Windows news you can use: February 2026

Microsoft Technical Takeoff is underway, offering IT pros deep dives and Q&A sessions. A Secure Boot AMA is scheduled for March 12, with new tools to manage certificate updates. Windows Backup for Organizations now includes a first sign-in restore experience for settings and apps. The new Start menu will be customizable for organizations in Q2, and Windows 365 now supports Reserve and Boot pairing for simplified device deployment. Windows 11 version 26H1 is a targeted release for next-gen silicon, while 25H2 and 24H2 remain recommended enterprise deployments. Centralized management for 5G cellular connectivity on Windows 11 PCs is in private preview, integrated with Intune. New guidance and tools aid in monitoring Secure Boot certificate status across device fleets. Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI experiences on Windows 11 PCs are detailed in a new Microsoft Mechanics episode. The February 2026 security update enhances DPAPI domain backup key rotation and enables Cross-Device Resume from Android phones. Narrator offers more control over on-screen announcements, and Quick Machine Recovery is now automatic for certain Windows Professional devices. A built-in taskbar network speed test and Sysmon functionality are also introduced. Developers can explore new features for the Microsoft Store on Windows. Windows Server 2025 and version 23H2 receive updates, including ReFS boot support and a public preview of DNS over HTTPS for Windows DNS Server. Key lifecycle milestones are approaching for Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB and Windows Server 2016. IT pros can access a wealth of resources and join monthly Windows Office Hours for expert assistance.