check before: 2026-02-01
Product:
Microsoft 365 Apps, Windows
Platform:
Developer, Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Catch up on important changes and evolving standards that will help strengthen the security of the Windows ecosystem across client, cloud, and server with Windows news you can use for January 2026. Learn about new tools to help with Secure Boot certificate updates and a new command-line tool for Windows app developers. Explore features and enhancements that will start gradually rolling out in February, which include improvements to Cross-Device Resume, Narrator, Voice Access, MIDI support, and the Settings home page.
When will this happen:
Some improvements summarized in this monthly recap are already available, while others are rolling out gradually.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
Created:
2026-02-05
updated:
2026-02-05
Task Type
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Docu to Check
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS Preperations
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS Urgency
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS workload name
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
summary for non-techies**
In January 2026, updates to the Windows ecosystem introduced enhancements like Secure Boot certificate updates, a new command-line tool for app developers, and improvements to Cross-Device Resume, Narrator, Voice Access, MIDI support, and the Settings home page, with some updates available immediately and others rolling out in February.
Direct effects for Operations**
Security Vulnerabilities
Without proper preparation, the rollout of new security features may expose the organization to vulnerabilities if existing systems are not updated or compatible with the new standards.
- roles: IT Administrators, Security Officers
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/?msockid=0a62a344849c68fe1290b07a85ff6967
User Experience Disruption
Changes to features like Cross-Device Resume and Narrator may lead to confusion or frustration among users if they are not informed or trained on the new functionalities.
- roles: End Users, Support Staff
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/windows-news-you-can-use-january-2026/4473282
Compatibility Issues
New command-line tools and updates may not be compatible with existing applications, leading to potential downtime or loss of productivity if not tested beforehand.
- roles: Developers, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/windows-11-version-25h2-update-history-99c7f493-df2a-4832-bd2d-6706baa0dec0
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Opportunities**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Potentional Risks**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
IT Security**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
explanation for non-techies**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
a free basic plan is required to see more details. Sign up here
A cloudsocut.one plan is required to see all the changed details. If you are already a customer, choose login.
If you are new to cloudscout.one please choose a plan.
Last updated 2 weeks ago ago
