Microsoft has released PowerToys 0.97.0, a significant update that brings several new features, stability improvements, and optimizations to the table. A standout change is the refreshed Command Palette, which now includes a Personalization page for users to customize their interface with background images and custom colors. Other notable additions include a fallback ranking system for search results in the palette, improved CLI integration, and enhanced tools like CursorWrap and Advanced Paste. The update also addresses bugs and improves various aspects of PowerToys, such as Mouse Without Borders, Peek, and Quick Accent, making it more stable and user-friendly overall.

Several reviews were published today across various categories. The NZXT Kraken Core 360 RGB Liquid CPU Cooler received attention for its powerful and quiet cooling capabilities, along with easy installation and sleek design. Other notable reviews include a premium aluminum keyboard from Yunzii, high-performance memory kits from Patriot Viper Venom, an ITX motherboard from MSI MPG X870I EDGE TI EVO WIFI, and networking equipment like the TRENDnet TL2-F7080 web-managed switch. Reviews also covered power supplies, such as the MSI PRO A1000PL PCIE5 1000W ATX v3.1 PSU, and storage devices, including the TeamGroup GE Pro 2TB SSD.

Cooling: NZXT Kraken Core 360 RGB Liquid CPU Cooler Review
Input: Yunzii AL98 review: a premium aluminium keyboard
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom RGB DDR5-6400 UDIMM 32GB Dual-Channel Memory Kit Review
Motherboards: MSI MPG X870I EDGE TI EVO WIFI Motherboard Review
Networking: TRENDnet TL2-F7080 Review a Cheap 8-Port 10G Web Managed Switch
Power: MSI PRO A1000PL PCIE5 1000W ATX v3.1 PSU Review
Storage: TeamGroup GE Pro 2TB SSD Review: A makeshift high-end SSD

Several new products have been reviewed, including gaming monitors, headphones, network adapters, media players, and laser engravers. The KTC H27E6 27-inch QHD gaming monitor was praised by Tom's Hardware for its speed and value, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 wireless headset impressed with its dual connectivity and long battery life. In the tech hardware space, a low-power NIC (TP-Link TX201) that adds 2.5GbE to systems was also reviewed positively by ServeTheHome. Meanwhile, Tom's Hardware and NikKTech looked at high-end devices, including an xTool F2 Ultra Fiber Laser for metal engraving and a Dune HD Max 8K media player capable of Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

Displays: KTC H27E6 27-inch 320 Hz QHD gaming monitor review: Super quick and a great value
Headphones: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 Review – A Smart Refresh
Networking: TP-Link TX201 2.5GbE PCIe Adapter Review
Other: Dune HD Max 8K Dolby Vision & HDR10+ Media Player Review, xTool F2 Ultra Fiber Laser review: Fast metal engraving in color

A fresh out-of-band update for Windows Server 2022 has been released as KB5077800, addressing a specific issue that arose after the January 13th security patch. The problem caused users to be unable to sign in during Remote Desktop sessions due to authentication issues affecting multiple apps. This update includes cumulative security fixes and incorporates KB5074428, which updates the servicing stack, ensuring devices can install future Windows fixes reliably.

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update for Windows 11 users running the 24H2 or 25H2 builds, which includes important security patches and fixes for previous issues. The cumulative update specifically resolves a sign-in failure problem related to Remote Desktop that some users encountered after installing the January 2026 security update (KB5074109). This update also updates various AI features within Windows, including Image Search, Content Extraction, Semantic Analysis, and Settings Model, bringing them to version 1.2511.1224.0, as well as including a servicing stack update called KB5071142 for smoother background updates. Some users have reported a missing or invisible password icon on the lock screen sign-in panel after installing certain subsequent updates, but this issue appears to primarily affect enterprise and managed IT settings.

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update, KB5077796, for Windows 10 OS builds 19045.6811 and 19044.6811, specifically targeting users on the Extended Security Updates (ESU) and Windows 10 Enterprise Long-Term Servicing Channel 2021. This update bundles previously planned fixes that were originally set to be released in January as part of KB5073724. The update addresses an issue with Remote Desktop connections, which often resulted in sign-in failures due to authentication problems. With this new update, users may see improved connectivity and reduced login issues when using Remote Desktop setups.

Here is a roundup of today's reviews and articles across various categories, including computers, displays, motherboards, networking, and power supplies. Neowin reviewed the GEEKOM A7 Max Mini PC, and TweakTown tested the Aura Triple Boost 14 Pro portable monitor workstation. TechPowerUp evaluated the ASRock X870E Taichi OCF motherboard for its balance between daily use and overclocking capabilities, and ServeTheHome took a look at the FS QSFP112 400Gbps DACs in their lab. Additionally, Tom's Hardware reviewed the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 650W power supply, praising it for its balanced performance and reliability.

Computers: GEEKOM A7 Max review: an oxymoron of untapped gaming potential
Displays: Aura Triple Boost 14 Pro Review - Triple Portable Monitors for $479
Motherboards: ASRock X870E Taichi OCF Review
Networking: FS QSFP112 400Gbps DACs Mini Review
Power: be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 650W power supply review: Balanced performance and reliability

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (KB5074157) to the Beta Channel, offering a range of changes and improvements for Insiders who have enabled automatic updates. The new build includes refreshed Account Settings dialogs powered by the modern WinUI framework, which also supports dark mode for work or school accounts. Additionally, Click to Do has seen an improvement with Copilot prompt suggestions now loading instantly, although this feature is currently unavailable in certain regions. Several issues across the operating system have been addressed, including Taskbar and System Tray problems, performance issues when opening the Start menu, and display and graphics issues affecting secondary monitors.

Microsoft has released Visual Studio Code version 1.108.1, which primarily focuses on fixing issues caused by recent changes during development. The team addressed several bugs, including a terminal suggestion problem where incorrect file suggestions would appear when typing commands like "ls ../". Additionally, the update resolves text display problems causing blurry or torn-apart output in terminals and conflicts with the Ctrl+Shift+G key combination that activated an editor action. The new release should provide a more comfortable coding experience for users who encountered these issues.

Here is a roundup of today's reviews and articles. Lian Li's Vector V100R Mini Case has been reviewed, showcasing its ability to accommodate large coolers despite its compact size. The Beelink EQi12 Mini PC was also tested, delivering reliable performance for everyday tasks and office work. Additionally, various other products have been reviewed, including the Arctic P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB fan, HP Series 5 Pro 514PN Portable Monitor, EPOMAKER TH99 PRO Keyboard, MSI MEG Z890 ACE Motherboard, Team Group GA Pro 2 TB SSD, and Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 2. These reviews offer in-depth analysis of each product's features, performance, and capabilities.

Casing: Lian Li Vector V100R Mini Case Review
Computers: Beelink EQi12 Mini PC Review
Cooling: Arctic P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB Review
Displays: HP Series 5 Pro 514PN Portable Monitor Review: Premium performance and price
Input: EPOMAKER TH99 PRO Keyboard Review
Motherboards: MSI MEG Z890 ACE Motherboard Review
Storage: Team Group GA Pro 2 TB Review
Other: Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 2 Review: The brains and the brawn