Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows Weekly episode 1003, titled “Another Story Ruined By Keith,” aired September 30, 2026. Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell focus on Windows 11 version 26H2, identified in the notes as build 26300.9457. The practical listener tip is obtaining a 26H2 ISO and refreshing Windows installation or recovery media. Because the episode does not give a complete procedure or establish hardware eligibility, use Microsoft’s current Windows 11 download and media-creation instructions for the exact steps.
Episode 1003 at a glance
| Detail | What the episode listing and notes establish |
|---|---|
| Title | “Another Story Ruined By Keith” |
| Date | September 30, 2026 |
| Hosts | Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell |
| Main Windows build discussed | Windows 11 version 26H2, build 26300.9457 |
| Listener tip | Get the 26H2 ISO and update installation and recovery media |
Windows Weekly is a Microsoft-focused podcast with new episodes on Wednesdays. Episode 1003 is a broad technology discussion rather than a product-comparison or buying guide.
What the show says about Windows 11 26H2
The episode’s Windows segment covers version 26H2, feature changes and defaults, WSL Containers, and Insider builds. The host notes characterize 26H2 as bringing familiar Start, taskbar, and search features alongside changed defaults, including settings backup for commercial customers. That is the episode’s characterization, not an independent assessment of every change in Microsoft’s release documentation.
Build number
The notes identify build 26300.9457. Treat it as a version identifier: it does not represent a benchmark, adoption figure, or other statistic.
#1 Best Overall
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
WSL Containers
The WSL Containers discussion is one of the episode’s technical topics. The transcript attributes this line to Paul Thurrott: “Beautiful little CLI with a fun cloud.” TWiT labels the transcript AI-generated and warns that it may not be word-for-word, so verify the recording before treating that sentence as an exact quotation.
How to handle the 26H2 ISO tip
The tip is useful when you need media for a clean installation, repair workflow, or recovery plan. The episode does not specify a download sequence, edition, language, device eligibility, USB capacity, transfer speed, or supported models. Those details can change, so follow the current official Microsoft Windows 11 instructions rather than relying on an old walkthrough.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
Installation media versus recovery media
- Installation media: used to install Windows on a compatible computer or perform certain upgrade and repair tasks.
- Recovery media: intended to help restore or troubleshoot an existing installation. Its contents and creation method may differ from a general installation USB.
- Both: decide which job you need before preparing the drive, and confirm that the target computer can boot from the selected USB device.
A safe preparation checklist
- Confirm that Windows 11 version 26H2 is the version you intend to deploy and check Microsoft’s current compatibility guidance for the target computer.
- Obtain the ISO or media-creation option from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download instructions.
- Choose whether the drive is for installation, recovery, or a separate copy of each; preparing media can erase the USB drive.
- Before changing a working system, back up important files and record any application, encryption, or activation requirements relevant to that computer.
- After creating the media, test that the computer recognizes the USB in its boot options and keep the ISO or recovery plan available if the first attempt fails.
A USB flash drive is the obvious physical tool for this task, but the episode establishes no minimum capacity, speed, model, or Microsoft endorsement. Verify those requirements on Microsoft’s current instructions before buying or repurposing a drive.
Other subjects in the episode
The rundown moves beyond Windows 26H2 into several short technology discussions:
Rank #3
- MICROSOFT WINDOWS 11 PRO (INGLES) FPP 64-BIT ENG INTL USB FLASH DRIVE
- Retirement of Microsoft 365 Companion apps.
- Firefox’s Nova user interface.
- Copilot+ PC branding.
- New Surface devices, Qualcomm processors, and Linux.
- Googlebook and ChromeOS.
- Microsoft’s Copilot desktop app.
- OpenAI and Anthropic announcements.
- Xbox’s disc-to-digital program and achievements.
- Minecraft and Opera.
- A RunAs Radio episode recommendation and a whisky pick.
These mentions provide the shape of a weekly news conversation, not enough evidence to establish detailed specifications, performance results, purchasing advice, or a definitive comparison between products.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should listen
Episode 1003 is most useful if you follow Microsoft’s release cadence, maintain Windows deployment or recovery media, or want a roundup that connects Windows, developer tooling, browsers, AI, hardware, and Xbox. If you need a precise 26H2 installation procedure, use Microsoft’s current documentation alongside the episode rather than treating the podcast notes as a manual.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Large Data Storage Capacity: Flash Drive with 128GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer
- Easy to use: The thumb drive is plug and play without any software installation; Supports Windows 7/8/10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports; Storage is fast, safe and stable
- Wide Compatibility: USB flash drive support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device; It is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working
- Retractable Desgin: The usb drive's retractable design can effectively protect the USB interface; The capless design can avoid losing of cap; Weight: 7g, Size: 2.6 × 0.8 × 0.4 inch. Portable to take your digital world anywhere
- What You Get: 1 x 128GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, All of usb drives have been rigorously tested and formatted before leaving the factory; The default format of the USB stick is exFAT
Rank #4
- [Dual Flash Drive] This 2-in-1 USB flash drive is designed with a Type-C plug and a USB-A plug at each end, working across all your Type-C Android phones, iPhone 15/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPhone 16/16Pro/16E, tablets, iPad Pro, Macs and USB-A computers, game consoles, car audios, and more (Not for Lightning iPhone/iPad).
- [Fast Speed] Optimizing the USB 3.0 technology, this USB-C flash drive fast transfers and backs up your high-res photos, videos, music, and heavy files at a read speed of up to 130MB/s and a write speed of up to 35MB/s, 10X faster than USB 2.0 flash drives.
- [Wide Use] This Type-C flash drive supports Windows, Android, Linux, and Mac OS, and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports. Plug and play, no need to install any software, working seamlessly with USB-C and USB-A devices.
- [Durable and Reliable] This dual USB 3.0 flash drive adopts superb memory chips thus ensuring extremely reliable performance, plus the premium plastic enclosure offers excellent heat dissipation. The cap protects the connectors from dust and damage, providing extended durability and security.
- [Compact and Portable] Constructed in a mini size of 63.5x17.8x8.4mm/2.5x0.7x0.3inch, this slim USB-C thumb drive can fit into your pocket, letting you enjoy the instant large capacity at any time.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
