Microsoft is rolling out several long-requested changes to the Windows Update experience in Windows 11. You can now skip updates during initial device setup, pause them for up to 35 days with no limit on how many times you extend the pause, and restart or shut down your PC without being forced to install a pending update. Driver, .NET (Microsoft's application runtime framework), and firmware updates will be bundled into a single monthly restart cycle. These changes are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Experimental channels.

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Microsoft announced on April 15, 2026, a second paid security update period—called "Period 2"—for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019. This extends coverage from May through October 2026 for organizations unable to complete their migration to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE). The program covers only security-related patches and requires a separate purchase via a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. This article explains what the program includes, who qualifies, and the practical limitations.

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On April 1, Microsoft published a TechCommunity blog post explaining how Windows Update management in Intune differs from Configuration Manager (still widely known as SCCM). A Techzine author read the post as an announcement of upcoming changes and reported that "patch behavior is set to change significantly for Microsoft Intune." That framing is a human hallucination, as Microsoft's post does not announce any changes.

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Microsoft announced that Windows Autopatch will enable hotpatch security updates by default for all eligible devices starting with the May 2026 Windows security update. The change affects devices managed through Microsoft Intune and the Windows updates API in Microsoft Graph. Hotpatch updates install security fixes without requiring a device restart, accelerating compliance across organizations. Previously, this feature required manual activation by administrators.

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Windows Autopatch update readiness reached general availability, adding four capabilities to the Windows Autopatch blade in the Microsoft Intune admin center. The new features—management status report, quality update journey, alerts and remediations, and Update Readiness Checker—give IT teams proactive visibility into device readiness, update blockers, and remediation guidance across Intune-managed Windows fleets. All capabilities are included in the existing Windows Autopatch license at no additional cost. Windows Autopatch is available for customers with Windows Enterprise, Frontline, US Government, Education, and Business Premium SKUs.

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Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 reaches end of support (EOS) on October 13, 2026, after which Microsoft will stop delivering security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. Organizations that cannot migrate to a newer release by that date can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU), a paid program that provides critical security patches for up to three years. ESU licenses for LTSB 2016 will be sold through Volume Licensing or a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) starting in Q2 2026. Activation is performed using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) and the slmgr.vbs command-line tool.

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Microsoft released KB5077868 on February 16, 2026, to resolve a TrustedInstaller deadlock bug that causes Windows 11, version 26H1, to hang during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). The fix is delivered automatically as an OOBE update when the device has an active internet connection at first boot. No restart is required after applying the update, and Microsoft reports no known issues with KB5077868.

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Microsoft released two dynamic updates for Windows 11 on January 29, 2026, targeting the setup and recovery infrastructure. KB5074110 is particularly important because older Secure Boot certificates will begin expiring in June 2026. KB5074110 and KB5074111 also bring improvements to feature update installations and recovery tools for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. These updates ensure smoother upgrades and more reliable system recovery without introducing new user-facing features.

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Action1 is a cloud-based autonomous endpoint management platform focused on patch management, vulnerability assessment, and software deployment. The December release significantly expanded the platform by introducing native Linux agent support and an enterprise-wide management view, thereby strengthening Action1’s suitability for organizations managing heterogeneous, distributed environments.

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Windows 11 26H1 is a platform update designed primarily for next-generation ARM processors rather than a traditional feature-rich release. This guide briefly outlines what version 26H1 offers, how to download it, and who should install it.

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