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On June 26, Microsoft has released a number of optional updates for Windows 11. Windows 11 version 23H2 and 22H2 receive KB5060826 (OS Builds 22631.5549 and 22621.5549), while Windows 11 24H2 gets KB5060829 (Build 26100.4484). Here are the changes.

Nearly one year after a faulty CrowdStrike update caused widespread system failures across 8.5 million Windows devices globally, Microsoft has announced a strategic initiative to prevent similar incidents in the future. The company plans to release a private preview for new Windows security platform that will move antivirus (AV) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) applications out of the Windows kernel.

In a significant departure from a nearly 40-year visual tradition, Microsoft has announced plans to replace the iconic Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with a new Black Screen of Death in future updates to Windows 11. It lacks the famous sad smiley along with the QR code image.

Microsoft has introduced a new small language model called "Mu" that powers the AI ​​agent in the Windows 11 Settings app. Despite its relatively small size - only a few hundred million parameters - Mu demonstrates nice performance across tasks such as question-answering and Settings navigation. It runs locally and requires the neural processing unit (NPU) on Copilot+ PCs. Currently, only Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev channel can try out the AI ​​agent in Settings (English only).

Microsoft has announced free updates for Windows 10 users for one year, part of the Extended Support Updates (ESU) program. The updates will be available until October 2026, but under one condition: The user must set up synchronization of system settings with their Microsoft account with the Windows Backup application.