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Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2, released September 29, 2026, is now rolling out to all eligible devices running 24H2, 25H2 or compatible hardware. The upgrade also remains free for up-to-date Windows 10 systems enrolled in extended support, though earlier Windows 10 versions no longer qualify.
Microsoft's Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS), introduced in a May 2020 Windows 10 update, shifts scheduling of graphics tasks from the CPU to dedicated hardware on the GPU. Nvidia added support that June starting with GTX 10-series cards, AMD didn't support it until December 2023 on its RX 7900, 7800 and 7700 series, and Intel limits support to its Arc B-series. Benchmarks from Tom's Hardware and Gamers Nexus found the feature produced negligible or even slightly negative performance changes, including a repeatable 2.4 percent drop in one game on a budget Intel CPU.
Counterpoint Research reported that worldwide PC shipments dropped 21 percent year-over-year in Q3 2026, ending a two-year growth streak, with IDC and Omdia issuing similar findings. The firm attributed the slump to rising prices for RAM, SSDs, and chips from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, which pushed up costs on products ranging from MacBooks to Raspberry Pis. Smartphone shipments also hit a 14-year low in the same quarter.
Windows 11 users can check negotiated Ethernet speed under Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet, or via the ncpa.cpl shortcut on Windows 10 and 11 to view adapter status. Mac users can find the same information under System Settings > Network > Ethernet > Details > Hardware, with the configuration kept on Automatic to avoid connection problems.
Microsoft released updates addressing more than 1,400 security vulnerabilities across Windows and other software, far exceeding September's previous record of about 1,000 fixes. One flaw, CVE-2026-96951, a Windows Shell security feature bypass, is already being exploited in the wild, while another, CVE-2026-108398 in the .NET Framework, was publicly disclosed before patching though not yet seen exploited. At least 78 of the fixes are rated critical, mostly allowing remote code execution.
Microsoft has released KB5126657 for Windows 10, available to Enterprise LTSC and ESU-enrolled devices via Windows Update. The update brings systems to build 19045.7807 (19044.7807 for LTSC 2021) and folds in this month's Patch Tuesday fixes, which addressed 1,411 vulnerabilities including one actively exploited zero-day. It also adds permanent Daylight Savings Time support for British Columbia and Alberta, a new Manitoba Standard Time zone, auditing controls for ReFS volumes on external storage, and a Storage Spaces fix.
Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro editions stopped receiving monthly security and preview updates as of October 13, 2026, with the October update being the final one issued. Enterprise and Education editions of 24H2 remain supported until October 2027, and Microsoft is urging affected users to move to the newer Windows 11 26H2 release.
Microsoft has told IT administrators that security certificates used by Windows Update services will expire on preset dates, and devices that don't install specific updates beforehand will lose access to future updates. Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 certificates expire June 19, 2027, requiring the September 2025 update or later; other supported Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2022 versions share that expiration but need the July 2026 update. LTSB/LTSC releases of Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 and Windows Server 2016/2019 face an earlier May 17, 2027 cutoff.
Microsoft announced that Windows Update certificates will expire on May 17 and June 19, 2027, and devices running unsupported Windows versions at that point will lose access to update services entirely. The company has already pushed replacement certificates to supported systems, but it listed specific security updates that must be installed on various Windows 10, 11 and Server versions before the deadlines to maintain update access.</br>Microsoft urged IT administrators to inventory devices on outdated or unsupported Windows versions now and ensure monthly updates are deployed across their fleets ahead of the rotation.
A Tom's Guide tech writer compiled a list of 15 affordable gadgets currently discounted to under $50, including items as cheap as under $25, that they personally own and use. Among the featured deals is Rosewill's NVMe M.2 SSD Cloner, now $36.09 (28% off its $49.99 price) on Amazon, which lets users clone or transfer drives via a 20 Gbps USB-C connection without extra enclosures or software.
Microsoft's support document confirms Office 2021 reaches end of support on Tuesday, October 13, halting technical support, security patches, bug fixes and updates. Online help and support pages for the product will also stop being maintained. The software will still run, but without ongoing protection or official troubleshooting resources.
Windows 11 marks its fifth anniversary since launching on October 5, 2021, a tenure marked by hardware compatibility fights, pressure to use online Microsoft accounts, and the rocky rollout of Copilot+ PCs and the Recall app. Microsoft has just begun rolling out the 26H2 update, which it describes as aiming for a 'predictable and low-disruption' experience rather than major new features.