscreen notebooks, there is currently no MacBook equivalent, with Apple’s iPad tablets leading the touchscreen charge instead. There are, however, rumors of a touchscreen MacBook coming in late 2026.

Processor

With the ability to manipulate data, perform calculations, and communicate across the globe, today’s processors are the Swiss Army knives of computing. The best now include a neural processing unit (NPU), which works in tandem with the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) to perform the heavy-duty matrix math required to efficiently churn through AI inference models. The alternative is to send that processing load to the cloud, which can be insecure, slow, and costly.

Offering a combination of traditional processing power and neural processing engines, Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI, and Apple M4 and M5 chips can handle anything from spreadsheet work and emails to using LLMs. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series processors also have an NPU, but be aware that these Arm-based chips don’t natively run Windows apps designed for traditional X86 processors.

Otherwise, there are plenty of laptops across most of our categories that have less expensive chips without an NPU, such as Intel’s Core i3 and i5 lines and AMD’s Ryzen 3 and 5 lines. For example, users who only need budget systems should do fine with Intel’s N100 or Core i3 family or AMD’s Ryzen 3 processors. On the other end of the spectrum are high-powered mobile workstations equipped with an Intel Ultra 9 or Xeon server chip along with a high-performance graphics accelerator.

To future-proof laptop purchases, “try to stick with the latest chips like the Intel Core Ultra 7, AMD Ryzen AI, or Apple’s M4 or M5,” advises Biancuzzo. “These give you that sweet spot between speed, efficiency, and longevity. Cheaper laptops with older processors might feel fine at first, but they can start to lag faster than you’d like.”

Graphics

The vast majority of laptops (and desktops, for that matter) create their video by sharing memory with the processor. The power elite use a discrete GPU with lots of independent computing cores paired with dedicated ultra-fast memory. It pays off with excellent graphics that won’t slow the system down — and the same graphics hardware can speed up local AI work. On the downside, a discrete GPU adds from $100 to several thousand dollars to the cost of a laptop, and its prodigious power use can sap battery time and heat the system up.

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is short-term data storage used for immediate processing tasks such as displaying websites, running Excel calculations, or showing CAD imaging. It comes in many sizes and speeds, and having more generally translates into better performance.

Users who perform basic computing tasks in non-critical roles can scrape by with 8GB of RAM, but 16GB is the entry level for most business work nowadays, and 32GB ensures that complex tasks can be done quickly and efficiently. That said, designers, engineers, and AI modelers might require 128GB or more in a mobile workstation. The good news is that RAM has never been cheaper.

Storage

As old-school rotating hard drives go the way of the dinosaur, Solid State Devices (SSDs) are rapidly taking over mobile storage tasks. They’re incredibly rugged, offer quicker data access and use less power. Unfortunately, each data storage cell starts to degrade after roughly 100,000 read-write cycles, although wear levelling software can help.

A receptionist or intern likely wouldn’t need more than a 256GB drive, while a salesperson could require 512GB, a midlevel executive 1TB, and a designer closer to 2TB or 3TB for large files.

Keyboard and touchpad

While individual preferences vary, don’t settle for a keyboard with less than an 18mm pitch or space between keys; otherwise, the typing will be uncomfortable and inaccurate. (A good desktop keyboard has a 20 to 21mm pitch.)

Plus, it’s worth reading reviews of any laptop you’re considering buying to see if testers generally like the keyboard and touchpad. If you see words like “mushy” or “unresponsive,” steer clear.

“This is one of those things you’ll notice every single day,” says Biancuzzo. “A good keyboard beats an extra GPU or flashy feature any time. Lenovo ThinkPads are known for their great keyboards.”

Ports and connectivity

Business laptops should wirelessly connect to networks and other devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and also offer a variety of ports for wired connections, including multiple USB-C ports. Look for devices that support the latest standards such as Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, and Thunderbolt 4, but don’t overlook basics like HDMI or DisplayPort, old-school USB Type A ports, and a headphone jack.

“Thunderbolt/USB4 is great for high-speed gear, but most folks still appreciate the simplicity of USB-A and HDMI,” says Biancuzzo.

Webcam and mic

“A 1080p webcam and quality microphone are essential in today’s remote work environment, especially if you’re always on Zoom,” advises Biancuzzo. While you can buy external audio/video gear, “it’s just easier when the laptop’s own camera and mic are solid. Most folks don’t bother with an external one,” she adds.

A nice extra is a shutter or cover for the camera to avoid inadvertent broadcasts. (That said, a piece of a Post-it note over the lens works just as well.)

Battery and AC adapter

The bank of electro-chemical cells that power the laptop between charges is the rare area of unanimity among system makers, with lithium batteries the choice. They typically have a lifespan of up to 1,000 recharge cycles, which can be extended with battery optimization software that prevents overcharging.

You want a battery that will keep a user going for at least three to four hours before needing a recharge, but battery life is tricky to determine from a spec sheet. A mainstream laptop with a battery capacity of 50 watt-hours might last its user five hours of stop and go use on a charge, while a power-hungry mobile workstation might need 100Whr of battery capacity to last the same amount of time. As is the case with cars, your mileage will vary.

Here, too, reading reviews can help. “Don’t just trust the manufacturer’s claims — real-world tests matter!” says Biancuzzo. “Always check independent reviews for what you’ll actually get.”

A laptop’s AC adapter needs to match its power requirements, with converters ranging from 20 watts for a small iPad to about 250 watts for a mobile workstation. Increasingly, notebook makers are replacing proprietary adapters with USB-C Power Delivery, although it can take up a thin system’s only USB port.

Weight and durability

All these components add to a laptop’s heft. As you’re weighing (ha) the options, give a thought to the users who will be carrying the devices around, including where they’ll use them and with what peripherals.

Someone who works mostly in the office and at home — and has access to a large external monitor in both places — might prefer a lighter 13-inch model over a 15-inch one so there’s less to lug back and forth. A sales exec who’s always on the road might need that 15-inch screen, but in an ultraslim model that shaves off weight in other ways. When in doubt, ask.

We’ve dropped the rugged laptops category from our guide this year, because many mainstream and budget systems already meet the US military’s exacting ruggedness requirements. When shopping for systems that will be used outside an office environment, look for the MIL-STD-810H specification (a.k.a. “Mil Spec”). These devices may not be able to survive a bullet, but they can stand up to regular use and occasional abuse on the factory floor, in a first responder’s vehicle, or with utility crews.

Operating system, manageability, and security

Windows 11 may not be perfect, but its security options are a step up from Windows 10, with a second-generation Trusted Protection Module (TPM) for ensuring authentication with the company’s servers. The OS’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) compatibility, Azure Active Directory Join, Group Policy Management, and Windows Update for Business are missing on Windows 11 Home, so IT buyers at small to midsize organizations should opt for Windows 11 Pro.

Large organizations get Windows 11 Enterprise (available only with a volume licensing agreement) with unified endpoint management, Windows Autopatch updates, Universal Print, and Zero Trust security options. There are three levels of Windows 11 Enterprise tuned to the needs of different organizations.

Apple’s macOS revolves around the system’s T2 encryption chip, XProtect for malware scanning, and GateKeeper to prevent the installation of rogue apps. Apple’s System Integrity Protection (SIP) software prevents operating system code from being changed, and the MDM code restricts users from changing key system settings.

The focus for Chromebooks has been on schools, but these inexpensive basic systems are also making their way into noncritical roles in corporate America. ChromeOS’s range of security apps includes Google’s Admin console with remote enrollment of new devices and locking or wiping of lost systems. It can enable updates while enforcing a company’s use of two-factor authentication.

Whatever platform you choose, get systems with a biometric authentication method, such as a fingerprint reader or a camera capable of facial recognition, for secure password-free logins.

Right tool, right job

Change is the only constant here, and this effort is a snapshot in time with new models coming out weekly and prices changing quicker than you can say, “I saw it cheaper online.” To help, we’ve assigned price and component ranges to each category along with a few suggestions.

Be aware: the borders between the groups can be fuzzy and flexible. There are ultraslim systems that outperform mainstream notebooks and budget laptops that can be configured to cost more than mainstream ones.

The best way to make the correct choice is to examine what the computer will be used for and attempt to meet those requirements with the right mix of hardware, software, and online services. In other words, let the laptop fit the user, not the other way around.

And keep in mind that it’s difficult to make hardware upgrades to most notebooks. Opting for better components costs more now but can extend the useful life of a laptop, saving money later on.

Mainstream laptops

Target audience: Users who handle a variety of tasks, from working with spreadsheets to using online apps. More and more, that means having an AI assist.

Mainstream business notebooks are the workhorses of the corporate world, with the ability to perform different chores with ease. The emphasis is on flexibility and customization, and the plethora of configuration options means prices vary widely, from a modest $500 to an extravagant $2,500.

Often referred to as productivity systems, mainstream laptops provide the processing power and technical accoutrements to handle spreadsheet manipulation, presentation creation, sending emails, and increasingly AI-powered tasks — anything from transcribing and summarizing meetings to predicting sales by region and product to getting legal answers without a retainer.

AI laptops in education: AI is becoming a vital part of training and education, offering personalized learning, automated grading, and content creation tools, according to David Childress, CTO at Louisa County Public Schools in central Virginia. AI capabilities were at the top of his wish list when he needed to replace the 500 laptops teachers and staff use at the district’s six schools.

“AI is new and we’re early adopters. This is the future of computing and teaching,” he says.

Childress homed in on the Acer TravelMate P6 with Intel’s AI-ready Core Ultra 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 14-in. 1920 x 1200 display, and 512GB of storage space. Powerful but light at 2.3 lbs., the systems meet the military’s strict MIL-STD-810H ruggedness spec. “The bonus is longevity. They will hopefully outlast the machines they replace,” he says.

The latest processors available in mainstream models include AI-tuned NPUs for flying through inference models locally. In Windows systems they include Intel’s Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 9 as well as AMD’s AI and AI Max CPUs. These will likely replace the Intel Core i3/i5/i7 and AMD Ryzen 5/7/9 designs in time, but for now you’ll still see plenty of mainstream models with these less expensive chips without NPUs.

On the Mac side, Apple’s homegrown M4 and M5 processors mix general processing with its Neural Engine, and the top M4 Max model includes fast memory access to speed its predictions. The MacBook Pro is Apple’s mainstream laptop; the 14-in. model offers the brand new M5 chip, which has a new GPU architecture with a Neural Accelerator in each of the 10 cores and faster memory access. The higher-end M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, available in both the 14-in. and 16-in. MBP models, are expected to move to the M5 architecture by next spring.

(Mac purchasers, take note: Other than the chip upgrade, the new M5 MacBook Pro has barely changed from the 2024 model. Major design changes are expected in the M6 MacBook Pro slated for late 2026.)

To get the most out of a mainstream laptop, opt for least 16GB of system RAM, with 32GB being a more comfortable level. Users who need to process large amounts of data locally, particularly for AI, or like to keep many windows open should get 64GB of RAM.

The center of attention is always the laptop’s screen. With sizes ranging from 11.5 to 16.2 inches, these displays should show at least 1920 x 1080 HD resolution. Many mainstream models offer a mind-numbing assortment of screen sizes and other options, such as touchscreen and non-touch surfaces and resolutions ranging up to 3820 x 2160 pixels.

Rotating hard drives have been replaced with lighter, more rugged, power-efficient SSDs. The options often range from 256GB (good for those who mostly work in the cloud) to 2TB (intensive local work), with 1TB being a popular compromise.

Because they often substitute for full desktop systems, mainstream laptops need good connections. In addition to the latest wireless specs, Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7 (a.k.a. IEEE 802.11be), look for multiple USB-C ports, USB Type A ports, and an HDMI port for external displays. For picture-perfect video calls, demand at least an HD-level (1080p) webcam.

Keep an eye on weight. Many of these mainstreamers, especially those with larger screens, push the envelope for heft, weighing in at up to 5 lbs. Others are significantly smaller and lighter. In other words, carrying a notebook from classroom to classroom or office to conference room doesn’t have to feel like a workout.

> See laptop comparison chart

Buying tip: Look for models that offer lots of configuration options to cover a variety of jobs, locations, and workstyles.

Highly rated mainstream models on PCWorld/Macworld:

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Acer TravelMate P6 14 AI [Editor’s Choice]

14-in. Apple MacBook Pro (M5) [Editor’s Choice]

Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Gen 10 [Editor’s Choice]

Budget laptops

Target audience: Workers whose daily tasks don’t require the newest, fastest, or sleekest systems.

Meant for employees who need neither the power nor the mobility of a mainstream system, budget laptops are all about compromises made in the name of cutting the cost to the bare minimum. This genre frequently leaves out things like thin designs, high-end (let alone AI-enabled) processors, lots of storage space, and high-resolution displays.

The biggest compromise, however, is choice, with typically just one or two versions available for each model. Look to spend between $200 and $800 for systems that might end up in the hands of a receptionist checking IDs, a room full of call center operators, or an incoming high school freshman class.

Windows 11 is the favorite OS in this category. While we recommend Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise for business users, large companies sometimes buy budget Windows Home systems and convert them to Pro software. Some models offer the upgrade as a license change, or the company’s IT people reimage the systems with Pro or Enterprise.

These devices typically come with 8GB to 16GB of RAM and a basic processor such as Intel’s N100, Celeron, Core i3 or AMD’s Ryzen 3 series. This is the only category where you’ll still find some spinning disk drives (up to 1TB), but even here SSDs (typically 64GB to 256GB) are now the norm.

Screen sizes range from 11 to 15 inches, and you’ll find mostly WXGA (1366 x 768) and HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. If you can afford it, a 13- or 14-inch screen in HD resolution will make your users happier, but WXGA is adequate for basic tasks.

Don’t count Chromebooks out. Economy is their forte, with basic designs starting at $200. With hardware stripped to the bone, configurations often start at 4GB of RAM, 32GB of SSD storage, and inexpensive Arm-based processors, like Mediatek’s Kompanio platform.

A focus on value: A.J. Sementilli, senior project and systems manager at TeamPeople, a media and staffing company, focused on value when looking for budget systems. Based in Falls Church, Virginia, TeamPeople purchased 70 Asus ChromeBook Plus CX34 systems for company technicians working at client companies. “We wanted a balance of price and performance for staff at a client,” he says.

Equipped with a Core i5 processor, the $600 CX34 is more than powerful enough for their administrative tasks yet can deliver a full day of use per charge. “We got a good bang for our buck,” he adds.

With a 14-in. HD screen, the CX34 weighs 3.5 lbs., yet has several mainstream luxuries, like MIL-STD-810H ruggedness. “Overall, they seem to be pretty durable,” Sementilli says. “We hope to get five years out of them.”

The focus on value means that budget systems are often thicker than mainstreamers, leaving room for ports including USB-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, and an audio jack.

Apple doesn’t have an entry in the budget category. (The closest it comes is the $1,000 entry-level MacBook Air from the ultraslim group.) There are rumors of a $600 MacBook in the works, with a 12.9 in. screen and a new A-class iPhone processor inside. It might appear in 2026 — or just be more wishful thinking from Apple fans.

They may not be as svelte as ultraslim systems or as powerful as mainstream ones, but budget systems have a place in most organizations.

> See laptop comparison chart

Buying tip: Make sure the system will fit into the company’s IT landscape with sufficient power and security.

Highly rated budget models on PCWorld:

>

Acer Aspire Go 15

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 [Editor’s Choice]

Ultraslim laptops

Target audience: Frequent travelers and top executives who need performance without the pounds.

Think of mainstream laptops that have been given a dose of Wegovy, and you get the idea of the ultraslim category. Every effort — from design to manufacturing — has been in the name of reducing size, weight and, as the name implies, thickness. Ironically, it can lead to an airport lounge boast of “mine’s smaller.”

It’s all to create laptops that let users carry, not lug, a computer from city to city and conference room to conference room. The quintessential ultraslim system has a 12.5- to 15.6-in. display, is no more than half an inch thick, weighs under 2.9 lbs., and might cost between $500 on the low end and $2,500 for top performance.

Thin but powerful: When John Berry, Director of IT Cloud Services at Simmons Bank in Little Rock, Arkansas, went looking to outfit 2,500 employees with laptops, their weight and waistline were paramount. “We wanted powerful laptops, but not at the expense of thickness and extra pounds.” At 0.6 ins. thick and 2.9 lbs., the LG Gram 15.6-in. systems he chose are thinner and lighter compared to competitors he looked at with smaller screens.

“Simmons Bank has a cloud-first philosophy,” he adds, emphasizing that the LG Gram’s Intel Core Ultra 7 processor is just as good working AI models locally as cloud-connected. “We plan to continue that in the AI space, but the LG Gram gives us the option of mixing local and cloud AI processing.”

For Windows 11 systems, look for Intel’s Core Ultra processor family or AMD’s Ryzen series. This category is also the entry point for Qualcomm’s Arm-based Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite CPUs. Be careful, because some specialty corporate legacy software might not work with Arm systems, so it’s best to try out all the organization’s key apps before deployment.

The Apple alternative is the MacBook Air, the original ultraslim laptop. It’s powered by Apple’s Arm-based M4 processor, which combines the computing power of a 10-core processor for general everyday tasks with 16 neural processing engines available for churning through complex AI models. A new Air model with Apple’s new M5 chip inside is rumored to be coming  in spring 2026.

Like mainstream systems, slim laptops typically have lots of options, like HD or better screens, 16GB or 32GB of RAM, and up to a terabyte of solid-state storage space. What you often won’t find on ultraslims is lots of ports — you might get two USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack. Keep in mind that if the system charges via USB-C Power Delivery, that takes up one of your precious USB-C ports. Look for the latest communications tech, like Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4.

Security is paramount, because business travelers need to log in to the company’s servers from a variety of locations, often several times a day. To start, Windows 11 requires the use of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 to securely speed authentication, while Macs have a T2 security chip that does the functional equivalent. Meanwhile, the Qualcomm Snapdragon family has TPM built in.

All this adds up to computers that can be expensive, running as high as $2,500 — but it’s worth it when sprinting between Gates A41 and D20 to catch the last flight home.

> See laptop comparison chart

Buying tip: Make sure that every ounce counts with a system with powerful but lightweight components.

Highly rated ultraslim models on PCWorld/Macworld:

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Apple MacBook Air [Editor’s Choice]

Microsoft Surface Laptop

Tablets and 2-in-1s

Target audience: Those who travel light and are more oriented toward viewing content than creating it.

Tablets have evolved from entertainment devices meant for consumers into lightweight travel devices powerful enough to replace laptops for a variety of corporate roles. The essence of tablet computing is flexibility, offering a primarily touch-based experience but with a keyboard at the ready. The category is dominated by two basic designs for tablets that can double as laptops.

2-in-1 laptops, sometimes called convertibles, have a traditional clamshell design with a twist: a 360-degree hinge lets the touch display be flipped over to create numerous configurations, from a thick tablet with the keyboard underneath to a self-standing A-frame or presentation machine for small group shows. Some outliers, like the Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406, offer two screens and a keyboard that pops off.

Ranging from $1,000 to $2,900, 2-in-1s generally run Windows 11 with Intel or AMD processors, including the AI-friendly Intel Core Ultra line and the AMD Ryzen AI line. About the size and weight of ultraslims, they have screens up to 16.3 in. and show from full HD (1920 x 1080) to UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution.

Detachable devices are slate tablets with snap-on keyboards. They weigh just 1 to 2 lbs., with 10- to 14.6-in. screens at resolutions ranging from full HD up to WQXGA+ (2960 x 1848).

Although some of these devices are Windows 11-based, others run on Android or iPadOS. That may not be a liability for certain workers, as many workloads have shifted to the cloud and mobile apps have grown more powerful and feature-rich. And Samsung’s Android-based Galaxy Tabs have a neat trick: When plugged into a display — like a hotel TV — they can tap into Samsung’s DeX mode to get the look and feel of a desktop environment.

Note that there are both consumer and business versions of some popular tablet models, so be sure to get the business (or “pro”) version. For example, the Microsoft Surface Pro for Business comes with Windows 11 Pro and other enterprise security features, the Galaxy Tab S11 Series for Business builds in the company’s Knox enterprise security platform, and the Apple iPad Pro has more storage, more RAM, and a much more powerful processor than its consumer siblings.

Armed with the latest AI processors — such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon X / X Elite, Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI, Apple M5, and MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ — these business-first slates typically range from $800 to $2,000 or more with all the bells and whistles. But be warned that you’ll need to supply several add-ons to make them ready for work. While some include a pull-out stand to prop it up, key accessories such as snap-on keyboards and styluses are typically sold separately and can easily add hundreds of dollars to the price.

[ Related reading: Does the M5-based iPad Pro change the tablet/laptop equation? ]

Some convertibles offer the comparative luxury of 32GB of RAM, while slates generally have between 8GB and 16GB of system memory (though some go higher). Storage starts at 256GB and tops out at 2TB, and some of these systems have surprisingly large batteries, like the 13-in. iPad Pro’s 39 watt-hour cells.

Port selection is limited, with just one USB-C connection for most slates, so it’s important to get adapters, cables, and sometimes a USB hub. That said, convertibles often come with several USB connections and an HDMI port for driving a display or projector.

> See laptop comparison chart

Buying tip: Don’t forget to add accessories like the snap-on keyboard, a stylus, and any needed adapters.

Highly rated tablets and 2-in-1s on PCWorld/Macworld:

Tablets>

Apple iPad Pro [Editor’s Choice]

Microsoft Surface Pro

2-in-1s>

Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura [Editor’s Choice]

Mobile workstations

Target audience: Designers, engineers, artists and AI modelers who need the best and most powerful mobile computers.

When it comes to mobile workstations, all the careful calculations for size, weight, and battery life are replaced with a singular focus on performance, particularly for graphics. This laptop class insists on all-out performance for anything from Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to graphics design to AI model training.

It starts with a heavy-duty processor, like one from the Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 350 families — or even an Intel Xeon server CPU — paired with a discrete GPU from AMD, Intel, or the current top gun, NVIDIA, with up to 10,000 independent graphics cores and 24GB of dedicated memory.

The Arm-based M4 Pro and M4 Max processors available in Apple’s top-of-the-line 16-in. MacBook Pro, on the other hand, neatly incorporate up to 40 GPU cores and a 16-core Neural Engine dedicated to AI work. (Mac purchasers may want to hold off for the upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, which are expected by spring 2026.)

Because graphics rule, mobile workstations generally have large screens, but in the name of portability there are 14-in. versions available. More common are 16-in. displays, and some go as big as 18-inches, with screen resolution climbing to 3840 x 2400 pixels.

An essential element is certification for a variety of software packages such as Autodesk (CAD), Red Digital Cinema (video editing), and Halliburton/Landmark (oil prospecting), among others. When color counts, get a screen with an .icc calibration file from the International Color Consortium. This will ensure that the special shade of yellow in a sunset photo will be spot on.

MacOS and Windows 11 dominate here, but there’s another alternative: some models, like Lenovo’s ThinkPad P16 Gen 2, offer Fedora or Ubuntu Linux as an option. Also note that of all the laptop categories, this one has most resisted the move to Windows 11, largely because some specialty software and drivers don’t support the new OS. The Eurocom Panther 5, for instance, is configurable with Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, or even older versions of Windows.

These systems need to process huge files, so fill them with RAM and high-capacity SSDs; it will likely pay off later. The sky’s the limit here: you’ll find systems with up to 256GB of RAM and 16TB SSDs.

The bonus to being some of the biggest notebooks around is room for large, comfortable keyboards and ports for everything from USB connections, audio, and networking to HDMI or DisplayPort — sometimes both. As a result of all the aforementioned hardware — and their supersized batteries — these are the heavyweights of the laptop world, weighing from 4 to a whopping 12 lbs. In other words, consider a backpack or, better yet, a wheelie bag.

All these options add up, with prices starting at $2,000 and rising to as much as $10,000 for a fully loaded workstation. For systems this pricy, warranties are paramount.  Apple provides a year of coverage for the MacBook Pro, with AppleCare+ extensions costing $150 a year. Others, like HP’s ZBook workstations, are covered for three years. This should be considered the minimum but maybe also the maximum lifespan, because technology moves so quickly that a workstation could be the equivalent of a doorstop by the time the coverage expires.

> See laptop comparison chart

Buying tip: Forget about weight, size, and price — for the professionals who need these powerful systems, get the configuration necessary to get the job done.

Highly rated mobile workstation on Macworld:

>

16-in. Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)

Time to accessorize

You might think that getting an up-to-date laptop is deal done. It isn’t with many extras required for smooth corporate computing on the road, at the office, or at home. Here are five must-haves to consider.

• Extra power. With the system’s battery hidden inside and not easily replaceable, you can’t travel with an extra set of charged cells to swap. That said, an external power bank can add hours to a system’s run time.

• Stand and external display. Mobility is the goal, but any business laptop will likely spend some time as a desktop computer. Getting a stand to hold it and a larger monitor to prevent squinting can help. Don’t forget the keyboard and mouse.

• Cables and adapters. Today, the USB-C cable can do just about anything from charging to connecting to a hotel room’s TV for a presentation. You’ll still need adapters, and don’t forget the power converter if you’re leaving the U.S.

• USB hub. With one or two USB-C ports, many laptops are hamstrung, particularly when charging. A USB hub can add several USB ports, sometimes along with wired networking, HDMI video, and old-school USB Type A connections. 

• Bag. Get a sturdy briefcase or backpack that protects the laptop while in transit with padding, stiff plastic inserts and a slew of pockets and compartments for all the other road-worthy goodies.

Laptop pitfalls: What to avoid

While we spent hours defining what to include, there are several rules that should never be broken for corporate computers — mobile or stationary. Avoiding these things can not only save a lot of office anguish but maybe even a career or two.

• Never (ever) get less than 8GB of RAM for a Windows or macOS system. It might be OK in a Chromebook or tablet, but this amount of system memory will likely lead to disappointing results.
• Forget about Windows 10 — it’s history. Yes, it’s a known quantity, but its mainstream security updates have ended, unless you pay for a pricey Extended Security Updates (ESU) contract.
• Don’t get a laptop screen with resolution less than Wide-XGA (1366 x 768 pixels). It will deliver imaging that’s second (or third) best, resulting in a potential loss of the productivity that the system is supposed to deliver.
• Avoid cheap USB or HDMI cables that might save a few bucks up front but likely won’t work well and will disappoint users.
• Stay away from no-name laptop brands. These systems need to last between three and five years. You likely won’t get that longevity from a brand you’ve never heard of and can’t pronounce.

Finally, don’t buy blindly. Look to reviews from reliable sources, like PCWorld and Macworld. The pros, cons, and details provided in their reviews are a solid start toward understanding if the system will fit your company’s needs.

Business laptops compared

Drag or scroll to see rightmost column

 Mainstream laptopsBudget laptopsUltraslim laptopsTablets and 2-in-1sMobile workstationsPrice$500 to $2,500$200 to $800$500 to $2,500$650 to $2,900$2,000 to $8,000OSesWindows 11, macOS, ChromeOSWindows 11, ChromeOSWindows 11, macOS, ChromeOSWindows 11, ChromeOS, iPadOS, AndroidWindows 10/11, macOS, LinuxCPUsIntel Core i3/i5/i7, Core Ultra 5/7/9; AMD Ryzen 5/7/9/AI/AI Max; Apple M5/M4 Pro/M4 MaxIntel N100, Celeron, Core i3; AMD Ryzen 3/5; Arm-based processorsIntel Core i3/i5/i7, Core Ultra 5/7, Apple M4, Snapdragon X Plus/X EliteIntel Core i3/i5/i7, Core Ultra 5/7/9; MediaTek Dimensity 9300+; Apple M5; Snapdragon Elite X Plus/X EliteIntel Core i7/i9, Core Ultra 7/9, Xeon; AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Pro, Apple M4 Pro/M4 MaxRAM16GB to 64GB8GB to 32GB16GB to 64GB8GB to 32GB16GB to 256GBStorage256GB to 4TB SSD512GB to 1TB HDD; 64GB to 1TB SSD256GB to 2TB SSD128GB to 2TB SSD512GB to 16TB SSDScreen size (diag.)11.5 to 16.2 in.11.5 to 15.6 in.12.5 to 15.6 in.11.0 to 14.6 in.14.0 to 18.0 in. w/ discrete graphics acceleratorNative reso-lution1920×1080 to 3820×21601366×768 to 1920×10801920×1080 to 2880×18001920×1080 to 2960×18481920×1080 to 3840×2400Ports / connec-tivityUSB 2.0/3.0/C; HDMI; Ethernet; Wi-Fi 6-7; Bluetooth 5.3-5.4USB 2.0/3.0/C; HDMI; Ethernet; Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0-5.4USB 3.0/C (Thunderbolt); HDMI; Wi-Fi 6-7; Bluetooth 5.3-5.4USB 3.0/C; Wi-Fi 6-7; Bluetooth 5.2-6.0USB 3.0/C (Thunderbolt); HDMI; Ethernet; SD card slot; Wi-Fi 6-7; Bluetooth 5.1-5.4Weight2.5 to 5 lb.2.9 to 5 lb.1.9 to 2.9 lb.Tablet: 1 to 2 lb.; 2-in-1: 2.2 to 3.6 lb.4 to 12 lb.ProsReliable; focus on AI; rugged; component choices; security and enterprise manageabilityLow price; rugged; aimed at simple tasks; balance of performance and battery lifeSlim and light; touchscreen available; up-to-date securitySmall and light; touchscreen; choice of add-on keyboard or 2-in-1 design; optional stylusPeak performance; top graphics hardware; lots of RAM and storage; large display; certified for high-end softwareConsThicker/heavier than ultraslims; can be expensiveOften use older parts; may forgo latest securityExpensive; limited ports; Arm-based models may not run all corporate softwareCan be expensive; limited ports; accessories add to priceVery expensive; big/heavy; often short battery lifeExamples

• Acer TravelMate P6 14 AI*
• Apple MacBook Pro 14-in.*
• Dell Pro 16 Laptop
• HP EliteBook 845 14 inch G11
• Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Gen 10*

Acer Aspire Go 15*

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34*

Dell 15 Laptop

HP Laptop 14

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7

Apple MacBook Air*

Asus ExpertBook B9 OLED

Lenovo Slim 7i Aura Edition

LG 14″ WUXGA Gram Business Laptop

Microsoft Surface Laptop* for Business

Tablets:

Apple iPad Pro*

Microsoft Surface Pro* for Business

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11/S11 Ultra for Business

2-in-1s:

Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406*

HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura*

Apple MacBook Pro 16-in.*

HP ZBook 8 G1a/G1i

Dell Pro Max 18 Plus

Eurocom Panther 5

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 Mobile Workstation

Origin NS-18

* Model rated 4 stars or better (out of 5) on PCWorld/Macworld

This article was originally published in August 2014 and most recently updated in November 2025.

Read this next: How to buy PCs for your enterprise

The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sanctions against eight individuals and two entities within North Korea's global financial network for laundering money for various illicit schemes, including cybercrime and information technology (IT) worker fraud. "North Korean state-sponsored hackers steal and launder money to fund the regime's nuclear weapons program," said Under Secretary of

The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sanctions against eight individuals and two entities within North Korea's global financial network for laundering money for various illicit schemes, including cybercrime and information technology (IT) worker fraud. "North Korean state-sponsored hackers steal and launder money to fund the regime's nuclear weapons program," said Under Secretary of Ravie Lakshmananhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]

You’d never know it, but one of the most potential-packed parts of your favorite Android phone is a feature you rarely actually see.

It’s mostly invisible by design, in fact — and yet, if you teach yourself how to tap into it, you’ll save time, increase your efficiency, and feel like a total smartphone sorcerer.

The feature of which we speak is the humble-seeming Android clipboard — the simple virtual space where anything you copy stays tucked away out of sight ’til you’re ready to use it.

If you haven’t spent much time thinking about the Android clipboard, believe me: You aren’t alone. But my goodness, are you ever missing out.

So allow me to introduce you to some of the most advanced and easily overlooked productivity boosters hiding away in your phone’s invisible holding space. Copy these tricks into your noggin, and before you know it, you’ll be slashing all sorts of wasted seconds out of your day.

[Psst: Love shortcuts? My Android Shortcut Supercourse will teach you tons of time-saving tricks for your phone. Sign up now for free!]

Android clipboard trick #1: The quick on-screen copy

First up is a feature specific to Google’s own fully featured Android software, as seen on its self-made Pixel phones (and if you don’t own a Pixel, don’t worry: All of the tips after this will work on virtually any Android device!).

So Pixel palmers, take note: Anytime you’re in your phone’s Overview screen, you can copy any text from any app thumbnail, right then and there — regardless of whether it’s the type of text you’d typically think of being copy-friendly or not.

• First, make your way into your Pixel’s Overview area — either by swiping up and holding from the bottom of your screen with the current Android gestures system or by tapping the square-shaped button at the bottom of the screen, if you’re still using the old legacy three-button nav setup.
• Next, press and hold your finger onto the text you want within any Overview thumbnail — or, if you’d rather, tap the “Select” option at the bottom of the screen to have your Pixel select all available text and then narrow it down as needed.
• Once you’ve got any text selected, tap “Copy” in the pop-up menu that appears.

Google’s Pixel phones make it possible to copy text onto the Android clipboard — from anywhere — right within the Overview interface.

JR Raphael, Foundry

And that’s it: The text you selected will now be on your system clipboard and ready for speedy pasting wherever you want it.

All convenience aside, what’s especially cool about this trick is that it allows you to copy text from things like system menus and even text from inside images in a thumbnail, where such actions wouldn’t usually be possible.

Speaking of which…

Android clipboard trick #2: The image text copy

No matter what kind of phone you’re using, you can snag text out of any image — be it a screenshot, a photo of a document or whiteboard from the real world, or even a snapshot of a turtle with a top-secret message scrawled onto its shell — either by opening up the Google Lens app or by sharing the image from any other app into Lens (via the standard system sharing command, provided you have the Lens app installed).

• Once you’re in Lens, tap the image preview circle in the app’s lower-left corner to browse and find the image you want (unless you shared the image directly over to Lens already, of course — in which case, you’re ready to move onto our next step!).
• With the image in front of you, either press and hold your finger onto any text you want to copy or tap the “Select text” command at the top of the screen to have Lens automatically select all visible text for you.
• Then just tap “Copy” in the pop-menu that appears right alongside your selected text.

You can grab text out of any image and place it onto your Android clipboard with the versatile Google Lens app.

JR Raphael, Foundry

And there’s one more tucked-away treasure here worth uncovering.

Android clipboard trick #3: The computer beam

Within that same Google Lens text-selecting setup we were just exploring, you should be able to find an out-of-sight option within the same pop-up text action menu that actually lets you send whatever text you’ve selected wirelessly to a connected computer where you’re working.

The Lens “Copy to computer” option is a fantastic way to beam text from an image on your phone onto any computer you’re using.

JR Raphael, Foundry

The trick, more often than not, is to tap the three-vertical-dots icon within the text action menu — the same one where you see “Copy” and other such options. As long as you have a computer where you’re actively signed into the same Google account in Chrome, the connection should be automatic and present, and you should then see a list of available computers in a panel at the bottom of the screen.

All it takes is being signed into Chrome with the same Google account for the Lens computer-copying command to work.

JR Raphael, Foundry

Tap whichever device you want, and that’s it: Your selected text will instantly be on the computer’s clipboard and ready for pasting anywhere via the standard Ctrl-V or Cmd-V pasting commands or the “Paste” option in any on-screen menu.

Android clipboard trick #4: The browser text share

Transporting text from your Android device’s clipboard to another connected device doesn’t have to happen only in Lens. You’ve got a similarly sneaky option to swiftly share any text you’ve copied onto another device within the Chrome Android browser, too.

Open up Chrome on your phone, select any text in any page in front of you, then tap “Share” and look for the “Send to devices” option at the top of the sharing pop-up.

The Chrome Android app has its own built-in option for sending copied text onto the clipboard of other connected devices.

JR Raphael, Foundry

Tap that — and hey, how ’bout that? Right then and there, you’ve got a list of all other devices — Android and beyond — where you’re signed into the same Google account (either at the operating system level or in the Chrome browser).

Android devices, Chromebooks, and any computers where you’re signed into Chrome should show up as options within Chrome’s clipboard-sharing system.

JR Raphael, Foundry

You can then select any of ’em to have your text beamed instantly onto it for seamless pasting anywhere.

Android clipboard trick #5: The anywhere clipboard share

In addition to that built-in browser power, Android now has the ability to send text to any other Android, Windows, or ChromeOS device in the area — whether it’s associated with you or not — via the cross-platform Google Quick Share system.

That means you could copy text from your phone not only to your own tablet or computer but also to a colleague’s device. (Any Android or ChromeOS device will automatically be compatible. For a Windows computer, the Google Quick Share app will need to be installed.)

For this one, you’ll start by copying text from anywhere on your Android gizmo — then:

• Tap “Share” in the text action menu that appears alongside your selected text.
• Tap “Quick Share” in the list of sharing options that shows up.
• And then select any other device that’s nearby, visible, and set up to receive shares.

Sharing copied text through Quick Share is an easy way to get the text on the clipboard of other nearby devices — whether they’re yours or someone else’s.

JR Raphael, Foundry

Note that you can update your Quick Share settings by searching for the phrase Quick Share in your system settings. That’ll let you determine if your device is visible for sharing and in what specific scenarios sharing should be allowed.

Your Android Quick Share settings determine exactly how and when Quick Share can be used.

JR Raphael, Foundry

Android clipboard trick #6: The real-world text copy

The Google Lens app we went over at the start of this journey really is one of Android’s most underappreciated superpowers. In addition to its in-image text snagging, Lens can look for text right in front of your face and then copy it onto your clipboard — directly from the real world.

Just fire up Lens again, then:

• Aim your camera at anything around you with text on it — a document, a whiteboard, a screen, whatever.
• Hold the camera still for a second, and you should see a “Select text” option appear.

You can select text out of a live image, through your camera, with Google Lens.

JR Raphael, Foundry

• Tap that, then use your finger to highlight and select whatever specific text you want.
• And, once more, look for that “Copy” option — or, if you need the text on your computer, the “Copy to computer” option we just uncovered a moment ago, in that same one-more-tap-away place.

srcset="https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-google-lens-real-world-text-copy.webp?quality=50&strip=all 800w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-google-lens-real-world-text-copy.webp?resize=300%2C209&quality=50&strip=all 300w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-google-lens-real-world-text-copy.webp?resize=768%2C534&quality=50&strip=all 768w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-google-lens-real-world-text-copy.webp?resize=242%2C168&quality=50&strip=all 242w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-google-lens-real-world-text-copy.webp?resize=121%2C84&quality=50&strip=all 121w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-google-lens-real-world-text-copy.webp?resize=691%2C480&quality=50&strip=all 691w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-google-lens-real-world-text-copy.webp?resize=518%2C360&quality=50&strip=all 518w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-google-lens-real-world-text-copy.webp?resize=360%2C250&quality=50&strip=all 360w" width="800" height="556" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px">With text selected, Lens lets you copy it onto your own Android device’s clipboard or send it to a connected computer’s clipboard, too.

JR Raphael, Foundry

How ’bout them apples?!

Android clipboard trick #7: The clipboard-keyboard connection

The tricks we’ve gone over so far are fine and dandy for copying text and then sharing it from your clipboard to other environments — but what about when you want to find text you’ve copied right within Android?

The quickest way to access your system clipboard on your phone is via Google’s excellent Gboard keyboard.

If you aren’t already using Gboard, install the app and set it up — then:

• Open Gboard by tapping in any blank text field anywhere on your phone.
• If you see a clipboard icon on the keyboard’s top row, tap it. If you don’t see any such icon, tap the four-box menu icon within that same area and then tap the clipboard icon on the panel that comes up. (You can also touch and hold the icon to drag it up into a more easily accessible primary position on the Gboard toolbar, if you’d like.)
• Make sure the tiny toggle in the upper-right corner of the Gboard clipboard interface is in the on position — with the switch pushed over toward the right. If it isn’t, tap it to turn it on, then follow any prompts that appear to grant the permissions it needs to operate.

Now, one more bit of one-time setup before we get this show a-goin’:

• Open up the full Gboard settings menu by tapping the four-square menu icon in the keyboard’s top row and then selecting “Settings” from the panel that pops up.
• Tap “Clipboard.”
• Make sure all of the options that appear on the next screen are activated and in the on position.
• Elicit the tiniest yip of satisfaction and/or do a delightful little arm-flapping dance in your chair.

With all of that out of the way, you’ll start seeing two helpful clipboard-related additions:

1. Anytime you copy text from anywhere on Android, it’ll automatically appear as a one-tap suggestion within Gboard’s top row whenever the keyboard’s next open. You can tap it to insert the text into any text field, anywhere on your phone.

Recently copied text shows up atop the Gboard Android clipboard for quick one-tap pasting.

JR Raphael, Foundry

2. You can also pull up your most recently copied items from anywhere by tapping that clipboard icon in Gboard’s top row (or within its three-dot menu area, if you don’t have it in a top-row position).

Gboard’s dedicated Clipboard area holds all recently copied tidbits. All you’ve gotta do is find and tap one to paste it anywhere.

JR Raphael, Foundry

And another trick worth surfacing in that same Gboard clipboard interface…

Android clipboard trick #8: Your clipboard save-board

All recent copying aside, you can also save important items within your Android clipboard area and then pull ’em up anytime, anywhere for easy ongoing access.

It’s a great way to keep commonly used text snippets or maybe even screenshots at your beck ‘n’ call and available for instant pasting whenever you need ’em.

And it couldn’t be much easier to set up:

• Open up Gboard again and tap that same clipboard icon we were just talkin’ about.
• Press and hold your finger onto any item you’ve copied recently — text, image, you name it — then look for the “Pin” option that pops up. (And if you don’t see any recently copied items there, by golly, go copy something!)
• Tap “Pin,” then scroll down in the Gboard clipboard view to find your item there and waiting.

Pinning something into the Gboard Clipboard area places it into a special “Pinned” section for ongoing access across any Android device you’re using.

JR Raphael, Foundry

You can pin multiple bits o’ text and/or images into that area, and all it takes is a single tap of your sticky fingie to insert any pinned item in any text field you’ve got open.

Android clipboard trick #9: Image paste magic

When we think about our phone’s clipboards, most of us tend to focus on text. But it’s worth emphasizing: You can copy images onto your Android clipboard, too, and then paste ’em directly into lots of different places.

Try this:

• Open up a web page in Chrome — any random web page (though I highly recommend one with photos of bespectacled monkeys).
• Press and hold your finger onto an image within the page and select “Copy image” from the menu that comes up.
• Now, go start a new email within Gmail or open a thread within the Android Messages app.
• Press and hold your finger onto the open text field and tap the “Paste” option that appears — or, if you’d rather, pull up that Gboard clipboard interface and look for your recently copied image there to tap it.

And hey, how ’bout that?!

srcset="https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-gboard-image-paste.webp?quality=50&strip=all 800w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-gboard-image-paste.webp?resize=296%2C300&quality=50&strip=all 296w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-gboard-image-paste.webp?resize=768%2C779&quality=50&strip=all 768w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-gboard-image-paste.webp?resize=688%2C697&quality=50&strip=all 688w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-gboard-image-paste.webp?resize=166%2C168&quality=50&strip=all 166w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-gboard-image-paste.webp?resize=83%2C84&quality=50&strip=all 83w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-gboard-image-paste.webp?resize=473%2C480&quality=50&strip=all 473w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-gboard-image-paste.webp?resize=355%2C360&quality=50&strip=all 355w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-clipboard-gboard-image-paste.webp?resize=247%2C250&quality=50&strip=all 247w" width="800" height="811" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px">Need to paste over a recently copied image from your clipboard? Look no further than Gboard’s “Clipboard” area to get the job done.

JR Raphael, Foundry

Whatever image you copied will instantly be inserted into your message, without any extra effort required.

And last but not least…

Android clipboard trick #10: The auto-Windows sync

If you’re using Android alongside Windows and want to make your phone’s and computer’s clipboards seamlessly synced — so anything you copy in one place is instantly available on the other, always, without any manual sharing or active effort required — you can do that by using Microsoft’s own SwiftKey Android keyboard.

That’s the catch, though: You’ve gotta be okay with switching over to SwiftKey as your go-to Android keyboard. It’s a perfectly decent keyboard, and you might end up liking it. But especially if you’re already accustomed to Gboard and its assorted systems and features, it may or may not be a change you’re eager to embrace.

If you do, though, you can then create an automatic two-way sync between your Android device’s clipboard and your Windows computer’s clipboard. You just have to be sure to sign into SwiftKey with the same account you use in Windows, then follow Microsoft’s steps for enabling the sync in both places.

Once you do, anything you copy in one place will immediately be ready to paste in the other — which is a pretty powerful productivity perk.

Not bad for an area of Android that’s almost always out of sight, eh?

Get even more advanced shortcut knowledge with my free Android Shortcut Supercourse. You’ll learn tons of time-saving tricks!

The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on two North Korean financial institutions and eight individuals involved in laundering cryptocurrency stolen in cybercrime and fraudulent IT worker schemes. [...]

Behind every alert is an analyst; tired eyes scanning dashboards, long nights spent on false positives, and the constant fear of missing something big. It’s no surprise that many SOCs face burnout before they face their next breach. But this doesn’t have to be the norm. The path out isn’t through working harder, but through working smarter, together. Here are three practical steps every SOC can

Behind every alert is an analyst; tired eyes scanning dashboards, long nights spent on false positives, and the constant fear of missing something big. It’s no surprise that many SOCs face burnout before they face their next breach. But this doesn’t have to be the norm. The path out isn’t through working harder, but through working smarter, together. Here are three practical steps every SOC can [email protected]

Windows 11 24H2 has been released, but behind the scenes, Microsoft is constantly working to improve the newest version of Windows. The company frequently rolls out public preview builds to members of its Windows Insider Program, allowing them to test out — and help shape — upcoming features.

Skip to the latest builds

The Windows Insider program is divided into four channels:

• The Canary Channel is where platform changes (such as major updates to the Windows kernel and new APIs) are previewed. These changes are not tied to a particular Windows release and may never ship at all. Little documentation is provided, and builds are likely to be very unstable. This channel is best for highly technical users.
• The Dev Channel is where new features are introduced for initial testing, regardless of which Windows release they’ll eventually end up in. This channel is best for technical users and developers and builds in it may be unstable and buggy.
• In the Beta Channel, you’ll get more polished features that will be deployed in the next major Windows release. This channel is best for early adopters, and Microsoft says your feedback in this channel will have the most impact.
• The Release Preview Channel typically doesn’t see action until shortly before a new feature update is rolled out. It’s meant for final testing of an upcoming release and is best for those who want the most stable builds.

The Beta and Release Preview Channels also receive bug-fix builds for the currently shipping version of Windows 11. See “How to preview and deploy Windows 10 and 11 updates” for more details about the four channels and how to switch to a different channel.

Not everyone can participate in the Windows 11 Insider program, because the new operating system has more stringent system requirements than Windows 10. If your PC fails to meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, you cannot join the Windows 11 Insider Program. (See “How to check if your PC can run Windows 11.”)

Below you’ll find information about the Windows 11 preview builds that have been announced by Microsoft in the past six months. (For the Release Preview Channel, we cover builds released for the current version of Windows 11, not for earlier versions.) For each build, we’ve included the date of its release, which Insider channel it was released to, a summary of what’s in the build, and a link to Microsoft’s announcement about it.

Note: If you’re looking for information about updates being rolled out to all Windows 11 users, not previews for Windows Insiders, see “Windows 11: A guide to the updates.”

The latest Windows 11 Insider preview builds Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27982

Release date: November 4, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build gradually rolls out several new features, including one in which you can add, remove, and rearrange lock screen widgets such as Weather, Watchlist, and Sports on the lock screen. Windows also provides suggested widgets on the lock screen. To customize your lock screen widgets, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

Also new is a “drag tray” that appears at the top of your screen when you drag a local file from File Explorer or your desktop. You can drop the file into one of the displayed apps or select More to open the Windows share window.

A variety of bugs have been fixed, including one in which if you used your PC for a while without rebooting, explorer.exe might start crashing repeatedly.

There are two known issues in this build, one in which sleep and shutdown aren’t working correctly for some Insiders, and the other in which the new Start menu unexpectedly scrolls to the top.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27982.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051

Release date: October 31, 2025

Released to: Beta and Dev Channels

In this build, those have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of features being gradually rolled out, including Ask Copilot in the taskbar, which gives  you one-click access to Copilot Vision and Voice, so you can search via Copilot using text, voice, or guided support with Copilot Vision. As you type, results appear and update instantly. Turn it on by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot.  You can also manage whether the Copilot app launches automatically at sign-in using the “Auto start on log in” toggle in the Copilot app settings.

The same group gets a variety of bug fixes being rolled out gradually, including one to address an issue in which  interacting with a folder or its contents in Start menu could result in the folder becoming invisible.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which the scrollbar and footer are missing in File Explorer when text is scaled in the dark mode version of the copy dialog.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6982

Release date: October 24, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, those have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of changes being gradually rolled out, including Copy & Search, which allows you to search the text in your clipboard with a single click. When you copy text anywhere in Windows, a paste gleam will appear in your search box. Click on this gleam and your copied text will appear in the search field, allowing you to search instantly.

The same group gets a variety of bug fixes, including one for a bug in which the search icon in File Explorer sometimes infinitely looped in an animation.

There are five known issues in this build, including one in which the scrollbar and footer are missing in File Explorer when text is scaled in dark mode version of the copy dialog.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6982.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27975 

Release date: October 23, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build has, in Microsoft’s words, a “small set of general improvements and fixes” that improve Windows.

A variety of bugs have also been fixed, including one in which Settings crashed when accessing drive information under Settings > System > Storage. This also impacted accessing the drive information from the properties when you right-clicked a drive in File Explorer.

There are two known issues in this build, one in which sleep and shutdown aren’t working correctly for some Insiders, and the other in which the new Start menu unexpectedly scrolled to the top.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27975.)

Windows 11 Builds 26100.7015 and 26200.7015

Release date: October 21, 2025

Released to: Release Preview Channel

This update includes a wide variety of new features being rolled out gradually, including a redesigned Start menu that includes a scrollable All section, has new category and grid views, and which adapts to your screen size. The build also includes new features for Click to Do, which can now translate text into other languages. File Explorer now has a recommended files feature that shows content such as files you frequently use, have recently downloaded, or have added to your File Explorer Gallery.

Two bugs are fixed in this build: one that caused an ACCESS_DENIED error when users attempted to change passwords remotely on member servers or workgroup devices, even when they had the required permissions, and another in which protected content playback failed on some machines after installing KB506408.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 26100.7015 and 26200.7015.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972

Release date: October 17, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, those who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a new feature being rolled out slowly, which lets you add and manage your mobile devices from Settings by navigating to “Mobile Devices” under the Bluetooth & Devices section. The page allows you to view your mobile devices, add new mobile devices, and manage features such as using your device as a connected camera or accessing your device’s files in File Explorer.

Those who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get two bug fixes being rolled out slowly, one for a bug that caused File Explorer to show a Catastrophic Error (0x8000FFFF) when extracting large (1.5GB+) archive files, and another that sometimes caused an old white toolbar to randomly appear in File Explorer.

There are five known issues in this build, including one in which the scrollbar and footer are missing in File Explorer when text is scaled in the copy dialog in dark mode.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27971 

Release date: October 16, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

In this build, the Notification Center can be used on secondary monitors. You’ll be able to see your calendar on any of your monitors and open Notification Center on any of them by clicking the date and time in the system tray of your taskbar. Note that this functionality will be rolled out gradually.

A variety of bugs have been fixed, including one in which File Explorer crashed when transferring files to a network drive.

There are three known issues in this build, including one in which sleep and shutdown aren’t working correctly for some Insiders.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27971.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6780 

Release date: October 10, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, those with Copilot+ PCs who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a handful of changes and new features, including one in Settings in which more results appear in the search flyout and let you quickly modify the settings you’re searching for.

Those with any PCs who have turned the toggle on get several changes, including a new OneDrive icon in Accounts and Homepages in Settings, and the return of the ability to enable Administrator Protection via Windows Security under Account protection.

The same group gets a variety of bug fixes, including one for an issue in the previous flight in which File Explorer frequently crashed, and another that was causing the Start menu to unexpectedly scroll to the top when interacting with it.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which the scrollbar and footer are missing in File Explorer when text is scaled in the copy dialog in dark mode.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6780.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6780 

Release date: October 10, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This update is identical to Build 26120.6780 for the Beta Channel, detailed above.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6780.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27965

Release date: October 8, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This update introduces a new scrollable Start menu, with “All” on the top level, so apps are accessible without having to navigate to a secondary page. There are also new category and grid views to browse and launch your installed apps in the “All” section. The new menu adapts its size based on your device’s screen size.

There are also several bug fixes, including one in which the taskbar was not autohiding correctly.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which Settings may crash when accessing drive information under Settings > System > Storage. This also impacts accessing the drive information from the properties when you right-click a drive in File Explorer.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27965.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27959

Release date: October 6, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This update introduces the option to move the hardware indicators for brightness, volume, airplane mode, and virtual desktops to different positions on your screen, including the current bottom position and new top-left and top-center positions.

There are also a variety of bug fixes, including for one in which icons and text sometimes overlapped on the desktop when using increased text scaling.

There is one known issue in this build, in which sleep and shutdown aren’t working correctly for some Insiders.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27959.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6772

Release date: October 6, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, those who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features, including Image Object select for Click to Do in Copilot+ PCs, in which you can   hover over your image to preview selectable areas. Once selected, you can copy and paste your object into other apps or use it to kick off a chat with Copilot. Also included are improvements to dark mode for File Explorer for all PCs and the ability to use peripheral fingerprint sensors with Windows Hello. These changes are rolling out gradually.

The same group gets a variety of bugs fixed, including one in which Encrypted File System (EFS) related dialogs in File Explorer weren’t responding to increased text scaling. The bug fixes are rolling out gradually.

There are five known issues in this build, including one in which some searches may show unexpected text instead of the expected results and images.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6772.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6772 

Release date: October 6, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This update is identical to Build 26120.6772, detailed above.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6772.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6760

Release date: September 29, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, those who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features, including the ability to do a network speed test straight from the taskbar. You can launch it via the Wi-Fi and Cellular Quick Settings pages or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. The tool opens in your default browser and supports testing Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections. It helps in assessing network performance and troubleshooting.

The same group gets a variety of bug fixes, including for an issue in which the battery icon got out of sync with the actual charging state — for example, it would show that you weren’t plugged in when you were.

Everyone in the Beta Channel gets a variety of bug fixes, including one for developers that addresses an issue in which PIX on Windows was unable to play back GPU captures. 

There are six known issues in this build, including one in which some searches may show unexpected text instead of the expected results and images.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6760.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760 

Release date: September 29, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This build is for those who have already upgraded to Windows 11 version 25H2.

In this build, those who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features, including the ability to do a network speed test straight from the taskbar. You can launch it via the Wi-Fi and Cellular Quick Settings pages or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. The tool opens in your default browser and supports testing Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections. It helps in assessing network performance and troubleshooting.

The same group gets a variety of bug fixes, including for an issue in which the battery icon got out of sync with the actual charging state — for example, it would show that you weren’t plugged in when you were.

Everyone in the Dev Channel gets a variety of bug fixes, including one for developers that addresses an issue in which PIX on Windows was unable to play back GPU captures. 

There are six known issues in this build, including one in which some searches may show unexpected text instead of the expected results and images.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27954

Release date: September 25, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build includes, in Microsoft’s words, “a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running” Windows. It also includes fixes one bug in which you might not be able to connect to shared files and folders if you were using the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol on NetBIOS over TCP/IP NetBIOS (NetBT) after the latest updates.

There is one known issue in this build, in which PIX on Windows is unable to play back GPU captures on this OS version. This will be addressed by a new PIX release, estimated to arrive by the end of September. In the meantime, if you are affected, you can use the “Send Feedback” button in PIX or contact Microsoft on the DirectX Discord server and get help via private builds.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27954.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6690

Release date: September 19, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

For those who have Copilot+ PCs and have turned on a toggle to receive the latest update, this build gradually rolls out several new features, including one in which Click to Do can let users translate on-screen text with just a few clicks. 

All PCs that have turned a toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one in which File Explorer became unresponsive if a UNC server name was directly typed into address bar. There are 10 known issues in this build, including one in which the placeholder text in the Settings search box may appear vertically misaligned.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6690.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6690

Release date: September 19, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This build is for those who have already upgraded to Windows 11 version 25H2. 

For those who have Copilot+ PCs and have turned on a toggle to receive the latest update, this build gradually rolls out several new features, including one in which Click to Do can let you translate on-screen text with just a few clicks. 

All PCs which have turned a toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one in which File Explorer became unresponsive if a UNC server name was directly typed into address bar. There are 10 known issues in this build, including one in which the placeholder text in the Settings search box may appear vertically misaligned.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6690.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27950

Release date: September 19, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build includes, in Microsoft’s words, “a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running” Windows. In addition, Advanced Settings will revert to the previous “For Developers” experience after updating to this build. 

There are also a number of bug fixes, including one in which the app preview windows in the taskbar became misaligned (away from the app icon you’d clicked / hovered over) after a display resolution change. 

There are two known issues in this build, including one for developers in which PIX on Windows is unable to play back GPU captures. This will be addressed by a new PIX release, estimated to arrive by the end of September. In the meantime, anyone impacted can use the “Send Feedback” button in PIX or contact Microsoft on the DirectX Discord server and Microsoft can help provide private builds.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27950.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 26100.6713 and 26200.6713

Release date: September 12, 2025

Released to: Release Preview Channel

Build 26100.6713 is for those on Windows 11 24H2, and 26200.6713 is for those on Windows 25H2.

These builds gradually roll out a large number of new features, including AI actions in File Explorer for editing images or summarizing documents, and the ability to pin favorite apps in the Windows share window to quickly access them when you need them.

The builds fix several bugs immediately, including one that disrupted Windows Update for those using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Additionally, several bug fixes are being gradually rolled out, including for a bug in which when Windows Sandbox was enabled, the VmmemCmFirstBoot process may have consumed large amounts of CPU after login, causing your PC to become unresponsive.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 26100.6713 and 26200.6713.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682

Release date: September 12, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

For those who have Copilot+ PCs and have turned the toggle on to receive the latest update, this build gradually rolls out a new Copilot prompt box in Click to Do designed to streamline interaction with Microsoft Copilot.

New emoji from Emoji 16.0 are being gradually rolled out in the emoji panel for those who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including for one that caused some PCs to bug check (green screen) while hibernating, and another in which the Shared section in File Explorer Home was visible even if there was no content to display.

There are seven known issues in this build, including one in which the placeholder text in the Settings search box may appear vertically misaligned.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6682

Release date: September 12, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This build is for those who have already upgraded to Windows 11 version 25H2.

For those who have Copilot+ PCs and have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates, this build gradually rolls out a new Copilot prompt box in Click to Do designed to streamline interaction with Microsoft Copilot. New emoji from Emoji 16.0 are also being gradually rolled out to the same group.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including for one that caused some PCs to bug check (green screen) while hibernating, and another in which the Shared section in File Explorer Home was visible even if there was no content to display.

There are seven known issues in this build, including one in which the placeholder text in the Settings search box may appear vertically misaligned.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6682.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27943

Release date: September 11, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build includes, in Microsoft’s words, “a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running” Windows.

There are also a number of bug fixes, including for a bug that caused Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files to get stuck when scanning files. This issue also caused the entry to clean up previous Windows Installations to not show in Storage Settings.

There are five known issues in this build, including one in which audio stops working and Device Manager shows one or more devices with a yellow exclamation mark, including “ACPI Audio Compositor” and others. Selecting Properties on these devices will show “Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing.”

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27943.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938

Release date: September 8, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build introduces AI actions into File Explorer. These offer new capabilities when you right-click a file, such as editing a graphic or summarizing a Word document. For now, there are four of them, all related to image files. You can perform a Bing search based on an image file, blur the background in an image, erase objects in an image, and remove the background in an image.

A number of bugs have been fixed, including one that caused Task Manager to freeze when going to the performance section, and another in which the red color used for a low space drive in This PC was unexpectedly light colored.

The build has five known issues, including one in which audio stops working and Device Manager shows one or more devices with a yellow exclamation mark.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5790 

Release date: September 5, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

For those who have Copilot+ PCs, this build introduces fluid dictation, which makes voice-based dictation easier. It automatically corrects grammar, punctuation, and filler words as you speak, reducing the need for manual editing. In addition, being rolled out on supported Copilot+ PCs is the ability to use Studio Effect’s AI-powered camera enhancements with an additional, alternative camera — such as a USB webcam or your laptop’s built-in rear camera.

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new on-hover actions in File Manager Home for faster file management.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for a bug in which the right-click context menu in File Explorer sometimes unexpectedly switched back and forth between the normal initial view and “Show more options” with each right-click when certain apps were installed.

There are five known issues in this build, including one in which for some users, the Shared section in File Explorer Home may be visible even if there is no content to display.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5790.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.5790 

Release date: September 5, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This build appears to be identical to Build 26120.5790 for the Beta Channel, detailed above.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.5790.)

Windows 11 version 25H2

Release date: August 29, 2025

Released to: Release Preview Channel

This is an early preview of next major Windows 11 release, version 25H2. Among its improvements is allowing IT admins to remove select pre-installed Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy/MDM CSP on Enterprise/EDU devices. Version 25H2 also removes PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC) from Windows 11. 

Commercial customers enrolled in the Windows Insider Program for Business can use the release to begin validating Windows 11 25H2 on PCs in their organizations. For these customers, Windows 11 25H2 is available through Windows Update for Business (WUfB) and Windows Server Update Service (WSUS).  You can get more information about deploying prerelease feature updates using these deployment methods. 

Get more info about Windows 11 version 25H2.

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5770

Release date: August 29, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

For those who have Copilot+ PCs, this build introduces a new text action in Click to Do that lets you highlight any simple table from a source and immediately send it to Excel, copy, or share it, without retyping a single cell. You can do this from any document with an embedded table, such as a school calendar from a photo, a table shared over Teams in a meeting, and others.

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features and improvements, including one in Narrator called Braille viewer that allows you to see on-screen textual and Braille representation of the output shown on a refreshable Braille display.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including for a bug that caused explorer.exe to crash when using Alt + Tab for some Insiders.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which for some users, the Shared section in File Explorer Home may be visible even if there is no content to display.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5770.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5770

Release date: August 29, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

For those who have Copilot+ PCs, this build introduces a new text action in Click to Do that lets you highlight any simple table from a source and immediately send it to Excel, copy, or share it, without retyping a single cell. You can do this from any document with an embedded table, such as a school calendar from a photo, a table shared over Teams in a meeting, and others.

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features and improvements, including one in Narrator called Braille viewer that allows you to see on-screen textual and Braille representation of the output shown on a refreshable Braille display.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including for a bug that caused explorer.exe to crash when using Alt + Tab for some Insiders.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which for some users, the Shared section in File Explorer Home may be visible even if there is no content to display.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5770.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27934

Release date: August 29, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build includes, in Microsoft’s words, “a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience” on Windows.

There are also a number of bug fixes, including one for a bug that caused an increase in DWM crashes in the previous build (which could lead to you seeing a black flash).

There are three known issues in this build, including one in which the red color used for a low space drive in This PC may be unexpectedly light colored. Some of the other colors may also be incorrect, including that black instead of a more visible color is used for space remaining.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27934.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5761

Release date: August 22, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features rolled out gradually, including one that will let you seamlessly resume using apps from your Android phone on your Windows 11 PC, starting with the Spotify app.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one that addresses an issue in which the new “Copy current user settings to the welcome screen and system accounts” setting under Time & Language > Language & Region crashed Settings for some Insiders.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which for some users, the Shared section in File Explorer Home may be visible even if there is no content to display.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5761.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761

Release date: August 22, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features rolled out gradually, including one that will let you seamlessly resume using apps from your Android phone on your Windows 11 PC, starting with the Spotify app.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one that addresses an issue in which the new “Copy current user settings to the welcome screen and system accounts” setting under Time & Language > Language & Region crashed Settings for some Insiders.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which for some users, the Shared section in File Explorer Home may be visible even if there is no content to display.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27928

Release date: August 20, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build includes a variety of minor changes, including moving time and language settings from Control Panel to Settings. For instance, you can change your time server in Settings > Time & language > Date & time under “Additional settings.”

A number of bugs have also been fixed, including one in which File Explorer preview windows sometimes appeared when hovering over unrelated app icons in the taskbar.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which launching cmd non-elevated from the Run dialog may open in Windows Console Host rather than Windows Terminal, even if Windows Terminal is your default terminal app. If you’re experiencing this, you can type wt into Run to launch Windows Terminal directly.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27928.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5751

Release date: August 15, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

This build introduces new selection modes in Click to Do for those with Copilot+ PCs. The new modes allow you to select multiple different entity types in a single gesture.

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features rolled out gradually, including one that updates the “Open with” section of the File Explorer context menu when right-clicking a file to remove the accent colored backplate behind packaged app icons in the list (for example, for Snipping Tool). The icons should now be bigger and easier to see.

The same group gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for an issue in which the “Hide this pane” option for the mobile device companion for the Start menu was difficult to see if a custom accent color had been enabled.

There are five known issues in this build, including one in which some Windows Insiders may experience a rollback trying to install this update with a 0x80070005 in Windows Update.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5751.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5751

Release date: August 15, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This build introduces new selection modes in Click to Do for those with Copilot+ PCs. The new modes allow you to select multiple different entity types in a single gesture.

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features rolled out gradually, including one that updates the “Open with” section of the File Explorer context menu when right-clicking a file to remove the accent colored backplate behind packaged app icons in the list (for example, for Snipping Tool). The icons should now be bigger and easier to see.

The same group gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for an issue in which the “Hide this pane” option for the mobile device companion for the Start menu was difficult to see if a custom accent color had been enabled.

There are six known issues in this build, including one in which some Windows Insiders may experience a rollback trying to install this update with a 0x80070005 in Windows Update. 

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5751.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27924

Release date: August 14, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build includes a variety of new features for Copilot+ PCs being rolled out gradually, including previews of Recall and Click-to-Do, as well as an improved Windows Search, agents to make it easier to make changes in Settings, and live captions with real-time translation.

In addition, all PCs get new advanced settings available via Settings > System > Advanced. Notable among the additions are a new Advanced page for fine-grained control.

There are also several bug fixes, including for a bug in which Remote Desktop only used your primary monitor even if it was configured to use multiple monitors.

There are six known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27924.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.5061 (KB5064081)

Release date: August 14, 2025

Released to: Release Preview Channel

This build gradually rolls out a large number of new features, including one for Copilot+ PCs in which Windows Recall opens to a personalized homepage that shows you your recent activity and top-used apps and websites, making it easy to pick up where you left off.

The build also fixes several bugs, including one that prevented some system recovery features from working properly due to a temporary file sharing conflict. This affected certain device management tools and disrupted key functions on some devices.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.5061.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919

Release date: August 8, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build brings several Windows Search settings into a single page, via Settings > Privacy & security > Search. It also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in which File Explorer sometimes crashed when trying to view the digital signatures tab in the properties for a file.

There are six known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5742

Release date: August 8, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of changes being gradually rolled out, including one in which the mobile device companion gets an updated layout that lets you access more information from Start. You can now scroll to access more recent activity items, including messages, calls, photos, mobile app updates and more.

In addition, the same group gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including for a bug in which the tooltips in File Explorer unexpectedly stayed visible.

There are nine known issues in this build, including one in which in dark mode, the colors for certain items may be incorrect — for example, the red color used for a low-space drive in This PC may be unexpectedly light colored.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5742.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5742

Release date: August 8, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features rolled out gradually, including one in which six time and language settings are being moved from Control Panel to Settings.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including for a bug in which the tooltips in File Explorer sometimes unexpectedly stayed visible.

There are seven known issues in this build, including one in which live captions sometimes crash when you attempt to use live translation on a Copilot+ PC.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5742.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5733 

Release date: August 1, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

For Insiders in the Beta Channel who are signed in with a work or school account (Entra ID) and have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates, File Explorer will begin showing people icons under the “Activity” column on File Explorer Home and on “Recommended” at the top of File Explorer Home. When you hover or click over a people icon, it will display the Live Persona Card for that person from Microsoft 365.

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates also get a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one that addresses an issue that caused the Start menu to crash for some Insiders.

There are seven known issues in this build, including one in which live captions sometimes crash when you attempt to use live translation on a Copilot+ PC.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5733.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5733

Release date: August 1, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

For Insiders in the Dev Channel who are signed in with a work or school account (Entra ID) and have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates, File Explorer will begin showing people icons under the “Activity” column on File Explorer Home and on “Recommended” at the top of File Explorer Home. When you hover or click over a people icon, it will display the Live Persona Card for that person from Microsoft 365.

In addition, those in the Dev Channel who have opted to receive the latest updates get a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one that addresses an issue that caused the Start menu to crash for some Insiders.

There are nine known issues in this build, including one in which in dark mode, the colors for certain items may be incorrect — for example, the red color used for a low-space drive in This PC may be unexpectedly light colored.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5733.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27913

Release date: July 30, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build, according to Microsoft, “includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.”

It also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Settings in which the Windows Vista boot sound was unexpectedly being used instead of the Windows 11 boot sound.

There are two known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27913.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 

Release date: July 28, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, AMD- and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs get a new AI-based agent that will change your settings when you ask it to customize your PC in some way. You can describe what you need help with, such as “how to control my PC by voice” or “my mouse pointer is too small,” and the agent will recommend the right steps you can take to address the issue. The agent uses AI to understand your intent, and with your permission, it automates and executes tasks on your behalf. It works only if your primary display language is set to English.

In addition, those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features rolled out gradually, including one in which Windows can apply enterprise pins more quickly to the taskbar when initiated by the IT admins. It reduces the gap between an IT admin applying the pinning policy and when their users see a pin on their taskbar. Today, the policy only applies when Explorer restarts. With this change, the gap is only up to ~8 hours (policy refresh interval) and sidesteps the Explorer restart requirement.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one that addresses problems (such as not supporting the swipe-up gesture) with using touch to navigate the new Start menu.

Everyone in the Beta Channel gets a single fix for a bug in which external graphics cards connected over Thunderbolt were unexpectedly not discoverable in some cases.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which live captions sometimes crash when you attempt to use live translation on a Copilot+ PC.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 

Release date: July 28, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This build is identical to Build 26120.5722 for the Beta Channel. See the listing above for details.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27909

Release date: July 25, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build, according to Microsoft, “includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.”

It also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Settings in which the the battery percentage was missing from the top of System > Power & Battery.

There are five known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27909.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4741

Release date: July 18, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, AMD- and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs get a new “describe image” action in Click to Do that shows detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs, offering a quick overview of the visual content. Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs received the feature previously.

In addition, those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features rolled out gradually, including one in which you can more easily find and use lock screen widgets. The feature can be enabled or disabled with the Discover widgets toggle under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

The same group also gets two bug fixes rolled out gradually, including for a bug in which Notification Center content sometimes got clipped if you’d enabled the clock in Notification Center.

There are eight known issues in this build, including one in which using touch to navigate the new Start menu may not work reliably. For example, it currently does not support the swipe-up gesture.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4741.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5710

Release date: July 18, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, AMD- and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs get a new “describe image” action in Click to Do that shows detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs, offering a quick overview of the visual content. Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs have already received the feature.

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features rolled out gradually, including one that offers suggestions to help you discover new widgets. The feature can be enabled or disabled using the Discover widgets toggle under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

In addition, a variety of bug fixes are being rolled out gradually to the same group, including one that fixes an underlying issue with dbgcore.dll, which led to explorer.exe and some other apps crashing.

There are eight known issues in this build, including one in which multiple error pop-ups about unexpected elements may appear when opening Group Policy Editor.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5710.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27902

Release date: July 17, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build, according to Microsoft, “includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.”

It also fixes two bugs, including one in which the Camera app got stuck on some PCs after switching between front and back camera.

There are six known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27902.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702

Release date: July 14, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs get a new “describe image” action in Click to Do, which shows detailed descriptions of images, charts and graphs, offering a quick overview of the visual content. Support for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs will be coming soon.

In addition, those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including Administrator protection, a security feature that aims to protect free floating admin rights for administrator users allowing them to still perform all admin functions with just-in-time admin privileges. This feature is off by default and needs to be enabled via Windows Security under Account protection or via group policy.

The same group gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for a bug that caused random File Explorer preview windows to appear when hovering over unrelated app icons in the taskbar.

There are eight known issues in this build, including one in which multiple error pop-ups about unexpected elements may appear when opening Group Policy Editor.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733

Release date: July 14, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs get a new “describe image” action in Click to Do, which shows detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs, offering a quick overview of the visual content. Support for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs will be coming soon.

In addition, those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including Administrator protection, a security feature that aims to protect free floating admin rights for administrator users, allowing them to still perform all admin functions with just-in-time admin privileges. This feature is off by default and needs to be enabled via Windows Security under Account protection or via group policy.

A variety of bug fixes are being rolled out gradually to the same group, including one that addresses an issue in which app updates sometimes caused the icons for app shortcuts pinned to the desktop to become white pages rather than proper thumbnail images.

There are eight known issues in this build, including one in which using touch to navigate the new Start menu may not work reliably. For example, it currently does not support the swipe-up gesture.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898

Release date: July 11, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build introduces Quick machine recovery, a feature introduced as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative at Ignite 2024. When enabled, it automatically detects and fixes widespread issues on Windows 11 devices using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This reduces downtime and avoids the need for manual fixes. If a device experiences a widespread boot issue, it enters WinRE, connects to the internet, and Microsoft can deliver a targeted fix through Windows Update. IT admins can enable or customize this experience for their organization through the Intune Settings Catalog UI using the RemoteRemediation CSP.

There are five known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.4762 (KB5062660)

Release date: July 10, 2025

Released to: Release Preview Channel

This build gradually rolls out a number of new features, including one for admins in which the Configure Start Pins policy now includes an option to apply Start menu pins only once. This means users will receive the admin Start menu pins on their first sign-in (day 0), but afterward can personalize their pinned layout, and those changes will be retained. This policy can also be applied through group policy, in addition to the existing Configuration Service Provider (CSP).

In addition, several bug fixes are being immediately rolled out, including one that addresses an issue in which File Explorer Home unexpectedly displayed only a single folder (for example, Desktop), rather than the expected content with recent files.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.4762.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27891 

Release date: July 3, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

In this build, Windows PowerShell 2.0 has been removed. A number of bugs have also been fixed, including one in which the “Reset this PC” option under Settings > System > Recovery did not work.

There are three known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27891.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520

Release date: June 27, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including 1Password passkey integration in beta.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for a bug in which File Explorer Home crashed, potentially also making File Explorer crash on launch, since Home is the default section for File Explorer.

There are seven known issues in this build, including one in which using touch to navigate the new Start menu may not work reliably. For example, it currently does not support the swipe-up gesture.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5670

Release date: June 27, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including 1Password passkey integration in beta.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for a bug in which File Explorer Home crashed, potentially also making File Explorer crash on launch, since Home is the default section for File Explorer.

Everyone in the Dev Channel gets two bug fixes, including one that addresses the Windows Vista boot sound playing instead of the Windows 11 boot sound.

There are seven known issues in this build, including one in which using touch to navigate the new Start menu may not work reliably. For example, it currently does not support the swipe-up gesture.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5670.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4452

Release date: June 23, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, Copilot+ PCs get a new Windows Recall homepage, which shows you your most recent snapshots so you can quickly return to what you were previously doing, and also displays the top three apps and websites you have spent the most time on in the past 24 hours.

In addition, those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including the option to move the hardware indicators for brightness, volume, airplane mode, and virtual desktops to different positions on your screen.

Some additional improvements are being gradually rolled out to the same group, including the addition of a Boolean to the Configure Start Pins policy to allow admins to apply Start menu pins once. This means that a user will receive admin pins on day 0 but can then make any changes to their Start pinned layout and have those safeguarded. These changes can be optionally applied through the existing configuration service provider (CSP).

A handful of bug fixes are rolling out to the same group, including one that addresses an issue in which File Explorer Home only showed a single folder (like Desktop) and nothing else for some people.

Several bugs have been fixed for everyone in the Beta Channel, including one in which the Windows Vista boot sound played instead of the Windows 11 boot sound.

There are 10 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4452.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661

Release date: June 23, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, Copilot+ PCs get a new Windows Recall homepage, which shows you your most recent snapshots so you can quickly return to what you were previously doing, and also displays the top three apps and websites you have spent the most time on in the past 24 hours.

In addition, those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including the option to move the hardware indicators for brightness, volume, airplane mode, and virtual desktops to different positions on your screen.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for a bug in which the File Explorer Home only showed a single folder (like Desktop) and nothing else for some people.

Everyone in the Dev Channel gets several bug fixes, including for one in which the Windows Vista boot sound played instead of the Windows 11 boot sound.

There are 10 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26200. This will not prevent you from getting future Dev Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 

Release date: June 19, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build introduces speech recapto Narrator. It lets you keep track of what Narrator has said and offers access to it for quick reference. With it, you can quickly access spoken content, follow along with live transcription, and copy what Narrator last said, using keyboard shortcuts.

A number of bugs have also been fixed, including one in which File Explorer crashed when the user tapped the View button using touch.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.4482 (KB5060829)

Release date: June 19, 2025

Released to: Release Preview Channel

This build gradually rolls out a number of new features, including automatic icon resizing in the taskbar to fit more apps, and a new Screen Curtain feature that blacks out the screen while Narrator reads content aloud. Also new is the ability add custom words to the dictionary in voice access.

In addition, several bug fixes are being immediately rolled out, including one that improves the Copilot key’s reliability and resolves an issue that prevented users from restarting Copilot after using the key.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.4482.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441

Release date: June 13, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, those with Copilot+ PCs in the European Economic area get the option to export their Recall snapshots to be shared with third-party apps and websites. When they open Recall for the first time and opt into saving snapshots, they will be shown their unique Recall export code. The Recall export code will be needed if they ever choose to export their Recall snapshots to share with a trusted app or website in the future.

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features being gradually rolled out, including a bigger clock with seconds in the notification center.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for an issue in which folders opened outside of File Explorer would open it in a new File Explorer tab, but the tab wasn’t put in focus.

There are nine known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651

Release date: June 13, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, Copilot+ PCs get agents that can help make it easier to find and change settings on PCs. Rather than dig through settings, you’ll be able to simply describe what you need help with like, “how to control my PC by voice” or “my mouse pointer is too small” and an agent will recommend the right steps you can take to address the issue.

In addition, those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features being gradually rolled out, including a bigger clock with seconds in the notification center.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for an issue in which folders opened outside of File Explorer would open it in a new File Explorer tab, but the tab wasn’t put in focus.

There are 13 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26200. This will not prevent you from getting future Dev Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4250 

Release date: June 9, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features being gradually rolled out, including a larger scrollable Start menu. The menu automatically resizes itself according to the size of your screen, and offers two views, category and grid. In addition, the “Search permissions” and “Searching Windows” settings pages have been combined so you can access all the Windows Search settings under a single page via Settings > Privacy & security > Search.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for a bug in which input did not work for some Insiders, including when typing into Search, and with the Chinese pinyin IME candidate window, clipboard history, and the emoji panel.

For everyone in the Beta Channel, the build fixes a bug in which some people might have seen severe discoloration when connecting their PC to some older Dolby Vision displays.

There are nine known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4250.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5641

Release date: June 9, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a variety of new features being gradually rolled out, including a larger scrollable Start menu. The menu automatically resizes itself according to the size of your screen, and offers two views, category and grid. In addition, the “Search permissions” and “Searching Windows” settings pages have been combined so you can access all the Windows Search settings under a single page via Settings > Privacy & security > Search.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for a bug in which input did not work for some Insiders, including when typing into Search, and with the Chinese pinyin IME candidate window, clipboard history, and the emoji panel.

For everyone in the Dev Channel, the build fixes a bug in which some people might have seen severe discoloration when connecting their PC to some older Dolby Vision displays.

There are 12 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26200. This will not prevent you from getting future Dev Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5641.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27871 

Release date: June 4, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

In this build, IT administrators can use Microsoft Intune to control the energy saver settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and MDM configurations.

A number of bugs have also been fixed, including one in which when Virtualization Based Security was enabled, applications dependent on virtualization, such as VMware Workstation, lost the ability to run unless the “Windows Hypervisor Platform” Windows optional component was installed on the system.

There are two known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27871.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4230 

Release date: June 2, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get a new dedicated settings page for quick machine recovery, which can be found under System > Recovery > Quick machine recovery. This makes it easier to manage recovery options directly from Settings. This is being gradually rolled out.

A variety of bug fixes are being rolled out gradually to the same group, including one addressing a bug that caused File Explorer to crash performing various actions, such as when deleting files. 

For everyone in the Beta Channel, a bug is fixed in which when Virtualization Based Security was enabled, applications dependent on virtualization, such as VMware Workstation, would lose the ability to run unless the “Windows Hypervisor Platform” Windows optional component is installed on the system.

There are nine known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4230.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5622 

Release date: June 2, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, those with Copilot+ PCs get a new action in Click to Do, Draft with Copilot in Word. Select text, press the Windows key and click simultaneously, and choose Draft with Copilot in Word. Copilot will create an initial draft based on the text.

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including quick machine recovery, designed to help Windows 11 devices recover from widespread boot issues by applying remediations through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

The same group also gets several bug fixes, including for an issue in which File Explorer crashed when performing various actions, such as deleting files.

There are eight known issues in this build, including one in which taskbar icons may appear small even though the setting to show smaller taskbar buttons is configured as “never.”

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5622.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27868 

Release date: May 29, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

In this build, voice access has been redesigned to help you more easily discover and learn about new features. You can launch or dismiss this new experience from the settings menu.

Several bugs have been fixed, including one that was causing pen input to be non-responsive on some PCs.

There are six known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27868.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161 

Release date: May 23, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

This build begins the rollout of a new Click-to-Do action that uses Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant to rewrite or elaborate on selected text. To get started, select text, then press the Windows key and click, then choose the Draft with Copilot in Word action. (This feature requires a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.)

In addition, those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features, including the ability to add, remove, and rearrange lock screen widgets such as Weather, Watchlist, Sports, Traffic, and more. Any widget that supports the small sizing option can be added here. To customize your lock screen widgets, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Note that these features are being rolled out gradually.

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates also get a variety of bug fixes rolled out gradually, including one for a bug in which the Describe image feature of narrator wasn’t working.

There are nine known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27863 

Release date: May 23, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build adds support for post-quantum signature algorithm ML-DSA in NCrypt and BCrypt cryptography API surfaces, as well as Crypt32 certificate APIs. Three variants are supported, ML-DSA 44, 65, and 87. 

Several bugs have been fixed, including one in which Windows Sandbox was not working and showed error 0xc0370106 on launch.

There are six known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27863.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151

Release date: May 19, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features, including AI actions in File Explorer, which offers a set of AI-related tools when you right-click a file. For now, the only AI tools available are for image files, including Bing Visual Search for searching the web using an image instead of text, as well as several AI-related image-editing capabilities. Eventually, other features will be added, such as summarizing documents using Copilot. These features, including the ones related to images, are being rolled out gradually.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes being rolled out gradually, including one that addresses a bug in which if File Explorer was maximized and you clicked the new tab button, it would unmaximize the window.

There are 12 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603

Release date: May 19, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features, including AI actions in File Explorer, which offers a set of AI-related tools when you right-click a file. For now, the only AI tools available are for image files, including Bing Visual Search for searching the web using an image instead of text, as well as several AI-related image-editing capabilities. Eventually, other features will be added, such as summarizing documents using Copilot. These features, including the ones related to images, are being rolled out gradually.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes being rolled out gradually, including one that addresses a bug in which if File Explorer was maximized and you clicked the new tab button, it would unmaximize the window.

There are 13 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26200. This will not prevent you from getting future Dev Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.4188 (KB5058499)

Release date: May 19, 2025

Released to: Release Preview Channel

This build gradually rolls out a wide variety of new features, including a new Copilot action in Click to Do. When you highlight text or an image, Click to Do offers an Ask Copilot option. Selecting it opens Microsoft Copilot with your content in the prompt box. You can send the selected text or image directly to the Copilot app to complete your prompt.

In addition, IT admins can manage energy saver settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and MDM configurations using Microsoft Intune. This feature helps extend battery life by limiting background activity, dimming the screen, and contributing to environmental sustainability. To configure the policy, go to the Local Group Policy under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Energy Saver Settingsand select Enable Energy Saver to Always Be On.

A number of bug fixes are also being gradually rolled out, including one for a bug in which Settings crashed at times when loading information about Bluetooth devices.

Several bugs are being fixed immediately, including one in which some devices with BitLocker on removable drives encountered a blue screen error after resuming from sleep or hybrid-booting.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.4188.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27858

Release date: May 16, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build includes a new system tray icon on the taskbar that makes it easier to find and use emojis, GIFs, Kaomoji, etc. It also fixes a variety of bugs, including an explorer.exe crash related to snap layouts, which happened when dragging a window or hovering over the maximize button in a window.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27858.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964

Release date: May 12, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

This build introduces a new agent in Settings on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCS. Using it, you can describe what you need help with, such as “how to control my PC by voice” or “my mouse pointer is too small,” and the agent will recommend steps you can take to address the issue. Support for AMD- and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs is coming soon.

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including a new FAQs section on the Settings > System > Aboutpage to provide help with using your PC.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes being rolled out gradually, including for an issue that caused live captions to crash and another that could make some apps like Word hang when trying to print.

There are 12 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600

Release date: May 12, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This build introduces a new set of intelligent text actions using Click to Do on AMD- and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. You can Use Win key + mouse-click or Win key + Q to select a text block and drag to select the text that you want. You’ll see options to summarize, create a bulleted list, or to help you rewrite your text so it sounds more causal, more formal, or more polished.

A wide variety of bug fixes are being rolled out gradually to those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates, including for an issue that caused File Explorer Home to hang when loading and another that caused live captions to crash.

There are 10 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26200. This will not prevent you from getting future Dev Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950

Release date: May 5, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including one that gives IT administrators the ability to use Microsoft Intune to control energy savings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and MDM configurations.

The same group also gets a variety of bug fixes, including for a bug in which Windows’ startup sound would not play, even though it was enabled.

There are nine known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581

Release date: May 5, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including one that gives IT administrators the ability to use Microsoft Intune to control energy savings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and MDM configurations.

The same group gets several new bug fixes, including for a bug in which Windows’ startup sound would not play, even though it was enabled.

There are seven known issues in this build, including one in which live captions have been crashing.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941

Release date: April 25, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features and minor improvements, including a new profanity filter setting for voice typing. This group will also have several bugs fixed, including one that caused apps to appear blank, and another in which Windows Hello facial recognition would not work for login for some Insiders. The new feature and bug fixes are gradually rolling out.

Everyone in the Beta Channel gets a fix for a bug that caused Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to not work and the option “Fix problems using Windows Update” option under Settings > Recovery to also not work.

There are 13 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570

Release date: April 25, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several new features and minor improvements, including a new profanity filter setting for voice typing. This group will also have several bugs fixed, including one that caused apps to appear blank, and another in which Windows Hello facial recognition would not work for login for some Insiders.

Everyone in the Dev Channel  gets a fix for a bug that caused Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to not work and the option “Fix problems using Windows Update” option under Settings > Recovery to also not work.

There are six known issues in this build, including one in which Windows Sandbox may fail to launch with a 0x800705b4 error. If this occurs, try reinstalling Sandbox by unchecking Sandbox under “Turn Windows features on or off” to uninstall it, then reboot, go back to “Turn Windows features on or off” and check Sandbox to reinstall it and reboot again.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842

Release date: April 23, 2025

Released to: Canary Channel

This build previews a new UI that is used when a PC unexpectedly restarts. It also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in which the Smart App Control icon wasn’t displaying correctly in the Windows Security app.

There are four known issues in this build, including one in which if you are joining the Canary Channel on a new Copilot+ PC from the Dev Channel, Release Preview Channel, or retail, you will lose Windows Hello PIN and biometrics to sign into your PC. You should be able to re-create your PIN by clicking Set up my PIN.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562

Release date: April 21, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

In this build, those with Copilot+ PCs get two new text actions in Click to Do, including the “Practice in Reading Coach” Click to Do action that can increase fluency and pronunciation.

In addition, those in the Dev Channel who have turned a toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including several improvements in voice access and to the notification widgets settings page, so that they can control the number of notifications per feed or dashboard. 

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned a toggle on to receive the latest updates get several bugs fixed, including one that was causing Start menu to crash when creating folders. Everyone in the Dev Channel gets additional bug fixes, including for a bug that didn’t allow some apps like Spotify to install from the Microsoft Store.

There are 14 known issues in this build, including one in which Windows Recall is unable to automatically save snapshots, and the setting can’t be turned on in Settings.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872

Release date: April 21, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

In this build, those with Copilot+ PCs get two new text actions in Click to Do, including the “Practice in Reading Coach” Click to Do action that can increase fluency and pronunciation.

In addition, those in the Beta Channel who have turned a toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including several improvements in voice access.

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned a toggle on to receive the latest updates get several bug fixes, including one that was causing Start menu to crash when creating folders. Everyone in the Beta Channel gets one bug fix, for a bug that didn’t allow some apps like Spotify to install from the Microsoft Store

There are 13 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551

Release date: April 11, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

This build begins the rollout of natural language search for settings in the Windows search box on the taskbar for users with Copilot+ PCs. For example, you can use your own words to find settings like “change my theme” or “about my PC.” You no longer need to remember the exact setting name you are looking for.

In addition, those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including one in which you can read content such as full articles, slideshows, and videos directly within your MSN feed in the widgets board.

Those in the Dev Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get several bug fixes, including for a bug that caused File Explorer Home to crash for some Insiders. Everyone in the Dev Channel gets a fix for Windows Sandbox, which was not working.

There are 12 known issues in this build, including one in which Windows Recall is unable to automatically save snapshots, and the setting can’t be turned on in Settings.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863

Release date: April 11, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

This build begins the rollout of natural language search for settings in the Windows search box on the taskbar for users with Copilot+ PCs. For example, you can use your own words to find settings like “change my theme” or “about my PC.” You no longer need to remember the exact setting name you are looking for.

In addition, those in the Beta Channel who have turned the toggle on to receive the latest updates get new features being rolled out gradually, including one in which you can read content such as full articles, slideshows, and videos directly within your MSN feed in the widgets board.

Those in the Beta Channel who have turned a toggle on to receive the latest updates get several bug fixes, including for a bug that caused File Explorer Home to crash for some Insiders. Everyone in the Beta Channel gets a fix for Windows Sandbox, which was not working.

There are 14 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.3902 (KB5055627)

Release date: April 10, 2025

Released to: Release Preview Channel

This build gradually rolls out several new features for Copilot+ PCs, including Windows Recall (preview) in which you can quickly find and get back to any app, website, image, or document by describing its content. To use Recall, you need to opt in to saving snapshots, which are images of your activity, and enroll in Windows Hello to confirm your presence so only you can access them. Those with Copilot+ PCs can also search by describing what they’re looking for, without having to remember file names, exact words in file content, or settings names. 

A number of new features are being rolled out immediately for all PCs, not just Copilot+ PCs, including one in which you get an estimated time for how long your PC will be offline to install updates from Windows Update. Several bugs are also being fixed, including one in which some content pages with JPEG images were not displaying.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) may not work, and you may not be able to use the “Fix problems using Windows Update” option under Settings > Recovery.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.3902.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5518

Release date: April 3, 2025

Released to: Dev Channel

Those in the Dev Channel who have opted to receive the latest updates get several new features that are being rolled out gradually, including taskbar icon scaling — when your taskbar starts to get crowded with pinned or open apps, the icons automatically scale down to a smaller size. This lets you keep more apps visible and accessible without having to use a secondary menu.

Dev Channel users who have opted to receive the latest updates get three bug fixes, one in which external graphics cards connected over Thunderbolt were unexpectedly not discoverable in some cases; another in which Hyper-V Manager erroneously reported 0% CPU usage for VMs in some scenarios; and another for those with Copilot+ PCs who saw semantic search stop working until their PCs were rebooted.

There are 11 known issues in this build, including one in which Recall is unable to automatically save snapshots, and the setting can’t be turned on in Settings.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5518.)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3671

Release date: April 3, 2025

Released to: Beta Channel

Those in the Beta Channel who agreed to receive the latest updates get several new features being rolled out gradually, including taskbar icon scaling — when your taskbar starts to get crowded with pinned or open apps, the icons automatically scale down to a smaller size. This lets you keep more apps visible and accessible without having to use a secondary menu.

Those in the Beta Channel who get the latest updates get two bug fixes, one in which external graphics cards connected over Thunderbolt were unexpectedly not discoverable in some cases, and another in which Hyper-V Manager erroneously reported 0% CPU usage for VMs in some scenarios.

There are 12 known issues in this build, including one in which after you do a PC reset under Settings > System > Recovery, your build version may incorrectly show as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120. This will not prevent you from getting future Beta Channel updates, which will resolve this issue.

(Get more info about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3671.)

Microsoft has warned that some systems may boot into BitLocker recovery after installing the October 2025 Windows security updates. [...]

Microsoft 365 (and Office 365) subscribers get more frequent software updates than those who have purchased Office without a subscription, which means subscribers have access to the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. But it can be hard to keep track of the changes in each update and know when they’re available. We’re doing this for you, so you don’t have to.

Following are summaries of the updates to Microsoft 365/Office 365 for Windows over the past year, with the latest releases shown first. We’ll add info about new updates as they’re rolled out.

Note: This story covers updates released to the Current Channel for Microsoft 365/Office 365 subscriptions. If you’re a member of Microsoft’s Office Insider preview program or want to get a sneak peek at upcoming features, see the Microsoft 365 Insider blog.

Version 2510 (Build 19328.20178)

Release date: November 4, 2025

This build fixes a single bug, in which @mention searches produced no results in Office apps.

Get more info about Version 2510 (Build 19328.20178).

Version 2510 (Build 19328.20158)

Release date: October 30, 2025

This build introduces a new Get Data dialog in Windows that simplifies finding and using external data, and adds Analyze Data to the Data tab.

The build also fixed an bug in Outlook that prevented users from downloading web add-ins in some virtualized environments.

Get more info about Version 2510 (Build 19328.20158).

Version 2509 (Build 19231.20216)

Release date: October 21, 2025

This build has, in Microsoft’s words, “various fixes to functionality and performance.”

Get more info about Version 2509 (Build 19231.20216).

Version 2509 (Build 19231.20194)

Release date: October 14, 2025

This build has a variety of security updates (see details), along with various fixes to functionality and performance.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2509 (Build 19231.20194).

Version 2509 (Build 19231.20172)

Release date: October 7, 2025

This build has, in Microsoft’s words, “various fixes to functionality and performance.”

Get more info about Version 2509 (Build 19231.20172).

Version 2509 (Build 19231.20156)

Release date: October 1, 2025

This build fixes two bugs, one in Excel in which ribbon controls were not rendered when rejoining Office sessions in a virtual machine, Azure Virtual Desktop, or remote desktop environment, and another that caused Outlook to terminate unexpectedly when starting.

Get more info about Version 2509 (Build 19231.20156).

Version 2508 (Build 19127.20264)

Release date: September 23, 2025

This build has, in Microsoft’s words, “various fixes to functionality and performance.”

Get more info about Version 2508 (Build 19127.20264).

Version 2508 (Build 19127.20240)

Release date: September 16, 2025

This build has, in Microsoft’s words, “various fixes to functionality and performance.”

Get more info about Version 2508 (Build 19127.20240).

Version 2508 (Build 19127.20222)

Release date: September 9, 2025

This build has multiple security updates (see details), along with various fixes to functionality and performance.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2508 (Build 19127.20222).

Version 2508 (Build 19127.20192)

Release date: September 3, 2025

This build fixes a bug in which some Outlook add-ins were getting “Office.auth.getAccessToken is not a function” errors.

Get more info about Version 2508 (Build 19127.20192).

Version 2508 (Build 19127.20154)

Release date: August 26, 2025

This build fixes a bug that caused Outlook to terminate unexpectedly when sending a meeting invite with an encryption label. It also adds support for pixelated rendering of embedded images in SVG assets for the entire Office suite.

Get more info about Version 2508 (Build 19127.20154).

Version 2507 (Build 19029.20208)

Release date: August 19, 2025

This build fixes a variety of bugs.

Get more info about Version 2507 (Build 19029.20208).

Version 2507 (Build 19029.20184)

Release date: August 12, 2025

This build fixes a bug which required users to restart Outlook to open a .msg file after initially accessing it once. The build also includes a variety of security updates (see details).

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2507 (Build 19029.20184).

Version 2507 (Build 19029.20156)

Release date: August 5, 2025

This build fixes a single bug, in which users had to restart Outlook to open a .msg file after initially accessing it once.

Get more info about Version 2507 (Build 19029.20156).

Version 2507 (Build 19029.20136)

Release date: July 30, 2025

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including in which Outlook closed unexpectedly shortly after launch, and another in Word in which the word count sometimes displayed incorrectly.

Get more info about Version 2507 (Build 19029.20136).

Version 2506 (Build 18925.20184)

Release date: July 22, 2025

This build fixes two bugs, one that caused the Copilot Command Center to continue to be visible after disabling the Copilot user interface, and another in which when creating handouts in PowerPoint, certain characters (full-width numbers) couldn’t be properly transferred to the handout.

Get more info about Version 2506 (Build 18925.20184).

Version 2506 (Build 18925.20168)

Release date: July 15, 2025

This build fixes two bugs, one that caused Visio 32-bit to close unexpectedly when using the Drawing control, particularly in setups involving COM components or .NET integrations, and another in Word in which copying and pasting content between documents sometimes changed the applied style unexpectedly.

Get more info about Version 2506 (Build 18925.20168).

Version 2506 (Build 18925.20158)

Release date: July 8, 2025

This Patch Tuesday build fixes several bugs in Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and the whole Office suite, including one that caused the Copilot icon to unexpectedly display in Outlook when Copilot had been disabled by the admin in government cloud.

The release also includes a variety of security updates (see details).

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2506 (Build 18925.20158).

Version 2506 (Build 18827.20176)

Release date: July 1, 2025

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Word in which print preview sometimes stopped working when printing long emails.

Get more info about Version 2506 (Build 18827.20176).

Version 2505 (Build 18827.20176)

Release date: June 26, 2025

This build introduces several new features, including one in Excel in which the PivotTables dialog box interface has been replaced by a redesigned panel, making it easier to view all of your options and simpler to change your data selection before inserting a recommended PivotTable.

Get more info about Version 2505 (Build 18827.20176).

Version 2505 (Build 18827.20164)

Release date: June 17, 2025

This build fixes a bug that caused the “Try the new Outlook” toggle to be enabled when working in Classic Outlook side by side with the new Outlook.

Get more info about Version 2505 (Build 18827.20164).

Version 2505 (Build 18827.20150)

Release date: June 10, 2025

This build fixes several bugs, including one for the entire Office suite in which a Save As attempt on an existing file didn’t complete successfully, and subsequent attempts continued to encounter issues when trying to save to a file that no longer existed.

This Patch Tuesday release also includes a variety of security updates: see details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about  Version 2505 (Build 18827.20150).

Version 2505 (Build 18827.20140)

Release date: June 3, 2025

This build offers a variety of bug and performance fixes.

Read about Version 2505 (Build 18827.20140).

Version 2504 (Build 18730.20186)

Release date: May 20, 2025

This build introduces a new PowerPoint feature: Notification emails for mentions, tasks, comments, and replies will now contain context previews even when the source document is encrypted, and the email will inherit the document’s security policies.

Get more info about Version 2504 (Build 18730.20186).

Version 2504 (Build 18730.20168)

Release date: May 13, 2025

This build fixes a bug in which users were seeing high CPU usage when typing in Outlook. It also includes a variety of security updates: see details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2504 (Build 18730.20168).

Version 2504 (Build 18730.20142)

Release date: May 6, 2025

This build includes various bug and performance fixes.

Get more info about Version 2504 (Build 18730.20142).

Version 2504 (Build 18730.20122)

Release date: April 29, 2025

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in which PowerPoint was unable to open a file from a network mapped drive from File Explore, another in which Word closed unexpectedly when opening .doc files, and another for the entire Office suite in which large 3D files couldn’t be inserted.

Get more info about Version 2504 (Build 18730.20122).

Version 2503 (Build 18623.20208)

Release date: April 17, 2025

This build fixes a bug that could cause Excel to stop responding.

Get more info about Version 2503 (Build 18623.20208).

Version 2503 (Build 18623.20178)

Release date: April 8, 2025

This build fixes a single bug in Word in which users may have encountered an issue with saving, seeing the message “saving…” in the title bar. It  also includes a variety of security updates. Go here for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2503 (Build 18623.20178).

Version 2503 (Build 18623.20156)

Release date: April 2, 2025

This build lets you use Dark Mode in Excel, which darkens your entire sheet, including cells, and may reduce eye strain. It also fixes several bugs, including one in Word in which opening specific files that contain many tracked changes and comments resulted in poor performance, and one in PowerPoint in which the app was not displaying the icon for an inserted PDF object.

Get more info about Version 2503 (Build 18623.20156).

Version 2502 (Build 18526.20168)

Release date: March 11, 2025

This build fixes several bugs, including one in which some Word files with numerous tracked changes and comments were slow. It also includes a variety of security updates: see details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2502 (Build 18526.20168).

Version 2502 (Build 18526.20144)

Release date: March 5, 2025

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Word in which the default font size may not be 12pt as expected, and another in which PowerPoint automatically closed when the system went into hibernate or sleep mode.

Get more info about Version 2502 (Build 18526.20144).

Version 2501 (Build 18429.20158)

Release date: February 11, 2025

This build removes the option to display Track Changes balloons in left margin in Word. It also includes a variety of security updates. See “Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates” for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2501 (Build 18429.20158).

Version 2501 (Build 18429.20132)

Release date: January 30, 2025

In this build, the advanced Track Changes option to set the margin for balloons in Word has been removed.

A wide variety of bugs have also been fixed, including one in which ActiveX controls used an excessive amount of GDI handles in PowerPoint, and another for the entire Office suite in which images couldn’t be pasted from SharePoint.

 Get more info about Version 2501 (Build 18429.20132).

Version 2412 (Build 18324.20194)

Release date: January 16, 2025

This build fixes one bug, in which apps would exit unexpectedly when running on Windows Server 2016.

Get more info about Version 2412 (Build 18324.20194).

Version 2412 (Build 18324.20190)

Release date: January 14, 2025

This build fixes a bug in Word in which the layout of tables were changed unexpectedly. It also includes a variety of security updates. See Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2412 (Build 18324.20190).

Version 2412 (Build 18324.20168)

Release date: January 7, 2025

This build makes tables in Outlook more accessible for screen readers. It also fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Word in which a document saved to a network shared folder and set to “Always Open Read-Only” would open in “Editing” mode, and another for the entire Office suite in which application didn’t render the grid properly after switching from page break preview to normal view.

Get more info about Version 2412 (Build 18324.20168).

Version 2411 (Build 18227.20162)

Release date: December 10, 2024

This build fixes a bug in Word and Outlook where characters didn’t render correctly when using Save Selection to Text Box Gallery. It also includes a variety of security updates. See Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2411 (Build 18227.20162).

Version 2411 (Build 18227.20152)

Release date: December 5, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which some cells might not be rendered properly upon scrolling in a worksheet using freeze panes, one in Word which prevented emails with linked SVG content from saving or sending, and one in which some PowerPoint presentations created by third-party tools didn’t open correctly and some content was removed.

Get more info about Version 2411 (Build 18227.20152).

Version 2410 (Build 18129.20158)

Release date: November 12, 2024

This build fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Word in which all characters didn’t appear correctly when creating an Outlook task from OneNote, and one in PowerPoint in which embedded BMP images in the PowerPoint slide were not opening.

This build also includes a variety of security updates. See Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2410 (Build 18129.20158).

Version 2410 (Build 18129.20116)

Release date: October 28, 2024

This build enables filtering capabilities for the comment pane in Excel and fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Word in which the title bar no longer showed a “Saved” status for locally saved files, and one in PowerPoint in which a graphics-related issue caused the app to close unexpectedly at times.

Get more info about Version 2410 (Build 18129.20116).

Version 2409 (Build 18025.20160)

Release date: October 15, 2024

This build fixes a single bug in Word, in which emails with linked SVG content couldn’t be saved or sent.

Get more info about Version 2409 (Build 18025.20160).

Version 2409 (Build 18025.20140)

Release date: October 8, 2024

This build fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Word in which text wasn’t clearly visible in High Contrast Mode when using “Draft with Copilot” and referencing a meeting under “Reference your content.”

This build also includes multiple security updates. See Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2409 (Build 18025.20140).

Version 2409 (Build 18025.20104)

Release date: September 25, 2024

This build fixes a single bug, in which when you saved a file in Word, the save status was missing from the Title bar.

Get more info about Version 2409 (Build 18025.20104).

Version 2409 (Build 18025.20096)

Release date: September 23, 2024

This build improves the user experience for selecting which users should have which permissions when a sensitivity label configured for user-defined permissions is applied to a file or when configuring standalone Information Rights Management through the Restrict Access feature. This change affects Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

The build also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Word in which Document Mode would switch from “editing” to “viewing” if user enabled “Track Changes” and set “For Everyone.”

Get more info about Version 2409 (Build 18025.20096).

Version 2408 (Build 17928.20156)

Release date: September 10, 2024

This update will remove Flip video support when the service goes offline on October 1, 2024. The build also includes a variety of security updates. Go here for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2408 (Build 17928.20156).

Version 2408 (Build 17928.20114)

Release date: August 26, 2024

This build allows you to disable connected experiences for privacy concerns without impacting data security policies, such as sensitivity labels. Services associated with Microsoft Purview (e.g., sensitivity labels and rights management) are no longer controlled by policy settings to manage privacy controls for Microsoft 365 Apps. Instead, these services will rely on their existing security admin controls in Purview portals.

The build also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Outlook that caused default SMIME labels to fail to apply when a user replied to or forwarded an unlabeled message, and one for the entire suite in which people couldn’t install Microsoft 365 apps on an enrolled device.

Get more info about Version 2408 (Build 17928.20114).

Version 2407 (Build 17830.20166)

Release date: August 13, 2024

This build includes a variety of security updates for Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, and the entire Office suite. See Microsoft’s Release notes for Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2407 (Build 17830.20166).

Version 2407 (Build 17830.20138)

Release date: August 1, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in which coauthoring on text boxes in Excel sometimes gave unexpected results, another in PowerPoint in which line widths were not preserved when exporting arrow shapes to PDF, and another in Word in which revisions were sometimes skipped when reviewing using VBA.

Get more info about Version 2407 (Build 17830.20138).

Version 2406 (Build 17726.20160)

Release date: July 9, 2024

This build fixes several bugs, including one in Word and Excel in which characters don’t appear correctly in Text Box Gallery. It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2406 (Build 17726.20160).

Version 2406 (Build 17726.20126)

Release date: June 26, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in which Excel documents might be unexpectedly edited when a mandatory sensitivity label has not been applied, one that caused Outlook to exit unexpectedly shortly after launch for some users, and one in which pasting data from Word or Excel to an Outlook template as a link would cause an error message to appear.

Get more info about Version 2406 (Build 17726.20126).

Version 2405 (Build 17628.20164)

Release date: June 19, 2024

This build includes a variety of unspecified bug and performance fixes.

Get more info about Version 2405 (Build 17628.20164).

Version 2405 (Build 17628.20144)

Release date: June 11, 2024

This build fixes one bug, which prevented users from sending mail for a few hours after updating add-ins with on-send events. It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2405 (Build 17628.20144).

Version 2405 (Build 17628.20110)

Release date: May 30, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which an embedded workbook in .xls format might not have closed properly, one that that caused Outlook to close when using Copilot Summarize, one in Word in which content controls may have been removed when coauthoring, and one for the entire Office suite in which the Organization Chart Add-In for Microsoft programs was not loading properly.

Get more info about Version 2405 (Build 17628.20110).

Version 2404 (Build 17531.20152)

Release date: May 14, 2024

This build fixes a number of bugs, including one in Word where content controls might be removed when coauthoring, and one that caused Sovereign users to be unable to create ToDo tasks from Outlook.

It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2404 (Build 17531.20152).

Version 2404 (Build 17531.20140)

Release date: May 7, 2024

This build fixes two bugs in Outlook, one in which it closed unexpectedly using the Scheduling Assistant when creating a new meeting or viewing an existing meeting, and another that caused add-in developers to hit timeouts when retrieving notifications from an Outlook client context.

Get more info about Version 2404 (Build 17531.20140) .

Version 2404 (Build 17531.20120)

Release date: April 29, 2024

This build reduces workbook size bloat from unnecessary cell formatting with a new “Check Performance” task pane. In addition, it fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which the default font could not be set; one in Outlook in which custom forms from MAPI form servers stopped responding; one in PowerPoint in which online videos did not play in some cases; one in which when opening certain Word documents would cause the error, “Word experienced an error trying to open the file”; and one in which the Office update installer appeared to be unresponsive.

Get more info about Version 2404 (Build 17531.20120) .

Version 2403 (Build 17425.20176)

Release date: April 9, 2024

This build fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2403 (Build 17425.20176).

Version 2402 (Build 17328.20184)

Release date: March 12, 2024

This build fixes three bugs: one in which Access closed unexpectedly, one in which Excel closed unexpectedly when opening files with pivot tables and table design in macro-enabled files, and one in which Word closed unexpectedly when the undo function was used.

This build also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2402 (Build 17328.20184).

Version 2402 (Build 17328.20162)

Release date: March 4, 2024

This build fixes several bugs, including one that crashed Outlook when a link was clicked on, and another for the entire Office suite in which opened Office apps didn’t automatically start when a laptop was reopened, and an error message appeared after manual relaunch.

Get more info about Version 2402 (Build 17328.20162).

Version 2402 (Build 17328.20142)

Release date: February 28, 2024

This build fixes a variety of bugs, including one that caused Outlook to exit unexpectedly when expanding a conversation in the search results from a search of “All Mailboxes,” and another in which users were not able to create a bullet list with hyphens in PowerPoint.

Get more info about Version 2402 (Build 17328.20142).

Version 2401 (Build 17231.20236)

Release date: February 13, 2024

This build fixes several bugs, including one in which macros were being corrupted when saving Excel files and another that affected the entire Office suite in which add-ins would not load after Click trust for content add-in was selected.

This build also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2401 (Build 17231.20236).

Version 2401 (Build 17231.20194)

Release date: February 1, 2024

This build fixes a single bug in which expanded groups in the message list collapsed when users changed which column they were arranged by.

Get more info about Version 2401 (Build 17231.20194).

Version 2401 (Build 17231.20182)

Release date: January 30, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in which Excel would stop responding when saving changes, one in PowerPoint in which Notes and Slide layout would open with incorrect proportions when a file was opened from a protected view, and one in Word in which comment cards appeared too wide and cut off text when changing or switching the screen in use.

Get more info about Version 2401 (Build 17231.20182).

Version 2312 (Build 17126.20132)

Release date: January 9, 2024

This build fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2312 (Build 17126.20132).

Version 2312 (Build 17126.20126)

Release date: January 4, 2023

This build introduces a new sensitivity toolbar in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that helps users understand the security policies that apply to their documents. It’s available when users are creating copies of their documents in File / Save As. In addition, Office now had a new default theme, which Microsoft says is “more modern and accessible.”

It also fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which Custom Menu text was truncated when right-clicking in a cell, one in PowerPoint in which restoring a previous version of a presentation was not working as expected when using Version History, and one in Word in which the content control end tag was marked at the end of the document automatically if the document was edited in Word Online and then opened in Word desktop.

Get more info about  Version 2312 (Build 17126.20126).

Version 2311 (Build 17029.20108)

Release date: December 12, 2023

This build fixes one bug in Outlook, in which the message list was blank when switching between the “Focused” and “Other” views.

It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2311 (Build 17029.20108).

Version 2311 (Build 17029.20068)

Release date: November 29, 2023

This build automatically inserts image captioning for Excel’s images. When you insert an image into a spreadsheet, accessibility image captioning is automatically generated for you.

It also fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which list box controls would not respond to mouse clicks after scrolling using the mouse wheel, and one in Word in which the language of a presentation was not retained when saving or exporting the presentation to a PDF file.

Get more info about Version 2311 (Build 17029.20068).

Version 2310 (Build 16924.20150)

Release date: November 14, 2023

This build fixes several bugs, including one in which Outlook failed to comply with the default browser settings for some users, and another in which new lines were added to an Outlook signature when pressing Enter in the body of the email.

It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2310 (Build 16924.20150).

Version 2310 (Build 16924.20124)

Release date: Oct. 31, 2023

This build fixes a bug that caused Outlook to exit unexpectedly when clicking the More link in the Search results list.

Get more info about Version 2310 (Build 16924.20124).

Version 2310 (Build 16924.20106)

Release date: Oct. 25, 2023

In this build, the Teams Meeting App works in Outlook, too. With it, you’ll be able to configure a meeting app while scheduling an invite in Outlook. The meeting app will be ready to use when you chat or join the meeting on Teams.

A wide variety of bugs have also been fixed, including one in Excel where certain Pivot Tables would load slowly; one in which OneNote would close unexpectedly when rapidly navigating from one .PDF file to another .PDF file between different sections, or when performing an undo operation on a .PDF printout insertion; and one in the entire Office suite that caused unexpected black borders to appear around screen captures added with the Insert Screenshot functionality.

Get more info about Version 2310 (Build 16924.20106).

Version 2309 (Build 16827.20166)

Release date: October 10, 2023

This build fixes two bugs, one in which users were missing their Outlook add-ins, and another in Word in which subheading numbering with a custom Style would disappear if the file was saved and reopened. It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2309 (Build 16827.20166).

Version 2309 (Build 16827.20130)

Release date: September 28, 2023

This build introduces two new features, including the ability to disable specific types of automatic data conversions in Excel and support for the “Present in Teams” button to present local files in PowerPoint Live in Microsoft Teams.

Several bugs have also been fixed, including one in which the setting to control how Outlook opens previous items at start-up was missing from the Options window, and another in Word in which the Add-ins tab was not visible when using custom toolbar information.

Get more info about Version 2309 (Build 16827.20130).

Version 2308 (Build 16731.20234)

Release date: September 12, 2023

This build fixes several bugs, including one that caused Outlook to close unexpectedly when viewing an email, and another in PowerPoint in which the presenter view slide section zoomed in and out when zooming in the notes section.

It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2308 (Build 16731.20234).

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Tuesday added two security flaws impacting Gladinet and Control Web Panel (CWP) to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, citing evidence of active exploitation in the wild. The vulnerabilities in question are listed below - CVE-2025-11371 (CVSS score: 7.5) - A vulnerability in files or directories accessible to

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Tuesday added two security flaws impacting Gladinet and Control Web Panel (CWP) to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, citing evidence of active exploitation in the wild. The vulnerabilities in question are listed below - CVE-2025-11371 (CVSS score: 7.5) - A vulnerability in files or directories accessible to Ravie Lakshmananhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]

Statistics released Tuesday by web traffic analysis site Statcounter reveal a stark difference around the globe when it comes to Windows 11 adoption, with North America and South America far outpacing other regions, including Europe.

The findings, which are based on statistics compiled daily, show that the Windows 11 market share in North America was 63.88% as of the end of October, compared to 33.07% for Windows 10. In South America, Windows 11 share was 73.14%, while Windows 10 was 21.91%.

Meanwhile, in Europe and Asia, there are stark differences. In Europe, Windows 11 share is only 52.37%, with Windows 10 close behind at 45.16%. The difference between the two operating systems is even slimmer in Asia,where the market share for Windows 10 was 49.81%, compared to 47.17% for Windows 11.

Globally, Windows 11 market share stands at 55.17%, while Windows 10 is 41.74%.

Similar path to ‘earlier siblings’

Aodhan Cullen, the CEO and founder of Dubin-based Statcounter, said the overall adoption of Windows 11 appears to be following a similar trend to that of earlier releases . “It looks like Windows 11 is following a familiar path of its earlier siblings,” he said. “Slow [and] steady adoption.”

Reacting to the findings, John Annand, technical counselor and practice lead, infrastructure and operations at Info-Tech Research Group, said, “’if it ain’t broke, why fix it?’ is a common enough refrain. Arguably, Windows 10 is broken, though. As of October 14, it’s no longer a supported operating system, and Microsoft will no longer have a commercial obligation to provide fixes or patches for performance or, more importantly, security issues.”

He added, “[one could] assume that everyone would acknowledge this truth and rush to upgrade — yet global statistics tell us that Windows 11 adoption remains woefully low, surpassing the 50-50 mark only recently, and only in North America [and South America]. So, the more truthful refrain should be, if I can’t tell it’s broke, why fix it?”

Annand pointed out, “an individual consumer not upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is bad, but it has a relatively small blast radius. One person’s data is encrypted. One identity is stolen. From that consumer’s perspective, while the impact may be significant, they may be playing the odds that it won’t happen to them.”

The enterprise, on the other hand, he said, “has a much, much larger blast radius. Not only are enterprise companies more likely to be targeted by malicious actors because of their deeper pockets, but a compromise of a single PC can cascade into facilitating the compromise of thousands of PCs.”

He said, “even if there weren’t significant regulations for many industries regarding security posture, no self-respecting IT professional is going to want to go before their board and report that the root cause of days of downtime and thousands of records locked or leaked is because of something that was 100% predictable and 100% remediable.”

With Windows 10, he said, “Microsoft threw everyone a lifeline. The European Union compelled Microsoft, and the rest of us have to shell out $30 a pop. Not bad incremental income for a 10-year-old product. But here you can see the chink in the Microsoft product strategy. Regardless of it being user error or not, Microsoft doesn’t want to see its name associated with major, and especially worldwide, cyber incidents.”

‘Promise of one more safe year’

Sanchit Vir Gogia, the chief analyst, founder and CEO of Greyhound Research, stated that the extra year of free maintenance in Europe has changed the psychology of Windows 11 adoption there. Once people realized that security fixes would continue at no charge, the need to upgrade felt far less immediate.

For consumers, he said, “that means more time to use familiar systems without disruption. For enterprises, it translates into a structured pause to finish testing and spread costs across multiple quarters. Europe’s slower transition is therefore not about capability. It is about permission.”

The promise of one more safe year, Gogia explained, “has given IT departments cover to wait until internal priorities align. This has quietly extended the life of Windows 10 across the continent. Microsoft may have offered the extension to ease anxiety, but it has also delayed its own upgrade curve. For now, European adoption is guided less by innovation cycles and more by careful cost management.”

He said the slow movement towards Windows 11 is not a sign of neglect by users who are not feeling urgency after mainstream support ended. “Most organizations understand that nothing truly changes until the first missed update. They know their systems will still run, their workflows will continue, and their users will not notice any difference right away. That breathing room gives CIOs time to plan a structured move rather than rushing into one.”

Many organizations, said Gogia, “have already bought an extra year of coverage or built internal buffers so that the upgrade can happen alongside existing hardware [refresh] cycles. In North America, this is tied to scheduled procurement and pilot programs. In Europe and Asia, it follows the pace of compliance and budget approvals.”

What looks like delay from the outside is actually control from within, he said, adding, “the focus has shifted from urgency to predictability, from reacting to Microsoft’s timeline to aligning with the enterprise’s own.”

Many enterprises, he said, “see the fee for continued Windows 10 support as the cost of stability, not hesitation. Paying $61 per commercial device for one more year is easier than retraining thousands of users, testing every line-of-business app, or buying new hardware at scale. In sectors such as healthcare and finance, where older systems still handle sensitive workloads, this temporary extension is viewed as essential risk management.”

Annand said that Microsoft knows that “the days of a fat locally installed OS are numbered. They’ve already been positioning first Azure Virtual Desktop, and now Windows 365, as the modern enterprise employee productivity tool.”

He pointed out that Microsoft got out of the handheld device OS market after its failed Metro UI, officially discontinuing last gasp efforts on Windows 10 Mobile sometime around 2020. He predicted it will do the same for other device form factors as well. “There’s more money to be made selling M365 applications than presenting a boot screen to a user,” he said.

A new report from Forrester suggests that many companies that have been cutting workers in the name of AI are likely to face a backlash, according to The Register.

“Many companies claim they are laying off staff because of AI. Some of these ventures lead to spectacular failures…. Other times, AI doesn’t actually replace human workers at all. Too often, company management lays off employees based on the future promise of AI,” the research firm said.

According to the analysis, 55% of employers now regret laying off staff because of AI. In addition, more decision-makers responsible for AI investments believe the technology will increase the workforce in the coming year, rather than reduce it. “We predict that much of this work will be placed on low-paid workers, either offshore or at lower wages,” Forrester said.

HR functions, in particular, risk being hit hard. Those departments are expected to be dramatically downsized, while still being expected to deliver the same level of service with AI tools.

Threat actors are actively exploiting a critical vulnerability in the Post SMTP plugin installed on more than 400,000 WordPress sites, to take complete control by hijacking administrator accounts. [...]

The Apache Software Foundation disputes claims that its OpenOffice project suffered an Akira ransomware attack, after the threat actors claimed to have stolen 23 GB of corporate documents. [...]

Hundreds of malicious Android apps on Google Play were downloaded more than 40 million times between June 2024 and May 2025, notes a report from cloud security company Zscaler. [...]