The International Association of Cryptologic Research (IACR) --- one of the world's premier security organizations --- has canceled the results of its annual leadership election after an official lost an encryption key needed to unlock results stored in a verifiable and privacy-preserving voting system.

https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/11/cryptography-group-cancels-election-results-after-official-loses-secret-key/

Notepad update begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Beginning to roll out updates for Notepad to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11.

Notepad (version 11.2510.6.0)
In this update, we are introducing two new features—expanded formatting support with tables and streaming results for AI text features.

Tables
We are expanding lightweight formatting in Notepad with support for tables! You can now easily insert tables in your document to help structure your notes. To get started, look for the new Table option in the formatting toolbar or by adding them using Markdown syntax directly. Once inserted, you can perform quick edits to add or remove rows and columns in the right-click context menu or from the Table menu in the toolbar.

Streaming Results for AI Text Features
We are also improving the experience for Write, Rewrite, and Summarize with streaming result responses. Results will start to appear quicker without the need to wait for the full response, providing a preview sooner that you can interact with.

Streaming support for Rewrite is limited to results generated locally on Copilot+ PCs at this time. To use Write, Rewrite, and Summarize in Notepad, you will need to sign in with your Microsoft account.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Notepad.

See the Dev Channel for the latest Beta Channel Build release.
 

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)

The same Dev and Beta Channel updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, are being offered to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel.  See the linked blog post about information switching between channels.

Introducing the Xbox full screen experience for PC

Alongside today's general availability of the Xbox full screen experience (FSE) on more Windows handhelds, today's preview to Windows Insiders also expands availability of FSE to additional Windows 11 PC form factors.

Designed with console-style navigation in mind, the Xbox full screen experience delivers a clean, distraction-free interface for controller-first gaming. Pair a controller to your PC for smooth task switching and a streamlined gaming experience on your desktop, laptop, or tablet.

How to enter Xbox full screen experience:

You can access Xbox full screen experience from Task View, Game Bar settings, or use Win + F11 hotkey to toggle FSE.

The Xbox full screen experience begins as a gradual rollout to Windows Insiders on the Dev & Beta Channels, who are also registered Xbox Insiders. We expect to expand this later to all Insiders on Dev & Beta without requiring Xbox program registration. If you want to be among the first to try out these new features on your PC, join the Xbox Insiders Program and opt into the PC gaming preview thru the Xbox Insiders Hub.

For more information about the Xbox full screen experience, visit Full screen experience expands to more Windows 11 PC form factors.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Gaming and Xbox > Gaming Full Screen Experience.

New features gradually being rolled out with toggle on

Point-in-time restore for Windows
We're excited to introduce point-in-time restore for Windows, now available to Insiders in the Beta and Dev Channels! This flexible recovery feature empowers you to quickly roll your device back to a previous state—helping minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting when disruptions strike. Whether you're dealing with a widespread outage or a one-off issue, point-in-time restore helps recover your system (including apps, settings, and user files) to get you back to productivity faster. For more details, check out our documentation.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery and Uninstall > Point-in-time restore.

Introducing Fluid Dictation in Voice Typing
Following the introduction of Fluid dictation for voice access users, we're also now introducing it for voice typing users on NPU devices. Fluid dictation makes voice-based dictation smoother and smarter by automatically correcting grammar, punctuation, and filler words as you speak, reducing the need for manual editing. Powered by on-device small language models (SLMs), it ensures fast and private processing.

To use it, set focus to a text field and launch voice typing by pressing the Windows key plus H and complete setup if you're a first-time user. Fluid Dictation is enabled by default—you can check or toggle it via the settings flyout—so all you need to do is start talking!

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Input and Language > Voice Typing (Windows key plus H).

Changes and Improvements gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Seamlessly resume more apps from your Android phone to your PC]

• Following the ability to resume Spotify tracks from your phone onto your PC, we're excited to share that:
  
  • vivo Android phone users can also now continue your browsing activity from vivo Browser on your phone, onto your default browser on your PC.
  • Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung and vivo Android phone users can also now continue online files opened on M365 Copilot app from your phone onto your PC. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files will open in the respective app on your PC if you have it installed, or if you don't they'll open in the default browser on your PC. Note – offline files (stored locally on the phone) are not currently supported.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Linked Phone.

[Click to Do]

• We're testing and refining the Click-to-Do top bar to determine the best experience for future updates. Functionality will vary by device and market.

[File Explorer]

• We're making a few refinements to the context menu aimed at reducing the space taken by less commonly used actions, while keeping them easy to access. We've also updated the ordering of actions to group similar tasks. This includes:
• We've moved Compress to ZIP file, Copy as Path, Set as Desktop Background, and Rotate Right, and Rotate Left into a new Manage file flyout.
• We've moved cloud provider options, like Always Keep on this Device and Free Up Space, into their relevant cloud provider flyout.
• We've moved Send to My Phone next to the cloud provider options.
• We've moved Open Folder Location to now be next to Open and Open with.

Note, the name Manage file may change in a future Insider update. If you have feedback, please file it in the Feedback Hub under Desktop Environment > Right-Click Context Menu

• We're exploring preloading File Explorer in the background to help improve File Explorer launch performance. This shouldn't be visible to you, outside of File Explorer hopefully launching faster when you need to use it. If you have the change, if needed there is an option you can uncheck to disable this called "Enable window preloading for faster launch times" in File Explorer's Folder Options, under View. Looking forward to your feedback! If you do encounter any issues, please file them in the Feedback Hub under Files Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer Performance, or Files Folders and Online Storage > File Explorer.

[Microsoft Store
Based on user feedback, we have added support for uninstalling Store-managed apps from the Store's library page. Simply find an installed app in your library, click the three-dot menu, and click uninstall. Please let us know what you think!

Windows Insiders across all channels running Microsoft Store version 22510.1401.x.x and higher will see this improvement.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.

Fixes gradually being rolled out with toggle on

[Taskbar and System Tray]

• Fixed an issue which could cause the taskbar to hang after receiving certain notifications.
• Fixed an issue where the battery icon in the taskbar might unexpectedly show its own backplate when hovering over the icon in the system tray (instead of combined with wi-fi and volume).

[Internet]

• Made some underlying improvements to help address an issue which could lead to not having internet after resuming from disconnected standby. Please don't hesitate to file feedback under Network and Internet in the Feedback Hub if you continue experiencing issues.

[Settings]

• Fixed an issue where if you opened the Recycle bin and had "Empty recycle bin" visible in the command bar, it might stay showing after you navigated away.

[Settings]

• Fixed an issue where Settings might crash when navigating to Privacy & Security > Camera, Location, or Microphone.

[Display and Graphics]

• Fixed an issue where recently certain games might show a message saying "Unsupported graphics card detected", although a supported graphics card was being used.

[

• If you're using Die or CAMM memory form factor, Task Manager will now show that in Performance under Memory > Form Factor, instead of a blank.

[.NET Framework and Visual Studio]

• The issue causing Insiders with ARM64 PCs to potentially observe crashes with Visual Studio or applications that depend on .NET Framework should be resolved if you have installed the latest .NET Framework update.

Microsoft released KB5070312, (OS Build 22631.6276) for Windows 11 23H2. See the referenced KB Article for information about any quality improvements, new features and the highlights included in the update for the different versions.

The non-security preview update for Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2 will be available soon.  Check here for Windows 11 version 25H2 and here for Windows 11 version 24H2.

Note: Because of minimal operations during the Western holidays and the upcoming New Year, there will be no December 2025 non-security preview update. There will be a monthly security update for December 2025. Normal monthly servicing for both security and non-security preview updates will resume in January 2026.

Update:  To get the update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The link to download the update can be found in the Optional updates available section.

Process Explorer v17.08

Learn about the latest update to Process Explorer

Process Explorer v17.08
This update to Process Explorer, an advanced process, DLL, and handle viewing utility, reenables the Image field in the process Properties dialog.

Adobe is releasing an update with bug fixes for Acrobat Reader.

Update or Complete Download
Adobe Acrobat and Reader are being updated to version 25.001.20937.  Updates should become available via the internal updater or checks can be manually activated by choosing Help/Check for Updates.

Reader DC and other versions are available here: https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Note: UNcheck any pre-checked additional options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional.

Release Notes

Releasing Windows 11 Builds 26100.7296 and 26200.7296 to the Release Preview Channel

Releasing Windows 11 Builds 26100.7296 and 26200.7296 (KB 5070311) to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel on Windows 11, version 24H2 (Build 26100) and version 25H2 (Build 26200).

Gradual rollout
The following features and improvements might not be available to all users because they will roll out gradually. Text bolded in brackets indicate the area of the change being documented. Please note that features and improvements that gradually roll out may not begin rolling out right away nor will they immediately show up right away.

Copilot+ PC only experiences

• [Camera] New! As part of the Copilot+ PCs experience, you can use Windows Studio Effects, which provides AI-powered camera enhancements on an additional, alternative camera such as a USB webcam or your laptop's built-in rear camera. To get started, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras and select your preferred camera from the connected cameras list. Then, open the Advanced camera options and turn on Use Windows Studio Effects. After you turn it on, you can adjust Studio Effects from the camera settings page or the quick settings menu in the taskbar. For more info on the different AI experiences, see ms/copilotpluspcs.
  
• [Click to Do] These improvements are rolling out to Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs.
  
  • New! The Click to Do context menu now has a streamlined design that makesi it easier to access frequently used actions like Copy, Save, Share, and Open. You can quickly find what you need.
    
  • New! Whenever a large image or table appears on your screen, the context menu automatically opens, making it quicker and easier to access the actions and results you need.
    
• [Agent in Settings] These improvements are rolling out to Agents Settings on Copilot+ PCs.
  
  • New! The search results menu now displays more available results, making it easier to quickly find and modify your settings. A scroll bar lets you view all search results.
    
  • New! Recommended settings now make changes faster by showing an inline agent option for recently modified settings.
    
  • New! A dialog now appears when settings can't be adjusted further. It explains why and provides an option to modify the settings as needed.
    
• [File Explorer] New! As part of the Copilot+ PC experience, the File Explorer Search Box placeholder text has been updated to highlight the enhanced Windows Search.
  

Windows 11 PC experiences – all supported devices

• [Desktop Spotlight] New! When Windows Spotlight is set as your desktop background (Settings > Personalization > Background), the context menu now includes two options: Learn more about this background and Next desktop background.
  
• [Drag Tray] For users with the Drag Tray:1
  
  • New! Drag Tray now supports multi-file sharing, shows more relevant apps, and makes it easy to move files to a chosen folder.
    
  • New! You can now turn Drag Tray on or off from Settings > System > Nearby sharing.
    
• [Keyboard] New! Keyboard backlight performance has improved on supported HID-compliant keyboards. Compatible keyboards display keys clearly in low-light environments, and the backlight adjusts to help conserve power.
  
• [File Explorer]
  
  • New! File Explorer now offers a more consistent dark mode Key actions such as copy, move, and delete dialogs have been updated in both default and expanded views. Progress bars and chart views now align with the dark theme to improve readability. Confirmation dialogs for actions like skip, override, and file selection, along with multiple error dialogs, have also been refreshed for a cohesive look.
    
  • New! We're working on consolidating the share options in the context menu into a single entry point. This change will initially be available to a small group of devices as we evaluate the best approach.
    
  • Fixed: File Explorer may unexpectedly not show thumbnails for video files containing certain EXIF metadata.
    
  • Fixed: An old white toolbar may sometimes randomly appear in File Explorer.
    
  • Fixed: When you right click on a file, the icon next to the entry to Open may be generic rather than matching the default app for that file type.
    
• [Settings]
  
  • New! Keyboard settings for character repeat delay and rate, and cursor blink rate, have moved from the Control Panel to Settings. You can now find character repeat delay and rate under Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, and cursor blink rate under Settings > Accessibility > Text cursor.
    
  • New! You can view the Device Card on the Settings home page. It shows key specifications and usage details of your PC. From the card, go directly to Settings > About page for more detailed information about your PC. This card will show when signed in with your Microsoft account and in the U.S. only.
    
  • New! About in Settings now has an updated layout that organizes device details and related options in one place. You can quickly access features such as Storage settings for faster navigation.
    
  • Fixed: Settings may become unresponsive when attempting to navigate to the Network & Internet section.
    
• [Windows Hello] New! Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors. To enroll a supported ESS fingerprint reader, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and follow the prompts.
  
• [Windows Share] New! 2 You can share OneDrive files through other apps. The options appear under Share using when you select the Copy link. You must be signed into your Microsoft account.
  
• [Mobile Device Settings] New! You can now add and manage your mobile devices in Settings Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile On this page you can manage features such as using your device as a connected camera or accessing your device's files in File Explorer.
  
• [Game Pass] References to Game Pass in Settings are now modified to reflect updated branding and benefits.
  
• [Taskbar & System Tray]
  
  • New! We're updating the animations that appear when hovering over app groups on the taskbar, so that as you slide between apps you can now see the preview transition.
    
  • Fixed: The "Automatically hide the taskbar" setting may unexpectedly turn off, after seeing a message saying "a toolbar is already hidden on this side of your screen".
  • Fixed: Voice access doesn't work correctly when attempting to interact with the taskbar (calling out a number may not invoke that item).
  
  
• [Recovery] On PCs with the settings "quick machine recovery" and "automatically check for solutions" both enabled, Quick Machine Recovery now runs a one‑time scan by default instead of repeating scans in a loop. If a fix isn't available right away, QMR will quickly point you to the most appropriate recovery options to get you back up and running.
  
• [Widgets]
  
  • New! You can choose a default dashboard in Widget Board settings. When live weather is showing, the Widget Board opens the first dashboard in your navigation bar instead of the most recently used one, making the experience consistent. To set your default dashboard, open the full-page Widgets Settings by selecting Settings (gear icon) in the navigation bar, then move your preferred dashboard to the top.
    
  • New! Dashboard icons in the Widget navigation bar now show numbers that correspond to the number of alerts from that dashboard. Navigation bar badges clear automatically when you leave a dashboard, making it easy to track what's new.
    
• [OneDrive] The new OneDrive icon is now in Accounts and Homepages in Settings.
  
• [Input] Pens that support haptic feedback will now deliver tactile responses during certain interactions with the system UI. For example, you may feel vibrations when hovering over the close button or when snapping and resizing windows.
  
• [Lock and Login Screens]
  
  • Fixed: It may be very slow the first time when logging into a new account.
  • Fixed: When your lock screen is set to slide show, there may be a memory leak. Memory leaks can lead to performance or reliability issues over time.
  
  
• [Display and Graphics]:
  
  • Improved: We've improved the performance when apps query monitors for their full list of supported modes. When this happens it could previously lead to a momentary stutter on very high-resolution monitors. This work should help prevent and reduce stuttering in these scenarios.
  • Fixed: All-in-one PCs may experience issues with their brightness slider, where it unexpectedly reverts to the original brightness when interacting with it.
  • Fixed: Recently certain games may show a message saying "Unsupported graphics card detected", although a supported graphics card is used.
  
  
• [Smart cards]: Fixed: You may unexpectedly see STATUS_NOT_SUPPORTED (0xc00000bb) during logon when using ECC Smart Card Logon Credential.
  
• [Advanced Settings] You can now enable Virtual Workspaces in Advanced Settings. Virtual Workspaces allow you to enable or disable virtual environments such as Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and more. To access Virtual Workspaces go to Settings > Systems > Advanced.
  

1 This feature is gradually rolling out, and availability will vary by device and market. Drag tray might not be available to all devices yet. For more information on Drag Tray, see KB5058499.
2 Feature availability depends on your device and market. This feature isn't available in the European Economic Area.

Normal Rollout

This non-security update includes quality improvements. The following summary outlines key issues addressed by the KB update after you install it. Also, included are available new features. The bold text within the brackets indicates the item or area of the change.

• [Security] Fixed: This update addresses an issue that affects Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). LSASS could become unstable due to an access violation.
  

Mozilla sent Firefox Version 145.0.1 to the Release Channel.

Fixed

• Fixed an issue causing breakage on sites using Three.js. (Bug 1995939)
  
• Fixed a failure to open Firefox from the desktop launcher on older versions of Windows 10. (Bug 2000411)
  
• Fixed Web compatibility issues with Rogers. Rogers customers would see a broken iframe with "Firefox Can't Open This Page" when viewing bills, rather than the billing info. (Bug 1996823)
  
• Fixed an issue in the Web Developer Tools preventing copy all or save all requests as HAR. (Bug 1995694)
  

Update: To get the update now, select "Help" from the Firefox menu, then pick "About Firefox".  Mac users need to select "About Firefox" from the Firefox menu.  For non-English versions, Fully Localized Versions are available for download.

Release Notes