What is an enablement package?
An enablement package is a small update that activates features or functionality that are already present on a device but currently dormant. Think of it as a switch rather than a full operating system replacement. In a traditional feature update, Windows downloads several gigabytes of installation files, replaces major operating system components, and migrates the device to a new OS build. With an enablement package, most of that work has already happened through monthly cumulative updates delivered over time. An enablement package simply turns on the appropriate functionality and updates the Windows version designation. Because the underlying operating system files are already present on the device, Windows does not need to perform a full operating system replacement. Windows 11, version 26H2 will be delivered through an enablement package Windows 11, versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2 share the same underlying source code and servicing branch. That means much of the code required for version 26H2 has already been delivered to supported devices through monthly cumulative updates, remaining inactive until the feature update is installed. Once Windows 11, version 26H2 is generally available later this year, organizations can use the enablement package to move devices running Windows 11, version 25H2 or 24H2 to version 26H2 with minimal downtime. For more details on preparing for Windows 11, version 26H2, see Get ready for Windows 11, version 26H2. Note: Because Windows 11, versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2 share a common servicing branch, they will share the same release note KB identifiers for both monthly security updates and monthly optional non-security preview updates. You can see this with versions 25H2 or 24H2 today. What are the benefits of an enablement package? For IT organizations, enablement packages provide several practical advantages: Smaller downloads that consume significantly less network bandwidth. Faster installation times compared to traditional feature updates. Shorter maintenance windows and reduced user disruption. Simplified testing because the underlying operating system code is already present and serviced through monthly updates. A familiar update experience that resembles a monthly quality update more than a traditional OS upgrade. Is testing still necessary? Organizations should continue validating new Windows releases according to their internal processes. However, devices moving from Windows 11, version 24H2 or 25H2 to version 26H2 are not moving to a completely different operating system build. Because these releases share the same servicing branch, organizations can generally focus validation efforts on newly enabled default functionality, business-critical applications, and organization-specific configurations instead of revalidating the entire operating system stack.Accessing trials and kits for Windows
Updated May 20, 2022: This issue is now resolved. Please visit the Microsoft Evaluation Center at www.microsoft.com/EvalCenter for access to the latest trials and evaluations for Windows client, Windows Server, and other Microsoft products and kits. As you may have noticed, the Microsoft Evaluation Center is temporarily unavailable. While work is underway to restore this valuable service, you can access Windows client and Windows Server trials, evaluations, and related kits at the links below. Windows client 90-day evaluations Windows 11 Enterprise Windows 10 Enterprise Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC de-de: x64 de-de: x64 | x86 de-de: x64 | x86 en-gb: x64 en-gb: x64 | x86 en-gb: x64 | x86 en-us: x64 en-us: x64 | x86 en-us: x64 | x86 es-es: x64 es-es: x64 | x86 es-es: x64 | x86 fr-fr: x64 fr-fr: x64 | x86 fr-fr: x64 | x86 it-it: x64 it-it: x64 | x86 it-it: x64 | x86 ja-jp: x64 ja-jp: x64 | x86 ja-jp: x64 | x86 ko-kr: x64 ko-kr: x64 | x86 ko-kr: x64 | x86 pt-br: x64 pt-br: x64 | x86 pt-br: x64 | x86 zh-cn: x64 zh-cn: x64 | x86 zh-cn: x64 | x86 zh-tw: x64 zh-tw: x64 | x86 zh-tw: x64 | x86 Deployment lab kits Lab kit Windows 11 and Office 365 Deployment Lab Kit (+ lab guides) Windows 10 and Office 365 Deployment Lab Kit (+ lab guides) Note: The Deployment Lab Kits include the 90-day evaluations of Windows 11 or Windows 10 listed above. They are updated every 90 days with a fresh version of the 90-day evaluation software. As a result, please note that the Windows 10 deployment lab kit will be refreshed by May 16 th with a new 90-day evaluation of Windows 10 Enterprise. Windows Server 180-day evaluations Windows Server 2022 Windows Server 2019 de-de: ISO de-de: ISO en-us: ISO en-us: ISO en-us: VHD en-us: VHD en-us: LOF - ISO en-us: FOD - ISO es-es: ISO es-es: ISO fr-fr: ISO fr-fr: ISO it-it: ISO it-it: ISO ja-jp: ISO ja-jp: ISO ru-ru: ISO ru-ru: ISO zh-cn: ISO zh-cn: ISO Windows Server on Azure Windows Server on Azure Create a Windows Server VM in Azure LOF = language packs and optional features FOD = features on demand Windows Virtual Hardware Lab Kit (VHLK) VHD version VHLK for Windows 11 VHLK for Windows Server 2022 VHLK for Windows 10, version 2004 Configuration Manager Version and type Configuration Manager, version 2203 - current branch evaluation Configuration Manager, version 2202 - technical preview baselineHow to Recover OST Database in Outlook?
I'm having trouble recovering my OST database in Outlook and could use some help. Recently, I've encountered issues with my Outlook profile, and it's made me unable to access my emails and data. I suspect that the OST file might be corrupted or lost, and I'm not sure how to go about restoring it to get back all my important emails and settings. If anyone has experience with recovering OST files or knows the best methods to do so, I would really appreciate your guidance on the steps I need to take. Thank you!
